Tips Archive:

Hot Tip of the Month- July 2004: "Improving Seat and Handlebar tower mobility"
When you members come into class, they should be able to adjust their bikes without using rubber mallets or throwing out their backs trying to adjust the handlebars and seats because those areas are so sticky and difficult to move. The most common problems are rust, Silicone build-up and cheater strips on the insides of the frames. Rust is inevitable, but it can usually be removed by using VERY fine steel wool on the tower area. Plunging a Terry cloth rag into the frame at the tower insertion points (with cleaning solution on the rag) will usually do the trick for crud on the inside of the frame. Silicone builds up on the towers over time when you spray your towers repeatedly to promote mobility and will eventually slow down the mobility. Every 5 or 6 months remove this silicone build –up with FINE steel wool. All of these helpful tips as well as many more can be found in Volumes 1 through 3 of The Ultimate Tech Manual Series. Happy biking!