Showing posts with label galvanised bicycle chains. Show all posts
Showing posts with label galvanised bicycle chains. Show all posts

Thursday 17 January 2019

Tandem Trikes & Other Favourites











John and Jane Moss have taken the difficult decision to sell their Tandem trike, owned by them since 7th July 1979. Well, back in 1979, it was a Peugeot touring tandem, and rebuilt as a trike, back in 2007. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/love-resurrection-john-moss-s-tandem  
Much money has been spent upgrading the drivetrain and braking. End of an era. However, John’s trike focus, has turned almost exclusively to his Sinner Mango Velomobile. Sadly, there’s no longer enough room, in his workshop, for both. Contact me, by email, if you are interested in buying their tandem trike. 
Elsewhere, I’ve relocated “Franenpute” sensor and magnet, to chainstay and rear wheel. This appears to have solved the interference hassles, when SP PD8 and SL9 dynohubs https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-evura-shutter-precision-sl9-dy  are switched on.
500 miles in, and I’ve also warmed to the Passport Element Chain. At 802 kg, tensile strength is noticeably lower than track type fare, such as KMC Z1 inox https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/kmc-inox-chain (1050kg). These are almost twice the Passport’s asking price, so direct comparisons are unfair.
I’m 70 kilos, so don’t tax components in the same way a powerfully built, 90kilo rider will. Though I noticed the difference in tensile strength, when powering along a climb. I’d be happy popping one on a traditional winter/fixed conversion, single speed freewheels; or hub geared road build.  
More powerful riders, or those living in hillier regions and who only run a single, front brake, would be better served by something like the KMC. Nonetheless, true to claims, lubricant clings to the rougher, galvanised texture.
This not only means it stays put but there’s less clean up, and transference to hands/clothing.  I’ve had to tweak tension, on a couple of occasion, most recently this week, by the roadside.
For one, moral sapping moment, my beloved and long serving Pedros Trixie multitool seemed elusive. Thankfully, the 15mm head popped out from behind a tightly bound spare tube.
Back in September, the fixed hub belonging to the Mavic Open Pro build expired. I’d switched to the Halo Aerorage but pondered what to replace the Mavic’s no-name hub with. I’ve had no problems with cheap hubs in the past. An On-One Inbred unit served a good twelve years before expiry.
A simple cup n’ cone Maillard double fixed unit, graced my first fixed gear build, which was based around a 501 Raleigh frameset. The Inbred is a better bet, for daily drivers cum hack bikes, courtesy of sealed bearings and perfect for a utilitarian build. The sort which needs to be reliable but not attract unwanted attention, when locked to street furniture for longer periods.
Then this Halo rear fix G track hub, was offered me by Ison Distribution https://www.ison-distribution.com/english/product.php?part=HUHATG2K . Sealed bearings and hollow Cro-moly axles bode well for year-round/winter service. Look closely and you’ll notice a HG cassette type assembly for loading fixed sprockets.
Aside from the obvious convenience-no need for medieval looking chain whips, this allows for an adjustable chain-line, between 41and 52mm. Theoretically, a boon for older road conversions. However, those looking to leave their frame spacing untouched may find Surly New Road Rear https://www.ison-distribution.com/english/product.php?part=HUSURRDK a better option.
Don’t be tempted to use HG cassette sprockets with the rear fix G. Stick with 7mm Halo Fat foot, or Gusset Double Six sprockets.
Then there’s an independent lock-ring, that doesn’t have to deal with those rotational forces, traditionally synonymous with fixed transmissions. Talking of which, it will also entertain fixed sprockets between 12 and 20teeth. This should cater for pretty much every occasion, including fixed gear cross/gravel antics.    
Tioga City Slickers are another definite favourite of mine and 25 years later, they’re much as I recall, save for a new, “Energetic” 60tpi casing. Our samples are 700x32 but there’s a 38mm option, and plenty to please those of us, still running 26inch wheels.
I spent several years bombing round the capital on 26x1.95s, which were quick and compliant. Literally gliding over holes and lumpy ironworks. Punctures were rare events too. Or is that nostalgia weaving its hypnotic spell. Several weeks and a few hundred miles will tell.
One way, or the other.  Right, better glue this nasty looking (though thankfully, superficial) cut in the Soma Supple Vitesse EX casing. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-fabrications-vitesse  Before it expands, or a thorn, glass, or similar sharp sneaks inside.