tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69203739438454591572024-03-14T01:03:21.435+08:00Bikes-bikes-bikesWhat else but a mish mash of articles on biking, silly rants and a dash of tattoo stuffs..anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.comBlogger303125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-7336419001731940692021-12-31T10:11:00.016+08:002022-06-28T08:27:26.653+08:00Gravmutterizing<div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI6pvEWnctqAF3XucDMzA7NibxAtPB5IiDgucy5wruFbp_wC0481B2lDiQMgtFDHh7xaTaBdjFL0O9d1DJkf2EbjZMNkZKkd4dqXsrKdfDer81J7aKicz1zVT4DGROQ4oRjs7KiC2N9rD2IGx_9dHBqHgd1Mnaw5lcPQ-9ob6vRcxAe2qMKCysUhbT2Q=s1332" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="843" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI6pvEWnctqAF3XucDMzA7NibxAtPB5IiDgucy5wruFbp_wC0481B2lDiQMgtFDHh7xaTaBdjFL0O9d1DJkf2EbjZMNkZKkd4dqXsrKdfDer81J7aKicz1zVT4DGROQ4oRjs7KiC2N9rD2IGx_9dHBqHgd1Mnaw5lcPQ-9ob6vRcxAe2qMKCysUhbT2Q=w406-h640" width="406" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p>Time to put things to good use... with the GR300 taking over, it was time to hack up the old Marin Nicasio+. Everything's on a budget this time. Weight is not a concern. I set out in mind for a practical smooth ride. Speed is definitely not on the agenda for this build. Even if all beefed up with weight, it should be something that can take on some unpaved paths.. No stupid moves on full on MTB trails though... ok or maybe... ;)<br /></p><p>Debating between decked out with front and rear racks or not... but decided to forgo front for now. I'm not touring so it's kinda pointless to load up front and retard steering and adding on further to the clunkiness. Rear bags and panniers have its cons too of course but.... <br /></p><p>Anyway racks or no racks--The past year of riding and removal of fenders from the Stanyan has told me one thing--- FENDERS must come back on this build</p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipPSm9V-TaiKViOYghmDL42YfT19oNLMcZUqHHHXUWuaZ9SwM_IbExuur04gAECIh0WeOaRXgAFoAHCzFE_rCpaSNY0xSQNqZL0bkGgFIx0gfT9gAn_Ix6XHl71axahN1TBWOKYJvt_fhv-TA7CbL3ve4V319LAUPZu_sbNS7oiQKrb9XFDQsSPKyzYQ=s2048" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipPSm9V-TaiKViOYghmDL42YfT19oNLMcZUqHHHXUWuaZ9SwM_IbExuur04gAECIh0WeOaRXgAFoAHCzFE_rCpaSNY0xSQNqZL0bkGgFIx0gfT9gAn_Ix6XHl71axahN1TBWOKYJvt_fhv-TA7CbL3ve4V319LAUPZu_sbNS7oiQKrb9XFDQsSPKyzYQ=w376-h183" width="376" /></a></div><p>No fancy Honjo or Gilles Bertould or even SKS this time. Looking up and down-- value for money seem to be these from Shopee/ Lazada. I know I'm gonna bitch when it comes to installing and was already thinking that later on the struts will be changed to adjustable ones or hacked up with some c-clips/ darumas if I decide to cut away the loops or straighten them out.</p><p><br /></p><p>And here we go again... Of course no self respecting fenders will let you install them without a fight. So out with the Dremel tool again for some mod...<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB1rHuqg2At6CYUvStTorzHFt2TaHgfO9kRiSh3uTjoozNdX1KlZaIyzl5sbwo5p9WG1DYfk1-KtRNXNep5PGtBL-YnRZlCVAujs6GDnjh4U2fTK_5Aph89eVKY_eSgxAEuLp1-4wgbD_bDVugxr3PCvsR2Ujne729wHkwkp6GcJHSgTt-eBfgx9o3fw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB1rHuqg2At6CYUvStTorzHFt2TaHgfO9kRiSh3uTjoozNdX1KlZaIyzl5sbwo5p9WG1DYfk1-KtRNXNep5PGtBL-YnRZlCVAujs6GDnjh4U2fTK_5Aph89eVKY_eSgxAEuLp1-4wgbD_bDVugxr3PCvsR2Ujne729wHkwkp6GcJHSgTt-eBfgx9o3fw=w114-h201" width="114" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyEI2ggPdQztmIsgFajUaXqdFkRVcu3ezRuYrw-GIVLG-AdzGzChLyvLVs6f5yulqXdkSrzY2RaFZuXEkHsvSk4oeqD2nqtIkauQNsif1HykBIfxrAUiK8V9sv4Dn7AZIaEdZXlcqVPum0NpV014fP-qQ1Gd8zFTGdmc1IM5a0JYleg0T-6x0_0tZdIA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyEI2ggPdQztmIsgFajUaXqdFkRVcu3ezRuYrw-GIVLG-AdzGzChLyvLVs6f5yulqXdkSrzY2RaFZuXEkHsvSk4oeqD2nqtIkauQNsif1HykBIfxrAUiK8V9sv4Dn7AZIaEdZXlcqVPum0NpV014fP-qQ1Gd8zFTGdmc1IM5a0JYleg0T-6x0_0tZdIA=w113-h201" width="113" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyone that installed these parts will definitely know-- the front will
always move to the opposite direction with the rear. So getting one
end aligned means more offset to the other. You literally have to bend
the m#th@rF%^ker back with some brute force and or twist the center
fixture to the fork. Ditto for the rear but not so bad as the end just
behind the seat tube/BB is a fixed point. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiG9tlrTiq1IYrd4s0h9JkVbT4-wbgDhBqnT8TyJhZPgqLjHw5FoZjP0-9wVwfanJweNn9Ui3cKKaAM6-ETJVUqAL643gphfXSa8Bna-Py0brfp6cD3yStnoAPvwaxrQU8QNyp1-zK2FTfkowGYGeDdF1dTQE2wZXr_dc-YWTrELUOJcMhAScced6JoQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiG9tlrTiq1IYrd4s0h9JkVbT4-wbgDhBqnT8TyJhZPgqLjHw5FoZjP0-9wVwfanJweNn9Ui3cKKaAM6-ETJVUqAL643gphfXSa8Bna-Py0brfp6cD3yStnoAPvwaxrQU8QNyp1-zK2FTfkowGYGeDdF1dTQE2wZXr_dc-YWTrELUOJcMhAScced6JoQ=w391-h220" width="391" /></a> <br /></div></div><p>Not having damuras and c-clips at this point means the only way to adjust gap to wheels is via bending of the struts... That's always gonna be ugly no matter how balanced you can get both sides to be.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD53gUL2dfQNam6QDBUaYPRAeg9ZK05YVo6p_r-P-aCEa2-WiwGebc6VaMTe5bBEaOrrzufZgU6_ca0mGa_2583MQz7Hz4ud2yi9wBt-zjsz14G3BE5QUrCsIPjG0M9ODqP-Mqey99GYDk8_8ZZOpCICbaBUlGZp5FWs-z4p8u_xxL0bJEs9ckxWRniA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD53gUL2dfQNam6QDBUaYPRAeg9ZK05YVo6p_r-P-aCEa2-WiwGebc6VaMTe5bBEaOrrzufZgU6_ca0mGa_2583MQz7Hz4ud2yi9wBt-zjsz14G3BE5QUrCsIPjG0M9ODqP-Mqey99GYDk8_8ZZOpCICbaBUlGZp5FWs-z4p8u_xxL0bJEs9ckxWRniA=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>As with all parts installed -- shakeout ride and more tweaking back home... Yea.. gaps at both ends of front and rear nearing the splash guard is a little wide. Especially at the front wheel, which meant a little toe overlapping than I would care for.... More strut bending time again.</p><p>The panniers arrived the day before... an item I kept on my Aliexpress cart for like 1-2 years? Finally sprung for it just before Xmas. Not Billingham quality but also not some cheapo knock-off andpretty good quality and workmanship I must say. Now just to season up the straps a little. To tone down the edges for a nicer "worn" blended look.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb9sScS4Lq1sQFB6kfH1BItatcVPJzW_9xx6XRd5fdNPQk9qR5M1Zf9OU1fakfT41M70z96F32mwSfJvyDHg2OvTa7bPmQHOi9_EW2bAkurHhOB43XoAez6RCCPmAj5dSvPCARmhPMP887xHuf1FqN5zs-Z_GPWjaokqZD0awNsy71hr45b-mYiU6XvQ=s3660" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3660" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb9sScS4Lq1sQFB6kfH1BItatcVPJzW_9xx6XRd5fdNPQk9qR5M1Zf9OU1fakfT41M70z96F32mwSfJvyDHg2OvTa7bPmQHOi9_EW2bAkurHhOB43XoAez6RCCPmAj5dSvPCARmhPMP887xHuf1FqN5zs-Z_GPWjaokqZD0awNsy71hr45b-mYiU6XvQ=w640-h358" width="640" /></a></div><p>Oh-- and those funky colored lock-on grips are here too. Wasn't expecting too much at the price point but they seemed sturdy enough for this intended build and the graphics adds a nice splash to the bike. Helps to convey the"un-seriousness" of this ride.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgta6OgF_VscSTAQmeFfnXN4v6eHc9Mxt7Y0VUxPT2RjuInMMP4QO-gdvjaNf6yWYyEVR1WMexMVZ7fHZuFq53Njl9XvZKLKv2dbUylFI9qAIkK-SJ4vS-0KegUZDb5igqWUJOOV3Zn9iBAM6eMb8EsMqxzRDKSnbR27DoU-ERoR0pM5-Z_mb93QneNlA=s3641" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3641" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgta6OgF_VscSTAQmeFfnXN4v6eHc9Mxt7Y0VUxPT2RjuInMMP4QO-gdvjaNf6yWYyEVR1WMexMVZ7fHZuFq53Njl9XvZKLKv2dbUylFI9qAIkK-SJ4vS-0KegUZDb5igqWUJOOV3Zn9iBAM6eMb8EsMqxzRDKSnbR27DoU-ERoR0pM5-Z_mb93QneNlA=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8LDRAtYXUNnQrkJ1myPxjWrhTFFq8MkRKqpEe4sp7SmewV-bbTSqxn0QHghJ7SheHz6Iwj9EyQ7LTsJEMLziT6mtbbx-ww6lMRdQSJIwGh7BXNGS6NIpvL33Qh-oZverEDtP2HeB2BhkUmwtu9Fdcd9Krc25yVXKAmvzJlvO9m2BygNckNZnSY0V65Q=s2008" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1784" data-original-width="2008" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8LDRAtYXUNnQrkJ1myPxjWrhTFFq8MkRKqpEe4sp7SmewV-bbTSqxn0QHghJ7SheHz6Iwj9EyQ7LTsJEMLziT6mtbbx-ww6lMRdQSJIwGh7BXNGS6NIpvL33Qh-oZverEDtP2HeB2BhkUmwtu9Fdcd9Krc25yVXKAmvzJlvO9m2BygNckNZnSY0V65Q=w640-h568" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Recycled old parts swapped over to here --- </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>BROOKS C17 </b> --el cheapo version, test-piece harassed into being sold to me cheaply10 yrs ago.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>SURLY Tubular Chromoly Rear Rack</b> - Heavy AF. but can load up to 36kg <br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>9s Shimano bar-con shifter</b> - set to friction mode to gel with the Microshift rear dee because I'm again too cheap to buy the Microshift flatbar shifter after removing the dropbar levers that came with this bike. Again some old shit from my bike bin<br /></li></ul></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>SOMA Clarence bar - </b>one of my many funny bars collection that won out on this setup. I find the original 680mm a little short especially when the bike is a bit loaded at the back and extended it out to ~720 with some <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Controltech-Terminator-Handlebar-Extension-Length/dp/B07T97G1B9" target="_blank">Control Tech bar-extender.</a> Not something I would ever do with MTBs but its ok here...as its all easy cruising with little of the mad crash prone stuff I do on mtbs. <b><br /></b></li></ul><p>$$$ spent on this hack up</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Tourbon panniers</b> - USD$86</li><li><b>some cheap funky grips</b> - SGD$10.56</li><li><b>Unbranded Thermoplastic fenders</b> - SGD$ $21.30</li><li><b>"Avid" 5 levers</b> - SGD$9.80</li><li><b>New cable housings and cables </b>- SGD$13.00</li><li><b>Decathlon Kickstand</b> - came with this bike when i bought it used... not exactly necessary but convenient to have especially if the bags are weighted down and not leaving it lying down in the wet on some days... or when taking out the cooking "toys" to prep a meal or coffee.<br /></li></ul><p> </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1HyK6nDqh67YApTKSib17_4cmLUWgeZWNiXEcmfzH9gldgGtwRBGOu_M759j9dbJKzAhTg0nBC4eu_9zx6ARI0vdV45hIaemt5-qu48U0DZzASZ7yuShwA8QHn2KQgIGUAuDDY13ZtKcmh34FALnQgqUa6Jax3aTub_Ye469VeyzoEx95KqYx_c0DMA=s1513" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1513" data-original-width="843" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1HyK6nDqh67YApTKSib17_4cmLUWgeZWNiXEcmfzH9gldgGtwRBGOu_M759j9dbJKzAhTg0nBC4eu_9zx6ARI0vdV45hIaemt5-qu48U0DZzASZ7yuShwA8QHn2KQgIGUAuDDY13ZtKcmh34FALnQgqUa6Jax3aTub_Ye469VeyzoEx95KqYx_c0DMA=w356-h640" width="356" /></a></div>Last but not least- -a tad of personalization. Key chain name tag from my Boracay vacation in The Philippines eons ago... and oh, the refuse to die 20 years Cat-eye blinker as a backup here that some kind LBS owner gave me on a rainy day much like this last day of 2021 when I was heading back from his shop in the evening, cos mine kaput back then... I'll always remember these little acts of kindness in my cycling journeys.<p>Some final thoughts? Upgrade the brake calipers to those hybrid mech/ hydraulics like the Huin Tech R1 or TRP Spyre? Normal ride speed the mech calipers work just fine but when loaded-- I could appreciate a little more stopping power. </p><p>Or should I break out my fossilized Shimano DCLs-- the most hated flatbar integrated control in the world and swap to full hydraulic?-- hmm but that would mean changing out rear dee and all. Nah. <br /></p></li><span><a name='more'></a></span></ul><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>"NEW BIKE" -- under SGD$200 for 2022</b></span></span><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-33324874622604741002021-09-11T16:12:00.005+08:002022-03-08T14:21:18.515+08:00GR300: The Build<p>So here it is... and the start to the Lynskey GR300 complete bike build.<br /></p><p>Given the current global shortage of everything, the kitted option of the Lynskey GR300 is a wise decision to save headaches and waiting time over my usual part by part purchase after a frame is decided upon<br /></p><p>Slapping on the main components together is a no brainer. Those can
easily be googled on Youtube which I won't spend too much time unless I
do find some things are truly lacking -- like road brake bleeding. </p><p>So as usual with my writing, this would contain tidbits from experience and little hacks to troubleshoot or refining of things on a bike.. with many of the lesser talked about preps and finishing on various parts on a bike. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HSXePl2nk4/YTCVUFNprrI/AAAAAAAAK_w/hu2Nnrq2fV875_iRe21efcSl7pG2Gj4-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HSXePl2nk4/YTCVUFNprrI/AAAAAAAAK_w/hu2Nnrq2fV875_iRe21efcSl7pG2Gj4-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unpacking Day: Well packed and all delivered...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>As with building any of my own or for others in the past... having a proper list of every part weighed prior to assembling makes it easier when deciding what's worth changing out later.</p><p>Trust me-- if u are incessantly changing things on your bike afterwards because of weight related concern, this saves a lot of money. I couldn't care less about weenie-ing but still its a good habit and for general referencing later on.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlftxODhDQ0/YTCWcsE8Q6I/AAAAAAAAK_4/SCL534KeYhIQpQtJiXCJblnK3Xm3_N_4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s841/weightchart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="642" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlftxODhDQ0/YTCWcsE8Q6I/AAAAAAAAK_4/SCL534KeYhIQpQtJiXCJblnK3Xm3_N_4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w488-h640/weightchart.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZxxHIu_a7c/YTwtlnqci7I/AAAAAAAALCE/GHaxL8RtZogx6IE5gfBXVJgkzPv71ZzzACLcBGAsYHQ/s1126/99a.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZxxHIu_a7c/YTwtlnqci7I/AAAAAAAALCE/GHaxL8RtZogx6IE5gfBXVJgkzPv71ZzzACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/99a.jpg" width="256" /></a></div> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Not gonna post all the weights of individual component. Just this one. Tires. </p><p>Lynskey switch it out from their stated Kenda Flintridge Pro to the Booster Pro here. </p><p>Both 40C but the Flintridge was reviewed as a heftier tire @ ~520gm/ pc... or 1.04kg/ pr. so the weight savings now is quite significant.</p><p>A whooping 335gm for a pair! But something has to be compensated which I suspect is some squirmish-ness from the sidewall, apart from overall thinness of the tire. Let's see.<br /></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Headset</b><br /></p><p>Unlike customizing part by part, there are stock items which may not be up to par when buying a whole bike like this.</p><p>The supplied FSA Orbit C-40-ACB is simply not up to my expectation. Headsets are often a fix and forget component until it comes time for maintenance or change of bearings. But if the sum of all it's parts is not right, there can be all kind of creaking and looseness that cannot be properly tightened down.</p><p>Having seen how this can affect parts like unequal wear on the steerer tube or in the headset cups over time, I'm all the more paranoid given that this is on a carbon steerer tube.<br /></p><p>The FSA is a headset design with poor interfacing for the top half at least... So I checked with the usual suspects of my FBC gang -- and gotten a good old CaneCreek "Forty" integrated, <b>IS42/28.6/H9 | IS52/40-SHORT COVER</b> in exchange over a bowl of beef noodles. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MyIXRpq98dU/YTCbgSlU2II/AAAAAAAALAA/fT6tvuxMiW8d1pKBAOubkhxmedIVvTT3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/88b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MyIXRpq98dU/YTCbgSlU2II/AAAAAAAALAA/fT6tvuxMiW8d1pKBAOubkhxmedIVvTT3ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/88b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, the basic Cane Creek "FORTY" series is already way better, no need Hellbender or the "110", although the additional brass compression ring from the 110 would have been a nice touch. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>When assembling the FSA headset into the headtube with the fork, no matterhow hard it's tightened, there was a pronounced shakiness. Some may say "you need to have the compression nut installed to hold things up. Yes and no... For an initial fitment check of headset parts-- slotting up everything should give a certain level of tightness. Secondly I was troubleshooting this same configuration on another GR300 already built up with the same FSA Orbit headset. That one has everything on it including the compression plug.. The looseness was still rather obvious even as the whole stack was tightened up properly... <br /></p><p>Homing in on the issue being at the top half of the headset. It seems the c-ring may just be sitting/ floating on the underside of the top cover, rendering it unable to be tightened down to the headtube integrated top cup. Having lots of interfacing of spacer stack and stem doesn't help to narrow the problem either-- but more on that later...<br /></p><p> Using both c-rings to check... (blue ring = Cane Creek, silver ring = FSA)</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6ONdQeOhoE/YTM-cenHEaI/AAAAAAAALAQ/84LdFJWwFrY_EOcKVDTiSUvUbnXwjhQvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Headset6b-vert.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1214" height="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6ONdQeOhoE/YTM-cenHEaI/AAAAAAAALAQ/84LdFJWwFrY_EOcKVDTiSUvUbnXwjhQvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w476-h800/Headset6b-vert.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The FSA compression ring basically floats over the internal surface of the top cover. Whereas the one on the Cane Creek actually has a recess under the top cover that can hold it snug in place. Note the additional brass seal and the machining on the Cane Creek (middle pic) in contrast to the rather plain looking FSA ring and inside of top cover<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAP572ieLXY/YTNKUE-XSiI/AAAAAAAALAg/EP-mjamca_UFujpLu-YinButrIYy30SxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Headset3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAP572ieLXY/YTNKUE-XSiI/AAAAAAAALAg/EP-mjamca_UFujpLu-YinButrIYy30SxgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Headset3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw unfinished machining marks still on the FSA compression ring</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f10PScQcmbQ/YTNKtmkQ59I/AAAAAAAALAo/rRGs-_9MCYAwJ2yUtf2D3OoOxineUj-_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Headset2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f10PScQcmbQ/YTNKtmkQ59I/AAAAAAAALAo/rRGs-_9MCYAwJ2yUtf2D3OoOxineUj-_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Headset2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Contoured internal stepping to allow for a better fit when between bearing + steerer and fully anodized for more than just an aesthetic finish...<br /><p>It's not just about aesthetic on the Cane Creek but every profile machined has a function. The double step on the insides of the Cane Creek allows the forming of a better taper when slotted between the bearing and steerer for a better fit and has been anodized... If there is uneven wear over time which can occur due to steerer tolerance or if things are somehow loose/ misalignment of bearing and cups-- the wearing off would be easily noted and user can be made aware the next time they check.</p><p>A comparison below of the top cap and compression ring of these 2 to show the difference...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BrLeAC7ScIs" width="320" youtube-src-id="BrLeAC7ScIs"></iframe></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>To cut it short-- on goes the Canecreek for now, followed by the temporary placement of spacer, stem and bar (all just lightly tighten) as they will be lots of taking out and adjustment while bike is being set up.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoRJCBTmmzY/YTNBgNG_o7I/AAAAAAAALAY/vE8a96BN_ogHi9Hn9YFDBSrbiFcf7MHRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Headset5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoRJCBTmmzY/YTNBgNG_o7I/AAAAAAAALAY/vE8a96BN_ogHi9Hn9YFDBSrbiFcf7MHRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Headset5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><b>Crank...</b> <br /></p><p>Since the bottom bracket was preinstalled by Lynskey, next comes a relatively easy part.. The crank. </p><p>For years I wondered why Shimano uses a cheap plastic pre-load piece for the non-drive-side (NDS) crankarm. By now there are some very nice after market metal ones which I have bought a couple but never had a chance to use yet.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3VCLNGDFI6M/YTNLoGVAOHI/AAAAAAAALAw/YpmRsW6SxTs-dUyUOq90XP7QRX-MkhPOACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Crank3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3VCLNGDFI6M/YTNLoGVAOHI/AAAAAAAALAw/YpmRsW6SxTs-dUyUOq90XP7QRX-MkhPOACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Crank3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the left- after market aluminium preload nuts. Right preload tool and original Shimano preload nut (plastic)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K36Yt4hgShg/YTNMRZTDEXI/AAAAAAAALA4/zaSUfzpR6mEFddXdDetyG2Jzt_x1DV-lQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Crank1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K36Yt4hgShg/YTNMRZTDEXI/AAAAAAAALA4/zaSUfzpR6mEFddXdDetyG2Jzt_x1DV-lQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Crank1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rubber mallet, tap straight in. New cranks are usually a little tight... Check crank is snug against the bottom bracket and stop.. Swing crank from pedal insert... should be freely spinning (3-5 rotations). </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Using the after market preload nut, I now understand why Shimano stick to their cheesy plastic piece. </p><p>Similar to headset starnut/ compression plugs-- its for preload-- not to fully tighten up the entire assembly by itself.. </p><p>It was really difficult to use the aluminum one as the slightest turn tend to overdo it (spinning the crank -- you can feel its not free moving when too much preload is compressing on the bearing)</p><p>So it was back to the good ol' Shimano plastic thingie... As what i have always done.. screw in till hand tight + another ~15-20 degree turn. Done!<br /></p><p>Next is the alternating bolts at the rear which are the ones to secure the crank.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mosDgXK7Kiw/YTNNATNvncI/AAAAAAAALBA/RygIANumwyoYpG6aPGeT-mMklfoxUk4owCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Crank4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mosDgXK7Kiw/YTNNATNvncI/AAAAAAAALBA/RygIANumwyoYpG6aPGeT-mMklfoxUk4owCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Crank4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other reason not to use after market metal preload nut is that as the crank is being tightened down with the alternating bolts behind-- it squeezes down and would slightly compress the preload piece which works ok because it is plastic. But metallic preload nut would resist that compression and hence may affect proper crank tightening/ assembly. Note that with alternating bolts, as one is tightened, the other will loosen, until there is a certain amount of torque applied.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>Brakes</b><br /></p><p></p>Next came the dreaded part... Brakes.<p></p><p></p>I had no flipping idea that nowadays everything came prefilled and basically makes it a plug and play of one end into the lever side if hose length need not be trimmed. Even the T90 barbs came preinstalled. All these is probably made easy for internal cable routing which seems to be the trend. <p></p><p>Mulling for awhile.. looks like hose length still needs shortening, so another barb will have to be fitted, which is why Lynskey packed these spares in. </p><p> </p><p></p><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfOR2Wq77mI/YTc4-Anr1iI/AAAAAAAALBM/kcZdIe5IHXEDcOSzG-uyTlL58n0KDc_5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/Brakes1-vert.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfOR2Wq77mI/YTc4-Anr1iI/AAAAAAAALBM/kcZdIe5IHXEDcOSzG-uyTlL58n0KDc_5gCLcBGAsYHQ/w284-h320/Brakes1-vert.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>But first, some brake-adapter Origami.<p></p><p> </p><p>Front was straight forward... took me a couple of minutes to figure the rear though... and to
