Schoolboy error, indeed. I am
of course referring to my Univega’s chainline.
In my haste to instate the new Talon ring, I accidentally mounted it to
the outer spider. Yep, threw the chainline right royally out. Very apparent when dropping to the lower
ratios.
Eureka moment struck and ring
repatriated, shifts are crisp, clean and predominantly silent. What you’d
expect from a new chain, ring and cassette, essentially. Corrections made, I’ve concluded that the
gearing is now, where I need it for most contexts.
An 11-30 (rather than 11-28)
will be my next move but otherwise, the existing setup offers enough grunt,
cruising and bombing prowess. Solo and with Bob Yak homage en-tow. Can
comfortably cruise up a 1in7 at 13-14mph, 20 plus on the flat.
Straying from variable gears
but staying with gearing and chainline... Those looking to optimise precision
with their fixed are well served by Halo Fixed -G Track Hub. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-fixed I’m extremely impressed by the concept and its
execution. Some might consider it a bit pricey for winter/hack duties but it’s
a better option for nicer conversions.
An acquaintance used to own a
1948 fixed gear Freddy Grubb. Beautifully made, with original gloss black enamel,
ornate lugs and an interesting, road friendly fork rake, it had horizontal,
road ends…An ideal candidate.
So, with a looming dental
appointment, and the UK administration following the British Leyland model of breath-taking
incompetence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsizoYrceOg , I needed
a distraction. Off came those Soma Condor 2 Shallow drop bars https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars and in their place, these Genetic DRISER-16
bars.
Their flatter, semi aero
profile top sections provide better mounting points for lights and other
accessories. Using the Genetic Neuron, I’ve been able to mount the Trelock
dynamo switch https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/trelock-ls906-dynamo-front-light and route its cabling more neatly, too. The Genetic
DRISER-16 are marketed as a great option for cyclo cross and gravel racing,
while also suitable for touring and commuting.
They’re made from heat treated
T6 6061 aluminium alloy, the 20mm rise supposedly works to the same principle,
as the Soma. Namely, providing a higher riding position, without faffing about
with spacers.
The top, semi aero section is
designed with cruising on the tops, in mind. 16-degree flare in the drop
supposedly provides an additional control, which would tally with the design
brief.
Ours is the widest, 44cm
version. I typically go with 46cm upwards, so we’ll see. For the time being,
I’ve dressed them in some salvaged Lizard Skins DSP 2.5mm wrap. However, we’re
expecting some competitor test-tape to arrive very shortly, and the Easton Pinline
Foam Bar Tape is well suited to my Univega’s mixed terrain, daily driver duties.
https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/easton-pinline-foam-bar-tape
While the UK isn’t affected by
rapid and extreme changes in climate, early Spring can still prove a very
changeable period. I’m still sporting ¾ lengths, Lake Winter booties, Buff,
winter weight jersey cum jacket and full-finger gloves. Prendas Cyclismo https://www.prendas.co.uk/ have
also sent us some Jerseys, bib shorts, socks and other Spring goodies for
testing but with the mercury struggling towards 7/8 degrees, they’ll have to
wait until things thaw a little.
After last week’s sad demise
of Frankenpute, Paligap www.paligap.cc
kindly sent me this VDOM3WL. Setup was intuitive, following their You Tube
tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA_JqUSNGko
Wax based/emulsion type
lubricants have come a long way in recent years. Most noticeably in the context
of stoicism. Both bikes are still on their first helping of Squirt Long Lasting
Dry Chain Lube. 200 miles apiece, neither chain looks thirsty, and on this
basis, I’m reckoning on 300 plus before topping up is required.
Squirt has transferred more
readily to hands and clothing, than some petrochemical blends and required a
couple of machine washes to shift it. Bodes well for longevity but Something to
consider, if you commute in light coloured trousers.
