So, with freshly rebuilt dynohub
wheel safely returned to me, and Univega waxed, following some mucky January
mile munching, it was time to switch to fixed.
Following frankenpute euphoria,
you’ll imagine my dismay at a flickering and sometimes unresponsive computer
display. Big fat flashing zeros are not cool.
Let us be clear (as the present UK administration is so fond of touting). I had inserted
fresh CR2032 cells, adding a slither of Vaseline to the battery contacts,
nipped the sensor ties and magnet tight…Most probable causes isolated.
A seasonal Lurgy curtailed
further diagnostics, but all seemed to be behaving normally. Both on the work
stand and a subsequent mile long loop.
Three days later, back in the
saddle, out along the lanes. Dynamo on, blinkies pulsing, erratic readouts...
So, I switched the Trelock LS 906 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/trelock-ls906-dynamo-front-light
lamp off. Consistently accurate, precise
readouts resumed. Fluctuations gone. This remained the case, over two rides and 45
miles.
I’ve never experienced these
symptoms with my Univega’s Ultegra, or elderly Nexus hub dynamos. However,
Strong magnetic forces, such as those experienced around power plants, and
pylons are notorious points of interference. 97.6mph along a long, straight
road, anyone?
I am also advised Shutter Precision hubs have
particularly strong magnets.
Carbon fibre can also prove
conductive, which is why good quality greases/assembly pastes must be used on
metal components, to avert risk of galvanic corrosion/seizure. Bottom bracket
threads being prime candidates. Could it be that the wonder weave, is amplifying
said magnetic field, and creating these irregular signals?
This may dictate moving sensor
and magnet to chain-stay and rear wheel. Doing will exhaust computer and sensor
cells a little faster. But provided I don’t exceed the 1 metre rule, everything
should play nicely.
A wired unit is my last
resort. Aside from defeating my “make do and reinvent narrative”, I’ll need to
be more mindful when performing headset strips, and similar maintenance. Blackburn have advised they no longer keep
spares for the Atom units and, surprisingly, have deleted computers from their
range.
Another rummage through the
bodge box unearthed this VDO M3 WL, which appears to have a sensor fault. I’ve tried
all the above techniques, but they won’t play nicely. Nor any other brands, for
that matter, so I’ve emailed their UK importer for help.
Despite constant headlines
threatening a second ice-age, the thermostat has hovered around a seasonally
typical 5 degrees.
No call for spikes just yet,
although the wind chill prompted donning of Northwave Balaclava, once or twice.
These Oxford bright 4.0 gloves https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-1
have also come into their own
and Steve’s been impressed by Proviz Reflect 360 CRS Plus Jacket https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-reflect360-crs-plus-jacket
Chainsaw oil is continuing to
do the business and some 140 miles in, is probably the closest to a bike specific,
wet lubricant. I’m bargaining 500 miles from a single application. On paper, it’s
looking a costlier option, compared with the bargain basement 5w/40. However,
the latter attracted more scuzz. Most apparent within the cassette.
There’s been some further
perch swapping, courtesy of this Pro Turnix gel saddle, which now graces my
fixed gear winter/trainer. Its Selle Italia Novous boost superflow has been
ported over to my tubby tourer and I’ve earmarked the BBB Echelon, elsewhere.
Possibly the Goldhawk Roadax, if I can’t live with its stock/OEM model.