tighten everything is going bottoms up from the frame... bit of a mind
twister from the usual nuts and bolts</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p></p><p>2 countersunk M5 attaches the adapter (for 160mm rotor) to the caliper (top pic). The adapter comes with 2 other funny bolts that has an appendix. These goes into the frame's flat mount and screw the adapter from underneath the frame (see bottom pic).</p><p> </p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8mn2poaaIWk/YTt7t5vQE9I/AAAAAAAALBU/2OKXS-loV9kSvaG7-rslabpEyTYg7qodgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/Brakes9b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8mn2poaaIWk/YTt7t5vQE9I/AAAAAAAALBU/2OKXS-loV9kSvaG7-rslabpEyTYg7qodgCLcBGAsYHQ/w534-h640/Brakes9b.jpg" width="534" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shortening of brake hose (top). Tightening of brake cable to lever and bleeding<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Next is where yours truly has royally screwed up ... Note the yellow plugs that seal the opening at the levers (see top left pic of left lever). <span style="color: red;">DO NOT REMOVE THIS</span> until you are ready to insert the brake hose. And <span style="color: red;">DO NOT PRESS YOUR BRAKE LEVER</span> at this time. </p><p>There is actually another piece of plastic under the lever to prevent it from being accidentally depressed.</p><p>Of course my natural instinct was to pull out anything that's not supposed to be there, both the white ones under the lever and the yellow plugs. And just like any curious kid I went to squeeze the lever next. Since prefilled, its pretty obvious what happened next was mineral oil all over the floor. Frigging noob me!</p><p>So what went from a supposedly simple plug and play-- end up needing a bleed. Learned something here again after looking at all the parts of the lever. </p><p>Owing to the confine of space housing shifter and brake parts, the reservoir is in some pretty odd shape with weird meandering to channel the hydraulic fluids along.</p><p>This means probably a lot area to trap air bubbles internally. Now, most videos of Shimano road hydraulic brake bleeding on Youtube are made by wannabes simply trying to promote their channel but hasn't a frigging clue. All they tell you is go tap the brake lines and squeeze the levers a few times and that's it! <br /></p><p><b>Do yourself a favor-- watch the one that actually works by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAEeAKmCLFU" target="_blank">Parktool here </a>.. it is ultra important that you need to tilt the oil cup a couple of times at different angles to let the system be able to completely "burp" the air bubbles out. </b></p><p>The small amount of space in a road lever reservoir in contrast to mountain bike brakes means that even a couple of air bubbles can translate to a huge amount of lever sponginess and modulation differences!</p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFAMr-g8ObQ/YTuI7N0VVFI/AAAAAAAALB0/wPoD9dh5nhA7rqCid85uUpHyS00_t7-DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Brakes9d.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFAMr-g8ObQ/YTuI7N0VVFI/AAAAAAAALB0/wPoD9dh5nhA7rqCid85uUpHyS00_t7-DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Brakes9d.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Anyway , back to the brakes, really all there is to do is only to push the cable in and tightened. The olive is already installed inside the lever. <p></p><p>Be <span style="color: red;">VERY CAREFUL</span> not to overtighten the nut (see bottom left pic above). Note that it says 5-6 Nm but most people at home even ifwith have a torque wrench, will probably not have the 8mm wrench adapter head needed in this case as it is an uncommon tool. Exercise caution. Once tight, stop. You may or may not be able to screw the thread fully in. That's ok. If at all it is better to have a leaky hose that u can tighten again rather than....</p><p>The problem with overtightening is that the whole contraption will crack. This is made of either plastic or carbon fiber depending on model but whatever it is, its gonna be some frigging expensive replacement part which is not easy to find!</p><p>This is the pic of a Shimano carbon fiber lever my friend came across from his customer that cracked due to over tightening.</p><p>It's apparent a common problem.... <a href=" https://www.reddit.com/r/bikewrench/comments/i2thq1/shimano_str7020_what_caused_this_crack/" target="_blank"><b>https://www.reddit.com/r/bikewrench/comments/i2thq1/shimano_str7020_what_caused_this_crack/</b></a></p><p><b>Shifter</b></p><p>Looking for where the cable gets inserted in Shimano shifters has always been a thing ever for me since I started using STI and their now discontinued DCL levers on mountain bikes where brakes and shifters are integrated. Bloody Shimano excel in hiding the tiny cable head like some kind of ninja fetish. Here on the GRX600 its side loaded behind the whole braking and shifter levers.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imgD0GOUIuo/YTuMYuv93gI/AAAAAAAALB8/a0S-dmOJprkL2q1OcJKAoekj4hZwNd8UgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/Shifter.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="404" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imgD0GOUIuo/YTuMYuv93gI/AAAAAAAALB8/a0S-dmOJprkL2q1OcJKAoekj4hZwNd8UgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Shifter.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>What really got me was how this entire expensive part is all but over 90% made out of PLASTIC! Anyway that's what it is these days.. Good old days of solid bike parts are a thing of the past. We are getting planned obsolescence shoved down our throats. Even good old metal parts--soon they will stop making things that goes with them. <p></p><p>I almost peeled off the white piece of thin plastic thinking it was just one of those stopper holding the cable in a brand new lever before installation is complete. Luckily this time I left it alone unlike the yellow plugs for the brake.</p><p>Found out later that is is actually a crucial part for proper shifting!</p><p>Next the rear deraileur went on the hanger of the bike. <i><u>What I didn't realize was that in order to adjust the shifting properly, the hood has first got to be rolled back to secure the cable in place</u>.</i> </p><p>Thought all that was needed is just to make sure the cable was in the recess channel. WRONG. DEAD WRONG of me.</p><p><b>Cable-end prep</b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2ueIPDMhfPY" width="320" youtube-src-id="2ueIPDMhfPY"></iframe> <br /></div><p>But first, let's get another pedantic endeavour of mine out of the way... Prepping cable ends for
shifter (or cable actuated brakes). This eliminates the "cable stretch"
often mentioned which just simply isn't true. Modern cables are all
pre-stretched. Its the wedging of the outer cable housing i nthe end caps that causes
problem over time coupled to an uneven cut end. All it takes is to file/ dremel flat the ends off a cut and removing a couple mm from the outer plastic housing. <br /></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Rotors and Adapters</b></p><p>Isn't installing a rotor straight forward? Why need to talk about it?</p><p>Yes and installing center lock rotor is even simpler.. just screw it in and tighten with a cassette lock ring tool! Viola-and done for the front.. then the rear.... WAIT! What? The tool wouldnt fit?? WTF..</p><p>Unlike old days when rear wheel hubs had 135mm OLD using QR, nowadays most bikes are using Thru Axles which are 142mm or longer. <br /></p><p>Ok maybe I had the short type of tool-- so I was frantically looking for a longer lock ring toool from friend... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KRRqCj9OoZQ/YTuBmKQG3rI/AAAAAAAALBc/7EIk-znZTbctTOoHRB67UjxEL5uRu-C0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/88f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KRRqCj9OoZQ/YTuBmKQG3rI/AAAAAAAALBc/7EIk-znZTbctTOoHRB67UjxEL5uRu-C0ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/88f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>But the alternative is using another kind of lock ring that utilizes a bb tool to tighten and of course I gotten a couple of these quick from one of the old FBC geezers again ;)<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_SvFOjlZJA/YTuDSeK_xzI/AAAAAAAALBk/YAheLx32HnAgfU_4PJHwgVMSoCMqPKB2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s474/Brakes9c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="474" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_SvFOjlZJA/YTuDSeK_xzI/AAAAAAAALBk/YAheLx32HnAgfU_4PJHwgVMSoCMqPKB2ACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/Brakes9c.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p>Moving on... let's get the tires on and out of the way... Still not a convert of tubeless, so its prepping in good old fashion. Small things like powdering your tubes to sticking a cut out from an old tube to sit in between the valve and the rim goes a long way... </p><p>The other thing is avoiding those thin cheesy plastic good-for-nothing rim tapes. They only serve to get you a puncture from the rim side especially if spoke holes have not been properly finished (which should be checked anyway regardless of tube or tubeless setup). I only trust Zefal cloth tapes for normal size rims like this. For super wide rims between 55-100mm used on trials or fat bikes, those I have other ways of dealing with them.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZzPanMtcwE/YTuFCftEuPI/AAAAAAAALBs/FkEu1gDyYQ4VwUFEPoS86fVR6d-0jxqkACLcBGAsYHQ/s404/9h.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="404" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZzPanMtcwE/YTuFCftEuPI/AAAAAAAALBs/FkEu1gDyYQ4VwUFEPoS86fVR6d-0jxqkACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/9h.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Alignment and clearance check</b></p><p>There is nothing worse than getting a frame only to realize the rear triangle is mis-aligned. Having seen badly offset frame which affects the chain line, that is one of first thing I check with just the wheel put on. But this time the tires are on as well so the clearance can be gauged at the same time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-40F8TvaO9M4/YTw_FggPYMI/AAAAAAAALCM/5JT0YvNxn04cO-DXZEPx-LIdzh0Zbbg9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/Clearance4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="404" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-40F8TvaO9M4/YTw_FggPYMI/AAAAAAAALCM/5JT0YvNxn04cO-DXZEPx-LIdzh0Zbbg9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w430-h640/Clearance4.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><p>Rim is nicely aligned to the back of the seat tube. Clearance of the widest point in tire at seat stay is 10mm each side and 10 (NDS) and 12mm on the drive side of chain stay. Ok as due to the asymetry of the NDS chain stay-- its not a misalignment. the 40c (aka 40mm) measures out to be a tad wider on the Kenda Booster Pro @ 41mm</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0Ddp6HJfDc/YTxDzB-BQGI/AAAAAAAALCk/6ilzQsPgBiIxGNxE4t8teAguqhRkLmBygCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/midway01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0Ddp6HJfDc/YTxDzB-BQGI/AAAAAAAALCk/6ilzQsPgBiIxGNxE4t8teAguqhRkLmBygCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/midway01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Lots of masking tape and velcro as parts wll still be taken in and out.. pointless for cable ties now.</p><p> </p><p>One little part on the chain stay that stumped me for awhile as this little cutout from the solid asymetric yoke just behind the bb. Figured it out finally... to slot a cable tie to secure the shifter cable!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyahVTrlEsg/YTxEyJ8HNFI/AAAAAAAALCs/_Q-9aHYJ4uozZJVcj_9b1cUFzoYPHK-YwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Detail2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyahVTrlEsg/YTxEyJ8HNFI/AAAAAAAALCs/_Q-9aHYJ4uozZJVcj_9b1cUFzoYPHK-YwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Detail2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Steerer</b><br /></p><p>The part I absolutely dread in all bike builds-- - The cutting of the steerer tube. More so in this case as this will be the first ever carbon steerer to cut in my entire life. Tools all ready. Mr Lady Finger supplied me with his steerer sawing guide and a carbon sawblade just in the nick of time. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ms3JO_OqCYs/YTxHEFZ6tLI/AAAAAAAALC0/hvKXRfyVrRIzDj4aohJzDdCUjgqqlYOrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/steerer4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="500" height="518" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ms3JO_OqCYs/YTxHEFZ6tLI/AAAAAAAALC0/hvKXRfyVrRIzDj4aohJzDdCUjgqqlYOrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h518/steerer4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carbon sawblade which is really more like a very rough abrasive but soft to not fray the carbon parts<br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I was about to hack by clamping with an old stem otherwise and use some normal 1/32 hacksaw blade.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCwJAzYT4qs/YTxHUl-FcfI/AAAAAAAALC8/YlZ_j6fziVwKdOSOitmvLTe8GPE6IHEcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/p4pb7551721.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCwJAzYT4qs/YTxHUl-FcfI/AAAAAAAALC8/YlZ_j6fziVwKdOSOitmvLTe8GPE6IHEcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/p4pb7551721.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hack way if you dont have the proper tools...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>and... identification. Not foolproof but if u ever want to proof a bike is yours-- chances are thieves would not have swapped out your steerer and notice this... <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDz_cl1xwG8/YTxIz2viSAI/AAAAAAAALDI/hxE9bDZ1HroxqwQyKN-cxxuPpVhLMoRwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/z04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDz_cl1xwG8/YTxIz2viSAI/AAAAAAAALDI/hxE9bDZ1HroxqwQyKN-cxxuPpVhLMoRwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/z04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><b> Rear Wheel + Cassette Anomaly</b></p><p>Was troubleshooting at this point why I cant get the shifter to work properly (but not realizing its because I was trying to adjust while the hood is rolled up). Reckon its a fortunate thing because this actually led me to discover another problem. Pressing both brakes and forcing the bike forward, there was some considerable shake. I attributed it at first to the still headset and stack issue up front still not totally overcome.</p><p><br />Yet the amount of movement was more than its possible for the headset issue. So I thought maybe its because of new knobbie tires on tiled floor and its the knobs that rolled or slight movement due to brakepads not bedded in with rotors. But on my other even knobbier tire bike-- none of this slop was apparent.</p><p>So I just started pulling at everything... and DARN! ...the cassette was shaky on the freebody. Pretty sure I tightened it before putting it on the frame. Double chekced and yes the lockring is tight! </p><p>Took out the wheel instructon sheet and read it. I know that some wheels you need to work with a supplied spacer.. checked the wheel box, nothing. This was the case with all the mavic wheelset I had in the past.<br /></p><p>HED says "No need for spacers with Shimano 11 spd" but as seen below in the video... the wheelset says otherwise. Luckily I have a boatload of spacers-- they are the same size as those for bb and I have amassed everything from 0.1, 0.2 0.5, 1.0 all the way to normal 2.5mm ones over the years.. so no issue to shim any thickness. Anyway all that was needed here is a single 0.2mm piece.. Yes!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RuqbOvUtj58" width="320" youtube-src-id="RuqbOvUtj58"></iframe></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p>Slap on the saddle to the post and ...first complete rough cut of the bike..</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGnzWtzb8XM/YTxImek0xCI/AAAAAAAALDE/UkSf6nTb9YItTuuiTvvhbIhyCND059iigCLcBGAsYHQ/s1083/z00.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1083" height="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGnzWtzb8XM/YTxImek0xCI/AAAAAAAALDE/UkSf6nTb9YItTuuiTvvhbIhyCND059iigCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h442/z00.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Things outstanding at this time<p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Shifter/ Deraileur adjustment still not quite done</li><li>Bar height and control settings not optimized</li><li>Final steerer cutting after 2. is finalized <br /></li><li>Still a wee bit of annoying headset shakiness... hmm</li><li>Bar tape wrapping</li></ol><p></p><p><b>Point 1</b>-- fren pointed out to me that hood need to be pulled back down to be able to adjust the shifting properly and with that know, pretty much it was solved in a a few minutes. Since I brought my bike over, he did just that with this awesome mechanical skills which certainly far exceeds mine.</p><p><b>Point 4</b>- -the sloppy headset was simply irritating the heck out of me when I got back home.. Bloody No matter what I did, it just wasn't perfect. Then it started me thinking.. could it be more than just the headset itself. Then I remmebered something from long ago...<br /></p><p>... years ago when Chris King refuse to pay for the Aheadset patent, they could not use the c-ring design. So their headsets came with a Delrin ring. For a long time I never really thought it amounted to much but one time when i didnt put that, a slop was detected on the whole headtube/headset assembly. so it was diligently put back on and I never thought much about it.. <br /></p><p>Now as I sat mulling-- could a piece of old Delrin solve the current problem? The reason was at this point I had 30mm of spacer under the stem and another 20mm above it.. Part of the problem might be an improper pre-loading of the compression nut. dueto all the interfacing of these surfaces. Star nut would just pull things together as it is being tightened but compression nuts works in a different way and would not exactly be pulling the the bits up properly and possible leaving some tiny gaps.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><b>headset top cover<span style="color: red;">></span>10mm spacer<span style="color: red;">></span>10mm spacer<span style="color: red;">></span>10mm spacer<span style="color: red;">></span>Stem<span style="color: red;">></span>10mspacer<span style="color: red;">></span>10mmspacer<span style="color: red;">></span>C-nut </b></u></span><br /></p><p>But first thing was sorting out the final cut of the steerer so that there is little to no spacer above the stem in order to make it easier for the compression nut to do its work properly. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6yIF2EjDdpU/YTxM-jzRX5I/AAAAAAAALDU/UDXcI2VI8Z4sOanpO9LIGH7I2GHZovC5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Headset6m.