Fixing up a GT Ruckus UF

[Rouxenator]

Thanks for all the advice and help so far, it really does make this all the more fun and a good learning exercise for me.

 

Any advice : https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/178221-caliper-mount-width/ 

 

Progress today, new tyres and tubes, brake rotor and lever fitted : 

 

 

 

 

Still need help about why the caliper mount touches the rotor....

 

 

 

Tomorrow I will hopefully be able to remove the BB and fit a SRAM GXP NX crankset. 

[Rouxenator]

OK, long overdue for an update so here goes.

 

To start off I am not very happy right now. Dropped off the bike at the bike shop a month ago with all the parts that still needed to be fit. Rotor and brake was already on the bike, they just needed to adjust the spacing of the rotor in order to fit the brake caliper and bleed the brake.

The other things to do was to fit a missing stem bolt and remove the BB, fitting the GXP BB and crank I provided. I did not expect this to be too much work and told them not to hurry it as I will only have a little spare cash in my budget after K2C.

I called them on Wednesday and was shocked to hear the cost of fixing was R1850, but I thought I will see why that is when I go fetch the bike (today). Labour was R495, that's cool with me. Some parts were needed for the axles, not a problem. However I was charged R780 for a GXP BB, despite providing one. A bigger brand new 180mm rotor was fitted, along with adapter - despite a 160mm one being fitted to the bike when I dropped it off. This also added to the cost.

 

Worst part is the shock useless, when I looked at it I saw the airvalve was tapped to the handlebar. When asking about it the guy told me there is nothing they can do to fix the shock. Now after spending that much I at least expected to ride the bike in all its glory but not with a shock like that.

Oh, and the stem bolt is still missing. I simply was in no mood to fight so I paid and left, tail between my legs.

Is this Rockshox Dual Air really in-sy-moer or is this a fixable item? I recall the shock being one of the nicer things about the bike when I got it. 

 

 

 

 

Any help/advice/encouragement will be appreciated. 

[dewaldsss]

That used to be my bike

Bought the bike from nox1111.

He brought it over from the UK.

What it used to look like in it's former glory.

 

What a machine it was!

Used to rip that thing on Pappegaaiberg jumps!

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/167818-post-your-bike-journey/?hl=journey

[Rouxenator]

Yep, that's the one for sure! I'll do my best to restore it to it's former glory, went on eBay and found a replacement air cap for the shock, still miffed the bike shop broke it. Also ordered a 25.4mm seat clamp but knowing SAPO these will probably only arrive next year. 

 

Not a good idea to tally up the total spend thus far, fixing bikes is a money pit for me. 

Caliper mount R200

Tubes R150

Tyres R390

Pedals R90

Rear SLX brake R750

Bike shop fixes R1850

That brings it to R3430, the same price I want to spend on a 20" Titan for my daughter. But just for good measure the eBay shock air cap and seat clamp adds R400 so soon I guess it will be close to R4k. 

 

Not sure how much these bikes are worth? Why did you get rid of it Dewald and what did you get for it?

 

[dewaldsss]

If memory serves me right, I sold it for R4500 for it back in the day.

I was over the dirt jumping phase and was starting a 8-5 job that made no time for riding.

[Rouxenator]

Looking at prices now, I am definately spending way to much on it, but one day I am sure the bike will be riding again...

 

If nothing else at least I will the satisfaction of keeping it on the go.

[Skylark]

That bikeshop certainly had their way with you.

 

How did they say they broke that top cap, not a usual thing to break at that point?

[Rouxenator]

I'm going back, face to face. To start of my old folks are going to dump R3.5k on the 20" bike my wife checked out while I paid for this cluster f...k today.

 

I need to know, where is my GXP BB? Why did they see the need to use another bill me for it. Secondly, the job card simply said to fit provided parts. Why then was the shock even touched? It was perfect, best thing on the salvage bike to be honest. 

 

Nope. Not taking that as it was served to me. 

[Alouette3]

That's a lousy one. Sorry to hear of the miss hap.

I'd definitely not accept it though. Especially the fork! They broke something you don't even ask them to touch. This is why I do all my own mechanical work. Yes it takes time, but I find my Zen and know exactly what is happening with my bikes and that the work is up to standard.

[nick_the_wheelbuilder]

It sounds like you need to have a hard conversation with that bike shop.

They need to explain why they fitted parts you didn't ask for, they need to return any parts they removed and they need to be held accountable if they broke your fork.

 

Stuff like that really makes me mad! 

[Rouxenator]

If you know the song by Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl... well today I rode a single speed... and I liked it. Very much!

 

Sure, there was absolutely no front shock and it rained on the way to work. Plus there is something clicking/creaking with the crank/drivetrain. But still it felt so nice. Especially on the way back.

 

Dropped it off at another bike shop who said they can replace the air cap. Ebay seller refunded me cause his parts will only arrive in 45 days and then SAPO takes 5 months to deliver. Ain't got time for that.

 

This particular bike seems to be rather notorious cause the dude at the bike shop recognized it, surprisingly his name was Dewald to. The owner also knew the bike. Sooner rather than later I get the feeling I'm going to have to explain how I got it keeping in mind it was taken from a thieving tik kop.... 

 

The ultimate test for me would be taking this on my daily commute home. Maybe in future I'll fit it with a nice long 450mm seatpost and normal MTB seat and ride it like a MTB? WTF is the appeal I felt riding a bike with no gears? Makes no sense....

[PhilipV]

The appeal is the simplicity . you can either brake, turn or pedal.

It's like a bmx for grown ups.

[Rouxenator]

Never felt those climbs like I did today, just had to go down G-spot, wow! This thing is meant to go down and fly.

 

 

[Skylark]

Never felt those climbs like I did today, just had to go down G-spot, wow! This thing is meant to go down and fly.

 

IMG_20181019_163737_DRO_s.jpg

The seat post just completes the look.

[Rouxenator]

Washed and lubed it yesterday, then my wife rode it around the estate, with me and the little one in pursuit on our bikes. 

 

 

Some after shots of what I consider a completed project. Toying with the idea of putting this up as swap/trade for another project/bike.

 

[Skylark]

Plastic pedals, the perfect finishing touch.