I Can Not Stop Breaking My Bike

"Tripper" (tripe46) 11/05/2018 at 12:15 • Filed to: None

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I bought the mountain bike below 5 months ago. So far I have broken:

Both Grips

Saddle in two places

Knocked both wheels out of true

One pedal

Just yesterday, I b ent the front wheel beyond repair, and tore the saddle right down the middle.

I’m thinking I should have gone with a nicer bike, but I’m not sure that the nicer bikes are any “tougher”. In all fairness I do things like dirt jumps and parking lot wheelies, I also crash slightly more often than the guys I ride with.

I’d like to ride more and fix less.

Happy Monday!

Nibby > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 12:19

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ride more and fix less, should’ve gotten a 20 year old BMW

Tripper > Nibby 11/05/2018 at 12:23

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I have one of those too.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 12:24

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What are you ridding? That trek? I ride the shit out of my bike and have not had a single problem this season or last...

Maybe you should get something burlier like:

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2457360/

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2459309/

RallyWrench > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 12:27

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What kind of bike?  This kind of thing is often the difference between low and high trims of the same frame. Good excuse to upgrade stuff as you go. 

Tripper > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 11/05/2018 at 12:30

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Yep that trek. One of the guys I ride with has the exact same bike. He has had better luck than I though. He broke part of the saddle mount and a chain. I’m thinking I’ll trade up in the spring, It’s crazy how much you can spend on a bike that has no engine!

Tripper > RallyWrench 11/05/2018 at 12:31

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Trek X Caliber 7. I’ve upgraded the grips, and plan to do the same with the saddle, but the wheel I just replaced with the same equipment. I’m planning on trading up in the spring.

bob and john > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 12:32

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a nicer bike is certianly a little more resilient, but a lot of this sounds like rider error .  remember, you are riding a hard tail. cant take it off jumps like you would a dualy. I made that mistake with my old specialized hardrock and CRACKED THE FRAME. Got a fuel EX8 that has served me faithfully since. 

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 12:36

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That trek is “cross country” oriented so at least the wheels are not going to be as strong as something design for “sending it”. I honestly don’t know how you broke a seat, that’s fucking agro. Grips, yes, I get that if you crash . Peda ls, yes I break them too, but use shimano XT clip ins now and haven’t broken a pedal in years.

The Ghost of Oppo > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 12:41

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Your wheels will never stay true forever . How do you break the grips?

functionoverfashion > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 12:42

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I’ve got a Trek Fuel Ex5, probably similar spec but it’s full suspension instead. Basically nothing-fancy components on the same frame as more expensive models with varying-degrees-of-fancy components.

I’ve had it 4 years and definitely ride it hard, and I’ve broken the derailleur 3 times, had a few flats, bent a spoke (but didn’t break it!) and been through a few sets of brake pads. That’s been it though!

You can definitely get tougher wheels. As for the saddle, etc is that a result of crashes?

Also I use pedals like this:

the black metal around the actual clip part takes a SERIOUS beating on mine, but I’m still on the originals. Are you on flats? Are they aluminum?

TheRealBicycleBuck > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 12:45

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More riding, less crashing.

For cross-country bikes , there’s a price point where more money gets you lighter, not necessarily stronger, parts. Your X-Caliber is somewhere in the middle of that curve. Keep in mind that it is a cross-country bike and it’s not designed for big jumps. It’s designed to be fast and light, not super strong.

A more expensive bike isn’t going to help you here unless you switch to a more appropriate bike for your style of riding. If you are doing a lot of big jumps, a downhill bike might be more appropriate. You can beef up the parts on your Trek , but you will eventually out-strip the capabilities of the frame. That means the next part you break will be the frame.

Tripper > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 11/05/2018 at 12:46

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Yea I thought about upgrading the wheels, but for what they cost I think I’ll just wait and upgrade. The seat, I broke the first part dumping over a wheelie, the big slash (and the bent wheel) happened yesterday. First, I slid off the trail and down a steep rock/log littered hill. Straitened the bars back up and kept riding. About an hour later in the “skills course” area I was riding along one of those raised narrow bridge things and my front wheel slipped off and I went over the bars one foot stayed clipped in. Both crashes happened so fast I can’t really tell you what the bike did.

Tripper > The Ghost of Oppo 11/05/2018 at 12:47

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I don’t think they were installed properly when I bought the bike because I had to move all of the controls inward quite a bit to fit the new grips on (same size) I just hit them on trees and snapped them at the ends.

imadick > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 12:47

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I can testify that “nicer” bikes aren’t necessarily tougher. That isn’t a cheap bike by any means.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 12:51

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Well the first answer is obvious, stop crashing so much.