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6yIF2EjDdpU/YTxM-jzRX5I/AAAAAAAALDU/UDXcI2VI8Z4sOanpO9LIGH7I2GHZovC5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Headset6m.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Yup, couple of shakeout rides followed by anothe steerer trimming. Final spacer stack.. 25mm then followed by this piece of Delrin before the stem pops on and another 5mm of spacer on top.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><b>headset top cover<span style="color: red;">></span>10mm spacer<span style="color: red;">></span>15mm spacer<span style="color: red;">></span>10mm spacer<span style="color: red;">></span>Stem<span style="color: red;">></span>5mmspacer<span style="color: red;">></span>C-nut </b></u></span><br /></p><p>Headset shakiness-- GONE! Once tightened properly-- the spacers need quite a bit of force before they can actually be rotated unlike before the delrin ring was inserted.</p><p>Now in retrospect the Delrin ring is pretty much acting like a compression washer in many nuts and bolts application and that's how it has made things work.</p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Damn! Five thousand dollar bike needs a bloody 5 cents piece of plastic to make it all work well.</b></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49t3g-7OAss/YTxWv3CPwAI/AAAAAAAALDc/SvyEou1bnNIgQHb_e4rnOLL73wLgW8nAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s419/HeadsetStack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="419" height="404" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49t3g-7OAss/YTxWv3CPwAI/AAAAAAAALDc/SvyEou1bnNIgQHb_e4rnOLL73wLgW8nAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h404/HeadsetStack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Last bit here are all the little things I have learned over time. Nothing sky shattering...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWM3ABJTqug/YTxZ5aMjUGI/AAAAAAAALDk/VaHBuVgZkjgxsx2vxmAH7MUdHMCT8bzMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s404/9p.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="404" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWM3ABJTqug/YTxZ5aMjUGI/AAAAAAAALDk/VaHBuVgZkjgxsx2vxmAH7MUdHMCT8bzMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/9p.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Top one is a mountain biker thing... roatating the seat clamp away from adding a piece a of old inner tube to prevent ingress of water and dirt into the seat tube. Taping of cables where it would be tied to the guides on the frame to prvent rub and wear on housing over time. Home made cable guides where they are needed. </p><p>Yes the fork can run internal cabling but I chose not to. Because when you wan to take out the fork the next time-- it will always be tethered to the brakes unless everything is removed. Internal cabling is really just a pain in the arse and in this case it really serves no aesthetic purpose hiding just a few inches but leaving the top and bottom all still exposed.</p><p> </p><p>...and DONE!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUAEauNjgVg/YTxenQ29zBI/AAAAAAAALDw/YE_kYsGcxfk5wMddCDxq-roAc12D8zOSACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/z16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="2048" height="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUAEauNjgVg/YTxenQ29zBI/AAAAAAAALDw/YE_kYsGcxfk5wMddCDxq-roAc12D8zOSACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h444/z16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CieBMjZcLJ8/YTxenD41kNI/AAAAAAAALDs/QgMALxsLCNE2n0rS-jEsQtiOQAtHWoNTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1862/z15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1862" data-original-width="1103" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CieBMjZcLJ8/YTxenD41kNI/AAAAAAAALDs/QgMALxsLCNE2n0rS-jEsQtiOQAtHWoNTwCLcBGAsYHQ/w380-h640/z15.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lynskey GR300<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-57407029532846553182021-07-26T00:19:00.002+08:002021-07-26T00:19:36.868+08:00Rullet or 27.5"<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_840kT2uil8/YP2L4WY54SI/AAAAAAAAK-4/QWaEMuaFDxErOKitU7l-5M1JVHuyd9PpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/216311727_10159342280752173_893753331876805420_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_840kT2uil8/YP2L4WY54SI/AAAAAAAAK-4/QWaEMuaFDxErOKitU7l-5M1JVHuyd9PpQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/216311727_10159342280752173_893753331876805420_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swapped to the 26" front with the Advantage 2.25" this week. It's
definitely slower on the road. The full front and rear change to the
Continental Race King 2.0 already had an obvious increase in rolling
resistance over the 1.75" Gravel Kings previously on the bike.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Rullet aka Reverse Mullet.</b>.. Now who would put a smaller rim in front? Why yours truly of course.</p><p>It's bigger than when the Gravel King was up front with a 27.5" hoop, diameter wise. But now, just a tad smaller. I eye ball it to be about ~3-4mm lower compared to the Conti Race King. Width wise the Advantage of course trumps them all.<br /></p><p>Yesterday GnR loop near the house was all flat. About 20km in all. 25psi front and 35 psi rear. Basically it just felt like a rigid hardtail and reminds me a little of all those time riding rigid fat bikes too. Front soaked up most things. Rear did kick a little but nothing really unbearable. And I could have lowered the pressure in both wheels further.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYJ4nPwSQmE/YP2N3bO5TII/AAAAAAAAK_A/YIkXr5vDXkIXMqPKMgygkiAijIft6f7KACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/212876056_10159340338432173_3117198345337408598_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1714" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYJ4nPwSQmE/YP2N3bO5TII/AAAAAAAAK_A/YIkXr5vDXkIXMqPKMgygkiAijIft6f7KACLcBGAsYHQ/w536-h640/212876056_10159340338432173_3117198345337408598_n.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><p></p><p>Have to wait till another round to do a trail proper... climbs and descents all in, to see if I actually like this combo better. In any case going back to the 27.5 is just a minute quick swap. Rotors on both front wheels are playing nice and doesnt really need to fidget with the caliper after each switch.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-43178076699633672602021-07-10T13:16:00.008+08:002021-08-21T23:17:07.676+08:00Logging Progress... numbers<p>The last time a speedometer was on any of my bike was ~12 - 13 years ago... Never bothered with these stuffs on mtb</p><p>Late last year after a hiatus of 10-11 years from riding roads, I resisted putting anything on the Stanyan. Errm ok, I tried to revive my antiquated 25 yrs old wired Cateye but then the display was all browned out and the sensor was only intermittently working.</p><p>But it was a good thing in a way without having anything on the bar.. paring the re-discovered manual estimation of cadence with old memories when I was riding road bikes...</p><p>...and remembering all the various gear inch ratio I liked...</p><p>Then I discovered modern tech on phones... Yes I graduated from my cave! Using a couple of bike apps like Map My Ride which gave the stats via GPS tracking.. but I never did mount my phone, its always in the frame bag. Personally it just looks absolutely fugly with a big piece of rectangle on the bar. </p><p>Finally got to looking around but was confused by the array of gadgets available these days. </p><p></p>Keeping it simple, I decided to go for the most basic stuff from Decathlon. <p></p><p>A BC-500-- no fumbling with magnets on spokes and another sensor piece on the fork. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Just one sensor on the hub and keep the meter within a 3m distance. All set.A tad slower than the conventional magnet type speedo.. but no big deal.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDPg3_6KZR8/YOko3PwAsAI/AAAAAAAAK74/ucCJujxcr7cv2D-U707Ce6fzZ7ZTJOxqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1336/000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="932" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDPg3_6KZR8/YOko3PwAsAI/AAAAAAAAK74/ucCJujxcr7cv2D-U707Ce6fzZ7ZTJOxqwCLcBGAsYHQ/w279-h400/000.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><p></p><p>Jan 2021-- Pushing hard just to finish 10 laps of my "Daily Rabbit Loops" and keep an average of >25km/hr.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3F4QAspeoKY/YOkqKa-3byI/AAAAAAAAK8A/Vy61adpAWZsIHcBpL03WSM7GrMwqavxTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1568/001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3F4QAspeoKY/YOkqKa-3byI/AAAAAAAAK8A/Vy61adpAWZsIHcBpL03WSM7GrMwqavxTACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/001.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By Mar 2021-- it was pretty consistent to easily achieve above 28km/hr average for the same 10 laps..Quite a few days above 29km/hr but anything beyond 29.5km/hr seems hard </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Op2tS-U6qlQ/YOkqiClYR2I/AAAAAAAAK8I/GfmEoXs_00Erhlpj1WjdGq1Q-KTEpcefgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1568/003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Op2tS-U6qlQ/YOkqiClYR2I/AAAAAAAAK8I/GfmEoXs_00Erhlpj1WjdGq1Q-KTEpcefgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/003.jpg" /></a></div><p>Then.... yes.. surpassing the psychological 30km mark came in Jun 2021..</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5wmVBDAjqRY/YOkrei_afNI/AAAAAAAAK8Q/la8WgD2rHSMPXRgzCvCcKmcofr2nZHRjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1568/004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5wmVBDAjqRY/YOkrei_afNI/AAAAAAAAK8Q/la8WgD2rHSMPXRgzCvCcKmcofr2nZHRjgCLcBGAsYHQ/w245-h400/004.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><p>Sliding back?. .Well, not really. By now I have also gotten a "smart watch" - Apart from all the usual speed and distance that can also be uploaded onto Strava, most importantly is the monitoring of heart rate.. Yes a chest strap monitor is more accurate but I'm already cluttering with too many things now.</p><p>And new target?- - Work towards that 30km/hr again but at twice the distance previously covered. That is 2 x 10 laps/ session now. While keeping to HR average in Zone 3. </p><p>Still some fine tuning to do as these monitoring and the gauge are all age based algorithm. While I'm sticking to the defined range based on my initial settings, think i can push it beyond but let's do that later.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ToAz4r38nOo/YOks74x9q1I/AAAAAAAAK8Y/2mfbnuZr4o0HN8kXTJscHwUvFbBFl3rNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ToAz4r38nOo/YOks74x9q1I/AAAAAAAAK8Y/2mfbnuZr4o0HN8kXTJscHwUvFbBFl3rNgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/005.jpg" width="640" /></a>More daily confirmations of the average speed with increased distance ridden.... "28.8, 27.7, 28,8..."<br /></div><p> </p><p>Update: Rain stopped... time for a ride. New tires... knobbies on the gravel rig. Makes for a harder ride.. but judging from the results as compared to the above with 28c slicks on the Stanyan, average speed is ok on these 27.5" Continental Race Kings 2.0".. not too bad I guess ~26.5km @ 125-135BPM avg...</p><p></p><p> </p><p>21 Jul- Stanyan @Coastal<br /></p><p>Could have gone faster... haven't gotten to a point of being out of
breath. But HR was maxing out so had to drop off a little each time it
beeps. But given the relatively relaxed effort.. Im beginning to wonder
if its better to do a VO2 max assessment and see if fitness level allows
for higher HR range in the training zone... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_IZIaWJ4ZI0/YOnOouu3cRI/AAAAAAAAK8o/-pRsTxBUcBURkpuZU9ADTW4oX2nWUUlyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1807/Screenshot_20210710-205338_Zepp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1807" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_IZIaWJ4ZI0/YOnOouu3cRI/AAAAAAAAK8o/-pRsTxBUcBURkpuZU9ADTW4oX2nWUUlyACLcBGAsYHQ/w239-h400/Screenshot_20210710-205338_Zepp.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br /><p> </p><p>Update: 21 Aug: Same route but 6 weeks later... more start/stop and a stronger headwind but then again, I dropped 1.7kg from racks and fenders off the bike last week and a swap to a 53t ring over the old 48t.... </p><p> Reckon with a bit of +/- its a ~1km improvement on average speed... for now.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xi4tDFWmeXM/YSEWrkrLz1I/AAAAAAAAK_o/t1VHxieL0eo8Zy1LqgBy8-ZakD4a42z5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/coastal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xi4tDFWmeXM/YSEWrkrLz1I/AAAAAAAAK_o/t1VHxieL0eo8Zy1LqgBy8-ZakD4a42z5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w600-h640/coastal.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div><div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-10167698354654257302021-07-10T12:33:00.001+08:002021-07-10T12:33:33.281+08:00Wet Weekend... again<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oa5dD_0LNN4/YOki4-HnthI/AAAAAAAAK7w/HkFTpqGra9wtwDt2-rhY5raLh6pDnJyTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s920/cats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="510" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oa5dD_0LNN4/YOki4-HnthI/AAAAAAAAK7w/HkFTpqGra9wtwDt2-rhY5raLh6pDnJyTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w355-h640/cats.jpg" width="355" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-14513880318697671742021-06-26T19:29:00.021+08:002021-06-29T16:32:00.821+08:00Marin Nicasio + (Part 2)<p> </p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-In58xlpc3f8/YNbgBLulipI/AAAAAAAAK4w/0G75GSIx9V82l2bFvWYZFrqkIjCdrSnwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-In58xlpc3f8/YNbgBLulipI/AAAAAAAAK4w/0G75GSIx9V82l2bFvWYZFrqkIjCdrSnwwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Must have been an abomination to the well heeled folks at Shenton Way as I stopped on the return leg home. Dripping with sweat in my ragged and tattered "iconic" red drifit, some Bianchi guy zooming past kept looking back as I was squatting to take this pic. Oh wait it was the same dude I sling shot past when he got stuck behind some bus and truck as I hopped onto the pavement a couple of lights back. :-)</span> <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last post on the Marin ended up with my thoughts after a few weeks of riding. There were a few niggles and one of them were the stock hoops.. Always felt something a little amiss...</div><p></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sq9o9xg2XpE/YNbj87pCfsI/AAAAAAAAK48/WxfMX9XyJ8IYQuNsDKKGadDvQado8t-ZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/009.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sq9o9xg2XpE/YNbj87pCfsI/AAAAAAAAK48/WxfMX9XyJ8IYQuNsDKKGadDvQado8t-ZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w290-h400/009.jpg" width="290" /></a>Finally took the hubs apart and --<b>HOLY MUDDER OF CRAP</b>... utterly cheap wheels indeed. Wasn't expecting a CK/ DT hub experience or the buttery smoothness of my White Industries given the price point of the whole stock bike.</p><p>But the tolerance of these hubs in Morse Code speak is just absolute.. <span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://morsecode.world/international/translator.html" target="_blank">3 dit 4 dit and a 2 dit-dah </a> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">... .... .. _</span></b></span><br /></p><p><b>TOLERANCE</b>. What f@#k!^g tolerance! The amazing thing was how the hell did I tolerated these POS for 2+ months & clocked over 1400km with it! </p><p>Pitted balls, roughed out race, almost non existent wimpy weak rubber seals that doesn't do squat if the bike ever goes axle deep into mud and water....<br /></p><p>Did the best to service up the generic 8 ball bearing cone hub. Reckon the grease used probably cost more than the hubs itself.. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Errm, technically speaking, friend came over and did most of the work servicing up the wheels while i doodled on other stuff on the bike :) </i></span><br /></p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zYozcQl28w/YNbltDkK26I/AAAAAAAAK5I/E4Rcpv55HJ47OKUEYy2sw1JOlasAtm8LwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/008.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zYozcQl28w/YNbltDkK26I/AAAAAAAAK5I/E4Rcpv55HJ47OKUEYy2sw1JOlasAtm8LwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>While getting all gooey fingers fixing it up, a thought came to mind.. Recalled stacking my 26" wheel with 2.4 and 2.8" tires against someone else's 27.5 wheels running 2.25" rubbers-- My smaller wheel actually had the larger diameter.<br /><p></p><p>Dusted out my forlorn old DH front wheel that's been left there since the last overseas trip......</p><p>Yup.. its about 6-7mm bigger in diameter than the stock 27.5" with those cartoon looking 1.75" Gravel King. But the 2.4 Onza Ibex" was just a slight tad too wide for the fork.. </p><p> </p><p>Long story short... swap a rotor, swap the 20MM TA back to QR and found a brand new 2.25" Maxxis Advantage amongst my hoard. HOOYA! I remember an article mentioned that for 26x2.25"-- the <b>Maxxis Advantage </b>then was one of the biggest volume and tallest tires...<b><span style="color: red;"> Perfect</span></b>! Just exactly what's needed here. This cleared the fork nicely with ~3mm to spare at the narrowest point while retaining the same height above the rim as the bigger 2.4" Ibex.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDkIo2EqYBo/YNbnvgHfvpI/AAAAAAAAK5Q/AZgNx4ku7g4PFLeLOdFzbbiwGOtriQNWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/012.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDkIo2EqYBo/YNbnvgHfvpI/AAAAAAAAK5Q/AZgNx4ku7g4PFLeLOdFzbbiwGOtriQNWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Certainly not adding any "<a href="https://products.mtbr.com/product/tires-and-wheels/tire/maxxis/advantage.html" target="_blank">Advantage</a>" (pun intended) when riding on the road with this gross mismatched pair of hoops as I tried out later that evening.<br /></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Journey to the Dark Side...</b><br /></p><p>Many many moons ago, as a young mtb Padawan , some Trail Jedi once told me --"<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>It's all about the front, my young fren. Speed is your friend</i></b></span>". </p><p>Quarter of a century later, while still not anywhere close to being a Jedi Riding Master, I have taken these advice to heart and somewhat able to practice them over the years. Indeed the worst of all injuries/ damages that can occur when wheels are planted is a front washout. The rear can slip and slide all it wants but any fall from that is always much more manageable.<br /></p><p>Last couple months of offroad with the Gravel King, I was fighting the front all the time. Naturally the rear couldn't follow through consistently and so the whole damn time it was like wrestling with the bike while its pointed down and forever wary of that front "washout" moment. </p><p>The only recourse was to go slow like some wussy newbie picking lines on high klaxon alert. Imagine a MMA duel but rolling up and down the hills. As the front lose traction over loose or wet, the rear is all too happy waiting to add to the party trying its darn best to f#%k me over... Yes the slower you go the easier it trips you sometimes. So speed really is your friend. </p><p>------------------------------------------------------</p><p>"<b>Do I really want to do this and sacrifice the speed on the roads? Most rides during weekdays are road based. Trails are mostly just once on the weekend affair. A front like this is gonna feel like hauling a bloody tractor...</b>." the thought lingers as my inner Jedi debated some mental Sith Lord within the realms of my neurons. </p><p>Ok I'm getting schizophrenic again. Anyway...<br /></p><p>...only thing left to do was to test it out. Taking the benchmark of my daily cardio training of 20-25 laps comprising of 1.3km/lap-- it averages out to be about 2km slower but definitely more tiring at the same time. </p><p>Reckon swapping the front wheels depending on ride of the day is probably the solution...</p><p><br /></p><p>But first it's time to get rid of the shitty stock wheels and replace it with something decent...</p><p> </p><p> <b> New Wheels..</b> </p><p>As I'm still having fun just mucking around on the cheap- -I decided to continue and push in the same direction for a while. </p><p>The whole idea of this was a "test" bike -- spend as minimally possible and simply ride the crap out of it until knowing exactly what is needed before going to a full custom build (which could be this year, next... Who knows, really!)</p><p> </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qRVAm5oYQjU/YNb-DaF3nOI/AAAAAAAAK5g/KFW0FEhl9PA9_FiFCE97Zj6bdBIsItKkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/014.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qRVAm5oYQjU/YNb-DaF3nOI/AAAAAAAAK5g/KFW0FEhl9PA9_FiFCE97Zj6bdBIsItKkwCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/014.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Width: Old rims 30/26. New, 25/21</b></span><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>For $320-- I must say its good value for money. Sun Ringle TR25 rims laced to hubs I have never heard before.. Koozer XM490. Spokes are some no name thingie but weight wise its probably similar to DT Champions 2.0 - - heavy non butted.<p></p><p>Spoke tension right out of the box looks and sounded right when plucked (it's all I can do since I do not have a tension-meter at my disposal). </p><p>32 holes laced up strong and stiff. Only thing was to unplug the adapters and have a quick look at the innards.<br /></p><p>...72 engagement points with thick good size pawls, not the thin wimpy leaf-spring kind. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3O9bC2wY4Xg/YNbvobjqwgI/AAAAAAAAK5Y/r9o2H7eHCBw4BdhASQBUQ2CYj_koi9IWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/page.