[Yak] Keeping clean while working on a bike

[Greg Illes]

Speaking of things mechanical:

My tandem's timing chain has two master links in it (BF uses two for a handy set of timing markers). Unlike other timing links I've had, these come apart with a cross-eyed look, way too easily IMO. In fact, without tension on the chain, it's hard to keep the links engaged. Is this normal? I'm concerned about losing a link or half-link during an assembly or disassembly process. In the past, my links have always had a definite "snap" and needed a truly intentional un-snap to get them apart.

Also - Eagle Creek makes a dandy little plastic zippered bag which is very hardy and holds the timing chain much more robustly than your average Ziplock.

G.



________________________________
From: charles voigtsberger <charles_e_voigtsberger at yahoo.com>
To: Yak at bikefriday.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 12:51:31 PM
Subject: [Yak] Keeping clean while working on a bike

In SoCal one can buy nitrile gloves by the boxful at Harbor Freight. They may also be available at Home Depot and Lowe's, Orchard Supply and most paint supply stores. I always carry at least one pair on the bike. They are very light and keep your hands clean. Turn them inside out as you take them off and the dirt moves to the inside. If you have to stop again, turn them back, hold the opening and inflate like a balloon to get ends of the fingers straightened out. I like nitrile better than latex as they seam to resist grease better than latex. If you live near a self-help paper store that carries printing supplies, Webril makes a product called "Handi-wipes." They are designed for use in a printing plant and they are a handy way to clean grease etc from hands. I throw a couple of them in a snack bag when I go on a ride. If they dry out, a quick shot of water from your water bottle rejuvenates the active ingredients in them. A search of your local auto
supply store may reveal foil wrapped wipes designed to remove grease. I like wipes designed to remove grease better than the water based wipes for diapers or the handwipes sold in grocery stores. They don't seem to remove grease as easily as the solvent based wipes.
Chuck Voigtsberger
Ventura CA
_______________________________________________
Yak mailing list
Yak at bikefriday.com
http://store.bikefriday.com/mailman/listinfo/yak