WB> Holy smokes Gary!  You have been LUCKY!
That's what I was thinking.. I'm taking the bike down to the shop today for
a whole set of repairs/maint.
WB> Well I do my headset bearings every 2 seasons, my crank-bearings every
WB> spring, and I have replaced one chain.  When your chain gets very worn
WB> you will begin to notice poor shifting...that's when I look at a new 
chain.
WB> I have about 4700 KM on my bike, and I have checked the hubs just 
ecently
WB> and they were still clean and un-worn.  However, I would get your rear 
cogs
WB> looked at, as mine are nearing replacement.  The larger you are and the 
mor
e
WB> you use the smaller cogs--the sooner you will have to look at 
placement.
I'm gonna let a professional shop do the crank bearings, headset bearings,
new chain, and to take a good look at the rear cog. If I need a new cog,
fine.
In addition, I have Shimano 105 STI and it has 2 chainrings on the front.
I've seen new bikes spec'd with 3 chainrings with the 105 STI, so I'll check
with my bike shop to see if they can retro-fit the 3 chainring onto it..
It'll make it easier for hills. :-)
I noticed the bike was getting slightly louder then normal, so I cleaned it
all up yesterday using that Finish Line chain cleaner. It came out really 
nice,
 and
sounds so much better now, but I'll still have the shop look it all over..
WB> Get the crank bearings looked at for sure!  They are closest to the 
round
WB> and most likely to get mud/grit inside.  I once had my entire set of
WB> crank bearings basically explode inside the casing.  I took it apart and
WB> the bearings were all crushed and split.  It did such dammage to the 
bearin
g
WB> races....I decided to get a new frame!  That was back when I used to 
hink
WB> maintainance was a luxury.  Lucky for me it wasn't a very expensive 
ame.
I'll do it today! Thanks for all of the information, it's greatly
appreciated of course..
GH
 * WCE 2.1G1/2251 * garyh@superlink.net
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