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New Rig... Norco!!

1322 Views 21 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  borry
hey everyone.

I just thought i would tell you guys i am finally in the game (mtn biking that is). Today i bought a 2006 Norco Sasquatch!. I cant believe it, the bike handles so well for having a 150mm fork (Marzocchi Drop Off 4). The componentry is good ( it shifts so smoothly). This is my first proper mtn bike (before i had a kmart bike!). I am still trying to nail the wheelie, any tips on that?

Today i went with a couple of mates (3 of us) to my local primary school. I successfully completed a couple of drops ( about 2 1/2 ft, im not very good and my bike is brand new) and jumps. I love the way it feels to ride... there are only 2 front sprockets but that is fine for what i do.

BTW, any tips for cleaning/ maintenance?

I used a new paintbrush to wipe of dust because i dont think that you can use water?
Also, i used an old tyre tube and wrapped it around the back part of the bike where the chain is (so it doesnt chip the paint)... what part of the bike is that called... is it the chainstays?

I got home from riding at 7:40pm tonight (2 hrs ago), i had a ball!

Any comments and tips for riding or anything related to bike maintenace would be greatly appreciated!

If i was to upgrade components in the future what should i upgrade?
personally, i think my bike is flawless (IMO!).

Thanks for reading!

Laurence :D
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Any Pics?

Do you have any pics of your new ride?
Glad you're having fun with it.

Kat
Congrats on pickin up that sasquatch, it's a sick bike. You can use water to clean your bike, just make sure you dry it off afterwards and make sure you don't leave any water on the disc brakes or drivetrain (chain, gears). You should be fine though. If you're not to sure on washing it, just ask your local bike shop how to wash it and dry it.
Yes, the part you wrapped the tube around is the chainstay.
Tips for wheelies: Okay, first of all I'll tell you how I used to do 'em. I was horrible at them this way. I would have the seat low, sit down, start from a dead stop and be in the easiest gear. Now I do them this way and my results are better. I have my seat raised( not a huge amount like xc racers), sit down, pedal in a medium gear, start the wheelie when I am going at a walking speed, and lean back. when you first start, try doing the wheelies so you go past your balance point and fall of the back(do not use clipless pedals, use flats). this will get you used to getting up high. Now do the wheelies and practice finding your balance point(when you're inbetween falling foward or back). When you're doing wheelies, have on finger on the rear brake. this way if you start to go backwards and are about to fall, lightly touch the brake and it will lower you're front wheel. If you're going down, pedal harder and lean back more. The wheelie takes alot of practice to master it. Don't give up.

Now, upgrades. Ride it like it is until you find something you want to change. for example, if you find that you're chain is falling off alot, look into a chainguide.It will stop you from droping chains. If you were to get one and you wanted to keep both front chainrings, e.13 makes a dual ring security guide called the DRS. If you find that you only need one chainring, get something like a SRS(single ring security.) If you find that you are having to straighten up your rims alot at the bike shop, look into purchasing new rims or complete wheels. But only get these upgrades if you really want to or you need them.

Well, have fun with your new ride!!

Cummings
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we need evidence...pictures make it more believable :p :D .....congrats
Whers the pic's??
Wash it with water it'll be fine. If you sweep the dirt off your going to scratch it. Not using water is like saying dont ride in the rain, mud or snow.
Ride the bike as cummings said upgrade as needed.
Go out & have more fun :D
Yes as everyone said "lets see pics" congats on your new bike Norco's are awesome I am running a Team DH and love it :D
thanks everyone for your help... yes i do have the bike, but i do not have a digital camera :(

I'm getting quite a bit better at riding a wheelie, i can actually 'ride' one out, until the front tyre drops that is.

I am thinking of getting new pedals... the stock ones are Wellgo... not very good, not grippy enough.

I purchased a new full face helmet today, its an "Oddessey". Blue too. I have some gloves which i wear aswell.

I will make sure to wash and dry my bike properly... do i have to dry the whole bike? Is an old shirt good enough? Does it matter if i get the forks and derailleur(s) wet?

