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January 6, 2017

Tech Tip #1: Cut me some slack!

We here at Profile Racing make a ton of components. With that being said, we get a ton of tech questions about those parts.

So for 2017, we’re starting a tech series to answer any questions you might have.
If you have any suggestions on what you’d like to see covered, please contact me at [email protected]
Tech Tip #1: Cut me some slack!
Which slack ring should I get for my Profile ZCoaster?
 
The Profile ZCoaster is a pretty simple mechanism. It’s a cassette when pedaling forward (engaging the drive mechanism), and upon back pedaling 180 degrees (1/2 crank ), you disengage the drive mechanism which puts it into Freecoaster Mode.
 
The overall advantages:
 
1. Like a Cassette, when engaged, you can use pedal pressure for tricks.
2. A simple internal design for easy maintenance.
3. Larger driver and outer support bearings to protect against side load.
zcoaster-spread
When choosing a slack ring, you definitely want to consider the type of riding you do.
From our experiences, a lot of flat riders choose the 45 degree option (1/2 crank back to disengage, 1/8 crank forward to engage).
For general use, we recommended a 90 degree option which will cover all forms of riding (Flat, park, street, trails, vert: 1/2 crank back to disengage, 1/4 crank forward to engage).
However, if you mostly ride ramp, your feet probably shift up and down way more than you know when pumping. This can cause a slight “clicking” noise, which means the drive mechanism is trying to engage. In that case, we recommend using a 115 degree slack ring (1/2 crank back to disengage, 1/3 crank forward to engage).
You might have to try two slack rings to see what is best for your style of riding. And when doing so, always choose more slack to begin with, and you can adjust from there if you need to.
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Here’s some personal feedback from our riders.
We hope this helps…
Thanks for the support!
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“I run the 90 degree slack ring because I want to make sure I have the most difference between the two settings. If I want to be freecoasting I want to have as much room to move my feet around with out it engaging. On the other hand if I want to use pedal pressure for a tail tap or something I want to make sure I have the most room for leeway there as well.”
 

-Grant Castelluzzo 

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“I use the 75 degrees ring. I’ve prefered a big slack since a long time (I used to modify old freecoasters to have a bigger slack for the new flatland pedal tricks on the back wheel and backwards manuals in the 90’s). 75 doesn’t feel as big as it sounds though, it’s the perfect ratio for me between the safety of the slack and the possibility to quickly go into pedalling mode again.”

 
-Alexis Desolneux
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“I started out on the 45 degree and really have not needed to change as this fits my style perfect. It is refreshing how simple this works and knowing if I do want to change there are options, and a simple install.
Some of my riding involves what I call “kick pedal” tricks and I can’t have a mammoth amount of slack or the tricks would be way harder to do.”
-Chad Degroot

January 6, 2017

COVID-19 UPDATE

We are taking precautions to protect our employees and follow CDC and state guidelines. In the meantime, our machine shop is still running, we're here to assist you and we'll be shipping product to help support bike shops during this difficult time.