Gearing Fixed

 

Well after some deliberation and a quick wander round the web, I sourced this 20tooth fixed sprocket and a new Sram PC1 chain. Functional, rather than exotic but crucially; the right size and at the right price! Chances are I’ll save this for the big sprocket and the stockier KMC for day to day stuff.  

Magic links, which enable easy, tool-free chain fitment/removal for cleaning are pretty standard these days. Though their appeal isn’t difficult to grasp, especially for pro mechanics needing to strip and prep a fleet of bikes after each race, even with derailleur set-ups, I consider these a weak spot, so default to the traditional and in my view, more reliable pin.

The PC1 is a nickel-plated single speed, rather than a half-link track-specific model, so in some respects and bikes with a single speed freewheel, I can see the reasoning but it’s still not for me!  

Fixed sprockets by definition tend to get wound on extremely tight. I opt for a lock-ring just in case but for the most part, unless I’ve been doing a lot of transmission braking (i.e. holding off against the cranks to regulate speed, say in slow moving traffic, or to prevent a face plant slippery roads etc).

However, their simplicity means they also tend to get forgotten-doused in wet, gritty stuff for months and potentially, years on end…  

Applying a layer of decent quality grease to the hub threads should be a no-brainer. Even then, wrestling them free can require a surprising amount of effort and the Ilpompino’s left hand EAI Superstar sprocket was no exception. To my surprise, the lock-ring came away quietly, with a deft nudge my Pedros’ Trixie.

However, it took the combined efforts of a carefully directed blast of penetrant spray, Pedro’s vice whips and some primal grunting before the sprocket would budge. Thankfully, grazed knuckles and agricultural language were conspicuously absent.

A carpet of blue Corrosion Block grease was applied to the hub threads and the big, black sprocket spun home. Since I was giving said bike a quick onceover, I took the opportunity of exchanging the titanium bottle cage for the Fidlock system and reinstating a “winged” carbon composite to the Univega’s seat tube boss.

Though pocket tools are a convenient and therefore, tempting default, I’ve been sticking religiously to the Fix-It sticks T-way wrench http://fixitsticks.com/t-way

for generic workshop fettling, primarily to hunt out any limitations in their design. I have one minor “room for improvement” box ticked but generally speaking, I‘ve been impressed by the quality of construction and standards of engineering.

A full review coming soon to Seven Day Cyclist www.Sevendaycyclist.com . This week, we’ve a photo love-story two-tone powder coat makeover piece and long term review of its performance almost two years, four seasons’ service later. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/two-tone-frame-makeover Steve Dyster has been riding his similarly faithful touring Lorry round the Radnor ring https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/riding-the-radnor-ring.    

Here in the UK, Police forces are starting to roll out “Close Pass initiatives” designed to target poor overtaking of cyclists by drivers. 1.5 metres is the magic number space wise. These initiatives involve incognito officers riding along some of the busiest sections of road.

In the event of sloppy, or downright dangerous pass, they communicate the vehicle details to motorised colleagues further along. These officers can then intercept and dispense advice and guidance on appropriate overtaking.

Many riders, myself included can cite close encounter on a seemingly daily basis. Some are more noteworthy and unnerving than others. Last Thursday, an elderly Lexus passed me along a long, clear stretch of road with inches to spare-close enough that I could tap the door skins with my finger-nails. 

This week, I almost became an ornament on the bonnet of a black Peugeot estate. The driver ignored my right of way and ploughed on regardless. I also noticed a young woman passing me erratically. When I glanced over, she appeared to be angling her smartphone directly at her crotch. Another posed for a selfie at every junction. Hopefully neither is going to become a trend.

Right; I’ll close with some more creative birthday decorations from Dolly Blue Blue.