Random Questions Thread

SnakeCharmer said:
I knew that there was a Chupacabra up there that hunts at night, but now we have a Wherewolf to worry about as well?! :eek:

Can you guys post some strava stats of that ride please?
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My first time:
http://www.imtbtrails.com/forum/threads/whatcha-got-palm-canyon.4167/#post-48399

Second time:
http://www.imtbtrails.com/forum/threads/palm-canyon-perfection.5743/

The first route had a lot more "up" at the end, with some HAB. No strange creatures either time, though...
 
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No deer hoof.
 
Kashima question: Found a used Ripley online - some scratching on one of the fork stanchions (see photos). Some light, random scuffs on rear but an odd symmetrical scratch that appears to run partially front to back. I'm passing on this because of that but would be interesting to know how it got there that deep into the travel - maybe hard frontal impact during deep compression caused binding(?). Out of state so I can't see it in person.
FFR: Can a stanchion can be refinished or polished out (esp with Kashima)...if so, would the cost be more than it's worth?

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senderos_949 said:
Kashima question: Found a used Ripley online - some scratching on one of the fork stanchions (see photos). Some light, random scuffs on rear but an odd symmetrical scratch that appears to run partially front to back. I'm passing on this because of that but would be interesting to know how it got there that deep into the travel - maybe hard frontal impact during deep compression caused binding(?). Out of state so I can't see it in person.
FFR: Can a stanchion can be refinished or polished out (esp with Kashima)...if so, would the cost be more than it's worth?

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I don't know the answers. People have used nail polish as a scratch filler. I'd ask the seller how it happened. Normally I'd ignore scratches that high on the stanchion, but without a reasonable explanation I would not commit to that one.
 
senderos_949 said:
Kashima question: Found a used Ripley online - some scratching on one of the fork stanchions (see photos). Some light, random scuffs on rear but an odd symmetrical scratch that appears to run partially front to back. I'm passing on this because of that but would be interesting to know how it got there that deep into the travel - maybe hard frontal impact during deep compression caused binding(?). Out of state so I can't see it in person.
FFR: Can a stanchion can be refinished or polished out (esp with Kashima)...if so, would the cost be more than it's worth?

View attachment 77946
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I have used fine grit sandpaper (>1,000) to smooth out nicks and scratches on fork stanchions with good outcomes. I never used nail polish to coat them although I agree with Mike that it is a common treatment. Perhaps for deeper gouges it is necessary. Regardless, if you buy the bike, assume you would need to replace seals that have been subjected to wear from the existing scratch.

I would consider buying the bike only if a plausible explanation is provided and a discount is offered to account for it.
 
I've also done the sandpaper trick... With very good results. But my forks are all lower end than the latest wizz-bangy forks with the newest coating.

I scratched the stanchion on the Revelation when it was about a month old... Palm Canyon switchbacks. I did the sandpaper trick, and got it pretty smooth. That was over 6000 miles ago and it's never leaked. Not even in the volcanic rock gardens it went down today. :D
 
mike said:
I don't know the answers. People have used nail polish as a scratch filler. I'd ask the seller how it happened. Normally I'd ignore scratches that high on the stanchion, but without a reasonable explanation I would not commit to that one.
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Should've added that it's a rental bike company in Sedona (Thunder Mtn) and so waiting for a response about the fork scratches.
Used Ripley with XT build - $4000. Current XT is about $6700 so it's a reasonable deal.
 
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senderos_949 said:
Should've added that it's a rental bike company in Sedona (Thunder Mtn) and so waiting for a response about the fork scratches.
Used Ripley with XT build - $4000. Current XT is about $6700 so it's a reasonable deal.
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More than likely the scratches are from multiple users and/or shuttling. If the bike is in good condition otherwise, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it myself.
 
Kashima is just anodize with a sealer. The anodize is the hard surface on aluminium depending on which type is applied. The awesomo is hard anodize it penetrates .0004 into the aluminium. It is basically oxidizing the base metal and the final finish is like a sponge. But the sealer is what makes it Kashima. The sealer fills in the sponge like holes, stops corrosion, and leaves a nice slippery surface. The best way to seal scratches that extend through anodize is to remove the oxides and fill using chem film AKA iridite chromate conversion coating. The best ones contain chromium 6 which would make you an outlaw the same way you consider E bikes. The proper way is to strip the anodize and reapply. If you strip hard anodize you loose that .0004 and your fork is about .001 smaller. I normally do not repair hard anodize surfaces until forced by a higher authority. Mikie could have told you this, he is an aircraft guy. Aircraft are made of paper thin aluminium with conformal coatings.
Happy trails in materials science
 
Derkderkall said:
I would think the sand paper would negate the kashima?
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DangerDirtyD said:
Just a little iddy-biddy bit. The rub may not even penetrate past the coating.
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Ok. The sellers replied and apparently they didn't properly clean the fork before sending pix :cautious:
They sent new pix of the stanchion after cleaning and it looks clean. Wasn't planning on pursuing because of potential serious scratch issue but now seeing if I can close the deal. Thanks for all the great input!
 
da big hills said:
Aircraft are made of paper thin aluminium with conformal coatings.
Happy trails in materials science
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I just love telling people that the window they sit next to on an airplane is surrounded by .063" - or was it .040"? 7075-T3 aluminum with some stringers and frames to strengthen it. Even the thickest part of the window belt is, if'n I remember correctly, less than 1" thick.

It's been many moons since I built those things.
 
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