Monday 16 June 2008

How to set up you bike for flatland freestyle.

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Start with a good flatland-specific frame. These usually have a short top tube, a short rear end and steep angles.
Step2
Do a quick check of the frame and everything else on the bike to be sure nothing is cracked, bent or broken.
Step3
Remove any pads, reflectors, chain guards or kickstands.
Step4
Put axle pegs on the front and rear wheels and cable detanglers on the front and rear brake cables.
Step5
Position your handlebars so they are straight up and down or in line with the fork. You may be more comfortable with your bars a little further forward or back, but don't go too far in either direction. Some riders like to cut their handlebars' width to just wider than shoulder-width.
Step6
Remove old grips if they're torn or if the handlebar is showing through. Bar end caps will help protect the ends of the handlebar.
Step7
Choose a wheel set that has a rear hub specifically designed for flatland, usually called a free coaster. Free coaster hubs allow you to set your pedals at one position, and they will stay there when rolling backward. Hubs with a regular free wheel make the pedals go backward when rolling backward, and coaster brake hubs don't let you set the pedals easily because of the brake in the hub.
Step8
Use tires that have a smooth tread and inflate them to the maximum air pressure. Most flatlanders run at least 100 pounds of pressure in their tires, even though it is usually well above the recommended pressure on the tires. There are only a few tires rated to that pressure.
Step9
Tighten all nuts and bolts to their specifications, including axle nuts, stem bolts, pedals, cranks, seat and seat post nuts, brakes, and headset.
Step10
Lubricate all moving parts, such as brake cables, brake pivot bolts and your chain.
Step11
Put the correct amount of tension on the chain so that it doesn't fall off when you're riding.
Step12
Use the smallest front sprocket that you can find. The easier gearing makes it easier to ride away from tricks and the small sprocket will not get in the way.
Step13
Choose platform pedals over caged pedals.
Step14
Find the shortest crank arms you can.
Step15
Adjust your seat to a height and angle that allows good mobility in front and in back.
Step16
File down any sharp edges on the bike, such as the edges of the stem or handlebars.

1 comment:

spikes213 said...

Really nice and "detail" explanation! I work in a bike store! I just have a good habbit to read at night !
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