After last week’s set of mechanical issues I was set for some redemption on the track at Hellyer. Low-key races were on the calendar at the track for this afternoon and I was determined to be there ready to roll. My main bicycle maintenance task for this week was to get my Fuji track bike ready and reliable for today.
The main problem I have had with the bike, breaking chains, I attribute to a slightly ovoid chainring. Unfortunately, the crankset that came with the bike uses 130mm BCD rings and getting a replacement chainring in time was not in the cards. 144 mm BCD track rings were in stock, but not 130’s. Then I had an ah-hah moment. I plan on making my commuter a fixed/SS bike, and for that the black 130BCD crank that was on the track bike will be ideal. Last night was part swapping time. The old crankset, and bottom bracket, were removed and set aside to go on the commuter bike. A replacement crankset, using 144mm BCD rings, and a matching bottom bracket, were installed. Immediately I could tell the difference; no longer did the chain alternately go from too tight to too loose. Everything looked fine, acted fine, and sounded fine, ready to get out and do some racing.
The other problem from last week, a blowout on the rear tire, was remedied earlier in the week with some new rubber. For some additional leverage I replaced the road style bars that came on the bike with a set of SOMA track bars and added red bar tape to add a bit of color to an otherwise monochromatic bike. Then I called it good.
Then it rained all night. When I got up this morning I was skeptical that the races would be held, but decided to wait a while before making a judgement. I ran out to do the weekly grocery shopping, and it rained the entire time. So I knew when I got home what I would find in my e-mail INBOX; the message that the races had been cancelled. Bummer. The bike was all dressed and had no place to go. This afternoon the rain ceased and it is drying up somewhat. I just came in from a few laps around our neighborhood on the bike, hitting it hard in some sprints, to see how it rides after the changes. The weird groans that preceded each of the chain snapping incidents (and scared The Wife, Sabine, and Ryan three weeks ago) are gone. It seems so pointless to have it so ready and not be able to get out and ride it. Guess I will put the bike away until early next month since we will be out of town much on next week.
-
I think your new chainring is a little too bling for the bike. You’re going to need a fancier bike to go with that!
I was bummed about the low key races being canceled. Oh well, it was good time to be school girl and go out for a trail run for a change.
-
see, you guys should be coming over to the cross scene…
the gigs will never be canceled for heavy rain, wind, hail, horse poo, broken tree across the path…folks actually get all pumped up for these kind of things.
cross…you will get to call your wife, a dirty school girl.
-
Rick – can you let me know what you think of the Nimble Cross Winds that you have? They are made just 3 miles from my house and wonder if they are something I should look into.
-
Ms Chatterbox – the bike is plenty fancy for its purpose. Until I am ready to race in the big leagues, it will do.
Twinkie – I call The Wife ‘Dirty Girl’ already, even in a blog post or two
We have been discussing the cross scene, will see what transpires. Still, when one prepares for some races, bummer to see them cancelled.Chris – Still do not have a lot of time on the Cross Winds. They are now on the TT bike. I was impressed with David at Nimble when the wheels went back for a checkup. They tested the living daylights out of those things, and he explained it all in great detail in our phone conversation. Interestingly, they estimated, based on wear, that the wheelset had approx. 15K miles on them; long time for a wheelset with rim braking. And the braking surface is still fine! I had a lot of concerns; we had the old 4 spoke Spinergy wheels that developed a repuation for sudden, catastrophic failures. David went into great detail to explain how that cannot happen with the Cross Winds due to the difference in construction technique. So, while not a lot of road time to speak of, I was impressed enough with the expertise and openness to get the one wheel body replaced and continue to use them.
-
“All dressed up with no place to go.”
The races were ‘off like a prom dress’
oh, the places we could go with this! -
Rick – thanks for the information.
Comments are now closed.
6 comments