Cycling UK Forum

JohnW wrote:

mercalia wrote:confirms my decision to choose a different rim manufacturer. Don't however, underestimate the wheelbuilder's part in it all.

I've been building wheels (for myself and others) for over 30 years. I stick with Mavic. It could be the OP's issue is the spokes being too loose?
Some would think that statement is the opposite to the case. The logic is that the tighter the spoke are, the more they 'share' the loadings. Think of it as all the spokes being absolutely slack - if you sat on the bike only the one spoke from hub up to rim would take a load (ok the rim would deform terrible as well - but you get the point?). So maybe this was a machine built wheel, and too loose causing stresses in use to damage the rim?

Yes, I can understand my note wasn't too clear! I did mean about the easy removal of the wheel and the nursery being custodians. Great.

You can buy epoxy resin and cf cloth from East Coast Fibreglass or similar, but doing a good (invisible) repair may be another matter. I've not used cf, but have done a fair bit of stuff in glassfibre (built a folding caravan with it from scratch). It (cf) usually needs vacuum and autoclaving to manufacture. I should think if you were to produce a 'sleeve' by laying up wetted cf and clamping 2 halves of a 32mm I/D tube about 2" around whilst it cures you could repair it - but it may not be good on the eye.

Has that gone through the tube?
Crikey I didn't realise they were that fragile.
Can't beat a bit of steel. I HAD a nice Rondinella Neil, but it sold yesterday -£450 .... so sorry to see it go. Like losing a pet.
Have the cash for the Spa tourer now!

NetworkMan wrote:Ah well, I expect that you are younger and/or stronger and/or it's not so hilly where you are!

I'm in Norfolk - so it isn't so hilly. But, if I use 28/38/49 with a 21 biggest on the rear that gives me a 36" gear, which (even though I'm a fastpedaller! not a pusher) is pretty low!
A 28 on the back will give a 1/1 ratio - surely 27" is REALLY low, or am I missing the point?

Correct me if I'm wrong - but the only rusty bits appear to be the toeclips and rear mech - hardly a deal breaker. If those are replaced, and the alloy bits polished, chain replaced (fwheel maybe too) and tyres tubes it will be a very nice bike indeed.

I can't see it being a problem. Your observations are the same as mine regarding an 11T sprocket (that's why I'm staying with 7 speed . I'm just going the 'easy' route by using a triple and closer ration cassette.

My guess would be about £500 FWIW

Hello Networkman. That's a coincidence. Re the downtube changers, I'd looked at those but prefer a D-ring in case they need friction adjustment on the ride. I'm going to go for the Dia Compe ones from Spa, and try to rig up some home-made thumbie mounts like Colin's

Thanks for the help guys - looks like a Claris is the way to go.

so is the cage not any narrower for a narrower chain? Not wishing to question your reply Colin (because I haven't even examined one of the 10 speed changers!) but why would it make a difference if using index changing, if the indexing is in the gear levers? Can anyone (Colin?) recommend a triple changer for a Spa Touring frame with 7 speed...... Yes I have sold my Rondinella racer, so now have funds available for my Spa! I'll place the order in the next few days (unless they (Spa) are contemplating other colours, in which case I'll wait)

I'm after buying a new front mech, for using with triple 28/38/48, but I only want 7 sprockets. Are recent front mechs for more speeds eg 10 speed suitable? The difference I am anticipating is that the width between the mech cage is smaller because of the thinner 10 speed chain, and therefore unsuitable for the wider 7 speed chain. Any experience/advice gratefully received.

sianny78 wrote:

fastpedaller wrote:Might sound a daft idea, but could you easily remove 1 wheel and take that away on your bike?(obviously locking the trailer at the nursery anyway) that might prevent even an opportunist thief bothering with removing the lock 'cos they can't easily transport the trailer!

I like that idea! I don't know that I'd take it on my bike (don't know how I would without a load of faff), but I'm sure I could put the wheel inside the nursery, behind the reception desk (they've seemed very accommodating so far & I don't think it would be in the way). Might mention it to them tomorrow!

Well - My breath is still held.......... Did it work?

With acetone costing about £4 a litre is it worth the hassle?

One useful feature about the XD2 is that it is also available in different lengths - TD2 is only 170mm as far as I can ascertain.