stock f4i is 16/46

mine is 16/45 ( i think front is 16 anyway gotta check)

Want to go 15/48 on british nicks reccomendations but will I need to change my current chain? I think this can be worked out from ratios?? as its a nearly new chain so don't want to have to ditch it if possible.

 

how much adjust/slack have u got?
should be kool

 

I think you'll have to add a link or 2, you could go 14-47 and still use your chain,I think

 

it might *just* fit... depends on how how slack your chain is and how much room u have for adjustment.

only thing to do is try and put it on... if it's only just out, then go borrow a chubby mate and take him for a bumpy ride - that'll stretch the chain a lil ;o)

 

or buy a 14 for the front

 

I heard that small front sprockets could cause probs?

I'll check my chain later to see how much adjustment/slack I've got and I'll check to see what size the front sprocket is to make sure it is a 16..

Anyone know if you can get shorty replacement clutch levers?? just a replacement one no flashy MSR type unbreakable ones.. I just want a shorty one .

 

hacksaw

 

Yeah that's what I'm gonna do I think. Just thought fingers might slip off a bit easier with a cut down standard lever.. I guess with shorter levers too they won't get snapped when crashed!

 

Hacksaw is fine, I took one to the levers on Glingglo's RRT and they feel no different. It's been over countless times too and they are totally unscathed

 

Did you take the lever off the bike to hacksaw or just do it on the bike? In my experience brake levers are brittle things so didn't want to wreck it

 

Nah, just cut it off (not my bike...!! ). It's surprising how short you cut it though, looks like you cut loads off but as long as you offer your finger position up 1st (oo-err) you can't go wrong. I also filed the rough edge off too so not to wear through the moto-x gloves.

 

I've just had a look at it now (whilst dropping psi of rear to 25 and removing mirrors etc) I'm going to cut it to allow 2 finger use.. I can't believe it really as i only ever use 1/2 fingers and when I actually looked at it, I can only possibly pull the lever in 3/4 of the way in with 2 fingers as it hits on my other fingers on the bar!! So when cut down I should be able to pull it fully into the bar with no hassle!

Going to cut it tomorow as all my tools are on the van at the minute.

 

Yeh it really helps, I hardly ever use anything more than 1-2 fingers on the levers either and it's definitely more comfortable.

 

As for the small sprocket causing problems I believe it's down to the reduced radius that the chain has to travel causing it to wear out quicker.

Saying that though, I haven't really noticed the chain stretching more on any of the bikes I've ever geared down, as long as it's kept lubed regularly it shouldn't be a problem. I've always bought well known quality brands of chains and sprockets (check what's popular with race teams, EK, RK, D.I.D, Renthal etc) anyway as it's false economy to keep replacing cheap chains

 

I'll cut the lever down tomorow night and let you know if it feels any different etc

As for the sprockets etc, I'll sort them next week, can't be arsed thinking about it right now

 

sparks
file the ends as round and smooth as pos spend some time making them as blunt as posible
as u dont want them going any where nasty

 

Where? Like Cliftonville or Ramsgate? They can be pretty nasty sometimes....

 

Well I am running -2 front and +2 back, and that's with the standard length chain on my bros :YEAH

 

haha

 

Well here it is.. took 2 seconds to cut and file! I angled it down a bit further, but could only move it down a tiny bit as the electronic bit hits the yokes

I've not ridden it yet (will do later tonight if the rain holds off) but when sat on, it definetly feels better, and when standing up I can reach the lever !! Before I had to lift my hand up to reach the thing lol.