Patient #1 Under "The Path" Service Plan.

Affectionately referred to by its owner as The Iron Skillet, this Guerilla Gravity machine has been thru it. "Just like an Iron Skillet, you throw a little seasoning on and take care of it, you'll get a good sear every time."

The Path service plan covers Fork, Shock, and Brake services, so this first visit, its getting all that sorted out.

The original shock, a Float X, was handed off to replace the single cylinder Sienfeld model pictured. The Bumper in the Float X had jumped the bottom out plate and been torn apart by repeated beatings against the eyelet. This shock was fully serviced with fresh air can and damper seals, and a new bottom out bumper. Bled to perfection and swapped in, the upper bottle mount had to go to fit the piggy back of the shock.

This bike has various configurations that it can morph into, and between stays and chips and shock strokes, sometimes the result is a tire contacting the frame at bottom out.

This two headed ghoul on the back of the seat tube was created when such limitations were met during various stages of experimention. Part of my job is to ensure it all plays well and the Ghoul does not expand into a full on demon.

The level of filth on this bike is, for my personal standards, relatable. Given this level of filth, I know what to expect from the brakes, and fortunately for me, this bike easily sheds the brakes for a proper bench bleed/flush. The benefit of this approach is that once flushed, I can hang the calipers below the master cylinders and really purge the last of the bubbles from the system. Pretty much every time I bleed a set of shimano brakes, the fluid is black. This one fits the pattern to a T. Shimano branded mineral oil ONLY, I will accept no substitutes.

When brakes get this dirty, it may take a few bleeds to get all the junk out. If we cracked them open, it probably looks like a muddy situation. Given that these are not rebuildable and shimano would rather have you replace the system, our best way forward is to bleed now, and later in the season, bleed again. All of the brake work is covered under The Path, so the extra care is not going to mean extra cost. The braking surfaces were at1/2 the allowable wear, so we're going to use up the pads and rotors in the spring, and anticipate another bleed/flush/pad replacement come summer.

As for the Fork, a Lyric Ultimate, it will get a full workover and travel change from 150-160. Bushing sizing this time around will help insure peak sliding performance from the lowers. When the fork begins to feel the effect of use, or when it hits 50 hrs, the customer can bring it in for a refresh, again, covered by The Path service plan for $50 a month.

When the rear shock goes squishy, or if it hits the 125hr interval, it will get another full service, covered by the service plan.

The drivetrain is getting a fresher used cassette (Provided) and a new chain to fit the longer overall requirements of the frame changes. Drivetrain parts installs are included in The Path, but bottom bracket, pivot bearing, and hub bearing installation is not covered under this plan. Under The Glam, those services would be covered, and the dented rear wheel getting rebuilt would also be covered. Parts are discounted for these services but not included.

After this first service, there should only be minor things to take care of for the rest of this year. So I anticipate seeing this bike after spring riding takes its toll, or if the wheel finally fails.

long live

The Iron Skillet