Race prep on my Elite.

[vidal130]

After a break of 15 years not riding, then starting doing a bit on the weekends a few years ago, I (with a few mates) am entering a 25 mile mtb race. My Orange Elite is a bit out of sorts at the mo, and I need to get it tuned up for the start. The chain slips badly in the middle chain ring :evil: (breaking my balls) and sometimes (dunno why) it drops on on to low from the middle when power is needed most :evil: !
I am no bike mechanic but know I need a new middle ring (I think) and maybe a new chain, also I am after a decent front mech and derailier something a bit more inkeeping with the bike but good enough to really use, I am thinking XT??? I have no idea where to buy such things to get the best deal or what I am asking for.
I would also like any tips for the race/bike as i am new to this sort of thing (or very rusty)
Cheers for any advice, Vid.

 

[cannondale king]

if you are that unsure about cycle maintanice id strongly advice that you take it to your local bike shop to get them to give it a full service from the sounds of it its probably in a bit of a state :shock: :shock: and could cost a bit to get right :shock: but other than that good luck with the race dont rush or panic take it easy dont worry about trying to win just have fun remeber they have people riding there that are paid to win

 

[mikee]

new middle ring ,chain and back block would probably work
wonders ,tho you might just get away with a middle ring
get some bike tools ,or a mate that has them and do the work yourself
clean everything ,WD40's good for this ,and get to know your bike again
it's not as if its a crap bike ,something worth the effort
the mechs if they are what has always been on it will be fine with a clean
and lube
do the brakes and the rest
then race it ,smart old skool ,retrobike out there do'in it
take some pics and post them up and enjoy your self

try CRC for your bits
and get a copy of the "park big blue book" as a starter (tinternet or even
halfrauds)

 

[brocklanders023]

Lets see some pics of your Elite then!

Just spent another few hours polishing mine. Takes bloody ages I tell ya. :roll:

 

[mikee]

and you love it

 

[brocklanders023]

 

[tintin40]

My race tip(s) get near the front at the start as it's madness at the start. And if some one goes down (so to speak) then every body piles in on them. Don't wear to much. fingerless gloves, cycle top, lycra shorts and SPD's
Get to the venue early. have at least one look over the course or at least were the first corner is. As that's were the masses will block and funnel through. Make sure your bike is all tightened up. carry a inner tube & pump. one water bottle.
If your going to over take. tell the person your passing on the right. So they know.
And enjoy

 

[vidal130]

Cheers for all the advice, I changed the chain ring tonight (it was quite worn) for one off my old prototype parts bin bike. Also had a go at setting the front mech as I was struggling to get on the top ring somtimes. It seems to be working fine now, but will find out tomorrow on Norland moor!
I will drop the bike in for a service before the race, at a local shop.
Cheers again and I will try and get some pics up if I get any.

 

[mikee]

let us know how it goes
been 15 years since i raced ,dunno if i fancy it now

mebee if theres a class with a picnic stop every lap


thats s/s wc isnt it ?

 

[vidal130]

I have never raced, even before the wife and kids, all those years ago!
But I think I am fitter now, than when I was in my late teens/early twenties (although I think I will be nearer the back of a field than the front). I am just going to have a bit of fun and enjoy it, give the old bike a good run out.
Cheers for all the support.