Predictably there's been an about-turn on the Teenage Dream's fork choice-the chrome plated 531 blades complete with threaded steerer were a lovely idea until the "Out of stock" reality hit home. Mercifully Acor's UK distributor, Greyville enterprises have been kind enough to oblige with a carbon unit identical to those sported by Ninja Blue. Alas, the courier, despite having clearly read my note detailing a safe place to leave said forks returned them to the depot!
Selling stuff can demand both stoicism and resolve. There were hoards of enquiries from people curious about the Yak-in other words, cyber chancers looking for stuff to sell on eBay. They're quite easy to spot and often seem confounded when you politely decline their offer. One such individual-smacking of a dealer posing as a private consumer; demanded to know what I'd do in the event of not finding a buyer. My response advising I "would simply keep it" clearly left him dumbfounded! My reasons for selling were two-fold, this shop branded copy had come my way and there's no sense in hoarding duplicate stuff that isn't going to be used. After this tide of time wasters, a genuine buyer drifted in, questions were asked, photos exchanged and the deal done. My healthy, robust sense of cynicism suggests the Beast of Burden has a good home and won't find itself on eBay. I'd sooner pass kit on for slightly less to someone who'll enjoy and get use from it.
As these photos illustrate, the other distinct advantage of the shop branded copy is its ability to fold compactly inside the waterproof tote bag for easy storage!
Now, these funny little bits of nylon might excite those of you seeking to carry bottles on frames sans braze-ons. True, bosses are easily added to steel frames but you'll scorch the livery-not an issue timed to coincide with a re-spray but some folk like to retain a frameset's originality-especially a classic. Adding braze-ons can also weaken structural integrity-not alarmingly so but some tubesets are more sensitive than others. On the subject of frame properties and specifically issues of rigidity and strength etc, wandering around the web,I happened upon this very interesting study suggesting that good old 531 (now in it's 73rd year) holds up remarkably well against wonder materials in controlled testing.
http://materials.open.ac.uk/bikeframes/bikeframe.htm
Pop-riveting bosses to an aluminium frame can induce similar feelings of revulsion and under the saddle/seatpost mounts aren't everyone's bag. These clever and aptly named "gizmos" can be positioned on the down or seat tubes and accommodates most standard cages without difficulty-just make sure you measure the tube diameter so as to get the right size-padding them out using shims fashioned from defunct inner tube looks second rate at best. For the time being, I'll stick with the Bor Yeuh bottle caddy but these plastic ties were worth experimenting with.
Belt transmissions remained a quiet force at Eurobike and while dividing many of us into simple love/hate dichotomies, Fixie Inc seem very committed having devised the Klick-Flip-the worlds first flip/flop hub for belt drives. Using a six bolt locking system closely resembling a mountain bike disc hub ensures precise alignment-there's no discretion with a belt as anything less than perfect chain line means both uneven wear an reduced efficiency. Supporters of this system cite greatly improved acceleration and transmission braking, zero lubrication and weight savings of around 300g over a comparable chain drive. keeping an open mind, there's still a sense of de-ja vu sweeping over me . Belt drives have been tried before and while undeniably quiet and mess free, debate rages over efficiency, durability and cost of replacement.
Snow drags back the foot that's slow... The dogs of doom are howling low...Well, we've not reached that season just yet. However, I'll take the opportunity to give frames and newly resurrected trailer a booster application of Waxoyling. Given last week's concerns surrounding the chemical composition of some workshop staples, it seems ironic and possibly hypercritical that I have ploughed surplus proceeds from the trailer sale into acquiring a batch of biodegradable miracle cleaners, degreasers and sufficient car wash/wax concentrate to set myself up commercially. Rest assured, corresponding quantities of Latex examination gloves were not forgotten.
