Mechanics and Fixing Any Questions Answered

Wouldn’t the bearing be outside the shim/reducer?

Ah, didn't notice the shim was on the cranks. The splines aren't a taper as such, so without anything they should tighten until you run out of threads, but there would normally be a bearing there which is wider than the space left. If it's not going on further then something is wrong with the crank or the axle, what do they look like?

I suspect you haven't also tightened them up to 40nm while holding them freehand

Got the dreaded 'sounds like you're dragging a chain along behind the bike' sound happening when I apply pressure to the pedals. Known issue? Suspect it's bottom bracket or cassette related, right? Tighten everything up and see if that sorts it?

Is there a chain dragging behind the bike?

LOLZ

I don't really know what you mean by that noise but noisy drivetrain is often down to a worn chain. Do you have a chain gauge to check?

It's virtually a new chain. Can't have done more than 100 miles.

Is it the correct speed chain?

Yep. It's only just started doing it after about three weeks of me riding the bike. It was a virtually silent drive train, but no more. Which is why I suspect something has worked loose.

A thing on lubes for motorcycles, some info might be applicable here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnPYdcbcAe0

Got a new freehub (novatec) and it's VERY stiff. It's the first time I've done a freehub replacement on these wheels, so not sure if it's normal. Is it?

Make sure you've seated the seal properly, if there is one. And if it's meant to have a spacer, make sure it's got a spacer or it'll bind

Seal is as it came from the factory (same orientation as the one it's replacing), and the spacer is there. Might swap the seal from the old freehub to see if that helps.

As an aside, is there any way to "fix" a loose spring as it seems to be the issue with the old freehub now I've spent some time working on it. I can buy a new spring and pawls from Novatec but the shipping is twice as much as the actual parts.

Self-help desk. Vice and pliers to make it more round. Seems to have sorted the old one, now to figure out why the new one is so draggy.

Seal is as it came from the factory (same orientation as the one it's replacing),

You really need to make sure it's pushed into place properly. I have a Superstar hub that's tricky and a Hope one that's bloody impossible.

I've just done a novatech freehub at the weekend, and I found the only way to get it to run properly is without the seal that came with the new freehub. Looking at the hub closer, I actually think that there's the old one still in the hub, after inspecting closely. I only realised after installing it with the new seal and finding that is was dangerously draggy.

I had the double seal issue the other week so I’ve been paying close attention. Will check it again though (also the alignment @M_V )

Anyone have a 24" tyre to hand and could measure bead to bead distance for me please?

With hope seals pop them in boiling water first to soften them .

Which one?
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

How could I forget Mr. Brown's exhaustive collection of information on all things bicycle. Thanks!

Cheers, good luck

Does any one know the sizes of the headset bearings in a 2007 era langster aluminium frame. Can't see any bearing id on the sealed outer so thinking still the original bearings.

Thank you

Headset? BB? Some photos would help

Sorry, editted. Headset and will get photos later when I go out and take some.