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3O9bC2wY4Xg/YNbvobjqwgI/AAAAAAAAK5Y/r9o2H7eHCBw4BdhASQBUQ2CYj_koi9IWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/page.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Tolerance of the axle shaft with the bearings -- nice and tight. Standard industrial 2RS sealed bearings.. Shouldn't have anything to worry there and easily replaceable.</p><p>Only thing was the thinner width (25mm vs 30 on the stock). But after porting the tires over, there wasn't much visible difference looking at the overall width and height of the rubbers. </p><p>I got it with the QR adapter for this bike but these wheels can easily Plug n Play with standard TA adapters if need to. 12x142 rear and 15x100 front.. Only doesnt seem to have 12x100 front adapter which some gravel forks are still using.<br /></p><p>On the road the smoothness of the hubs and the relatively stiffer lacing was definitely a boost to riding speed with easier spinning and spin-up from stationary. Took about 20 laps at my daily rabbit loops to break in the bearings... Speed wise I thought it was a bit faster but it will take a few more evenings to gauge a proper average. </p><p>On the trail is where a positive difference was felt yesterday. Albeit only using the rear of the wheel set only... </p><p>Having to ride to the trails.. I kept the pressure high @ ~53psi in the rear with the anorexic GravelKing SS and switched back to my chimera front with the 2.25 Advantage at 30psi.</p><p>Left 'em untouched when I hit the trails... </p><p>Even at these high pressure (usually I run 16-18 psi front for full knobbies with mtb) I launched into an all out assault from the start. Front gobbled up everything. Not being a stranger to rigid even before riding gravel bike, handling the front now is a little reminiscent of my old <a href="http://bikes-bikes-bikes.blogspot.com/2018/05/fatcut.html" target="_blank">fat bike</a>. </p><p>Of course it doesn't have quite the same amount of flotation and "tire-supension"... but close enough that I am able to pedal "balls to the walls" at every possible turn. The rear tracking was good even with such high pressure... only a couple of slip ups when I went over some loose rocks and couple of roots.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVI3fsMhLQ0/YNcCELQnoFI/AAAAAAAAK5o/SxYViWWzLHEtRh2_N_1lKCM-OvN4G5UHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVI3fsMhLQ0/YNcCELQnoFI/AAAAAAAAK5o/SxYViWWzLHEtRh2_N_1lKCM-OvN4G5UHgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Because the front was gripping relatively well.. the effort was less pronounced and I was able to ride most of the way with the last 2 biggest cogs still in reserve.. Trail range usage yesterday was basically 42 front with 11-30 rear.. Only using the 37 and 46 on 3-4 occasions mostly inside BT. </p><p>Almost made it up Stairway To Heaven too.. Front still clawed right at the last bit of the climb but the rear slipped.. Wouldnt have matter if the biggest cog is the same size as the wheel.. its the frigging lack of grip on the tire... yes I think we all know how that goes.. suddenly its as if you are riding a stationary bike. Crank a full revolution but it moves no where...<br /></p><p>Overall, I don't know if its because of the confidence and grip from the front but the rear compared to the old wheel was a lot quicker to respond overall when turning and doesn't have that dead "thud" feel as it humps over stuffs be it root or rock. Still of course, there is some jarring but not followed by an immediate slowdown which happened with the wider stock wheel... and bearing in mind it's s till +50 psi which really is stupidly hard for trail riding. </p><p>Is it because the thinner width actually work better in this combo now? Hmmm?? Too many parameters and I can't quite figure it out for the moment. But rear wise, I definitely prefer whatever is on the bike now.. <br /></p><p>Total offroad in yesterday's 144km ride was </p><p><b>1x</b> T15, </p><p><b>2x </b>"Unmentionable Trail" and </p><p><b>1.5x</b> laps at BT ...... for an approx 15-16 km </p><p>Hitting this distance in the trails after about 85km on the roads felt more like a straight up 25-30km trails only ride towards the end. Burning quads and smoking lungs not withstanding... Absolutely winded in the last 3km of BT before hitting the roads again. Had to stop for a couple minutes to drop my HR back before the journey home.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>...Someone asked why didn't I do the same for the rear and jimmy a big ass tire in there. </p><p><b>Clearance! </b>Or rather the lack of at the chain stays was the limiting factor. That's the next part of the bike to work on. Looking at all the wimpy 1.8-2.0" knobbed tires in the market, I'm mulling how to hack a 2.1" at the back... Smaller than 2.0"-- usually tires will spot those tiny pimple sized knobs.. Hardly functional in my opinion for more technical off roads. . <br /></p><p>Ok some may disagree with me.. but in my context of off road riding, its always about trying to ride up and down anything without getting off to push. The hell with pushing bikes. No shame but still, I rather be riding.<br /></p><p>Before getting into more for the rear-- I'll just drop the tire pressure on the next ride in the trails to see how much further can be edged out of the current setup while trying to reduce some weight in the meantime as well.<br /></p><p>As is now, 2x full bottles, framebag and contents, toolbag and meters/lights makes this an obese 15kg chunky bastard .<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7cve_N_dJQ/YNcI9T0Ds4I/AAAAAAAAK5w/sWlncckYcMwICfkPtl3kqUZ-vFnC9QoVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7cve_N_dJQ/YNcI9T0Ds4I/AAAAAAAAK5w/sWlncckYcMwICfkPtl3kqUZ-vFnC9QoVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Things in the pipeline... </b></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8StiaZcHfvs/YNk6p6yKwLI/AAAAAAAAK7o/m3rhN8yS5rY75tX6SO8WG3Urgwvmmlv2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1599/index.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1599" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8StiaZcHfvs/YNk6p6yKwLI/AAAAAAAAK7o/m3rhN8yS5rY75tX6SO8WG3Urgwvmmlv2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/index.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Still not too convinced whether a properly functional bike in my case should be a 1x or 2x front<p></p><p>Swapping out to outboard BB cranks like my spares which are all 2x cranks would be much easier when
it comes servicing time. </p><p>One can't really service the bearings like
outboards on a square taper unless its one of those kidney-priced <a href="https://phil-wood-co.myshopify.com/collections/square-taper-bottom-brackets" target="_blank">PhilWoods BB</a> or similar that are totally separate pieces. Most square taper BB are cartridged type these days. The issue of square taper is cleaning out the grit that is
collected in the nooks but overall those suckers do have long life span before their
bearings crap out for good though. <br /></p><p>In any case I've been having a "bail-out" manual shift on all my 1x MTB setup for many years. Yes, it simply means having a granny with no front dee and manually shift with fingers if the occasion calls for it... which is rare around SG. </p><p>With the array of spare cranks in the arsenal now with 104/64 BCD.. all it needs for the Nicasio+ is to find the right combo of chain rings.<br /></p><p>Satisfied with the current configuration of 42T front, 11-46 behind as a 9s drivetrain for offroad riding on the Nicasio+, hence for the main ring after a crank swap it will remain a 42. But the "bailout" in this case.. I'm mulling over a 24t, 26t or 28t </p><p>A 24t based on an even gradual step down rate of the GI numbers would provide the best range in the low gears but when back on the flats, apart from the smallest 11 and 13-- its basically useless.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P73Y9mfNLXs/YNk1QKatO2I/AAAAAAAAK7Y/xPGVbwCuvSEdYu6XLk0yotoYL_BtPB_LwCLcBGAsYHQ/s651/zx.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="651" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P73Y9mfNLXs/YNk1QKatO2I/AAAAAAAAK7Y/xPGVbwCuvSEdYu6XLk0yotoYL_BtPB_LwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h270/zx.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Alternatively once at the trail--simply switch to a 28t and leave it on? But it would still be rather lacking on the range for higher gears... will have to come down to the 4 smallest cogs and that's a lot of cross chaining. Wear out rates will be high.</p><p>Let's see...<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Since back to my favorite subject of Gear Inch Ratio, I have further refined from the last 2 write ups on the topic on this bike and plan for a potential 700c wheelset using a 1/2 corncob cassette of 12-25 mainly for the road rides...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5f3bYjR-bjA/YNcj7L3JW4I/AAAAAAAAK6I/IQBBy1I-YxwA9f17yZLiSjjqD0PepQaZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s794/x.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="794" height="548" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5f3bYjR-bjA/YNcj7L3JW4I/AAAAAAAAK6I/IQBBy1I-YxwA9f17yZLiSjjqD0PepQaZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h548/x.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "magical cog" -- a 14t <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Thinking ahead on the consumables and compatability...</p><p>The best part of the whole stock bike is really the drive train in my opinion. Still pretty flawless shifting despite everything I had dished out these 3 months or so. But the gear ratio combo on the cassette is not something that can be easily found. While there are other 9s, 11-46 cassettes out there but the tooth jumps are quite different. I would definitely miss having the versatility at times switching between the 18 and 21 of this stock <a href="https://www.microshift.com/models/cs-h093-11-46t/" target="_blank">Microshift CS-H093</a> cassette because most 9s with 11-46 usually replace these 2 middle-ish cogs with a single 20t. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRsMejOrs7w/YNf2u459UcI/AAAAAAAAK6g/9MOiQs1RsxwTSQ__ZmMAYkHwT0HhcEtCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s768/op.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="768" height="528" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRsMejOrs7w/YNf2u459UcI/AAAAAAAAK6g/9MOiQs1RsxwTSQ__ZmMAYkHwT0HhcEtCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h528/op.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The other things are the shifter and deraileur combo</p><p>The <a href="https://www.microshift.com/models/rd-m6195m/" target="_blank">Advent mid cage rear dee, RD-M6195M</a>, is stated to be compatible only with their own <a href="https://www.microshift.com/models/sb-m090/" target="_blank">shifters </a>only... Really? Not that I'm in a hurry to change this out as I really like the dropbar shifter (saved for the oddity of the shift cable sticking out from the side, making it impossible to do a concealed cabling along the bar). But it would be good to know if some compatibility or hacks is possible to mate it with other 9s dropbar shifter with cable actuate brakes. All these in a market which already isn't very 9 speed friendly these days with the rise of all the gazillion-speed cassettes + hydoo brakes combo.<br /></p><br />anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-84661586479919131032021-05-15T16:03:00.015+08:002021-06-26T19:30:42.365+08:00Marin Nicasio +<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9k-4MWOuvA/YJ9kHVsgK2I/AAAAAAAAK1Y/PbhdpzxRJOsx6aRXbtfXUYK9JTzhy6MswCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/NiBar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9k-4MWOuvA/YJ9kHVsgK2I/AAAAAAAAK1Y/PbhdpzxRJOsx6aRXbtfXUYK9JTzhy6MswCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/NiBar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marin Nicasio + Size 52cm.. <br />and my first dinner-plate sized cassette, <span class="cr-widget-FocalReviews" data-hook="cr-widget-FocalReviews"><span class="a-size-base review-text" data-hook="review-body"><span>46-37-30-24-21-18-15-13-11</span></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Fast forward from previous <a href="http://bikes-bikes-bikes.blogspot.com/2021/05/different-angle-but-same-same-all-reach.html" target="_blank">article</a> where my SOMA Stanyan was being tweaked to death in anticipation of the next ?? --- a gravel bike which really isn't so much for the sake of riding gravels. </p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Huh? </b></span></p><p>Ok, that must have elicited some head scratching but of course I'm not ruling out riding on gravel of course.. In fact would soon be doing full offroad mtb trails with the above... The whole idea of a gravel bike was because after my 10+ years hiatus of not riding on the roads, I'm still queasy these few months when piling on the torque when on tarmac. </p><p>Hence I wanted a rig capable of meandering pavement/pcn/road.. esp those interrupted pavements with lots of ups and down or kerbs.. My mtb is pushed up as a 26er+ with only a 30t front ring so long distance riding is a draggy slower affair. The SOMA as a single speed, while very capable and relatively agile but humping down kerbs or side-winding onto grass and then back onto pavement just isn't what it is cut out to do when countering pavement traffic.<br /></p><p>The choice could have been a HT 29er on semi slicks but then I discovered what else people are going goo goo and ga ga these days-- <b>Gravel Bikes</b>! </p><p>Yet as I read more.. it seems what I want would fit more into another of these new marketing terms. An ALL-ROAD... much like the early days when AM (ALL MOUNTAIN) was "all" the rage then before it evolved to "Enduro" these days.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kBnOb5R5m4/YKHy7ngqO8I/AAAAAAAAK3Y/h28TYtPjcaYn082Xo3YH3yuoXXDa9qaCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1596/index.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="1596" height="252" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kBnOb5R5m4/YKHy7ngqO8I/AAAAAAAAK3Y/h28TYtPjcaYn082Xo3YH3yuoXXDa9qaCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h252/index.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From 11 down to 2 and now back to 3 sets of wheels in the house...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Anyway...<br /></p><p>Well, looking at the entire range, from custom frames costing 2 eyeballs all the way down to sub $1K complete rigs, the filtering started with stats/ numbers on the various bikes and frames early this year... Next was pondering whether to build another state of the art , money guzzling bike or something that is just smooth and practical that will work for the kind of intended riding. </p><p>...Followed by more mental weaving in between choosing 650B vs 700c wheels and 1x or 2x?.</p><p>Alluded in earlier post-- the spectrum is simply too wide for Gravel Bikes (or these All Road). Just got to make a decisive cut at some point. <br /></p><p>Back to the drawing board and calculator... <br /></p><p> </p><p>... The 48/18 on the Stanyan gives me a Gear Inch (GI) ratio of ~71-72 -- this translates to about ~32-34km/h (neutral wind condition) on the flats at my optimal cadence without spinning out.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_m7U9oR0vg/YJ-DYoMvD_I/AAAAAAAAK3A/RhACT_eibbwYLx2Nwoh7TT-p2g_a5yJEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s476/g1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="476" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_m7U9oR0vg/YJ-DYoMvD_I/AAAAAAAAK3A/RhACT_eibbwYLx2Nwoh7TT-p2g_a5yJEwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h215/g1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>A GI ratio in the high 70s or low
80s would be perfect... Something I would get if I swap the front back to my 53t and achieve a GI of 78.48... but let's leave that for later. </p><p>Numbers wise-- that GI would roughly translate to about 35-38km/h on the road at a smooth cadence for a reasonable distance.</p><p></p><p>Ok-- so if a 1 ring setup on a gravel bike can hit that or more-- than 1x it is.. As for the rear, will just have to see which drivetrain and cassette combo it comes with...</p><p>Still not 100% convinced as it is hard sometimes to extrapolate everything in the head. My last geared road bike was more than 10 years ago and certain things can only rely on memories of how "it feels" and those were based on full roadie setup with 23c rubbers... quite diff from things talked about here with grav. bikes today... <br /></p><p><br /></p><p>While still mulling.. a notification came up on Carousell for a Marin Nicasio Plus, a budget bike but which I have shortlisted from looking at its geom and reviews. </p><p>Size is right --- <b>CHECKED</b><br />Price looks right ---<b> CHECKED</b><br /></p><p>Made an appointment with seller and took a short ride-- confirms what I thought all along. Smiling to myself , I was thinking it' really reinventing a non suspension 80s mountain bike and slapping it on with a drop bar. Albeit modernize a little in terms of geom angles and a dinner plate sized cog on the cassette... Honestly it really reminded me of some of my old hardtails with 1.8-1.9" tires back in the good old days on canti/ vee brakes.<br /></p><p>Heavy, no doubt but I've never been a weight weenie, however that feel good factor of being "one" with this bike is unmistakable.. so it followed me home after a quick transaction.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQye_kUMc74/YJ-C50bCEmI/AAAAAAAAK24/OzyTyE43FokcpFeOZeuQqYbm3votj2EPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s463/gi2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="463" height="279" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQye_kUMc74/YJ-C50bCEmI/AAAAAAAAK24/OzyTyE43FokcpFeOZeuQqYbm3votj2EPwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h279/gi2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Nicasio+ came with 11,13,15 for the 3 smallest cogs-- and I find myself mostly on the 15 after a week of getting it. Numbers wise on the GI its no surprise. The 13t is ok but felt it would be great to have something in between 13 and 15. Again numbers don't lie -- the 79.48 GI if there is a 14t cog at the back would be right where I wanted!</p><p><b><br />Geometry</b><br /></p><p>It just happen that most of the geo numbers on the Nicasio is almost similar to the Stanyan and where they differ-- it is also where I hoped they would be.. ie slacker HA and a tad longer on the center-to front on the Nicasio that happily resolves the slight toe overlap issue present on the Stanyan.<br /><br />One other bonus is the sloping top tube (and one feature this bike took priority over many others on my list). The size "52cm" is actually a 49cm seat tube.. This extra 3 cm allowing me to plonk one of my old dropper seatpost with max insertion and still not be too tall. </p><p>The other thing is the ETT (effective top tube). Yes I know these days everyone talks about Stack and Reach more than TT lengths but for me calculation revolving around ETT has been ingrained for 20+ years and its hard to change.. 525mm ETT has always been my magic number on a road bike-- this one is perfect, but is is the same for gravel geom vs a RB geom? <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQxCuQpifnU/YJ9udD4ZPHI/AAAAAAAAK1g/2t-J8KKB6vMacdI4wR6cbc8As_NRpGDfACLcBGAsYHQ/s1106/SOMA.MARIN.compare.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1106" height="498" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQxCuQpifnU/YJ9udD4ZPHI/AAAAAAAAK1g/2t-J8KKB6vMacdI4wR6cbc8As_NRpGDfACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h498/SOMA.MARIN.compare.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Drivetrain</b> : No idea of what the Microshift Advent drivetrain is like and looking at the price point online-- I have an initial bias. But to my surprise, by now I'm actually liking it a lot..<br /></p><p>Did some tuning up as usual with any bikes I first get my hands on... only had to give the H-screw a couple of 1/4 turns to solve a jumpy niggle on the smallest cog.. I must say it has been flawless so far (and Im quite demanding in the aspect of drivetrain --coming from mostly XT, Ultegra and XTR, in the past).</p><p><b>Brakes</b> : Mech disc brakes have come a long way too. I think my last mech disc brake was back in early 2000s Even these budget Mira now gives quite a good bit of stopping power. Most importantly-- rotors on this used bike ain't warped. Again all it took were minor adjustments to perfect things up.</p><p><b>Tires</b> : It didn't come with the stock WTB as advertised on Marin website but instead with a pair of 1.75" Panaracer Gravel Kings. I consider these closer to road tires due to the smoothness of the thread and lack of grippy sideknobs than a true gravel/ off road rubber.. But GKs are known for holding decent speed on the roads.. Let's see....</p><p>By the way this is also my first 650B/ 27/5" bike. Having resisted when the entire world went 27.5" with MTB and stayed faithful to my 26ers. </p><p>Diameter wise, the 650B with 1.75 is similar to 700c on 28-35c but should give much better float and comfort.. But the question is how much will that have to be compensated for when trying to maintain speed on the tarmac? Surely it will feel "slower" than the Stanyan now?</p><p>There are still many questions and naggy thoughts on my mind at the beginning.. <br /></p><p> "<b>Zhng</b>" <b>Time</b><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dz9JTs0Z4ZU/YJ92ck8OlmI/AAAAAAAAK1o/tToR7rIk7Vo8WWzUZGj8fHkVbJs9k_QwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/005.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dz9JTs0Z4ZU/YJ92ck8OlmI/AAAAAAAAK1o/tToR7rIk7Vo8WWzUZGj8fHkVbJs9k_QwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h290/005.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The bar I talked much about on the Stanyan-- has made it here too. The
