Dutch
Hi all,
I had a potential Eureka moment when I changed the OE sprocket to a larger rear Renthal item the other day. Here's the deal:
Being a cheapskate, I had no intention of buying additional chain links to make up for the increased sprocket radius and shoehorned the sprocket into place by winding the adjusters virtually the entire way in. I got the sprocket on in the end and tensioned the chain, finding that there was about 2mm thread showing on the bolts. I test rode it, and a handling difference gradually became apparent - improved turning ability and rear wheel feel, with little obvious effect on the bike's stability. It's pretty obvious after thinking about it that the effective reduction in the bike's wheelbase caused this.
I like it and I want to experiment further with this. It looks to me like the adjuster blocks have room for shaving material off. I was thinking of milling 5mm off them on the side plates facing the adjuster bolts (it looks like there is room to do it) which would let me remove a chain link a bring the wheel forward (assuming there is proper clearance). I know that a similar effect can be brought about by dropping the forks through the yokes around 10mm, but that could cause wobbles and would affect the riding position, something that don't want to do. Nor do I want a longer rear shock, for precisely the same reasons, as well as the cost and the fact that I have my suspension set up exactly as I want it.
I'm assuming that this isn't the first time that somebody has either tried or considered trying this - does anyone have any thoughts on it? Reasons not to? Alternatives? Bear in mind the word cheapskate, chaps ...
I had a potential Eureka moment when I changed the OE sprocket to a larger rear Renthal item the other day. Here's the deal:
Being a cheapskate, I had no intention of buying additional chain links to make up for the increased sprocket radius and shoehorned the sprocket into place by winding the adjusters virtually the entire way in. I got the sprocket on in the end and tensioned the chain, finding that there was about 2mm thread showing on the bolts. I test rode it, and a handling difference gradually became apparent - improved turning ability and rear wheel feel, with little obvious effect on the bike's stability. It's pretty obvious after thinking about it that the effective reduction in the bike's wheelbase caused this.
I like it and I want to experiment further with this. It looks to me like the adjuster blocks have room for shaving material off. I was thinking of milling 5mm off them on the side plates facing the adjuster bolts (it looks like there is room to do it) which would let me remove a chain link a bring the wheel forward (assuming there is proper clearance). I know that a similar effect can be brought about by dropping the forks through the yokes around 10mm, but that could cause wobbles and would affect the riding position, something that don't want to do. Nor do I want a longer rear shock, for precisely the same reasons, as well as the cost and the fact that I have my suspension set up exactly as I want it.
I'm assuming that this isn't the first time that somebody has either tried or considered trying this - does anyone have any thoughts on it? Reasons not to? Alternatives? Bear in mind the word cheapskate, chaps ...