The handle bars are probably tubes, so when it hits the pavement its just cutting right thru the rubber, which doesn’ t surprise me. maybe you are trying ot do more than what you are capable of.

I’ve been riding for a lot time . This was the worst I’ve had with a wheel. The guy running the shop near me said that under inflated tires can cause a lot or problems. I did tend to run a little lower so I had more grip and cushion going over rocks and roots and up hills . He said it could have contributed to my bent wheel and ripping the valve stems of f the tubes. (it seems as if the tube and tire were r otating around the rim and the valve stem was getting ripped at the hole in the rim.

Tripper > functionoverfashion 11/05/2018 at 12:52

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Saddle is because of crashes, grips are because of what I believe to be improper installation + crashes. I’ve got those same pedals, I bought them after I broke the cheap clip in pedals that I transferred over from my road bike and they have been good through all of the latest damage.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 12:55

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Wow, yeah I can see shit getting broken ridding like that. My bike would be broken too. Are the re brands that you like in your area? Can you buy pretty much any major brand and some boutique brands? The only Trek hard tail I’d go with in your case would probably be the Roscoe or a Stache.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/roscoe/roscoe-8/p/23608/?colorCode=greydark

Then you are looking at dual suspension bikes in the $30 00 range and greater.... like a Fuel EX or Slash.

Tripper > OPPOsaurus WRX 11/05/2018 at 12:56

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It’s so hard not to crash on these fucking things. It’s definitely because I’m going too fast, but like I wanna go fast... I’m also as new as the bike to riding mountain bikes. I’m much more comfortable on a dirt bike.

Tripper > TheRealBicycleBuck 11/05/2018 at 12:58

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It’s really hard not to crash, haha. I gotta go fast!

nermal > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 12:59

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You need the right tool for the job. I have a Commencal enduro model, and smash it off of rocks and trees on the regular, in addition to subjecting it to poorly executed jumps and drops.

Thus far it has gotten a little bit squeaky in some places, and the bars twist out of alignment every time I crash, but that’s about it. Highly recommended. It is relatively heavy and pedals like crap, but you’ll have that.

functionoverfashion > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 13:00

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These pedals have been great. I can still ride OK with my kids without having to change into my bike shoes. I hit rocks with these things constantly and they’re holding up well.

As far as the saddle... can’t help you there. Crash less? lol. I ride with a friend who crashes a lot. He’s constantly breaking stuff. But had a Trek Fuel Ex7 for a few years that held up relatively well... now he’s on a carbon Santa Cruz and it’s been good except the rear hub has grenaded twice. Warranty replaces it with the same unit, even though the same model now has an upgraded part in its place. Hmmmm

Tripper > imadick 11/05/2018 at 13:00

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No it wasn’t but it is crazy the kind of money you can spend on a pedal bike. I joked with the guy who sold it to my “why’d you sell me such a piece of crap?!” He said, “ if you told me you were going to ride it like a hooligan, I would have sold you something more expensive.”

OPPOsaurus WRX > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 13:03

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o man.... everything in that response gives me chills. I hope you have invested in some good protective gear. I t ri ed going faster than my ability once. G ravity will win EVERY FUCKING TIME. Slow down and get used to what you are doing. practice your balance . dont watch your tire, look where you want to go and it will help your turns .

OPPO shits on the noob in the ferrari who thinks going 11/10 on a track is fine with no experience and then crushed a tire barrier. The same principle apples to biking, if you dont know your limit, your going to find it, and its not going to feel good.

Tripper > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 11/05/2018 at 13:05

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Yea I can buy pretty much any brand. I’ve ridden the Stache and like it a lot, my friend has a Santa Cruz hardtail that I really like, but he spent 3 grand or more on it.

I was borrowing someones bike that had smaller wheels before I bought mine and I fell a lot less on that one, but that may just be because I was being more careful.

The Ghost of Oppo > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 13:07

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I’d recommend looking at bikes with a slacker geometry and longer wheel base . It will allow you to keep your weight further over the back wheel while going down steep shit and still maintaining balance at higher speeds

imadick > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 13:20

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It’s still a $1k PEDAL BIKE. Would expect it could take a bit of abuse, at least less than throwing it off a mountain.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 13:21

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Judging from your ridding style and ability to send it I think you should look at a Trek Rosco, Specialized Fuse Comp, or a Santa Cruz Camelion. All of these bikes have 27.5 wheels and run 3" wide tires. Basically the wheels are indestructible and the tires are bigger and give loads of grip and better ride compliance than a standard 29x2.3 tire . These bikes are not the lightest but designed to take a beating and keep on ticking.
I rode a Specialized Fuse for a year and I really liked it. I traded up for a dual suspension but I would still like to have the Fuse in my quiver. It was a super fun bike that just took a beating so well.

