Replaced the bottom bracket and chain, yet the transmission was still a little noisy, especially when climbing. I’ve been running 110mm bottom bracket axles on my fixed gear builds for some years, problem-free.
I wondered whether the ring and sprocket were worn but both seemed in good health. That only left the chain line. For the uninitiated, the Halo Fix G track hub has two sides. HALO FIX G TRACK HUB | Seven Day Cyclist Tourin Tests Commuting
One a traditional screw-on, the other a splined HG type (but while a Shimano HG sprocket will fit, it will damage the splines). This side is designed for Halo’s dedicated sprockets and spacers for an adjustable, precise chain line.
Having diagnosed chain line, it suddenly occurred to me that the titanium sprocket fitted to my “spare” Halo Aero Rage rear wheel, which had a collar, broadly equivalent to that of the Fix G systems spacers.
Wheel switched and a Schwalbe Marathon GT tyre TESTED : SCHWALBE MARATHON GT TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com) levered aboard the Aerorage hoop and in the rear triangle. Chain tensioned, track nuts snugged tight and all seemed well on the stand. Hunch confirmed the following morning- silence even under load, which meant I could relax and concentrate on turning a decent cadence. Problem solved. I ordered a new Halo sprocket and lockring, so I can switch back to the Fix-G hoop at my convenience.
Acquiring parts, given the pandemic and Brexit uncertainty, has been less seamless than other times. Use what you already have-assuming its fit for purpose...Having spent several hours organising the garage, I concluded this orgy of discipline by stripping and reg-greasing my fixed gear winter/trainer’s headset.
There was still a reasonable amount of Park grease doing its thing, but I was on a roll and now was the time. I opted for some Corrosion Block, which had been in my CK toolbox for over a decade. Took this opportunity to switch the Axiom Grand Fondo for this Kenekt waterproof wedge pack.
I used a liberal helping of Green Oil Eco-grease TWELVE MONTH TEST: GREEN OIL ECO GREASE (sevendaycyclist.com) (which is surprisingly stoical) when installing the UN300. Arguably the Park would’ve been a more obvious choice on the durability front.
I couldn’t find mine at the time, and there’s plenty of home-brewed frame preserve sloshing around the tubes. This liquifies in warmer weather, thus greatly reducing the likelihood of seizure. Lithium pastes are very long-lived. However, there’s the risk of galvanic corrosion striking between the steel frameset and alloy cup.
Traditionally, I’ve taken a dim view of waterless cleaners (although arguably furniture polishes are precisely that) but given the present conditions, I’m appreciating their convenience. On a freshly (or heavily) soiled bike, you’re still better served by a sudsy bucket wash and rinse down.
However, for light to moderately soiled machines, where the grot has dried on, they’re super-convenient. Blow it over, avoiding contact with braking surfaces and contact points, leave 30 seconds, and then buff with a clean, lint-free cloth. Done. I’ve since rescued the Univega from my temporary address (before that area slipped into COVID tier 4).
The pandemic has once again increased in its intensity and presence, with a subsequent surge in cases (which scientific evidence suggested would result, given the relaxing of rules-at least here in the UK). The ineffectual tier system employed on these shores, coupled with an element of public mistrust in the present administration, has compounded matters. Another lockdown, in the New Year seems inevitable.
Good to have the old girl back.
Big section tyres and mudguards are another obvious draw during the depths of a very wet December. Treated it to a liberal helping of waterless cleaner, to remove some of the ingrained chain lube and greasy road spatter from the rear triangle and fork blades, since I had to remove the wheels, so it would fit in an elderly, but solid Micra. I’ll leave you with my review of the Kinekt 2.1 Suspension Seat post KINEKT 2.1 SUSPENSION SEAT POST | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and these FLR Defender MTB Dry Boot FLR DEFENDER MTB DRY BOOT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and hope Christmas delivers whatever we need from it.
