Due to the sheer
demand for Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating's expert services, my
trailer and TIG welded forks blast n' paint rebirth, has been postponed. One of
those things. I'd never ask anyone to work beyond their capacity. I
wouldn't welcome it, so why would anyone else!
For some reason, the
Halo Fixed-G https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-fixed
sprocket's lock-ring, will not stay tight, subsequently, the sprocket moves along the splines. This would partly account for the annoying, low level
chatter when riding across anything other than virgin tarmac.
Then of course,
there's the selection of loose fasteners, zip-ties etc residing in the
Carradice SQR Tour's side pockets. Lived in patina aside, mine's still looking
great, 18 years on and is arguably the best option for my (general riding)
needs. Big lock, tools, change of clothes/shoes, tubes, food and tooling- easily
swallowed.
The only minor
consideration is weight distribution. Laden anywhere close to their ten kilo
capacity, the SQR and its Carradry cousin
https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry can be something of a handful. That said;
it’s a characteristic that I became accustomed to, and accounted for, within a
matter of rides.
Back to
sprockets...For the time being, I've gone for this 15-tooth, Andel Threaded Cro
mo track unit-mounted on the hub's threaded side (obviously). Given these get the
lion's share of dodgy water, salt and other detritus, greasing the threads with
a suitably stiff grease, is essential. In this instance, I've opted for a
ceramic, to avoid galvanic union later on.
I prefer ceramics.
Durability and to some extent cleanliness being the main draw. However, a
synthetic PTFE fortified prep will be fine, even on Titanium/aluminium
interfaces. Old fashioned lithium greases are also fine...Provided you are
pairing an aluminium alloy sprocket and hub.
I've also forgone the
lock ring- for now. Lock rings are a sensible move. However, I find, even given
a liberal greasing, the forces placed upon a fixed transmission, ensures
sprockets get wound on very tightly.
Harmonious swoosh
restored. I would be interested to try Level Components "bolt on"
system, which in theory, should be the most secure going, albeit another demanding dedicated sprockets.
What I’d expect, from
a straight cut, CNC machined example. Bevelled sprockets have their place and
tend to be relatively cheap. Hence their popularity on road bikes, converted to
fixed.
Overcast, slightly oppressive
humidity has been the climatic theme these past week, or so. Nonetheless, I've
managed to get out, and really let my hair down on the Holdsworth. No word from Apeman regarding the sheared A80 casing and mount. For the time
being, video falls exclusively to my Tom Tom Bandit, which is beautifully
intuitive to use.
Though slightly
quirky, the swoopy Soma Condor drops and Tektro RL520 lever are proving inspired
revisions. Revisions offering improved control, both in terms of leverage and
braking. The bars shallower drop ensures I can hunker lower than with the
pursuit type.
I liked the Highway1
handlebars, too https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-highway-1-handlebars.
Another relatively shallow design but one that felt deeper, probably given I
was running a TT type lever, at the end. I spend much of my time on
"open" roads and relatively quiet lanes. Thus, this voluptuous genre,
are a better fit.
The Tektro RL 520 and
Miche dual pivot calliper are a decent marriage, offering lots of controlled
bite. Enough power to lift the rear wheel, so not something I'll be looking to
upgrade. No call for a rear brake, unless you run a flip-flop (Fixed and
freewheel setup) or live in a really mountainous region (at which point, you
probably wouldn't be running a fixed, or single speed setup).
Other contemplated
revisions, include the Crank Brothers Cobalt 3 seatpost, in favour of this
Genetic Syngenic https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-syngenic-seatpost
. While I love the Cobalt3's inline design, svelte profile (250g for 400mm,
anyone?) I'm less endeared by the single clamp. One that is fiddly to adjust, and
more prone to slippage, compared with other designs. Single bolt, or
otherwise.
Aside from the
greater leverage/control, wide bars also open the chest cavity, which assists
breathing, and of course efficient climbing. Gearing between 76.1 and 81
inches, is arguably bang on, for most road contexts.
Tall enough for
maintaining a steady 20mph, without grinding up the gradients, or spinning out
on the descents, like a demented, caffeine-fuelled hamster. Talking of which, check cleat health
regularly. Unplanned disengagement at 25mph plus is a very unwelcome, and
potentially painful and expensive experience. We have become
very accustomed to a fantastic system of universal healthcare, here in the UK.
As is to be expected,
given its enormity, there are sections of the NHS that would merit
improvement, However, the present political administration seems determined to dismantle,
in favour of a US-style, insurance-based system.
Combine that with a
public happy to share their DNA, in order to "discover their
ancestors" and "heritage", it’s not difficult to see how an
insurer could test for genetic susceptibility and increase premiums (or indeed,
decline insurance for certain conditions). This would also have implications
for other things, including mortgages, and related premiums.
