On Wednesday I undertook a formidable mechanical problem by overhauling a shifter on the Cervino:
There’s extra to being the Basic Cycle Outdated Crap Check Pilot than driving the bikes, and additionally it is my responsibility to determine issues and repair them when obligatory. On this case the thumb screw on one of many shifters was working its approach unfastened and required retightening possibly two or 3 times per trip. Individuals on the Internets will let you know to simply use Loctite and be finished with it, however that’s only a cop-out, and after some experimentation I deduced {that a} worn washer was in all probability the perpetrator. So I requested spare washers from Basic Cycle:
Overhauling an previous Campagnolo friction shifter shouldn’t be for the faint of coronary heart. First, utilizing no instruments in any respect, you’ve obtained to take away the thumb screw. Then, you need to swap the washers. Lastly, you screw all of it again collectively once more. And, uh…that’s it.
You don’t even need to disconnect the cables. (Or obtain an app.)
In line with the most recent advertising, digital shifting is all about simplicity and liberating your self from “distractions.” Nevertheless, I’m unsure there’s something extra easy and fewer distracting than an old-timey friction lever. Positive, in the event you don’t have the proper connections it might be onerous to search out the right washer must you want one, however the authentic lasted over 40 years and I’m hoping to get not less than one other 40 out of this one too–and sure, the “new” washer does appear to have finished the trick, as a result of each thumb screws now appear to be staying put:
The remainder of the drivetrain is nearly as easy:
And since my journey to Switzerland I now have a look at six-speed freewheels in another way:
Whereas others see limitations, I see solely potentialities.
Eradicating the body pump from the Cervino reveals some decal grooviness:
In addition to extra clues as to its Italian origins:
Once you have a look at its crotch you’ll be able to completely see its Viner:
Talking of packages, I’m additionally doubling up on spare tires for extra peace of thoughts:
I’m not new to tubulars, but it surely’s been fairly a very long time since I’ve modified one, and hopefully I don’t need to relive the expertise anytime quickly–although having simply typed that I’m positive I’ve jinxed myself:
In the present day there’s nearly no such factor as a highway wheel that isn’t not less than reasonably aero, although while you account for crosswinds I wouldn’t be stunned if old style low-profile setup is extra environment friendly general:
It additionally feels good to look down at your bike and see shiny silver stuff:
Which, like low-profile wheels, has additionally virtually fully vanished from the fashionable highway bicycle:
As have shiny lugs and fork crowns:
Is there something extra tragic than what’s occurred to the entrance finish of the highway bike lately?
The checklist of atrocities that has been dedicated within the identify of “aerodynamics” is much too lengthy.
Oh, positive, it began innocently sufficient–let’s simplify issues with a threadless headset. However threadless begat built-in, and built-in begat inner cockpit cable routing, and now a easy stem change requires a go to to your approved seller.
In fact not all change is for the more serious. Think about pedals:
I’ve returned the unique pedals to the bike as a result of generally its enjoyable to take pleasure in period-correctness. Nevertheless, simply after taking these photographs I remounted the bike, began heading uphill, and realized I’d forgotten to shift into the small ring. I had no momentum, my ft have been caught to my primitive pedals, I couldn’t get on prime of the gear, and I had slowed to the purpose the place I used to be at risk of falling over. Desperately, I tried to vary gears, however in 1982 the idea of “shifting underneath load” had not been invented but, and as an alternative the derailleur simply stated “Fuck it” and threw the chain like David Millar throwing his bike:
By this time the bike had rolled to a cease, and there I used to be spinning my legs in useless. In moments comparable to these, time stands nonetheless, and keeling over like a tipped cow appeared like an inevitability. Luckily I hadn’t cinched up the straps but, so on the final second I managed to extricate a foot and save myself.
So yeah, pedals have improved fairly a bit. Okay, and possibly drivetrains too. And I assume gluing your tires to your wheels is a bit ridiculous…
However aside from that, what has the bike trade ever finished for us?
