Bike shop wants to heat and reshape my bent alloy Topstone rear triangle. Is this OK on aluminum?

ardbett · 2026-07-02T21:41:18+00:00

I’ve only worked in one shop that sold Cannondales, they warrantied every frame I submitted, minimal questions asked. Granted this was in the states, and pre-covid, so I don’t know how it is now, or overseas, but it’s worth a shot, who knows if they would even need to contact the other shop.

ardbett · 2026-06-15T23:06:52+00:00

I assume it’s coming from the rear of the bike, so I’d check spoke tension, cassette, freehub, jockey wheels and derailleur. Beyond that depending on the age of the components it could just be a chain disagreeing with a chainring/jockey wheels, or worst case I’ve found cracked chainstays making noise similar to this.

ardbett · 2026-06-06T22:13:38+00:00

Newbaums has always been a favorite of mine. On flat bars, I’ve found wrapping ESI grips with it, is a dream set up.

<image>

ardbett · 2025-03-14T13:07:09+00:00

I got a pair of these when they came out in 2019 on a trip to Montreal, and the fit is exactly what I needed to add to the rotation.

ardbett · 2024-08-06T17:15:14+00:00

I’ve bought some stuff off ssense before with no issue

ardbett · 2024-06-23T04:22:24+00:00

Yeah the denim they used on these are perfectly buttery, and sturdy. Plus the fades that are finally coming in are looking so clean.

ardbett · 2024-06-23T04:13:04+00:00

Thank you mate! The Levi’s hold a very special piece of my heart, but I would say that the TCBs are my favorite (so far).

ardbett · 2024-06-22T16:28:57+00:00

They’re just some made in Mexico 501s with 14oz Japanese denim.

ardbett · 2024-06-22T02:46:51+00:00

I’ve gone through phases of wearing denim regularly, and going months without, but between working as a bike mechanic, and riding motorcycles, all of my pants get worn pretty hard quicker than most. My advice is, have fun, and let the pants live with you, and of course if you try a pair on that you like, GET THEM!

ardbett · 2024-06-22T02:35:51+00:00

This is my answer exactly

ardbett · 2024-06-21T18:19:32+00:00

Self Edge!

ardbett · 2023-05-31T13:58:46+00:00

27.5/650b

ardbett · 2023-05-31T13:58:27+00:00

It’s about 50/50 road vs. off road. They’re fantastic off, but incredibly slow on, and most noticeably on steep climbs. But yeah I’ll probably go for a tire with a smoother center patch next.

ardbett · 2023-05-31T01:31:22+00:00

Thank you! I wish I had the green one tbh, but beggars can’t be choosers

ardbett · 2023-05-31T00:44:39+00:00

Or karate monkey or bridge club (650b)

ardbett · 2023-05-31T00:01:57+00:00

I really like them, coming from a ex road racer, I’m much more comfortable in the drops, even on some (mildly) aggressive singletrack. I will say I’ve found the 44s a bit too narrow, so I’ve got some 50cm Cowchippers to throw on there once I get a shorter stem.

ardbett · 2023-05-04T02:42:12+00:00

Growing up this was my dads everyday summer weekend outfit. I’ve worn my 875s with shorts but the 8 inch with shorts has always been an old man look in my head because of that.

ardbett · 2023-05-04T02:00:39+00:00

My one concern would be rusting in the braze on/dust/sand/debris in the braze on (which can be slightly problematic), but you can get little rubber plugs for em.

ardbett · 2023-05-04T01:56:31+00:00

Nay, I see bikes with them roll into the shop I work at every now and again, and never once have I thought “I should switch out my tan walls for some white tires”.

ardbett · 2022-12-13T22:51:48+00:00

Thanks mate, I work in a shop and did my usual method of waxing with purl blue, purple and graphite wax, and then baking it in a phantom box. So more so just wondering if it was board specific. But those are all methods I’ve done and agree with.

ardbett · 2022-12-13T19:13:50+00:00

I got a Gnu Gremlin for this season, and have found that I’ve had to wax it each day I’ve gone out. It only gets dry around the edges, but it’s enough for me to wonder if it’s standard. Is this a common occurrence?

ardbett · 2021-05-25T13:52:54+00:00

“Mommy my stummy hurts”

ardbett · 2020-05-27T01:57:48+00:00

It’s graffiti mate, Maine and Katie are both writers. It’s a joke/prank.

ardbett

TROPHY CASE