stock Marin 12 degree flare was ok but somehow I didn't
like the bending at the hooks. While waiting for the new <a href="https://www.controltechbikes.com/products/item/182.html" target="_blank">Controltech gravel riser</a>... managed to find some matching SOMA bar tape right around the neighborhood when the whole world seems to be out of stock :). I thought putting on the dropper
would be easy enough.. Sure.. plonking a tube into another tube is not
hard.. its the frigging tweaking with the lever which is simply not
meant for drop bars.. .<br /><br />Yes yes... 22.2mm , 24mm, 31.8mm.. all the diff diameters and diff clamp sizes. Something will always not fit and need some DIY. and for something that will fit nicely, I wasn't about to shell a 100 bucks USD.<br /><p></p> <br /><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0KZVjHKpu4/YJ94NkGMgPI/AAAAAAAAK1w/YW3BgDFlVAosfZn1ukJ5Jt22pQj7kB5qwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1599/001.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1599" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0KZVjHKpu4/YJ94NkGMgPI/AAAAAAAAK1w/YW3BgDFlVAosfZn1ukJ5Jt22pQj7kB5qwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />To hack it all up... an after market lever with a clamp from a phone holder and a bit of Dremeling to fit a different sized screw later...<br /><p></p><p>... with a little help from a wooden aromatherapy ball to improve the lever pressing ergonomics later... after an all out off road session as seen in pics below.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p> TADA..........<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NzsDVQl_FW0/YJ95Y90DLnI/AAAAAAAAK14/DrbxfdBjpCQARLwE3QqtL8-eT21U5tLFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ex.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NzsDVQl_FW0/YJ95Y90DLnI/AAAAAAAAK14/DrbxfdBjpCQARLwE3QqtL8-eT21U5tLFgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/ex.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HZ1ezRkTVs/YJ9-hrB1ohI/AAAAAAAAK2w/NnkZzYGibNMMoPbWQuyavkcrYlVytpXlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/zx.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HZ1ezRkTVs/YJ9-hrB1ohI/AAAAAAAAK2w/NnkZzYGibNMMoPbWQuyavkcrYlVytpXlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/zx.jpg" /></a></div><p>Matching things to the hilt, I've even pulled out those super nice <a href="https://berthoudcycles.fr/en/155-handlebar-plugs" target="_blank">Berthoud Cycles bar end plugs</a> gifted to me years ago. </p><p>Everything just happen to go together color wise on this one...<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br />Ok-- I'm trying to be "different" as usual... but as always, form follows function and it's all for practical purposes. A bell these days is indispensable especially since I'm zipping in and out on pavements and PCN on this bike. This is temporary until I can get my hands on the <a href="https://www.knog.com/product/oi-luxe-small/" target="_blank">Knog Oi deluxe small</a> later on.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>And here is how it all fits nicely on the cockpit without excessive hand movements when hands are on the reach of the bar..</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMvk2qDaZYM/YJ97nxsgEDI/AAAAAAAAK2A/g9XRUPjeGAYV8hkx4qtwTYg5eQqL3J81ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1070" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMvk2qDaZYM/YJ97nxsgEDI/AAAAAAAAK2A/g9XRUPjeGAYV8hkx4qtwTYg5eQqL3J81ACLcBGAsYHQ/w428-h640/x.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><p>Ok time to ride...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ePuNQXmgWnU/YJ98drvBN6I/AAAAAAAAK2U/IhtP_LguwJQijFUKQ_nSqbfLAP4CetpcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ePuNQXmgWnU/YJ98drvBN6I/AAAAAAAAK2U/IhtP_LguwJQijFUKQ_nSqbfLAP4CetpcwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/1a.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-irtQoPz0OT0/YJ98diDbf1I/AAAAAAAAK2Q/LQu5frZO1A0kZOG2vRoKzpo0ZtMI13hjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1449/2a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="1449" height="590" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-irtQoPz0OT0/YJ98diDbf1I/AAAAAAAAK2Q/LQu5frZO1A0kZOG2vRoKzpo0ZtMI13hjgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h590/2a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-alPMmWg8aW0/YJ98duonLBI/AAAAAAAAK2Y/cq9PqacADNYXIuzoV762b-KIqno3r7trwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/3a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-alPMmWg8aW0/YJ98duonLBI/AAAAAAAAK2Y/cq9PqacADNYXIuzoV762b-KIqno3r7trwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/3a.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p> ... on a sidenote, was still contemplating on a mod that would involve panniers and racks that can be a <span>quick on/ quick off the bike depending on the mood of the day and a few other small blings. </span></p><p><span><br /></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>Ride Feel and summarizing...</b><br /><br />Ok its not final-- latest change not shown here is going back to SPDs -these are simply more efficient pedaling over flats. Ironically I swapped out my spd to flats for riding mtb 12 years ago and thought I would never live to use SPD ever again! Yet in the world of gravel bikes where most are actually using flats-- I'm back on clipless.</p><br /><p><span>Been a month and have put about 400km on it by now. including using it on my regular <a href="https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1398189" target="_blank">rabbit loops </a>cardio training previously pulled by my Stanyan in the daily 1.33km x 20 laps. So it gives me a good idea how the 2 compares now. While I prefer the relatively stiffer feel of 700c wheels on the SOMA for a quicker spin up (and of course its also on 28c tires), the 1.75 Gravel King here isn't too shabby. But on long weekend rides up and down pavements and alternating with grass and road-- as it was intended of this bike, obviously that is where it shines over my singlespeed. </span></p><p><span>Gravel? No problem of course-- pics above of ride at Chestnut and later in BT in full muddy splendour pretty much says its all doable though I did have to revert to my old XC ways of riding as opposed to my usual mtb bomb-away mode... <br /></span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><span><b>Niggles</b>: I don't like the front feel. The fork somehow translates some pretty harsh sensation. If there is one big dislike on this bike-- this is it. Maybe its just the combo with this tire or something. I can't really figure out. </span></p><p><span>and the few "old" standards.. again the fork-- which runs on straight 1 1/8" steerer while most forks these days are tapered. This would make trying to swap to an after market fork even harder as most do not produce straight steerers these days ( I think...)<br /></span></p><p><span>The other is QR-- While it works well enough but again it would have been great if Marin has put on through axle (TA) front and rear. Not many people go for QR now and if building a set of wheels, it would mean getting hubs that can have adapters that will take both QR and TA for future proofing and easy swap with other frames. </span></p><p><span>Having said-- even with these niggles, the Nicasio+ at its listed price point is still pretty attractive and yes it has been holding up to the rigors Im still putting it through.<br /></span></p><p><span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3gPrWrchfg/YKHskSFZpgI/AAAAAAAAK3Q/oxoFng6_9RcIpv7NmR6lCiOhkRI76FeogCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/index.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3gPrWrchfg/YKHskSFZpgI/AAAAAAAAK3Q/oxoFng6_9RcIpv7NmR6lCiOhkRI76FeogCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/index.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">State of things as itis now.. 17 May... and putting back the rear rack it came with or maybe my Surly rack and add on 2 khaki colored canvas panniers? Hmmm... <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span></span></div><p><span><br /></span></p><p>For now -- will just be riding the hell out of it. If I can be 90% happy with a cheap bike-- then transposing all the same numbers onto a dream custom build with a good builder would be the next probable course of action ;)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-53427594499363671252021-05-15T13:42:00.007+08:002021-07-13T14:35:31.364+08:00 SOMA Stanyan: Road-Commuter-"Gravel" transition..<p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YorVqHqGa7Q/YG_Mydi_GuI/AAAAAAAAK0M/e3enl0Ma-c4twkZ8u80W1uVlKbDhic4RACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/168829319_10159108956727173_1603828713149007825_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YorVqHqGa7Q/YG_Mydi_GuI/AAAAAAAAK0M/e3enl0Ma-c4twkZ8u80W1uVlKbDhic4RACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/168829319_10159108956727173_1603828713149007825_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Different Angle But Same Same</b> (all reach measurements when seated to various positions on the bar). well almost.. maybe ~0.5cm +/-<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>SOMA Hi-Riser Stem, it's a misnomer if you ask me. More of a hi-stack @ the steerer in the rear to compensate as the rise is actually a -ve 15 deg. And the reason for the change?-- Purely aesthetic after some final tweaks to settings and finding the "perfect" fit on this bike.<br /></p><p></p><p> </p><p>Well, this is where it all ended up by now.... Took out the old trusty SOMA Stanyan and dusted if off a few months back... when I had to change up my training routine to reduce running mileage but need to keep up the cardio workout. </p><p>At the same time I was contemplating the idea of a new bike. Totally lost!. Never mind the new stuff/ technology which is mind boggling-- but whole frigging categories of biking which I have never heard of. (these aren't exactly new but been around for a while). It just shows how frigging long I've really been out of touch with all things related to biking.</p><p> </p><p>Stumbled upon this Gravel bike thingie... Shimano even has a dedicated gruppo-- the GRX for it now! My knowledge of things, Shimano stopped at Durace and XTR-- and my workhorse in the past (and still in use) are mostly XT on my existing mountain bike. The only other complete bike around the house apart from the Stanyan here... </p><p>Anyone that Googled "gravel bike" will be blasted with a wide array of description these days.. Took me a while to figure that its really about building a <b>1/2 Fcuk "do-it-all" Bike</b>-- you can be closer to a traditional cyclocross or more of a "mountain-bike with drop bars. Really, the spectrum is so broad-- its pointless to try and pigeon hole it.<br /><br />By 1/2 Fcuk-- of course I don't mean its crappy-- some gravel bikes will cost both my kidneys and probably installments of body parts that my grandkids would still be paying for after my demise.</p><p>Just that if you are going purely for speed on the road-- you will never be able to beat a tricked out road bike, while it travels well on hard pack and light gravel which as the name suggest. Due most time to the wider tires that can be accommodated and wider gear range and all these new fangle-dangle components like flared riser drop bars made for such riding... yet it will be outclassed by mountain bikes in full mtb territory.There is nothing like some good ol' 2.4-2.6" rubbers running sub 20 psi to pillage and plunder our meek local offroad Teletubby trails.<br /></p><p>Let's face it-- try riding one down a rock garden at full speed with 2 foot rocks and you'll probably be shitting your pants before the front wheel even rolled off the rocky descent.</p>So ... what exactly is it good for. in our local context, riding fast
enough on the road, for an all day long ride, and then scoot off into some
unpaved tracks or light trails which would stump skinny tire road
bikes.. Pop a little on and off if you are riding a lot on the pavements
as many of us are kind of wary about riding fully on the roads these
days.. yes, it would be an awesome do it all rig. Just don't expect yourself to be the next <a href="https://www.brumotti.com/" target="_blank">Brumotti</a> in terms of tricking out on what can be done on a bike with drop bars for us mere mortals.<br /><p> </p><p></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OX9a6TM83jQ/YH7VOnNK04I/AAAAAAAAK0c/pybDcliBIYA6ZavfLr3_Z42Uapp2RSeuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s701/154091621_10159016291012173_4277802225605030119_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" height="441" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OX9a6TM83jQ/YH7VOnNK04I/AAAAAAAAK0c/pybDcliBIYA6ZavfLr3_Z42Uapp2RSeuwCLcBGAsYHQ/w331-h441/154091621_10159016291012173_4277802225605030119_n.jpg" width="331" /></a>Anyway enough of gravel bike description for now..above should give an idea of what is a gravel bike if that is what you started looking for for when reading my excessive bitching here.<br /></p>Next was to compare the Stanyan geometry with some of these gravel bikes and whaddaya know! The Stanyan was designed as a light touring/ commuter capable machine 10+ years ago (its already discontinued for 10 years by the way)-- and the geometry! ALMOST the same as many of the gravel oriented rigs of today! <p></p><p>If I was willing to lose my fenders, tire clearance would go up to 35 (so says the SOMA website but Im sure it can accomodate 37 or even maybe.... just maybe 40c on my 700c wheels..</p><p> Anyway, with the new revelation-- it means I can set it up to mimic
some of the things on a gravel bike and see if I really want a new bike</p><p>Ok maybe the fork rake would be a tad lesser than modern gravel bikes. And the 73 deg HA is definitely considered as steep. Still, it should work in general. As said, I'm not taking some kicker for a 6ft air time send off when riding a bike like this. Flat gravelling about-- 69 or 73 HA shouldn't feel much different. <br /></p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHj4FJ7mY-w/YJ3mLdEqgcI/AAAAAAAAK04/McfX0mcZ8vgxVDEWkXYdnKYCvWMblznAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/148862044_10158978752112173_1829630794115237677_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="349" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHj4FJ7mY-w/YJ3mLdEqgcI/AAAAAAAAK04/McfX0mcZ8vgxVDEWkXYdnKYCvWMblznAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w262-h349/148862044_10158978752112173_1829630794115237677_n.jpg" width="262" /></a> Thus the experimenting started -- bigger 28c tires were next... Hitting out the "gravel" hard and fast at Coney and then. yes, doing the unthinkable/ stupidity of checking out BT trail (actually it was ok- only hindrance is the 48/18 singlespeed ratio which obviously wouldn't make it on the steeps without thunder thighs-- something I definitely lack in the first place). Coming down is definitely sketchy but all those XC riding skills from decades ago kick in and it was pretty much about careful line choosing (but of course speed wise I was riding like some pussy that day). <br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;">In fact on BT's hard-pack, rolling was much easier than the loose rocky sections of T15. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Over the next few month, its just one long ride after another, mostly on
roads during the weekend and exploring wherever I go.. Shall not go into
details of the places here but from unpaved to old paved but broken
roads.. this good old singlepeed took everything in its stride. I stayed
off long full off road ride after the last BT romp while still mulling whether to get a new
dedicated gravel bike.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYkCSNb52Dc/YJ3mT2K_BHI/AAAAAAAAK08/RMe17pdYTiE_bQGW9vTIxM3HnyZA8zbpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/162572443_10159066055327173_856208078477482681_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYkCSNb52Dc/YJ3mT2K_BHI/AAAAAAAAK08/RMe17pdYTiE_bQGW9vTIxM3HnyZA8zbpwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/162572443_10159066055327173_856208078477482681_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Before I go on.. let's state for the record that the last drop bar road bike I rode was 11 years ago.. In between then to now I've only been on mtbs. A long hiatus from the roads and so for every ride since the start of this year, it had been a re-discovery of everything related to drop bar and 700c wheels. </p><p>Yes-- it also meant breaking out my old funky smelling padded shorts only this year and having to buy new ones after these old ones simply disintegrated after a couple of use.<br /></p><p>The real work done when back home stemming from my pedantic self was getting all the numbers down.. Getting ready for the next bike. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_gYIORoCPA/YJ3tOzU5PeI/AAAAAAAAK1I/pHeJvcuK2mYQjof1mjjAwf-FE0LgE3ZYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2045/RBGeo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2045" data-original-width="1599" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_gYIORoCPA/YJ3tOzU5PeI/AAAAAAAAK1I/pHeJvcuK2mYQjof1mjjAwf-FE0LgE3ZYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w501-h640/RBGeo.jpg" width="501" /></a></div><p> Why Why Why?--- Because numbers don't lie </p><p>"<b>Go for a professional bike fit...</b>" I hear someone shouting in the background.. </p><p>Some might spot and say -- "<b>that is too much steerer, you need a bigger frame...</b>" <br /></p><p>Been riding long enough to know what works and what not for me. Short arse inseam and forever caught in between sizes-- its the Curse of the Bicycle-god that I have been living with for over 40 years of riding.<br /></p><p>Decided no "slam the stem" on an all rounder setup-- pedaling hard on unpaved paths and hitting some step downs at speed with a low front end is a really stupid idea. The hell with looking cool.<br /></p><p>Somehow things work out to a old skool-ish ratio with the handlebar ~1" lower than the seat.. The real hard part here after trying out with umpteenth stems later is to find one that is still high enough but doesn't impart that dorky aesthetic of a upward rising angle to reach that optimal bar height.</p><p>Biggest positive change? The bar. The old Nitto Randonneur while perfect on the drops was simply too scrunched on top.. </p><p>Started looking at these newer flared bars... then saw these even newer ones with riser. </p><p>Riser-drop Bar-- "What and OXYMORONIC name!".. I was just thinking but then hmmm it might just work to push the bar height up since my steerer is limited.<br /></p><p>Tried a few at bike shops like the SOMA Condor I and II, , Surly Truck Stop Bar etc... somehow either the length, rise, reach or angles stop me from buying.. till I stumble upon the <a href="https://www.controltechbikes.com/products/item/182.html" target="_blank">Controltech CLS FL16 GRAVEL Riser</a>. Put a 40cm on the SOMA... (40 here is hood to hood.. C-C is 49cm)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFb1co1jd7g/YJ9R7eai2eI/AAAAAAAAK1Q/neWQ-O2PkBYiMC8LRDqq8TiP3NCuCj_IgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/index.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFb1co1jd7g/YJ9R7eai2eI/AAAAAAAAK1Q/neWQ-O2PkBYiMC8LRDqq8TiP3NCuCj_IgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/index.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br />Pros and Cons.. It has a funny rise that starts right around the center after the stem is mounted, leaving little space for extension mounting. At its highest point of the rise (where my bar tapes started).. its a very gradual taper all the way to the start of the bend where the reach starts. </p><p>This part is where it felt different from all the other riser drop bars I have tried and gives me the most ergonomic wrist to palm transition when holding behind the hood. I was paranoid at first how the increase in the C-C (49cm) compared to my previous C-C of 42 on the Nitto would affect. It was all a worry over nothing as the only difference was a significantly positive feel in leveraging the bar when holding the ends.</p><p>Cranking out 48/18 from a dead stop - -any singlespeeder will appreciate that your top end doesn't feel retardedly slow or squeezed for space while your legs are putting torque on the cranks simultaneously... something that my old Nitto Rando bar was doing to me.<br /></p><p>Most time while back on the hook, the width is actually between 42-44cm which is just perfect.</p><p><br /></p><p>From here I can sense that this bar will also work well on unpaved/ off road conditions- -but maybe the slightly wider 42 cm (C-C @ 51cm) might even be better...</p><p>armed with all the numbers.. now I have a good feel of exactly what I want in my next bike...<br /></p><p>The search continues-- The Gravel Bike Hunt!</p><p><br /></p><p>and just a recap of how the Stanyan has served me thru the years</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzow67jqOlY/YKHosMwnKQI/AAAAAAAAK3I/rlGGAxe-2KEO7RC3oJ9cu8t8sW5508YQACLcBGAsYHQ/s716/14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="716" height="558" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzow67jqOlY/YKHosMwnKQI/AAAAAAAAK3I/rlGGAxe-2KEO7RC3oJ9cu8t8sW5508YQACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h558/14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">(1) </span></b>First built after patiently waiting for various parts over 9 months that seen this setup hit the many nite rides at TMCR. <span style="color: red;"><b>(2) </b></span>Then the ridiculous but head turning "monster ratio" craze of a 62/16 before <span style="color: red;"><b>(3)</b></span> transformation into a grocery/ commuter bike for the next 7-8 years. <span style="color: red;"><b>(4)</b></span> Recently defaulted back into my regular cardio training rig once again. Fenders and racks stays.. its a signature by now.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <br /></p><p></p><p> <br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p> </p>anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-57169587649500964912018-05-03T14:05:00.001+08:002018-05-03T14:05:38.852+08:00Fat.Cut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2NIzTLg_k-M/Wuqmpd8fggI/AAAAAAAAKUk/QfRPg7XH59cjz49L7ZiBOI7PGjKSOQ0HgCLcBGAs/s1600/31880822_10156284442372173_3198488855732813824_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2NIzTLg_k-M/Wuqmpd8fggI/AAAAAAAAKUk/QfRPg7XH59cjz49L7ZiBOI7PGjKSOQ0HgCLcBGAs/s640/31880822_10156284442372173_3198488855732813824_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-82890204598603404982017-08-17T21:13:00.001+08:002017-08-17T21:13:29.428+08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7uFXJuUmKb4/WZWV63ZaArI/AAAAAAAAJ80/ZyevXrdVJKkKXOj630vJCc49naUHzPxlgCLcBGAs/s1600/raw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7uFXJuUmKb4/WZWV63ZaArI/AAAAAAAAJ80/ZyevXrdVJKkKXOj630vJCc49naUHzPxlgCLcBGAs/s640/raw.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Only just picking up again after a few lack luster months from the last trip to Whistler... and damn the heaviest of tropical rain has to happen on these days when I ride :(<br />
