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.              

Carbon Fibre Repair

I headed down to Carbon Bike Repair in Leatherhead. A fascinating visit that dispelled many of the myths surrounding composites. Not least, their capacity for successful, permanent and moreover, cost-effective repair. You can read the full feature here https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/a-visit-to-carbon-fibre-bike-repair .

I was surprised to learn that 99% of damage is repairable on a good-as-new basis and yes, that includes dropouts. Obviously, economics are a determining factor.

Basic repair starts at £80, which is viable on a set of forks blades costing £300. Not so, a set commanding £100, let alone a £35 seat post with aluminium head.

This TT frameset was involved in a particularly gruesome collision with a car. One which ultimately claimed the rider’s arm and broke the frameset into 27 pieces. A bystander had painstakingly salvaged these, placing them in a bag.  

Ultimately, Rob’s team were able to piece it (including the fork!) back together. Rigorously and meticulously tested, it is structurally sound, the rider recovered and returned to racing. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they bought a new frameset and gifted this one to CBR.

Their 2pack paintwork is of phenomenally high standard too. However, there wasn’t a safe opportunity for me to capture this being applied, on account of the paints’ cyanide components. Another reason why manufacturers/refinishers seldom offer little bottles of touch up paint these days.

Shortly afterward, I headed north to work on unrelated photographic assignments, which also coincided with Coventry’s motofest. Oh and a commercial quality TIG welder with AC/DC settings…

TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) is another welding technology that came about in the 1940s and a good alternative to oxyacetylene. It’s also credited with making aluminium and magnesium credible choices for structural works.

Much greater skill is required compared with MIG and the Arc’s intensity is also significantly higher; hence a grade 10 shield/setting and gloves are a must. However, the relatively slow, precise nature rewards with much cleaner, slag-free welds.

It can be used at any position and with the correct shielding gas, is highly suited to titanium and Cro-moly steels. Little wonder how it became so widely used in frame and component construction.

My involvement? All will be revealed another time…

Talking of TIG welded frames; having re-greased the Ilpompino’s headset and seat post, all was buttery smooth and serene. While hustling along the lanes this morning, my internal processes were shattered by a high-pitched “baaaaaaaaaaang!” This was swiftly accompanied by a shimmy; my senses screaming with alarm.

The rear tyre had rolled from the rim. Closer inspection revealed the tube wall had failed- caused by fatigue, rather than foreign object. Thankfully, fresh butyl and Lezyne Micro-floor pump https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/lezyne-micro-floor-pump spared my blushes.

The latter is capable of delivering a road credible 100psi fairly swiftly with only moderate, mere mortal effort. I limped home at 15mph with a wobbly rear hoop. That’ll be a trip to my friendly, local wheel builder tomorrow morning!