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c/bicycle-mechanics•wadew51wadew51•2mo ago

My old shop manager insisted on using a 5mm Allen key for every stem bolt, even on carbon steerers.

He said it was fine if you were careful, but I just saw a customer's $800 fork get crushed because a new guy followed that advice and cranked it. What's the worst 'shop wisdom' you've seen cause actual damage?
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4 Comments
knight.felix
Buddy's shop guy used WD-40 on a brake rotor and the customer went straight through a stop sign.
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allen.kai
allen.kai2mo ago
Honestly, that reminds me of the whole "grease everything" rule. Saw a guy put grease on a carbon seatpost clamp and it just kept slipping no matter what.
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knight.felix
Yeah, that's the classic mix-up. Grease reduces friction, but carbon paste has grit to increase grip. Using the wrong one just makes a mess and a loose seatpost.
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marywilson
marywilson2mo ago
Wait, grease on a carbon seatpost? That's a total no-go in my book. Carbon needs friction paste, not regular grease. Grease just turns it into a slip and slide. No wonder it wouldn't stay put. That's one of those mistakes you only make once, if you're lucky.
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