ShopMechanic on Pinkbike

ShopMechanic Mandownmedia's article

Jul 9, 2026 at 11:00

Jul 9, 2026

Tech Randoms: Andorra DH World Cup 2026

On the cooked rotor issues: Wondering if pad manufacturers would make a race specific pad that doesn't have a chamfer at the bottom to increase surface area contact on the rotor? That used to be the standard construction layout for all brake pads. With that said, for regular guys like me I much prefer the chamfer for ease of wheel installation. I used to put chamfers on my pads back when they all had that square bottom edge. But there is an obvious tradeoff that includes increased rotor wear when doing that.

ShopMechanic jessie-mmorgan's article

Jul 9, 2026 at 10:45

Jul 9, 2026

Check Out: Very Light Backswept Bars, A High-Rise Stem & The Dakine Slayer Helmet

@JVance: I don't trust thin walled carbon spacers. They tend to mush down and cause loose headsets. Best to stick with ti or steel when going to a thin walled spacer. 7075 aluminum would likely work as well, but spacers made out of that alloy are uncommon. Extra thin 7075 spacers are even more uncommon.

ShopMechanic jessie-mmorgan's article

Jun 26, 2026 at 21:36

Jun 26, 2026

No Derailleur, No Cassette: Gobao's New 1500W Motor Eliminates Traditional Shifting

Looks like a 90's camcorder

ShopMechanic jessie-mmorgan's article

Jun 19, 2026 at 10:21

Jun 19, 2026

Spotted: 32" Thomus XC Bike Breaks Cover At Lenzerheide World Cup

@panthermodern: I suspect the "advantage" isn't as big as a lot of small people think it is (pun intended). There's the very big issue of coefficient of drag to contend with. Bigger wheels with bigger riders have more drag. That's just a fact. SOME of the benefit of reduced rolling resistance will be counteracted by increased drag. Taller riders have always had this disadvantage regardless of wheel size. So, it's possible that the bigger wheels for tall riders might actually level the playing field slightly. My point is, let's not jump to conclusions here about "unfairness" until there's more data to base that on.

ShopMechanic jessie-mmorgan's article

Jun 19, 2026 at 9:49

Jun 19, 2026

Check Out: Very Light Backswept Bars, A High-Rise Stem & The Dakine Slayer Helmet

I'd recommend trying some ti or steel spacers. They're much more likely to be available in the wall thickness you need. I think Paragon Machine Works made them at some point. No idea where to get them now that Paragon is in a reorganization situation now.

ShopMechanic mikekazimer's article

Jun 4, 2026 at 17:00

Jun 4, 2026

Mountain Bike Pioneer Charlie Cunningham Passes Away

RIP Charlie. You were an inspiration to me.

ShopMechanic mattbeer's article

May 1, 2026 at 18:56

May 1, 2026

First Look: Viral's $14,500 Optimist 145 Dream Machine

@Corinthian: lots of middlemen to pay with the big guys. With that said, it still wouldn't surprise me if the big guys still net higher margins than custom builders even when taking the middlemen into account.

ShopMechanic jessie-mmorgan's article

Apr 26, 2026 at 17:26

Apr 26, 2026

SRAM Quietly Releases Eagle S-Series Drivetrains That Are Not T-Type

@TDMAN: OEM sales are the top priority for them. Aftermarket is a necessary evil/product support (replacement parts) market in their eyes.

ShopMechanic ergonbike's article

Apr 11, 2026 at 7:18

Apr 11, 2026

Ergon Expands GDH Grips Into 3 Sizes and 7 Colors

@GTscoob: I am right there with you. XXL gloves. When grips are too squishy I instinctively grip harder and get arm pump.

ShopMechanic jessie-mmorgan's article

Dec 24, 2025 at 22:14

Dec 24, 2025

Bike Check: Dead Rabbit 32" Wheel XCO Aluminum Prototype

@deadrabbitbike: Reminds me a bit of vintage Alpine Stars and Mountain Cycle. I dig it!

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