Thanks again

Laurence
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borry said:
thanks everyone for your help... yes i do have the bike, but i do not have a digital camera :(
I am thinking of getting new pedals... the stock ones are Wellgo... not very good, not grippy enough.
I will make sure to wash and dry my bike properly... do i have to dry the whole bike? Is an old shirt good enough? Does it matter if i get the forks and derailleur(s) wet?
Thanks again
Laurence
Go hit up your neighbor to barrow his camera!
Wellgo pedals are usually prety good depending on the model. If you do replace them check out the Easton flatboy very sticky. Also make shure your shoes are getting good traction. This is a great article about flats, http://www.leelikesbikes.com/benefits-of-flat-pedals.html
Dry with old towl, ask mom, after washing ride up & down the street do a few bunny hops & that should shake off alot of water. Your forks & derailleur will be fine. Oh dont use high preassure water it pushes grease out & dirt in, just a light spray to get it wet & rinse it off.
5
pedals in order of pictures
1. kona jackshit 2. Axiom Roadgap 3. Azon A Frame 4.crankbros 5050
5. easton flat boy

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cummings said:
pedals in order of pictures
1. kona jackshit 2. Axiom Roadgap 3. Azon A Frame 4.crankbros 5050
5. easton flat boy
you forgot syncros mental pedals :D
3
austinb89 said:
you forgot syncros mental pedals :D
it only lets me post 5 pics. here's a few more.(including syncros) :D

1. syncros mental pedal. 2. dmr v-12 3. brooklyn machine works shinburger

wear shin pads at all time while using any of these pedals(especially the shin burger) because if you slip, your shins will look like you got attacked by a mountain lion! Ladies don't like bloody shins!

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cummings said:
it only lets me post 5 pics. here's a few more.(including syncros) :D

1. syncros mental pedal. 2. dmr v-12 3. brooklyn machine works shinburger

wear shin pads at all time while using any of these pedals(especially the shin burger) because if you slip, your shins will look like you got attacked by a mountain lion! Ladies don't like bloody shins!
haha ill let it slide this time. i cant wait till my syncro's come in. but speedgoat isnt workign all week(holiday) and i think there on backorder but its been way to long. im actaully kinda scared of the pedals i have scene some torn up shins im gonna have to have them on everytime i ride now
uh if we are talking about pedals.. burgtec penthouse flats, hands down
Thanks everyone for your tips on cleaning... I think i will wear some shoes with appropriate grip, the shoes i currently use are not very good ( my old school shoes).

I will go to my LBS to check out some pedals, i saw those azonic (sp?) pedals, however for some reason they were $175 Australian!

thanks again, i am getting better at wheelies i cant go for very long but i am adjusting to the 'balance' aspect.
austinb89 said:
haha ill let it slide this time. i cant wait till my syncro's come in. but speedgoat isnt workign all week(holiday) and i think there on backorder but its been way to long. im actaully kinda scared of the pedals i have scene some torn up shins im gonna have to have them on everytime i ride now
Those Syncros flatties look NICE. Do you know how they work ? Are they good?
some good shoes to get for riding are skateboard shoes. big surface and flat bottom. i personnally think vans are the best. they have the zig zag grip which sticks to your pedals pins. if you don't want to pay for vans, go to walmart.... they can hook you up for around $15!
Unless you'll be doing serious hucking, I suggest you stay away from a full face when urban riding, because they don't help your hearing all that much, and not hearing a car about to hit you might not be too good.

As for cleaning, use a much water as you'd like, just make sure you lube and dry your drivetrain off once you're done.

I've been on a few norcos and although they are on the heavy side they ride quite well, I hope you have fun on yours.
snaky69 said:
Unless you'll be doing serious hucking, I suggest you stay away from a full face when urban riding, because they don't help your hearing all that much, and not hearing a car about to hit you might not be too good.

As for cleaning, use a much water as you'd like, just make sure you lube and dry your drivetrain off once you're done.

I've been on a few norcos and although they are on the heavy side they ride quite well, I hope you have fun on yours.
Thanks. The full face is the only helmet i have. Do i have to lube the drivetrain after every wash?
borry said:
Thanks. The full face is the only helmet i have. Do i have to lube the drivetrain after every wash?
Yes you do. How dirty are you getting it after every ride?
dogonfr said:
Yes you do. How dirty are you getting it after every ride?
I ride through my local school which has sand (how bad is that for the bike?), dirt, and bark...

I dont have any lube.. what would you recommend for chain lube? I have some WD-40, is that useful?
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