#takeleave2ridemybikesanvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-10381842055190202742016-08-28T20:03:00.002+08:002021-05-11T09:58:49.758+08:00If bikes can talk (profanities included)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWKBHVBuJxI/V8K_FfEt7GI/AAAAAAAAJeQ/qZo3EecsSeQnZnRzt4ierVMK6YFvqmx3QCLcB/s1600/14111685_10154454904277173_1770421896_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWKBHVBuJxI/V8K_FfEt7GI/AAAAAAAAJeQ/qZo3EecsSeQnZnRzt4ierVMK6YFvqmx3QCLcB/s640/14111685_10154454904277173_1770421896_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Rode with my little 0.12 ton friend for a final tune up on the EG yesterday before packing things in the bike box-- and the Spank pedals gave the ghosts.<br />
<br />
So back on the stand it is on this hazy Sunday afternoon. As usual of me... changing one thing soon became an exercise of refreshing the entire bike for no reasons other than out of habit.<br />
<br />
An Onza Ibex 2.4 for the rear... a round of chain cleaning and while at it I look at the seriously gunked up but perfectly working bottom bracket..Stock Shimano outboard running on steel balls. Ah.. my long term test to spite the weenie snob ceramic bearing supporters... 7 years and all it took was proper maintenance and knowing the differences between what's a good grease.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMaDERcKQT4/V8LAt5BI24I/AAAAAAAAJec/spff8ak5DIYUQQwc_eVLN_qQ9xGCKO2EgCLcB/s1600/14111674_10154454399712173_657516054_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">. <img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMaDERcKQT4/V8LAt5BI24I/AAAAAAAAJec/spff8ak5DIYUQQwc_eVLN_qQ9xGCKO2EgCLcB/s640/14111674_10154454399712173_657516054_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh yes, finally changed up to the ceramic bearings gotten years ago... simply to match the color of the bike . I still don't give two fruity toots about ceramics in terms of performance for mountain bikes :)<br />
<br />
Then out came another piece of component bought eons ago but stayed unused... A top chain guide.<br />
An absolute POS and a waste of what?? I think it's 40 bucks or so. Too many moving parts based around cheesy plastic pieces... Positive design failure and reliance on cheap molded parts probably from some 4th world country with no QC whatsoever.<br />
<br />
Too late the front shifter and deraileur was already removed.<br />
<br />
Thinking aloud... " <b>So I really have to put the damn front dee back on to keep the chain in place huh</b>"<br />
<br />
"<b>Was there any reasons to remove it...</b>" came an an odd but vaguely familiar voice. I swear I have heard it before while riding but just could not pin down where...<br />
<br />
Looked around, the Missus was plugged in with ear bud watching Korean drama on her tablet.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0SjCx2g884Y/V8LD5c-sOBI/AAAAAAAAJeo/QaGfEfHso08YIIwEOWEW4Ls-iQJBbtwGgCLcB/s1600/14138304_10154454979782173_195416940_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0SjCx2g884Y/V8LD5c-sOBI/AAAAAAAAJeo/QaGfEfHso08YIIwEOWEW4Ls-iQJBbtwGgCLcB/s320/14138304_10154454979782173_195416940_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>The dog? <br />
<br />
obviously he ain't giving a shit...it's afternoon nap time.<br />
<br />
<br />
"<b>It's me... your bike that's talking</b>.. <b>remember those times on the trail "Don't brake Don't Brake Speed is YOur Friend.. pedal the bike will deliver"... yea me, me me.. your bike"</b><br />
<br />
I turn back and stared. Nothing, nada, zilch. The bike was still on the stand. Even if the wind is blowing, it isn't gonna move this overbuilt piece of 2 wheeling grumpy definition of a bike...<br />
<br />
... and I said in my head..."<b>But why</b>?"<br />
<br />
"<b>Practically everything has been changed and swapped and you are ok... Even your little EG brother is running on 1 ring with no front dee and shifters</b>..."<br />
<br />
For those that isn't aware-- this EG being the best damn frame I ever had.. got me to built a second lighter one...<br />
<br />
In a flash of sanity, I thought if I should break out the torque wrench and check for loose screws in my head.... <br />
<br />
"<b>I don't care, that ain't me</b>" came that same hoarse metallic voice.<br />
<br />
Screw me the bike is definitely talking now... <br />
<br />
And I continued... "<b>But you're ok with the rest of the part changes. front went from the lowest 100mm setting on the TALAS back at the start in 2009 and now a dual crown 200mm... 6, 7 shocks to date Come on, no one uses a front dee anymore</b>".. I was half justifying the trend these days as much as I don't want to believe the bike really is talking.<br />
<br />
"<b>Fuck the 10, 11 and wadever speed man..."You do the math.. go back to your gear inch ratio calc.. the numbers on those pussy 40t gearing dinner-plate sized cassette makes sense?</b>"<br />
<br />
Truth is -- they don't and I just recheck it last week on a 2x9 11-34 cassette vs a 1 x 11 11-40 cassette.. If you really need a granny.. 2 x 9 is still king of the (wide) range.<br />
<br />
"<b>Ok what about the countless handlebars, stem and seats... and are you also protesting with the latest Fizik Tundra I put on you last Friday nite</b>?"<br />
<br />
<br />
Metallic Voice : "<b>Hey I don't give a shit about those... Every time u add 1 cm of bar length or raise 2 mm of bar rise you think you can ride better and you write tomes on this blog about all your bike set up theories....Me? Seriously I can't be bothered man.. stupid human bah.</b>"<br />
<br />
"<b>Oh this seat now with a red stripe to match the rest-- ya think again.. it's your ass complaining, dude.. NOT me</b>" and I definitely can hear that jeering undertone.<br />
<br />
"<b>Feeling pissed? Go ahead be my guest. Kick the fuckin' wheels and tires.. Again I don't care -- I'm just the frame dude</b>"<br />
<br />
Talking bike or not I was getting a little mad now "<b>Damn you... I'm gonna let out all the air from the suspension and take out the coil</b>"<br />
<br />
"<b>Be my guest boy.. let's see how you gonna ride</b>" came the retort.<br />
<br />
Definitely wasn't winning this argument... Time to change tac...<br />
<br />
"<b>Alright alright... let's talk some sense..</b>." I said.<br />
<br />
"<b>Sense? What sense? I'm a bike frame</b>" and I was cut right off before finishing by the now grouchy voice.<br />
<br />
"<b>Look the rear dee was changed as well and the DCL (Dual Control Levers) are history too, even your front shifter has been swapped when prices dropped on these xtr babies as 9s was getting obsolete.. I put the best shit on you man... and no complaints all these while..." </b>I continued.<br />
<br />
<br />
"<b>What did you expect? I'll shift myself on the cassette on that ridden to death XT rear dee huh? Or that SLX you didn't install properly and broke the cage? Oh DCL! Come on dude.. that was your frigging great idea to be different from the rest of the crowd, don't rope me in eh. I don't care so long as 1 click = 1 shift..." But since this XTR front dee was swapped over from the Motolite days -- When? when has it ever been taken off... from that first dorkier than thou setup in 2009 and throughout all the oversea trips-- it never left the seattube..</b>." came an outburst from El Grouchy and a tsunami of memories I had riding this bike came flooding back...<br />
<br />
True.. it always has a front dee. The bloody bike was right.<br />
<br />
"<b>And when has it failed... or even given a hard time to tune..</b>." it continued.<br />
<br />
Again I have to say that is the truth... Front deraileurs can be a bitch to get right and one of the chief reason played out by bike marketing to the demise of this component. Tuning them is a bit of science and black art mixed in on many bikes but the EG combo with the XTR has never been an issue...<br />
<br />
"<b>You can change anything but you don't touch the front dee, understand. For all the duty I pull and the heavy crap you put on me plus the geometry changes made to the head angle and all... Stop being an ass and try to make me a 1 x Wadever-- it just doesn't bloody work!</b>"<br />
<br />
"<b>2 Nine-- I climb everything from that 45 degree last up in Putra to all the friding needed to get to trail heads in some Chiang Mai trails... with a little of your "reach triangle theory"... Yea, remember.. Big Fat Small Tall, 100 or 200mm ME climbs Them All... WITH a FRONT DEE"</b> <br />
<br />
Yup.. the frame is right once again...<br />
<br />
My final shot at a retort : "<b>But it's seriously dorky... even after next month's trip and I put the single crown Vengeance back on, bikes today just don't run front dees...</b>"<br />
<br />
"<b>Hahaha so says the one riding a dorky looking bike.. it's you not me. OWNED!</b>"<br />
<br />
"<b>Fuck you...</b>"<br />
<br />
"<b>Yea fuck you too-- just put the damn front dee back on after you have washed it clean</b>"...<br />
<br />
and................ just before dinner time<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Frame 1 Rider 0</b></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vGsElh2x4iI/V8LQpBKlccI/AAAAAAAAJe4/5UFXfLVPKUk7SyV5gZQDXgvrBwTHY9TfACLcB/s1600/14182087_10154455072407173_264408713_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vGsElh2x4iI/V8LQpBKlccI/AAAAAAAAJe4/5UFXfLVPKUk7SyV5gZQDXgvrBwTHY9TfACLcB/s320/14182087_10154455072407173_264408713_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>
</p><p>Dual crown fork with a front dee to Whistler-- here we come... <br />
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<br /></p>anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-52119521097203509062015-08-11T14:27:00.003+08:002015-08-11T14:27:49.818+08:00Wordless Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5l7T7y27sbA/VcmVz_P4btI/AAAAAAAAIl4/f3ZJ6usWJkA/s1600/SvJSUSzB3BACG-Wq737QG1Daqd7YQHa3KUJeDqNac9M%252C2FO6hLDskNqu3BBIu1L2KtX2IpZNlW6_Jwm-_HZwTHw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5l7T7y27sbA/VcmVz_P4btI/AAAAAAAAIl4/f3ZJ6usWJkA/s640/SvJSUSzB3BACG-Wq737QG1Daqd7YQHa3KUJeDqNac9M%252C2FO6hLDskNqu3BBIu1L2KtX2IpZNlW6_Jwm-_HZwTHw.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-24725875072360369662015-07-29T15:55:00.002+08:002015-07-29T15:55:26.736+08:00"eddy" bead by Copperhead<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUcRZDOpZmE/VbhDehXEmwI/AAAAAAAAIbA/l29pcGV71VY/s1600/11787375_10153494522097173_15713759_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUcRZDOpZmE/VbhDehXEmwI/AAAAAAAAIbA/l29pcGV71VY/s400/11787375_10153494522097173_15713759_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...1972 Mexico City. The Hour Record</td></tr>
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<br />
Why, it's another kickass piece from my favorite bead guy, of course.<br />
<br />
Pretty special one too..this was cast in honor of the cycling great, <a href="http://www.cyclinghalloffame.com/riders/rider_bio.asp?rider_id=1" target="_blank">Eddy Merckx</a>, aka "The Cannibal" What can be better! A cycling nut bead maker and an appreciating cycling nut customer..<br />
<br />
The love of things metal started with bikes, which expanded to knives from an early age and of late a growing fascination for beads. A bike theme bead that's gonna be hanging off one of my favorite blade. Full circle!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxkrK2Biq6c/VbhQvrJcS4I/AAAAAAAAIcM/F9fzUaO0o6M/s1600/Kurin_Fig_6_AJPA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxkrK2Biq6c/VbhQvrJcS4I/AAAAAAAAIcM/F9fzUaO0o6M/s320/Kurin_Fig_6_AJPA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
"<i>But.. what about skulls ?"</i><br />
<br />
Ah yes-- another of my fascination. .. The young idealistic Forensic Anthropology student researching and writing his thesis on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trepanning" target="_blank">trepanation</a> that consumed the entire summer of 95'<br />
<br />
Trepanation or trephination: The art and cultures of surviving the drilling of holes in the cranium.<br />
<br />
Yes, as always I'm lurking among things macabre and morbid :)<br />
<br />
<br />
Ok time for me to shut up.. ... let the pictures do the talking. Enjoy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FELuwecsnzQ/VbhErI6j3aI/AAAAAAAAIbM/JjqKmnwmx4k/s1600/11783753_10153494463932173_1113026262_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FELuwecsnzQ/VbhErI6j3aI/AAAAAAAAIbM/JjqKmnwmx4k/s400/11783753_10153494463932173_1113026262_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Eddy" on the Cambrium</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHsgDGfySfc/VbhG_wVi0zI/AAAAAAAAIbY/eEY_z6CHNJ4/s1600/11724804_10153494469332173_1987689060_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHsgDGfySfc/VbhG_wVi0zI/AAAAAAAAIbY/eEY_z6CHNJ4/s400/11724804_10153494469332173_1987689060_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EFuNSA3OAU/VbhIWiJe-EI/AAAAAAAAIbo/xWsVDwp39pI/s1600/11806946_10153494466762173_922889822_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EFuNSA3OAU/VbhIWiJe-EI/AAAAAAAAIbo/xWsVDwp39pI/s400/11806946_10153494466762173_922889822_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ijC5ZgmGLvc/VbhIuC6nJgI/AAAAAAAAIbw/8n_XSUVwd-o/s1600/11777373_10153494461812173_1352470670_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ijC5ZgmGLvc/VbhIuC6nJgI/AAAAAAAAIbw/8n_XSUVwd-o/s400/11777373_10153494461812173_1352470670_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Podium!</td></tr>
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<br />
As cyclists what we hope to see of course is the gracious sharing of roads and for all to be safe.<br />
It ain't a one sided thing.. motorize or pedal powered we just need to do our part to keep everyone safe and get home for dinner with loved ones. Ride Hard Ride Safe.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ETPfuUd2e8/VbhJXdIWekI/AAAAAAAAIb8/Rh7FK76qESw/s1600/11806724_10153494463237173_442492896_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ETPfuUd2e8/VbhJXdIWekI/AAAAAAAAIb8/Rh7FK76qESw/s400/11806724_10153494463237173_442492896_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=SG&hl=en-GB&v=XLgYAHHkPFs" target="_blank">Imagine :- by John Lennon</a><br />
"Imagine all the people...Sharing all the world.....oooh"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ViuBC8d5ZIM/VZTiYJdhMdI/AAAAAAAAIPc/LnDQ2-7iA_k/s1600/10986173_1374735966179160_239431969_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ViuBC8d5ZIM/VZTiYJdhMdI/AAAAAAAAIPc/LnDQ2-7iA_k/s1600/10986173_1374735966179160_239431969_a.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/cuprumzink/" target="_blank">Check out cuprimzink on Instagram</a></td></tr>
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<br />anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-45650337317200820372015-06-05T12:58:00.001+08:002015-06-09T13:37:41.666+08:00E.flection<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Every writing is a reflection but since almost everything is done on the puter and online these days.. guess I'll just call today's writeup e.flection. <br />
<br />
Contrary to my lack of writing on bike stuff in the last few months, I have actually been doing more riding. At the end of the day, like the internal jokes amongst my usual suspects, we may just be striving to not to be that 20-cents rider with a ten thousand dollar bike even though most of us are far from that category despite mediocre skills. At least the bike ain't worth that much ;) But that might also have subconsciously put me off a lot of the reviewing done in the past on this blog with new bike toys and components. <br />
<br />
So I've gone back to more riding and revisiting some biking related bucket-list items and one of them is learning the one trick everyone
would love to pull off.<br />
<br />
Yes, even if you are a roadie-- Admit it, secretly
somewhere inside you want to be like that kid on a bmx riding round and
round on one wheel.<br />
<br />
The Wheelie.<br />
<br />
Ok I'm slow... it's about Day 7 Lesson, "The Float Zone" that sparked off this article.. but
in real time this is already Day 12 or 13 for me.<br />
<br />
For the technically savvy impatient ones.. I dedicated my post practice scribblings as one of the tab pages to remind myself as I go on...<br />
Click the "<a href="http://bikes-bikes-bikes.blogspot.sg/p/floatzone.html">Float.Zone</a>" tab above or <a href="http://bikes-bikes-bikes.blogspot.sg/p/floatzone.html">click here for mobile users</a>... <br />
<br />
Dreamy readers who are acquainted with my long soliloquy please read on<br />
<br />
But first here is the link to this whole wheelie challenge I am going on and on below... <br />
Hop over to <a href="http://www.ryanleech.com/wheelies/">http://www.ryanleech.com/wheelies/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
The
wheelie for me is bordering on an obsession by now.. It's a thing I "try" every
now and then but never able to pull off. I take consolation in able to
knock a 2 foot high bunny hop from flat even on long travel bikes but
somehow that nagging feeling of being unable to pop a one wheeler for a
respectable distance just irks me to no end.<br />
<br />
Trying for
30 years with no success.. I was truly skeptical at first about how a wheelie can be learned in 30
days delivered in bite size bits.. While far from getting it all down at this
point I'm truly beginning to harbor positive thoughts that it's actually
doable.<br />
<br />
It's hard to describe.. but let's say now someone put down $10K in front of me or tell me I can do a 10Km wheelie--I'll choose the latter even if I'm only on a 20-cents bike. Hence any positive feeling that it can be learned for good certainly is exciting to my present state of mind.<br />
<br />
Though its a comprehensive tutorial for the
wheelie, yet I can see and combine with other riding knowledge in
my repertoire, to apply many of the little steps in here on other tricks
and riding situations. It's really more than just about one move as
learning the bits and pieces in each lesson progresses.<br />
<br />
The
most crucial part of the whole process is maybe what I have been
encountering up till now...<br />
<br />
Practicing the Float Zone has enabled me to
combine with what comes before it to make a smooth transition and I coin
it the "<b>All-In-One Second</b>" zone... and then on to the "Float". A smooth balanced lift-off that quickly transition into the float zone... Experience so far tells me it all has to happen within the first second. Sounds simple eh! Trust me I can write a tome just on this one second... Coordination is literally from head to toe and every extremity in between.. My mind is on overdrive right now as I am still reflecting on all the possible combos of things happening right and wrong in that crucial one second...<br />
<br />
But done right...<br />
<br />
...it's
something that's probably not noticed by a casual observer looking on
as you pop the front .Yet, as the one is in the seat esecuting.. that feeling
integrating all of this, be it even just 2 or 3 pedal strokes, you
either get it or you don't.. If you do you will know what others
mean when the say "that wheelie bliss".<br />
<br />
<br />
A
number of things are not "orthordox". That is, things I came up with by
adjusting or modifying on what's in those tutorials. I believe this is a part of the
learning curve. To discover. To adapt. To make it one's own. The bike
is a machine, we are not. Everyone of us is a little different so we
probably will have to go about in our own little eccentric ways so long
as the end results are achieved. In a way this is similar to how I build up my bikes and dial them to my liking.. what works for me may not work for someone else but drilling in fundamentals till they become second nature and modify along to optimize to oneself is the key so far for me.<br />
<br />
Sounds fun? To be honest.. the night before last.. things actually got so frustrating.. I just raise the seatpost and did a ful power road ride on my trail bike... just to burn away at the frustrations. Making it a point to write everything down to help remember wasn't that bad.. At least this part I kinda enjoy it...<br />
<br />
<br />
Just sharing some of my <a href="http://bikes-bikes-bikes.blogspot.sg/p/floatzone.html">own notes on that page</a> and by being public it helps in my case to put down <br />
<br />
<b>Fear</b>: Fear of people looking on (laughing?) and in general non spefici unfounded fears.. Humans are weird creatures I reckon.. sometimes we heap upon ourselves unnecessary thoughts that burden our life for no good reasons..<br />
<br />
<b>Commitment</b>: "Die Die Must succeed" or that's how my local lingo here would put it.. and post up a "graduation" video later on, now that I have written heaps of myself trying to do this. Couldn't back out now can I?<br />
<br />
<b>Reminder</b>:
Even if I miss, lag or generally feel down about this whole learning at any point..
