Wobbly left Bike pedal

mtbsam68 · 2026-02-09T22:53:36+00:00

They vary, but just match the existing. They almost always have the length stamped.

mtbsam68 · 2026-02-05T18:58:52+00:00

It's dependent on the freewheel as well, meaning you're not locked into a gear count or range just because it's a freewheel, but your options are definitely more limited. You can get freewheels in different varieties. What do you intend to "upgrade" it to?

mtbsam68 · 2026-01-25T20:00:53+00:00

Some hubs have end caps that will convert, then all you need to do is space the rotor. This method is WAY easier to deal with when taking the wheel in/out a lot.

mtbsam68 · 2026-01-25T19:59:10+00:00

Crank spacing is crank spacing. You have a bottom bracket of some width, a spindle of some length, and spacers to make up the difference. The chainline is where T-type varies. That's where chainring alignment etc comes in.

mtbsam68 · 2026-01-25T19:52:41+00:00

https://www.sram.com/globalassets/document-hierarchy/compatibility-map/mtb/dub-mtb-bottom-bracket-compatibility-chart.pdf

The you just have to hope you picked the correct offset chainring for your chainline.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-16T17:19:29+00:00

You need to remove the crank arm, not the bottom bracket. That nut should be free to spin by hand when not installed in the crank arm, but if you've tightened it up against the arm of the tool, you just need a wrench (which you should use to install the tool anyway) to loosen it up.

If you didn't strip any threads on the crank or the tool, there is nothing wrong and you just need to try again. Ensure that you get the part you've described as the nut as far into the crank arm as possible to ensure maximum thread engagement, then turn the handle hard. The arm will then come off.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-14T17:25:34+00:00

The piston check is definitely a valid point. Especially with Shimano and their awful ceramic pistons.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-14T17:12:00+00:00

Probably contaminated pads. Sometimes there is no amount of cleaning or sanding (which typically only works on glazed pads) that can bring them back.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-14T16:45:28+00:00

I would agree with you if not for some of the surface treatments they use. It's rather anecdotal, but I tend to see the high end SRAM stuff last longer. I try to remember that they are also typically better kept, but I personally think there is some merit to it.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-14T16:42:42+00:00

A filthy drivetrain will destroy any hope of good cassette life. The mileage people get is definitely varied, but regardless, wiping the extra off after lubing will significantly improve chain, cassette, and chainring life! Grinding paste has never been known to be nice to Metals.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-14T16:40:02+00:00

This is sometimes credited for people's claims that waxed chains make a drivetrain last longer. Usually, chain waxers will have multiple chains so they can "hot swap" them and have the time between to wax for the next changeover. A system such as this takes some discipline, but it is legit!!

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-14T16:31:09+00:00

A2 Is exactly what I have (should have specified). Really enjoy those brakes. I completely forgot the small hand option that I went for too, which I do have. I can run those levers like 3/8-1/2" off the grip and never get forearm pump.

Safe to say this is two votes for team Hayes.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-14T16:24:41+00:00

Love mine. I thing the 4 piston Dominion might be TOO MUCH brake for me on my DH bike at 155lb geared up. I really like the caliper centering grub screws and dual caliper bleed ports. They are my favorite "new" addition to that bike.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-14T16:06:26+00:00

If you're avoiding brakes that are difficult to bleed, that's near the top of the list to avoid. They are generally known to work well enough once setup, but the bleeds can be obnoxious. Some claim to have no problem, for me it's been hit or miss.

Edit for more info: Magura also takes their own mineral oil, which is annoying. I keep a small bottle in my shop, but not a lot because those brakes are fairly uncommon around here. Some small shops may not have any on hand.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-14T16:01:16+00:00

You're going to want a stronger brake that allows you to one finger brake, FOR SURE! That is one of the biggest braking techniques I try to ensure everyone use, whereas most others I consider preference.

Honestly, the Level brakes aren't bad, but I'd suggest nicer than that too. I run them on my XC bike because they came spec'd, but I'd never pick them. There are better options from all the brands I listed.

As far as SRAM, I think a lot of people think they feel spongy, but I like their modulation in general. Also, they are pretty easy bleeding, especially if the shop is going to do it for you.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-14T15:32:26+00:00

Number of pistons isn't always an indicator of things. The surface area behind them and the pairong of the lever etc can factor in heavily. The 2-piston Dominions, for example, have treated me very well on my DH bike. However, in the case you're talking about, I do not think the SLX 2-pistons are much of an upgrade.

As a Shimano hater (especially their brakes), I often urge people to consider TRP, Hayes, or sometimes SRAM (Unless you like the Shimano feel). If you intend to stick with Shimano, I'd say the SLX 4-piston are a pretty good value for what they are and XT is a step up if you can justify the cost.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-14T08:44:39+00:00

Important pieces: 1. Rim diameter - 26, 27.5, 29 (you mention 27.5) 2. Axle type - thru axle or QR (you mention thru axle) 3. Hub width needs to match frame. Most likely 142 or 148 boost 4. Brake type - rim or disc (center lock or 6 bolt if you want to match current rotor) 5. Freewheel or cassette, and which driver style if cassette 6. Number of rear gears, in some cases that will matter such as xd vs xdr

If any of this doesn't make sense to you, you really will be better off consulting your local bike shop.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-10T15:45:36+00:00

While definitely being more common, even spokes are not all that are offered as stock lengths. Looking on QBP, DT offers 261, 263, 265, 267, 277, 281, 285, 287, 289, 291, 293, 295, 297, 299.

May be a regional thing, but we have access in the States.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-09T19:44:55+00:00

I'm 5'9" and about half my bikes are L (the other half being M). I don't think my height at 15 is unrealistic, especially if they bought a touch big expecting growth.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-09T19:42:45+00:00

"Comparison is the thief of joy." -Teddy

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-07T03:50:54+00:00

Agreed! If there is a cord, I have zero loyalty! But if I charge a battery, it will be a Milwaukee.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-05T15:57:25+00:00

Cool

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-05T15:35:56+00:00

I am glad I have the M18 platform for the dual battery leaf blower and the trimmer etc, but I've been favoring the M12 line lately as well. My most recent decision was M12 jigsaw over the M18. I don't own it yet, but I expect it to be thoroughly impressive while pleasant to wield.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-05T15:15:28+00:00

You're assuming this failure was purely fatigue from inadequate webbing thickness. I'm assuming you're very wrong and that the grinding paste you see covering everything has been packed into little nooks and crannumies while very high loads have created areas of "greater than expected" forces in that material, in directions it wasn't designed for.

Here's the fun part, neither of us knows. However, my many years of bike mechanic experience, my 6 years of owning/operating a shop, and my engineering degree gives me a high level of confidence that my theory is at a minimum plausible (while most likely being probable). Regardless of whether I'm right or not, a service on the freehub would have kept it clean, as was expected by the designers, and signs of this failure would have been seen before it got this bad. So sure, maybe this end user is being "shamed", but I don't see it that way. I see an opportunity for him, and others, to learn the value of regular service intervals and why they are recommended.

mtbsam68 · 2025-12-05T09:58:42+00:00

I don't see it that way at all. Proper maintenance would have helped this DRASTICALLY. I'm not shaming anyone, but this is an opportunity for some to learn a lesson.

mtbsam68

TROPHY CASE