Activity
Mon
Wed
Fri
Sun
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
What is this?
Less
More

Owned by Brandon

Lets Talk bikes! From Learning Repairs to Purchase Advice-Get all the advice without the pressure to purchase.

Memberships

Skoolers

189.9k members • Free

11 contributions to 976BIKE - Your Online BikeShop
SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT : The value of Carbon Paste
Bike came in for a stuck seatpost, Aluminum frame with a carbon post. Technically carbon and aluminum reject each other when you introduce water, sweat or sea salt, two of which our bikes see an abundance of. The introduction of any one of these can start the galvanic corrosion process causing what is basically an expansion of the aluminum putting excessive pressure where it is forming and effectively seizing the post in place. Road riders and triathletes typically do not notice until they need to change their fit. MTB riders might catch it sooner because dropper posts require seasonal cable changes or overhauls. Regardless of what bike you ride, and especially if you live in a moist environment, you should be yanking out your post to clean and reapply carbon paste/gripper to effectively create barrier to prevent this from happening. Let me tell you, the sound of the post breaking free in the machine can be both alarming and awesome at the same time. Unfortunately this frame had galvanic corrosion that was showing on the outside of the frame in a few places, weld included. As pressure was applied to pull the post free the destruction process was realized and a crack formed from a corrosion point. Go check your bikes!!!!
SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT : The value of Carbon Paste
Here to help - Your Online Bike Store and More!
I have been in the cycling industry for 30years now... and I have done it all! Worked in shops, wrenched in shops, worked as a sales rep, opened a bike shop (still running), dabbled in creating a custom Titanium bike brand, and am running a full custom clothing bike brand catered to Bike Shops and Clubs. What do I want to do here.... help! Help you make informed choices and give you a firm understanding before you walk into your LBS. How? In a few ways. REPAIRS First, I want to help you fix and maintain your bike. I have been doing this for 30 years and I first learned from a shop owner who had already been already doing it for 30 years. So I can help you from the old.. to the brand new. PARTS PURCHASE ADVICE The moto in my shop is I will not fully recommend something until I have tried it, or have a firm grasp on its real world success. So, from tires to grips and everything in-between, I am here to help answer your questions, break through the noise and help you purchase the right parts and equipment. NEW BIKE PURCHASES I have been on it, I have even created it. I have chased geometry fads and suspension systems. When it comes to your next bike I can help you sort through the marketing and come up with a bike geared towards you and where you ride.... we will sort through the guff together! And so much more... think of this community as your online bike shop. Come here to ask questions, advise or seek education before you try that home repair, before you make that next big purchase, before you try a new tire or fancy carbon bar, before you make a choice on what ebike motor best suits your style and riding needs. Come here first before you walk into the shop so you feel more confident in making the decision that best suits you. I am here... use me!
1 like • 1d
@Grumpy Viking heck yeah, visit www.ridermtb.ca I also have special programs for bike shops to help with your retail offerings. I come from the same world, so I want to help shops out as much as I can.
Cool tool for Shimano mtb rear deraileurs
If you have a 3d printer... This is a tool to print. Unlike SRAM, Shimano RD's do not have a way to keep the cage out of the way when removing and installing your test wheel. This little 3d printed piece solves the problem.
Cool tool for Shimano mtb rear deraileurs
1 like • 6d
@Grumpy Viking it has shown no sign of breaking down during shop use. Very handy to have.
0 likes • 1d
No, not something I get asked for. It’s a useful, but not mandatory service tool… but I do like having it on hand, especially when dealing with higher end frames.
Muc Off Big Bore valve hybrid... Has a problem
The valve works great however because it uses a Schrader sized end without an internal component to depressing an air Chuck you cannot get air in when setting up tubeless. The function of the valve is great I love the ball valve function however, if you do not have a way to get air into the valve to sufficiently inflate a tubeless tire ( I had to use an air gun end), then I would suggest getting the big boar lite version as it uses a Presta Valve core. This was a new product for me first time installing it thought I would share my experience, please feel free to ask me any questions you have.
Muc Off Big Bore valve hybrid... Has a problem
0 likes • 6d
@Grumpy Viking I am not sure I would install this version on my own bike. I would like to test the other variation and also the BBB version too. To be honest, I am not sure if this is a truly needed product, or the industry creating a problem so they have a solution to it. Standard valves with replaceable valve cores have never been a major issue. Yes valve cores can get plugged, but they can be replaced for a a few bucks.
What do you have questions about????
Repair related, buying questions, fit questions, product questions or reviews….. What would you like help with, what do you want to learn about? Lets build up the content!
0 likes • 12d
@Grumpy Viking welcome to the start of all this. Please feel free to ask any questions or list a topic you would like discussed and explored. Happy riding
1 like • 6d
I will do a hanger alignment post soon, as well as two different methods to get it straight again… ones a great hack. I will also go over determining if your cage is the culprit and how to get it sorted as well. I see a lot of that with fleet maintenance for a bicycle rental business, and obviously with 30 years into this a lot in the past. The new hangers and setups are much more robust these days.
1-10 of 11
Brandon McGuire
2
7points to level up
@brandon-mcguire-3365
I have been in the Cycling industry for nearly 30 years, and am now running my own shop as well as operating a custom clothing brand.

Active 20h ago
Joined Feb 7, 2026