Tripper > OPPOsaurus WRX 11/05/2018 at 13:29

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I’ve got a nice helmet, and shin/knee pads for the places where the jumps are big or if the trails are really rocky. I’ve been rocking mechanix gloves, so I could do better there. The place where we went on Sunday I had never been before and it was way faster than any place I have been previously. All long fast sections into really tight turns, the turns are what got me. I got comfortable sliding around them and then a really tight one popped up and I couldn’t slow down enough in time. Honestly I don’t think I’ll go back there until I’ve earned my spandex, I only crashed twice but had a lot of close calls.

Tripper > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 11/05/2018 at 13:32

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I definitely wouldn’t mind a heavier bike. I feel really twitchy on the big wheels, particularly when going slow.

Tripper > functionoverfashion 11/05/2018 at 13:36

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It’s tough not to crash, lol. I’m pretty new to mountain biking, and almost all of my rides have been in the rain or at least on really wet trails so that is definitely part of it. It was really fast and really dry where we went on Sunday and I just wasn’t ready, haha. I’m always the dirtiest one of the bunch at the end of the ride. My buddy has a Santa Cruz hardtail, I’m unsure of the model but I really like it, he spent triple what I did.

Tripper > nermal 11/05/2018 at 13:40

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“smash it off of rocks and trees on the regular, in addition to subjecting it to poorly executed jumps and drops. “

Yea this! I’m ok with a heavier bike. I’ve done a lot of riding in the rain and on really wet trails, that combined with my lack of experience makes for some frequent crashing. As I gain experience the jump and drops are only going to get more aggressive , so I’d rather a heavier bike that will stand up to the abuse.

nermal > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 14:07

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The other thing is that a bigger travel bike will be much more forgiving when you do dumb stuff, especially when you do it wrong. More & better suspension will soak up bad landings instead of making you crash.

Jumps and drops also get significantly easier when you commit & go faster over them.

WiscoProud > imadick 11/05/2018 at 14:22

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My coworker just bought a bike for $3,500 used that retails for $10k (from what he says). Its a road bike that weighs nothing, but it looks like it would break if you look at it funny. 

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 14:37

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welp as you know im constantly breaking my bike.... especially the wheels... so im no help there

but i’d reccomend getting a higher end titanium railed saddle... those things are strong

E92M3 > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 14:43

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If you want to do jumps, that’s the wrong bike. I would suggest getting an E nduro. 

functionoverfashion > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 14:48

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We went for a hike yesterday with our kids, up a trail that I bike all the time. I thought about bringing my bike, but as it was just my wife and me, I figured I’d be better off being able to carry a tired kid if needed (it was). The trail was also a stream, nearly the entire second half. I’ve never seen it so wet. That would have made and already-technical climb nearly impossible. And going down would have been slower or very crashy. Not good.

Nom De Plume > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 15:28

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Straight talk here. There are two major buyers of big brand bikes. Those who want that name and instantly slap a ton more UPGRADES WITH BIG LOGOS on. And those who have an expectation their couple grand bought something ascribing to old time values of quality based on the name affixed to it.

Here is the reality. They spec crap. They all spec total garbage seats and parts from their in-house brand. There is absolutely no model that proves this wrong other than the rare top end one. You learn to enjoy beating the ever living snot of these parts and replace them with a quality item that fits you to the bike and the bike to the usage/terrain . To a degree that no part could accomplish with everyone who lives anywhere.  Which is no excuse for a lack of quality to begin with.  It is the reason why the very obviously ill advised parts should be replaced.

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 15:57

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Factory wheels are machine made and typically aren’t the greatest unless you have spent a great deal of coin on the bike.

In your case, they are pretty basic. I get my wheels made by a skilled wheel builder using decent components. Last wheel set set me back $350 in components (Novatec hubs, Spank rims and Sap im spokes) and $150 in build fees and postage. Basic wheel spec but far stronger and stiffer than factory wheels.

The cheapest option is to take your unridden factory wheels to a wheel builder where they’ll loosen everything off and then re- tension evenly . It makes the world of difference...

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Tripper 11/05/2018 at 16:20

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That’s more of a CX bike, right? Sounds like you need a proper fill suspension MTB. Everything will be a bit beefier. My friends and I crash regularly but you'd never know from looking at our bikes. I've got a salsa horsethief, another guy has a yeti, there's an ibis, a couple of intense. Heavier than what you're riding, but a lot tougher.

Tripper > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 11/05/2018 at 17:47

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Those are all super nice bikes, crazy money though. I do however really like riding If I stick with it I’m definitely going to get something nice.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Tripper 11/06/2018 at 03:13

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I found mine on  Craigslist used for 1000. It needed a little work, but nothing crazy. At this point I've spent maybe 1700-1800 on it including the purchase price. Deals can be found!