each time my blog opens up-- it is here to remind myself..<br />
<br />
<br />
Everyone
needs a tag and one of my most liked motivation poster has this pair of
hands cupping a sapling with some soil...it reads:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b> ATTITUDE</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> "The World May End tomorrow but I'm Still Gonna Plant My little Apple Tree"</b></div>
<br />
I don't exactly have a mental picture... but my line will probably be<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"The World May End Tomorrow but I'm Still Gonna Pop my 10KM Wheelie</b>"</div>
<br />
<br />
I'm back... and will be back for more.. Stay Tuned<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>nil volentibus arduum</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-57802365444665700392015-04-20T15:08:00.001+08:002015-04-20T15:08:29.281+08:00Meat Ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSzIjCksERY/VTSghADeFHI/AAAAAAAAH_M/W0lf2DLm5sc/s1600/10357130_782030505250706_1031455633654716353_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSzIjCksERY/VTSghADeFHI/AAAAAAAAH_M/W0lf2DLm5sc/s1600/10357130_782030505250706_1031455633654716353_n.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B_LE2dmoSxQ/VTSLDUxrwAI/AAAAAAAAH-s/TVV8fpVHDV0/s1600/11118637_10153242178967173_838263674240826356_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span id="goog_169593203"></span><span id="goog_169593204"></span><br /></a></div>
Lest it be said there really isn't much of a ride these days but a blog that only shows knives and food... :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9my766zVGc/VTSiAAMmPyI/AAAAAAAAH_g/Q8S0mHjZP5g/s1600/15528_782029295250827_2100742162828455619_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9my766zVGc/VTSiAAMmPyI/AAAAAAAAH_g/Q8S0mHjZP5g/s1600/15528_782029295250827_2100742162828455619_n.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salmo-Bacon Wrap. Courtesy of Mr 0.1 ton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6nuTDR13uDE/VTSlN9F9OnI/AAAAAAAAIAM/IJMIhPQZbiQ/s1600/11118637_10153242178967173_838263674240826356_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6nuTDR13uDE/VTSlN9F9OnI/AAAAAAAAIAM/IJMIhPQZbiQ/s1600/11118637_10153242178967173_838263674240826356_n.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and I told the vendor... "1kg roast pork... Don't cut. Whole piece"....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pqkZlbBWFg/VTSjFFJWw-I/AAAAAAAAH_w/kPYkdC6BZD4/s1600/VaeLaynNkpRIsDWQiFhw3o1yC6toWMGp-rgenbdIewU%2CwhhkRu3WTFMSJW825EgTLlOumndDCs9WgAerM80JGXk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pqkZlbBWFg/VTSjFFJWw-I/AAAAAAAAH_w/kPYkdC6BZD4/s1600/VaeLaynNkpRIsDWQiFhw3o1yC6toWMGp-rgenbdIewU%2CwhhkRu3WTFMSJW825EgTLlOumndDCs9WgAerM80JGXk.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8NFrj7uRVHE/VTSjWZVmWzI/AAAAAAAAH_4/8ty59847-jo/s1600/m7S9TL_QQPEPBjTqGVgpj6RejmEpcGCpWuYIsH6PaTc%2CEtLTjQXBZo6eogeOf1bVK6VTC0KHZE8jBzqObMf-TI8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8NFrj7uRVHE/VTSjWZVmWzI/AAAAAAAAH_4/8ty59847-jo/s1600/m7S9TL_QQPEPBjTqGVgpj6RejmEpcGCpWuYIsH6PaTc%2CEtLTjQXBZo6eogeOf1bVK6VTC0KHZE8jBzqObMf-TI8.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmm.. ok, think I got the S90v to a pretty keen edge...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_iMgPeg6HM/VTSjs-m82nI/AAAAAAAAIAA/97h-lS5Uvq0/s1600/81OaxDUjtguoTIv7vX6GtpPxZt09pM3_F-gQhLXRuDw%2ClSk9mOHDzsnSLOhviT4sWJy-RneKl4qlW7HzaHBYsA4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_iMgPeg6HM/VTSjs-m82nI/AAAAAAAAIAA/97h-lS5Uvq0/s1600/81OaxDUjtguoTIv7vX6GtpPxZt09pM3_F-gQhLXRuDw%2ClSk9mOHDzsnSLOhviT4sWJy-RneKl4qlW7HzaHBYsA4.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drippy Bacon and Crispy Roast Pork...there are all kinds of reasons why people ride</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-8195230615231271532015-03-16T12:54:00.002+08:002015-03-16T12:54:26.946+08:00One last ride at BF.... 14/3/2015<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JiMjZFLgEsQ/VQZhSZ9kYkI/AAAAAAAAH70/vfrHqbWwpLw/s1600/11074616_10153158910002173_959928696_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JiMjZFLgEsQ/VQZhSZ9kYkI/AAAAAAAAH70/vfrHqbWwpLw/s1600/11074616_10153158910002173_959928696_n.jpg" height="360" width="640" /> </a></div>
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Like any usual ride here... but today there was an overwhelming number
of cars parked on the road beside the trail-head... I guess no words are needed.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sa0I4xmqgQI/VQZhhogl0yI/AAAAAAAAH78/6IjzEObE2AI/s1600/11026688_10153158909627173_681835101_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sa0I4xmqgQI/VQZhhogl0yI/AAAAAAAAH78/6IjzEObE2AI/s1600/11026688_10153158909627173_681835101_n.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Whenever I see any of these corrugated metal barricades... there's always a foreboding feeling....<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrF1gusQN2E/VQZh02g-3MI/AAAAAAAAH8E/W-Hbv-Qega8/s1600/11063232_10153158909592173_176980963_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrF1gusQN2E/VQZh02g-3MI/AAAAAAAAH8E/W-Hbv-Qega8/s1600/11063232_10153158909592173_176980963_n.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Or so they say... but <br />
<br />anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-6893387149512060832015-02-19T21:50:00.002+08:002015-02-20T21:26:37.731+08:00CNY 2015 - Ride of the Pineapple Tarts Digestion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu-DnQgEUUc/VOXpMDOhhyI/AAAAAAAAHtA/5h2iRUBthVo/s1600/11015840_10153099282712173_3303077833225112648_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu-DnQgEUUc/VOXpMDOhhyI/AAAAAAAAHtA/5h2iRUBthVo/s1600/11015840_10153099282712173_3303077833225112648_n.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
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1st day of the Year of the Goat<br />
<br />
Old folks always tell the young... "<i>Don't throw anything out on the first day, don't sweep the floor and don't bring out any sharp things...Knives and scissors must be kept in the drawers</i>."<br />
<br />
Oh well... the oldest folk in the house now is me :) Nothing better than combining interests in my opinion. Knives, bikes, photography and being outdoor...<br />
<br />
<br />
Nice quick spin with the usual suspects minus one. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmKpJyYKD5Q/VOXqGqitBVI/AAAAAAAAHtM/NcL0RHwcqUI/s1600/10426272_10153099273472173_6996159530292121520_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmKpJyYKD5Q/VOXqGqitBVI/AAAAAAAAHtM/NcL0RHwcqUI/s1600/10426272_10153099273472173_6996159530292121520_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Meh Meh Huat Arh!"</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://anvilden.tumblr.com/post/111475758221/goat-year-day-1-doggie-walkie-in-the-morning-saw" target="_blank">http://anvilden.tumblr.com/post/111475758221/goat-year-day-1-doggie-walkie-in-the-morning-saw </a></b></span></span></div>
anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-25671247653943227022015-01-18T19:20:00.001+08:002015-01-18T19:20:16.493+08:00Back in the elements<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEmNdKpY3e8/VLuWyKNyKfI/AAAAAAAAHhw/0H6aS934NyI/s1600/DSCN1376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEmNdKpY3e8/VLuWyKNyKfI/AAAAAAAAHhw/0H6aS934NyI/s1600/DSCN1376.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Yes the biking part in me is still well and alive...anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-11874821081085971132015-01-01T21:46:00.001+08:002015-01-09T15:09:42.365+08:001-1-2015Nothing special.. start of the year with the usual. Ride. Catching up with friends I have missed riding with for awhile.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F-2VywvwSrM/VKVOwEQzD8I/AAAAAAAAHYw/aAjt7ZC27J0/s1600/1560569_10152611043917406_7511907585737283875_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F-2VywvwSrM/VKVOwEQzD8I/AAAAAAAAHYw/aAjt7ZC27J0/s1600/1560569_10152611043917406_7511907585737283875_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
End up with some damn good coconut.... The woody-sweet kind.<br />
<br />
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<br />anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-58687326320698088722014-11-16T12:51:00.002+08:002014-11-17T10:53:03.154+08:00Ride & RawMaybe things are just winding down or I have come to a new appreciation of things in life. Bikes and writings about bikes.. just aren't so much on about how epic things have recently been or what new super duper toys I-have-you-don't-have-that-money-can't-buy (but yea, having said, one is coming up as soon as I can get off my tardy bottom and talk tech again). <br />
<br />
Weekend double rides had been a constant for a few weeks now. Zero point One Ton (Z.POT) has made tons of improvement on the trail.. bit by bit the adjustments are all getting there to optimize his ride and climbs.<br />
<br />
Since we were grocery shopping before the ride, might as well throw in an extra 500gm of <a href="http://www.sushiencyclopedia.com/sushi_fish/salmon.html" target="_blank">sake</a> (salmon). Courtesy of Mr Z.POT<br />
After today, we might just start planning for a full course esp when Accident Prone Man, Nick is around for another ride... <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nG0ETV6wJuw/VGgmufYxyyI/AAAAAAAAHUE/Q9H-bcXOx2o/s1600/OEd6fQtcEObNMoGapPql0pBWfpvsoojSAj3xfeB5Zbs.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nG0ETV6wJuw/VGgmufYxyyI/AAAAAAAAHUE/Q9H-bcXOx2o/s1600/OEd6fQtcEObNMoGapPql0pBWfpvsoojSAj3xfeB5Zbs.jpe" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Stupid me... whip out the spanking new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trangia-Spirit-Burner-with-Screwcap/dp/B000AR7970" target="_blank">Trangia</a> impulse buybut the Wiseman in my head quickly reminded me... "<i>He who packs a stove...must bring fuel</i>". Guess it's Sashimi no sencha today!<br />
<br />
Have enough pics of my bike taken... but here's how a 26" front looks on a hardtail. I'm sure thoughts are going on in someone's mind "<i>Nah that rear has gotta go... maybe a new frame is needed</i>. Oh wait the Piglet fits!"<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2P1ffQUy2w/VGgqUiJFJlI/AAAAAAAAHUQ/u9yhPnwDG7g/s1600/10394128_10202697202486456_4408920826842830032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2P1ffQUy2w/VGgqUiJFJlI/AAAAAAAAHUQ/u9yhPnwDG7g/s1600/10394128_10202697202486456_4408920826842830032_n.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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"ITADAKIMASU"<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l6WnTINGWKI/VGgrXRCdUlI/AAAAAAAAHUk/cisEFzyv4Rc/s1600/10377432_10202697203126472_7801017256017281859_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l6WnTINGWKI/VGgrXRCdUlI/AAAAAAAAHUk/cisEFzyv4Rc/s1600/10377432_10202697203126472_7801017256017281859_n.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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and since this was a theme ride of sort...highlight of the day. LIMPEH!<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YvDxQQ8Kpc/VGgqzWDdzWI/AAAAAAAAHUY/Ac4_Scque50/s1600/10547703_10202697203166473_7986985367444030087_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YvDxQQ8Kpc/VGgqzWDdzWI/AAAAAAAAHUY/Ac4_Scque50/s1600/10547703_10202697203166473_7986985367444030087_n.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-28071126238914463572014-11-04T20:18:00.001+08:002014-12-13T22:04:09.014+08:00Pulau Ubin<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FJ23iHiAYwY/VFikufrmN1I/AAAAAAAAHSk/yXVBAQoQrXw/s1600/10009310_10152728268847173_880276846412171014_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FJ23iHiAYwY/VFikufrmN1I/AAAAAAAAHSk/yXVBAQoQrXw/s1600/10009310_10152728268847173_880276846412171014_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last month when we took this pic at Ubin... I had this sudden feeling that we will soon see a swath of destruction and loss of another sanctuary in an ever reducing landscape of rideable trails for us bikers. There was a sudden chill looking at this pic as the feeling was much like when our bikes were hung up on a tree in <a href="http://anvilden.tumblr.com/post/97529054661/go-going-gone-last-day-tbp-signing-in-one-last" target="_blank">Tampines Bike Park on it's very last day</a>. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm not going to wax lyrical all over in this post.. just Google up on this island and its significance to Singapore... its all out there, but....<br />
<br />
...Pulau Ubin is now at the forefront of discussion for a while. Ideas are filling in on how to shove it with all the possible things to spruce it up. Nice to many urban city living folks who cannot live without their modern conveniences. <br />
<br />
People who have forgotten or most of whom who never actually lived in places like this.<br />
People who oooh and aahhh at the "amazing" Metal Trees built, NOT grown in the city<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GQvvCLPLT5E/VFikPdx-M3I/AAAAAAAAHSc/0__spbLtVPg/s1600/article-2009458-0CC8867A00000578-127_964x640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GQvvCLPLT5E/VFikPdx-M3I/AAAAAAAAHSc/0__spbLtVPg/s1600/article-2009458-0CC8867A00000578-127_964x640.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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People who's nightly ritual is switching on the air con and even believe that chicken and eggs actually comes from refrigerators where old wooden hand painted signboards on the tranquil island probably looks like an abomination to them. Their latest GPS enabled smart phone would be better served to pinpoint their exact location on the island, lest they are lost. Alas mobile reception is poor or since we are so near to neighboring Malaysia.. the lines get switched to M'sian telco and thus makes them incur high charges while technically still in SG.<br />
<br />
Oh what a bloody inconvenience Pulau Ubin is. Damn. Modernize the whole island.. Put in a cell tower every 200m. Paved up all the roads.. like how they have paved up the mainland. Yes yes yes-- pave concrete all the way into those natural green area so we can walk around and pick up any nice cute colorful seeds. .. and ask MOE to come here more often to spray and try to kill all the mosquitoes too...<br />
<br />
It has always been the same...<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: orange;"><u><b>First seed a dialogue/ feedback gathering session... paint in a picturesque image by one subtle means or another. </b></u></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><u><b>Careful juxtaposing of the +ve and -ve in articles/ media such that it is skewed towards being +ve for developing the place eventually</b>.</u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Eg. Right at the start it say "<b>AT LEAST half of 500 people surveyed say they want</b>"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Note that the first 2 words are in caps. and "half" immediately sticks a huge margin...not said now but chances are "<b>more than half</b>"
would appear in later articles as more feedback and "public education" of
what this whole rig up is all about on the development of the island.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">In the first place who are all the people or what percentage is made up of random person on the street who hasn't an inkling of what the place even is. How many of these people have actually have set foot on the island A visitor, respecting the place as opposed to "Oh the last time I been to Ubin was when I was 10 and I am 45 now..." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Further down, people are asking for more footpaths </span>and wider roads. What were they thinking or comparing to when such were uttered. Have they even seen the roads and paths on that island before even making such statements?<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange;"><u>Dra</u><u>w comparison to other places that has been "developed" now or in follow up articles as more "experts" have weighed in</u>.</span><br />
<br />
Or better yet, seed in a couple of lines that speaks of the lack of modernity in the place like electricity which one of the resident is hoping for. In the first place where does this lack comes from. Is there totally no electricity on this island. If there is, it is simply a matter of basic infrastructure not being built thoroughly enough or simply because it was not economically feasible. A few electricity-less souls is better than spending an inordinate amount of money to pipe electrons to them? What does that really say of the larger picture on the governing of Singapore when we can splurge a gazillion watts during F1? <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><u>Rave. Oh better yet, get a few "interviewees" to rave and followed by so called expert or people that supposedly is representative to put in their responses..</u></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange;"><u>Objective: Convince the mediocre masses. </u></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange;"><u>Next: Start digging and building... and charging... -- and more destroying. Justification of the "development" leads to more justification of posh waterfront residential living justified by the land scarcity on an overdeveloped mainland needing to free up more space as time goes by. </u></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Of course for now there is a bit of tango-ing going on.
Given how people can take to the various media to voice out their
displeasure these days, there are certainly opposing voices that are
featured.. but still it is just a matter of time. But see how people who opposed are being painted... "<i>Purists such as heritage blogger and naval architect Jerome Lim..</i>."<br />
<span style="color: red;"></span><br />
Tell
me.. in reading the article and following the context leading to that
line.. what connotation does the word "Purists" have in people's mind?
They are trying to paint people as being negative, narrow, only have
their own little agendas in mind however "for the greater good" it may
be in their argument. No?<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange;"><u>All in the name of Progress & (more) Development. </u></span><br />
<br />
HUAT arh!<br />
<br />
Finally some MP goes over and do a ribbon cutting ceremony, shaking hands with islanders. Cameras from the news will judiciously angle in on only happy smiling faces and edit in phrases of <br />
"Yeah ... the changes very good", "Now the place much cleaner and nicer" yadda yadda.<br />
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<br />
Of course the above is only my own view. Feel free to disagree and go on to build an enclosed air conditioned travellator running the entire perimeter of the island.<br />
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<br />
Below article is taken directly from <a href="http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/wanted-more-modern-facilities-ubin">http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/wanted-more-modern-facilities-ubin</a><br />
<h2 class="story-title">
Wanted: More modern facilities for Ubin</h2>
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: red;">AT LEAST half</span></b> </span></span>of 500 people surveyed say they want the rustic island
of Pulau Ubin to take on some features of modern, mainland Singapore.<br />
They said they would like to see more public facilities, including
shelters, footpaths and toilets; attractions such as cycling trails and
boardwalks; and the restoration of the island's kampung houses for
overnight stays.<br />
<br />
Their opinions were captured in an ongoing online survey, launched on
Sept 8 by the Ministry of National Development (MND). This is part of
efforts to gather ideas on how to preserve the rustic charm and heritage
of Ubin, while enhancing public access sensitively.<br />
The poll aside, some of Ubin's 38 residents have also told MND what
they wished to see on the island. The wishlist included improved mobile
network coverage; more street lights, a better waste disposal system and
wider roads. Some had also asked for ATM machines, said an MND
spokesman.<br />
Mr Patrick Chan, 27, a commercial executive who did the survey,
agreed with some suggestions. He said: "More signs and route markers
will also be helpful to us 'mainlanders' who aren't as familiar with
these 'country' roads."<br />
But the suggestions worry heritage experts and nature enthusiasts,
who said these have lost sight of the goal of retaining Ubin's laidback
character.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: red;"><b>Purists such as heritage blogger and naval architect Jerome Lim</b></span>, who
prefers leaving most of the island untouched, said: "Ubin should not be
turned into yet another built-up and man-made place like Changi Village,
packed with the modern conveniences of everyday life. We shouldn't be
changing the destination into a kampung theme park to cater to hordes of
people who may overrun the place."<br />
<br />
Both Dr Chua Ai Lin, president of the Singapore Heritage Society, and
Ms Ria Tan, who runs a popular wildlife site, said Ubin is already
brimming with things to do.<br />
For instance, Ms Tan said many are not aware of the "good spectrum of
built trails, natural trails and untouched nature" across the island.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Dr Chua said better communication is needed so that Singaporeans know what is already available there.<br />
<br />
For instance, information on the island's heritage needs to be
integrated into visitor information websites and collaterals provided by
MND and NParks - the island's manager.<br />
<br />
She pointed out that the National Heritage Board also has detailed
write-ups on its website about the 10.2 sq km island, including stories
about its early inhabitants and granite mining days.<br />
<br />
An Ubin resident, Madam Kamariah Abdullah, 54, who owns a century-old
Malay kampung home there, hopes that electricity can run through the
island so she can keep food in her refrigerator fresh.<br />
<br />
Islanders
currently rely on solar and biodiesel energy.<br />
<br />
But she called the rest of the suggestions "ridiculous".<br />
<br />
Said Madam Kamariah: "Singapore has enough big roads and ATM
machines. It shouldn't be about residents' convenience alone but about
preserving the natural environment for the long term.<br />
<br />
"There is no fun at all if Ubin becomes as perfect as Singapore is.
