Shade tree mechanics impart their wisdom.

In memory of the old vorb forum thread Bike mechanics impart their wisdom on vorb. Where so many questions were asked, and some useful answers even given...

A couple of times I've come to the forum looking for mechanical advice and not found a central repository. Rather than a fresh thread each time, or asking under the closest-seeming topic (therefore limiting the readers), I appreciate a spot to dredge up other folk's bodges, non-supported cross compatibility, and ask nerdy questions that someone on the board will be able to answer off the top of their head.

Mods, if there's an existing thread please feel free to merge or delete. Otherwise, on with the advising!

To kick off, a little while ago I asked in the Is it worth getting a Reverb serviced thread, if the outer sleeve of a OneUp dropper is the only part that changes with diameter. ie - can the guts be swapped between length matched posts of different widths? 

Didn't get an answer, but from poking around what I had on hand it seems like yes. Does anyone have a more specific perspective?

I emailed OneUp sometime back to check this out and was told they don't sell the lower tube. Ended up buying a Bikeyoke as all parts are available and have gotten a spare lower tube incase I needed to swap to my other bike at some point. Actuation is much smoother too.

Great idea for a thread. I'll start with a very common one that I see getting asked a lot still...

Eagle chains definitely work just fine on Shimano 12 speed cassettes. Plus X01 chains and above last a hell of a lot longer than anything shimano produces, so it's a no brainer for me. Used in conjunction with a Oneup chainring which officially works with either brand of chain.

In case anyone's reading here but not on Mike's review of a bleed kit... 

1- if I drain Magura brakes and replace with Shimano oil, will I die? 

2- if I don't drain, and allow the oils to mix, will I die?

Currently using just shimano oil in my front Magura brake. 

In the back it’s Satan's Cocktail of oils blended into a purple death.

Part 1 and 2 - I seem to be alive. 

So far.

Posted by: mrbrett

Currently using just shimano oil in my front Magura brake. 

In the back it’s Satan's Cocktail of oils blended into a purple death.

Part 1 and 2 - I seem to be alive. 

So far.

The purple drank. Good stuff, I'll probably end up taking the safer of the bodge options and go full shimano pink.

Posted by: velocipedestrian
This is the kind of enabling I'm here for.

These are questions of import! 

I am not a Magura user but have mixed Formula clear and Shimano red with some success (ie notdeath). I have also frequently used suspension fluid in place of brake fluid for mineral oil systems. Mixing suspension fluids to tune viscosity seems to be a much more accepted practice, but if I was writing service manuals for a living I’d probably put in similar warnings to avoid getting warranty returns filled with bacon fat or maple syrup.

Totally anecdotal, but I've heard Putoline HPX R 2.5w eliminates the wandering bite point on Shimano brakes. Maybe a four-way witches' brew of Formula, Shimano, Magura and Putoline oils is the way to go.

I hear SRAM oil in your SRAM brakes eliminates wandering  Shimano bite point.  

Also anecdotal, as our only XTs are on my brewery bike and our Codes also work great.

Titanium is very hard.  Budget extra shop time to drill out shifter cable mounts to run full length housings.

Posted by: heckler

I hear SRAM oil in your SRAM brakes eliminates wandering  Shimano bite point.  

Also anecdotal, as our only XTs are on my brewery bike and our Codes also work great.

Is this ^^  real ? My only comment is that the brake has a  DOT4 requirement stamped on it but you really want 5.1

the only place i could get Finishline 5.1 was at the LBS after looking everywhere else in town

Posted by: TristanC

Totally anecdotal, but I've heard Putoline HPX R 2.5w eliminates the wandering bite point on Shimano brakes.

Sadly it does not. On the plus side I've been running Shimano brakes for so long that I've adapted to them. Always pre-brake to make sure I know where the bite-point is haha!

Respectfully, I'll wager the bike shop I own that not a person alive could tell the difference between DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 in their brakes if blindfolded.