Postby greg » Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:07 am
my take on a few of the questions:
1) your speed of taking the chain tensioner off may be due to the type that frame employes. Like Jason said, speed usually isnt a factor with BMX mechanics, so it's not a big deal (unless your caught between motos with a flat tire and have to change tubes quick...been there, done that with the kids bikes). Anyway, there are many out there that are really not a big deal to take off and can be done in seconds.
2) SRAM makes a good chain. Also, KMC 610 chains are decent at a decent price. It just depends on how many ponies your putting out, if it's for a small kid, how often you are willing to change them out, etc.
3) If you do decide to run clips, Shimano are pretty much the norm. There are some that prefer others, though. If you go Shimano, a great pedal is the DX (PD-M647), or the PD-M545.
4) personally, I think stands are a waiste. Spend your money on an extra national or something.
5) Again, truing stands aren't really required, but lets just say you like to be a hands on type and not pay for things (wheel truing can be had for pretty cheap, though). If you really like to do it yourself, and you're like me, you may as well get the tool that's going to give you the most satisfaction. Go for the Park TS-2 if you want the best tool. It's about double the TS-8, but is twice the tool.
6) I use a Park twist type chain breaker, but have also used a cheap import breaker with no complaints. There's plenty out there, but if you go with Park tools in general, I don't think you'll go wrong.
As far as master links, there are various thoughts on these. Some don't like them at all, some have no problem using them. Me presonally, I haven't had or seen any problems with them, but I do stick with the clip type.
Hope this helps.
Greg "how long does it take you to crash" prawitt