'Is A Split Ring Crown Race Okay?' | #AskGMBNTech

On this week's episode of #AskGMBNTech we're taking your questions on split crown races, mountain biking-specific sunglasses and how it's never ok to ride a bike without bar end caps installed!

⏱ Timestamps ⏱
0:00 - Welcome to Ask!
0:34 - Is a Split Crown Race Okay?
3:03 - Are Exposed Bar Ends Safe?
4:42 - Swapping Out Forks
7:00 - Carbon Fiber Clearcoat
9:23 - MTB Sunglasses
12:13 - Lubricating cable lines
14:07 - Gravel Rear Wheel ON an XC Bike?

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Want to get your burning mountain bike questions answered by our team? Use the hashtag in the comments on any of our videos for your chance to be featured.

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[janbovin]

Clock the split in the crown race 90 degs left or right. It will be under less load when you ride and less prone to creak. I've done this for many years.

[keepon]

Building my new ride for 2023 today, and my frame came with a split ring crown race, which I hadn't worked with before. This video came to mind and helped me keep buzzing right along, smiling and turning the wrench. Thanks Anna!

[mach]

Regarding the open bar ends, my brother in law who was 10 at the time (he's 18 now) almost died when he landed on his open bar end. It never pierced his skin but he managed to split his liver almost in half. We were told by the paramedics if it did split, he would have bled out there and then. He was rushed to the children's hospital where we learnt of his massive injury. Scary time for us all back then. I don't believe he's ridden a bike since.

[MaquinasDePalomitas]

You’re a genius!! Thanks for the swapping out forks explanation.

[ish]

for small clearcoat dings headlight restoration kits come with 1000 and 1500 sanding pads in the package and the polishing compound to use with a drill afterwards

[krzysiu]

If my crown race doesn't have split in it I usually cut one. Makes it much easier to get off without risking scratching your crown.

[AnthonyIlstonJones]

In my experience (which is vast, I started putting serious miles on bikes in 1976) the split crown race is only going to be an issue if you put a LOT of torque through the bars. For the smoother riders it shouldn't be a problem, but I used to snap chains with the amount of torque I put through a drivetrain & I have never got on well with split crown races. That's my one bugbear with Hope at the moment, their headsets are great value for a quality product but I will not run a split crown race after my experiences with them.
You could argue that I was a bit of an animal back in the day, I was certainly faster in a straight line and more powerful than nearly anyone I've ever met, but I could never have been described as a smooth rider. If you're in the saddle a lot, that actually matters (ask me how I know...). 😅

[TheButlerNZ]

Cycling in/out of forest (bright and dark changes)... Try a cheap pair of amber safety glasses.

If you have never worn yellow lenses when in a forest your in for a pleasant surprise... Its like someone put a yellow light on. They cut out "blue" light so actually make the shadow areas appear brighter.

Mine cost $5 for German made safety glasses with UV protection and no watering eyes on those down hill sections in and out of the trees.

For $5 at your local tool warehouse it's got to be worth a try...

[rpiian]

Works components anglesets come with split races. Never had a problem. So easy to swap forks with it, if that's your thing.

[MrKeefy]

In my early 20s at my local skate park I rode up the wall ride then just fell off and landed on top of my BMX bars sticking straight up. It knocked the wind out of me and hurt like hell but luckily didn't puncture my belly area. I had a bruised ring there for about a week though.

[gmbntech]

Want to get your burning mountain bike questions answered by our team? Use the hashtag #AskGMBNTech in the comments on any of our videos for your chance to be featured on an up and coming show!

[yorkchris]

Why haven't we seen LightPole Lefty available for individual?

[erickroeger]

The green bike frame on the wall in the background: Is that a wall lamp??? I need one.

[loganmaher]

#AskGMBNTech Hi, I have a Specialized Status and I have noticed lately when I put my rear wheel back on I have to push the two ends of the rear triangle together to get the axle to fit and tighten properly. It was fine for the first year I had the bike, but lately I have had to do that. Does this mean my frame could be bent?

[McSchwabl]

I almost killed myself with no Bar ends. I had an emergency surgery.

[alexandramedved]

I have lubed my cables with dry lube and I can 100% assure you its a bad idea. It’s absolutely fine in the beginning but over time they become sticky an sifting becomes awful! I only ever use wet lube or NO lube!

[hendrixinfinity]

A Lifeline bike stand has tubing that is exactly the right diameter to set crown races. you can also use Pvc pipe with an end cap. Better than spending £100 on a bit of tubing.

[feedbackzaloop]

If a split crown cone (which is actually not a race!) creaks or rather clicks - it is not the problem, but an indicator that the headset gets decompressed during use. That can be due to simply low preload, but can also indicate bad interference of bearings in the headtube, initial misalignment or low quality in general.

[carloswithac]

Glad you're finally saying ASKGMBNTECH instead of GMBNTECHASK! 😂

[bobbydebobadibob]

Re: Lubing cables... try Rock N Roll Cable Magic well worth it!!!