Bigger, flatter paths would take away the challenge of the bumpy and
wild terrain. We must experience it like our ancestors did."<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What's wanted</b><br />
- More public facilities such as toilets, footpaths and shelters<br />
- Restoration of kampung houses to be used for overnight stays<br />
- Better mobile coverage LMore street lights<br />
- Better waste disposal<br />
- Wider roads<br />
- Automated teller machines<br />
<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
AT
LEAST half of 500 people surveyed say they want the rustic island of
Pulau Ubin to take on some features of modern, mainland Singapore.<br />
They said they would like to see more public facilities, including
shelters, footpaths and toilets; attractions such as cycling trails and
boardwalks; and the restoration of the island's kampung houses for
overnight stays.<br />
- See more at: http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/wanted-more-modern-facilities-ubin#sthash.xg4AY4hC.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
AT
LEAST half of 500 people surveyed say they want the rustic island of
Pulau Ubin to take on some features of modern, mainland Singapore.<br />
They said they would like to see more public facilities, including
shelters, footpaths and toilets; attractions such as cycling trails and
boardwalks; and the restoration of the island's kampung houses for
overnight stays.<br />
- See more at: http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/wanted-more-modern-facilities-ubin#sthash.xg4AY4hC.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Wanted: More modern facilities for Ubin</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Wanted: More modern facilities for Ubin</div>
anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-34805386257113904202014-10-31T13:58:00.000+08:002015-09-08T17:44:06.296+08:00Bike Pics<br />
A friend's question on FB just triggered this lunch hour post today... "Asian version of Bike of the Week?" Like an allergic reaction with no anti-histamine to alleviate it got me scratching furiously at the keyboard.<br />
<br />
Who doesn't like bling bling bike pics huh.. Sure, but we need to first imagine some mountain backdrop. Otherwise they might just set up a booth to charge for taking pictures at the few usual spots on our limited trails. <br />
<br />
Of course most people are excited about their bikes and builds. Who isn't? Especially for people who know their bikes, it's not a matter of just how expensive the parts are or how well the color matches up. It is living within the smugness of a shot that actually will expose how much functional coordination and useful customization has been "built" into the final outcome. Trick out as some may call it to reach that holy grail of the "Ultimate Bike".<br />
<br />
All of these are being noticed by intelligent sounding, yet not so clear comments or remarks from "Those All Knowing Ones". Far often leaving a lot of bewildered noobs and less-bike-focus people (aka people with a life) confused between comments and esoteric acronyms.. eg. "<i>Nice, that's a cool ti bullet joint.. haven't seen them done like that since Sandvik days on the HH eh.</i>"<br />
<br />
So out of curiosity you double click on the pic, magnify and scrutinize every single bit to look for something that looks like a bullet. Found it! Right at the dropout tab where the chain stay welds on... Nothing really impressive really. You start scratching and wondering what the fuss is all about... <br />
<br />
As for what's The Ultimate Bike- everyone has one in their own little idiosyncratic notions of what it should be. Me included of course, except there is certainly a need to pluralize the word "Bike".<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8StgU0S4T68/VFMZwarOqsI/AAAAAAAAHRo/Lc3FRQvhq6g/s1600/Lucid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8StgU0S4T68/VFMZwarOqsI/AAAAAAAAHRo/Lc3FRQvhq6g/s1600/Lucid.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When ideas strike and re-builds are finally out for a ride....the ideas that birth each build and the vivid mental image at one particular timeless moment captures it all...(top) Of animes and bikes, melting of different interest. <br />
(bottom left) Blubber Erotica. (bottom right) No build is ever complete without e a cuppa brewed.... to appreciate when the final signature crimping is done on the cable ends<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vXdex6JAuHI/UGXVQNucZ0I/AAAAAAAAEDw/aFWe8dNKeJo/s1600/EG2010051.jpg">/|||</a></span></b></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vXdex6JAuHI/UGXVQNucZ0I/AAAAAAAAEDw/aFWe8dNKeJo/s1600/EG2010051.jpg"> </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Let's face it, we are all bike snobs, one way or another. Some pursue
the <b>Art of the Most Expensive Parts</b> build for not knowing any better. Others weave their magic
with aesthetics and matching colors. Sometimes these will even giggle if you stealthily paint a daisy on their fork. But one of the most common is the Clan of the Zero Gram Bike aka weight weenies. A small elite group however indulge in the "<b>Incomprehensible Sacred Art of
Bike Building That Plebian Bikers Will Never Understand</b>" deep within the catacomb of their own secret closed group forums or FB pages...<br />
<br />
More often
it is a combination of these as most is steeped insufficiently in each area while being distracted and confused by the growing bewildering array of "new" things in the biking world each day. Yes u are right... 27.5/ 650B is so yesterday's topic. So is Fatbikes- -same old boring 4" or 5" questions each day. People are moving into niche "Plus" categories now.. Laugh all you want and try telling me I'm just trying to slice between proscuito.... Laugh like all those who sneered when I first rolled a fat bike years ago and say it will never make it big in the biking world. For the love of the Patron Saint of Deformed Spokes-- I do pray it doesn't catches on so soon.. it's fast running out of ideas for unique builds these days :)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TbMwylEeSGs/VFMxeg5kRiI/AAAAAAAAHR4/YRBJDNgSsRk/s1600/13022010870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TbMwylEeSGs/VFMxeg5kRiI/AAAAAAAAHR4/YRBJDNgSsRk/s1600/13022010870.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Of course in the social
context we would never say nasty things to one another... but instead goes "<b>Wow
that desert camo cable housing is really tricked</b>" or "<b>I bet that Di2
shifting for offroad must be rad.. Oh sick sick stuff man</b>" followed by
all those approving shoulder patting..... but deep inside... "<span style="color: red;"><b>Bah those cables are way too long... not even crossing directly in front of the head tube. Crappy finishing</b>" and "<b>yea
right wait till u shift and the battery decide to quit... nothing beats
the simplicity of SS on an arrow straight perfect chainline...</b></span>"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But but but....you do not want to anger the God of Bike Building... because if you do and pay a fraction of attention less than you should or Heaven forbid, skim on not getting that uber-die-die must have super tire... May the Archangels of Shame be kind and their lenses be blurred on those fateful days... Obviously not in my case. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_RZ3L3ub8Yk/TSrI4it72xI/AAAAAAAACg8/bLRxMppz_9c/s1600/CRASH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_RZ3L3ub8Yk/TSrI4it72xI/AAAAAAAACg8/bLRxMppz_9c/s1600/CRASH.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"Hey there's nothing to say biking can't be mixed with a healthy dose of machismo eh! Yea sprinkle in a generous dollop of parmesan and oregano too Mr Bike Stud..." </i><br />
<br />
Those<i> </i>hard as you try to avoid snigger... the ones you translated from hearing somebody asking "<i>Hey dude you Ok..can you move? Anything broken?</i>" Voices of genuine concern,. Yet, all your auditory nerves is translating to the cognitive process of the brain is "Sh!t they must really be laughing their ass off now.. Fu@$#$%#k Damn.."<br />
<br />
To salvage the situation, we'll sit there nursing the dripping mass
of hanging tissues yet the mind is actively rummaging intact grey
matter that survived earlier concussion for a tag line to massage the
even more seriously injured ego. Often resulting in self deluding dumb lines
like "<b>We bike, we fall but ride we shall some more</b>.<br />
<br />
Utterly corny at times but neurotransmitter works in strange ways.. Then you go home and post up yet again another nice little picture of your bike for friends to see and more strangers to comment... It's all part of the healing process. Yes, close your eyes-- soak in the spiritual energy of internet commentary healing. Breathe.<br />
<br />
Which leads me to this final paragraph.... maybe it still boils down to really crappy riding skills...<br />
Plus , if you have taken out each and every bike to re-build over the last 1-2 years, as in complete bottomless-money pit endeavors so long as the left fender strut shine with exactly the same lustre as the one on the right...<br />
<br />
...maybe its cheaper to plan for the next biking holiday instead.<br />
<br />
Time to surf where to go next... <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-72849524929083451102014-10-30T12:33:00.001+08:002014-11-03T17:51:36.490+08:00Golem Minor part IV<b>"Rub-a dub-dub" solved</b><br />
Sometimes the simplest solution is not to even think about doing anything complicated. I simply swap the front and rear tire. Bingo.. All well and good. Rode to Wheel Guru and let him have a look. He concurred with my thoughts about frame misalignment and better to leave things as is. Still close but alright so far on the short ride tonigh<b>t.</b>
<b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b> </b><br />
<b>Checks @ full compression</b><br />
Forgot to
empty out all the air from fork and shock to see if those big rubbers
will be touching the fork crown and or rear of seat tube....<br />
<br />
Hmmm.....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGZoa_lVILU/VDdc9sbVIsI/AAAAAAAAHJk/4RL5m3U0RDs/s1600/R6HEJxXIAHGSgihS7KR_HEuLs642P9FCUIAPiGWhebQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGZoa_lVILU/VDdc9sbVIsI/AAAAAAAAHJk/4RL5m3U0RDs/s1600/R6HEJxXIAHGSgihS7KR_HEuLs642P9FCUIAPiGWhebQ.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What looks like a fully compressed rear was actually mediated by Yours Truly's Level 8 Sage-Yoga pose. <br />
Lotus stance atop saddle balancing, to avoid being selfied @ the limbs while outstretch arm reverse flanked this shot. <br />
Channeling and dripping lots of positive chakra .. Oh wait that's perspiration. N'vrmind.</td></tr>
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<br />
Due to the camera angle it looks like the rear is touching but there is a couple mm of space the bike rolled along with no rub/ resistance. Yes there is a bit of the damper left but hard as it was bounced down. it seems to have hit a bump stop inside at this point. Feels the same as my other XF shock, the Vector HLR. <br />
<br />
Kinda explains why I never seem to be able to bottom out the shock (o-ring never fell off) in both. Overall the damper is a little longer so there really isn't any short change in the actual travel. This can be correlated to how close the rear wheel has moved towards the seat tube btw.<br />
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<br />
Fully compressed.... sans problème up front.. No more words needed.<br />
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<br />
<b>The Ride</b><br />
<b>12 Oct 2014 </b><br />
Back to my favorite trail for testing setup on full runs. Short enuf to loop but sufficiently long to to go through and remember how each section feels on different settings. <br />
<br />
Took a while to rub off the remaining wax on the new tires over somewhat slick roots today. Was gonna stay with a 16.5/17.5 psi F/R combo while the shock was upped by another 5 psi to give a tad more firmness. Middle into the first lap and trail condition dictates that pressure be dunked to 14.5/15.5 psi for better grip.<br />
<br />
Twas trying to "feel" everything with the combo and absentmindedly cranking along only to realize back at the trail head that I was "singlespeeding" on 30/19 all the way. Yes including the few rooty "hands" ascents.. Not steep but graded more on being techie features. <br />
<br />
Well I have to discount the "resistance" felt now after realizing this. <br />
<br />
After all the wax on side knobs was rubbed off... things settled in nicely by lap 2 but....<br />
<br />
Played around with shock compression setting and still it was back to the fully open position as being the most comfortable and efficient. Up and down.<br />
<br />
<br />
As much as all the number crunching and mental extrapolation goes...honestly I can't say that the change from 2.4" - 2.75" made that much of a difference.... at least in the first 2 laps. Both are 120 tpi tires but the Onza Ibex has a stiffer sidewall and rails nicer (ie I lean in low and it holds and holds and holds). Then again what little riding so far on those 2.4 then had been in dry weather. Just my luck that first proper ride on the Wizards today happen to be different. Need another ride in the dry (hopefully next weekend) and bring along the 2.4 for a mid ride swap to the rear and compare the difference.<br />
<br />
<b>Knobs, knobs and knobs...</b><br />
<br />
Still even with the greater width, I do have to say the side knobs felt lacking in comparison to the 2.4 Ibex. Re-reading what I have <a href="http://bikes-bikes-bikes.blogspot.sg/search/label/tires">written in the past on tires </a>and taking a close look now at these 2 rubber kinda confirms all the things about tires and knob patterns to my liking. Looks like things haven't changed much for me. Preference is for a straight solid line of outer knobs (at least in the rear).<br />
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<br />
Reckon this is pretty subjective as it depends on what kind of a rider one is. Me? I'm generally a 40/60, ie 40% weighted front and 60 on the rear in general riding position. Solid row of outers suit my "Grip 'n' Bank but many friends who are of the Slide 'n' Ride school seems to like tires with a grip/break/grip pattern better. They also tend to go on and on about transition knobs.. Me? tranny knobs have never been a big part for me.. In certain tires due to the design of the outers I do ask for proper transition knobs but by and large its not a life and death issue to my riding.<br />
<br />
Even with the relatively low pressure in these big vol tires supposedly making them "grippier", characteristics of the knobs imparted as they are leaned over is quite significant. Albeit not as horrible as the first generation Rubber Queen I once briefly owned and gladly got rid off after 2 rides. Still where credits are due... must say until today-- the volume in those are impressive though.<br />
<br />
Not all the tires I have owned have outer knobs that are ram rod straight and packed like the Ibex. In fact one of my other favorite rubber the Ardent 2.4 has a staggered formation. Its a little easier to turn than most and while not the beefiest knobbies or looks to be.. I can't recall ever been let down by it. The outers are staggered but they all point in the same forward direction. This maximizes all surace contact when banking into corners although not as much as the Ibex and some other full packed rows of straight rectangular outer knobs tires. No sudden cut-in to half act like some transition knobs.. or transiting inwards into actual transition knobs as both are aligned in the same direction. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZUFp1Wra78/VECOCXDdLKI/AAAAAAAAHMM/Byx48K13DIg/s1600/aass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZUFp1Wra78/VECOCXDdLKI/AAAAAAAAHMM/Byx48K13DIg/s1600/aass.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: 2.4 Ardent - Staggered and not beefy but all forward pointing outer knobs.<br />
Right: 2.4 Rubber Queen (1st gen).. series of break/grip/break outers weaving all over the eff shop.</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
From all of these it can be surmised.. (well, at least for myself), "<b>Buy tires from now on with outer knobs all pointing forward</b>". To reinforce that, I have a pair of Hans Dampf sitting around not because they are bad but quite the opposite.. something I really like and hoping to save them for a worthwhile build. And Yeshhhh! they run an arrow straight line of big beautiful outer knobs as well. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ojwx-IhQVB8/VECPe6-5OnI/AAAAAAAAHMY/27mFKnnlPt8/s1600/schwalbe-hans-dampf-mountain-bike-tire1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ojwx-IhQVB8/VECPe6-5OnI/AAAAAAAAHMY/27mFKnnlPt8/s1600/schwalbe-hans-dampf-mountain-bike-tire1.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the best 2.35" tires I have had.. Oh Schwalbe please please please<br />
make a 2.5" true to size or maybe even a little bigger next year. Pwetty preazzzee</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
<b>18 Oct</b><br />
Lay a little more rubber in what's left of TT on the outside and followed by the quarry trail... Pleasant surprise as things were "extended". Things felt normal by now but still trying to get used to the break/slide/ break effect the tire has when cornering hard. I just don't lean as hard now compared to when the Ibex were on there...<br />
<br />
<b>19 Oct..</b><br />
More rides and just for the heck of it.. I raise the pressure up instead of fudging with sweet spot in the low tens.. It was a pump it up -- 20/23 for the front/ rear today at KR... Still the tightest trail and of a more technical nature around here compared to the rest.. but surprisingly the higher pressure seems to hold up better than last week's 17.5 psi run at BF. The last time I hit this techie xc trail, reliance on the granny was still high.. on current 1x 1 have to rely a lot on momentum in those roller coaster sections.. Must say that part of the fast run possible was because of the volume and how things held up well at those pressure in the dry like today. <br />
<br />
Must have been having more tire roll than I accounted for riding up until today when the Wizards were largely tested on 15-17 psi.<br />
<br />
Higher pressure was ok with the totally dry trail today and more suitable due to all the sudden trough-outs where a softer pressure might not work as well to recover and move on.<br />
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<br />
<b> 26th Oct... </b><br />
Back to BT after a long break away from here... F/R still on 20/23 psi but dropped the rear shock back another 5 psi to my more usual 85psi on the XF Stage. Everything was rideable and I was going crazy fast today even by my own standard. Again it was those last minute twitch and turn that I feel the grabbiness on the side knobs a little less than desirable. So dropping it down to a more "gooey-grabby" 16/17.5 psi and continue pounding... the gnarliest part of the trail where the rocky drops section are was when I got another rear double snakebite...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After all the massaging and riding on different pressure -- it got me thinking even with bigger volume and my relatively light weight there is a limit to how low a pressure things can go.<br />
<br />
Rolling along 14-17.6 psi is fine or even as low as 11-12psi but once the trail is hit with a certain amount of gusto... nope, 19-20 is probably the lowest it can go for welterweight me to be safely out of most "flat" zones...<br />
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<br />
Summarily...<br />
The 2.75" Wizard has a visible increase of actual volume over full size 2.4" tires<br />
However the riding does not equate to being any better and in some cases the 2.4" with more beefy side knobs and lesser resistance from the width actually rides more efficiently while still providing the slice of desired pneumatic cush.<br />
<br />
Have a gut feeling I will concur with some feedback that the heavier wire bead version of the Wizard is probably a better option. 200gm penalty but most likely worth each gram...<br />
<br />
<br />
Another thing about gut feeling is, especially if you are not a sponsored rider like me... listen to your rational mind.. Yes it was telling me while the size of the Wizard crammed into a 26 FS bike will look impressive.. it's really superfluous as the Ibex 2.4 was the best medium for his build without needing to flay the wallet. Listen to your inner self next time.<br /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bikes-bikes-bikes.blogspot.sg/2014/10/golem-minor-part-iii.html">Project Golem Minor pt III</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bikes-bikes-bikes.blogspot.sg/2014/07/golem-minor-semi-fat-trailbike-test.html">Project Golem Minor pt II</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bikes-bikes-bikes.blogspot.sg/2014/07/proj-golem-minor.html">Project Golem Minor pt I</a>anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-72242908690294130172014-10-03T16:11:00.001+08:002014-10-14T15:21:14.244+08:00Golem Minor part IIIBack and forth for <a href="http://bikes-bikes-bikes.blogspot.sg/2014/07/proj-golem-minor.html">2 months</a> the mental gymnastic of weighing the exorbitant price of a pair of tires against the merits of increase in volume they will bring has finally come down to .... Volume WINS (and my frivolous nature when it comes to all things bike related).<br />
<br />
Once again the stars started aligning... first a formula to calculate how much gain there actually would be. Ok still ball park but at least there is some formula to work on instead of eyeball-o-meter and a butt-bounce-calibration to satisfy my pedantic nature.<br />
<br />
<b>And.. and and </b>the most important thing for any proud El Cheapo is of course... <span style="font-size: large;"><b>CHEAP</b></span>.. relative to the loss of a kidney to buy from online + shipping, the almost forgotten arrangement with the LBS finally pop up in my messages "<i> The wizards have arrive...</i>"<br />
<br />
<b>Measurement</b><br />
Going by the rule of thumb that vol. increase in tire is proportional
to the cross sectional area of the tire (while assuming a roundish)
profile... <br />
What is the vol. increase going from a true 2.4 (actual
widest width @ 62mm) to a 2.75" (measured width @ 70mm) on a wide 48mm
rim base?<br />
<br />
<b> Ans: [((70.0/2)^2 x 3.142)-((62/2)^2 x 3.142))]/((62/2)^2 x 3.142))% = 27.5%</b><br />
<br />
Of course this is open to all kinds of errors in measurement and after physically measuring last night-- carcass wise it was not as wide. ~70mm was only at the knobs but for now let's put it as +/-10% on that 27.5%/<br />
<br />
A second opinion with eyeball-o-meter says the Anvil-RubberWidth-Range is right on the dot. The Missus chimed in with her growing expertise on things-biking and concur with her highly accurate Finger-O-Meter too, "<b><i>Yes it's bigger</i></b>" she said.<br />
<br />
So here it is - a <b>2.75"</b> that measures up to the definition of a <b>27.5</b> diameter after having gain a <b>27.5%</b> increase in volume... Hmmm what numbers should I be betting for this week's lottery?<br />
<br />
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<br />
Left: Wizard knob to knob on the 48mm Try-All Nowar K2 rim followed by previously measured, mounted up with 2.4 Onza Ibex. Right pics are measured smooth wall to wall.. 28mm Halo Freedom Disc with 2.4 Ardents measured wall to wall. Same Halo with Ardent measured lug to lug at widest point.<br />
<br />
Wall to wall on the wizard was a little too wide for the caliper to find a good point but estimated ~2mm lesser @ 67mm. (<i><b>update</b>.. indeed as re-measured this morning its ~67mm</i>)<br />
<br />
Height wise (without knob) is 2.5mm more than the Onza Ibex 2.4- Hence the overall diameter is up by 5mm <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-vuLZfq7b4/VC46C9LR28I/AAAAAAAAHHw/lmWN_BAt8pE/s1600/vvv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-vuLZfq7b4/VC46C9LR28I/AAAAAAAAHHw/lmWN_BAt8pE/s1600/vvv.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wizard on the right couple of mm taller than the Ibex</td></tr>
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<br />
<b>Clearance</b><br />
Very tight. With a bit of tire wobble? there's light rub (very slight) at a couple of spots on the side. Gonna massage a little more this evening to balance things up. In any case, the pressure has ben pumped up to 30 psi to let sit overnight. Since my usual riding pressure would be 15-17 and sometimes as low as 12-14psi, the sides would probably bulge out a little less. Funny thing was my initial concern after crunching all the collected data then was the fear of the diameter being overly large. No issue of that sort here. Guess it came up short on Surly's own number on this one @ 697mm.. Me estimating what I have here is ~694mm or thereabout.<br />
(<i>update: dropped the pressure from the initial 30 closer to my riding at 18-19 psi. Very slight rub at 1 point. Gotta check whether its due tire wobble or a slight truing is needed. In any case would likely re-dish 1mm or so nearer to drive side at a later time</i>).<br />
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Clearance on the tighter NDS side of CS @ 30 and 19 psi<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yAblIYqIS8U/VC_CBrLebmI/AAAAAAAAHIw/DMKtXK0Qd6U/s1600/cats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yAblIYqIS8U/VC_CBrLebmI/AAAAAAAAHIw/DMKtXK0Qd6U/s1600/cats.jpg" height="238" width="640" /></a></div>
Clearance on the seat stays<br />
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<br />
An Apple to Apple and Apple to Orange comparison<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPwKXiB5v3c/VC49gQUD1QI/AAAAAAAAHH8/1Mf1yY-wrUw/s1600/zs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPwKXiB5v3c/VC49gQUD1QI/AAAAAAAAHH8/1Mf1yY-wrUw/s1600/zs.jpg" height="433" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Same 48mm rim Wizard 2.75" vs Ibis 2.4"<br />
Right: Ibex 2.4" vs Ardents 2.4" on 28mm Halo rim.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Back and ready for some tuning after a test ride... Just a quick one- It didn't ride like how I have mentally e<a href="http://bikes-bikes-bikes.blogspot.sg/2014/07/golem-minor-semi-fat-trailbike-test.html">xtrapolated it would from the Ibex 2.4 </a><br />
Will leave the verdict for a final installment till more rubber has been laid on the trails<br />
<br />
<br />
If bikes are named according to tire size.....<br />
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Oh wait, let's dust off the...<br />
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<br />
Snug but yea it fits<br />
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<br />
Hmmm - a 26+ SS hardtail next?<br />
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<br />
Golem part IV... final installment. Akan datang anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6920373943845459157.post-79309164466494799172014-09-19T14:19:00.003+08:002014-09-19T14:19:33.243+08:00W@@F !<div style="text-align: center;">
New Biking Dog? <br />Let's see...</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvLkEZoCdhA/VBvKubYvh2I/AAAAAAAAHGQ/OrjF_0CH8F0/s1600/aESep74RUOrojlcxOa4A_W8bnu_gpaIgIBC628c7sM4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvLkEZoCdhA/VBvKubYvh2I/AAAAAAAAHGQ/OrjF_0CH8F0/s1600/aESep74RUOrojlcxOa4A_W8bnu_gpaIgIBC628c7sM4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://the-housing-adventure.blogspot.sg/2014/09/kyuubi-nine-tail.html">http://the-housing-adventure.blogspot.sg/2014/09/kyuubi-nine-tail.html</a></td></tr>
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<br />anvil_denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00784730146029280073noreply@blogger.com0