Search & Rescue

Wheel on the jig, we were surprised by how wobbly it had become and there was clear evidence of a flat-spot. A few deft tweaks later, it was running true. Back home, tyre and tube reinstated, I introduced a modest 85psi and the rim literally warped before my eyes.

Seconds later, the 30mm Vee Rubber tyre followed suit and I was powerless to stop the tube exploding. The long serving and otherwise, ultra-reliable DN6 hoop was completely spent. It had served almost 12years faultlessly and only been trued twice in that time, so owed me nothing.

Buying a like for like replacement was an obvious, indeed sensible default. However, money was committed to other things and therefore, in short supply... 

Then I remembered I’d stashed a 32-hole Mavic Open Pro rim somewhere...

A few minutes’ foraging unearthed the hoop from behind some tyres. Having double checked it was a 32 hole; I brewed a sudsy bucket, grabbed my favourite brush and tickled the rim clean.  

The double sided inbred hub remains in rude health Even if the spokes were of correct length, reusing them would’ve been false economy, so I cut the hub free in a matter of minutes, using a small set of bolt croppers. 

John Moss has very kindly offered to build me a new wheel, provided I supply the correct components.

I also recalled having a set of Halo Aerotrack wheels doing something close to nothing. The Aero track in question are eight years old and weigh almost 1 kilo apiece. However, they are very stiff and strong.

I don’t run a rear, lever activated brake on fixed set ups, so the non-machined sidewall works fine for me and the fluro green powder coating is of decent quality. Despite the track label, the super smooth, double sided hubs are well-sealed from the elements. I may strip and service them with Green Oil Eco grease. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/green-oil-ecogrease-long-ter-test   

Mine seemed to be missing a cone and integral spacer on one side, so I emailed their UK importer. Ison Distribution www.ison-distribution.com Lloyd responded promptly, some photographs were shared and he graciously offered to send replacements in the post, which I gladly accepted. His generosity didn’t end here.

For the Mavic build, I needed to calculate spoke lengths. Some online research unearthed a very user-friendly database cum calculator. Entering the rim and hub combo, it came back with 282mm, based upon a 2 cross lacing pattern.

Once upon a time 3 X was the default, 4 for heavily laden touring but since 1990, 2X has ruled the roost-for general road, or trail duties. Having spotted Halo spokes this length and in black, I approached Lloyd to check he had stock. He did and moreover, generously donated 32 along with the hub components!

While I await their arrival, I’ve plucked the Teenage Dream from seasonal hibernation. Bikes with complete, period groupsets are nice and I can appreciate truly original builds. However, it’s not my particular route.

Mine are either built, or evolve to suit me. Hailing from 1991, I have upgraded to more modern cockpit, fork and dual pivot brakes are for me at least, a marked improvement upon the originals. Some would say it’s ironic that I haven’t replaced the early 80’s 6speed Campagnolo mechs.

Sentiment aside, they’re in great shape, the machine isn't raced and I like the present blend. Wellgo SPDR pattern pedals may also offend some folks but I find recessed cleats are more practical. Then of course, their smaller surface area entertains more spirited cornering.

Dancing up the climbs, the old fashioned, tubing and lugged construction might feel a bit whippy around the bottom bracket region but it still delivers a responsive and engaging ride. Some would dub it a real mongrel, others a Heinz57. I say, my machine and just as I like it.