Random things:
I see so many bikes with incorrectly installed toe clip straps. Here is how they should look. Note that straps should be a tight fit through the holes in the pedal body. This is so they don't shift while pedaling. In addition, it's wise to add a twist in the strap to further prevent shifting.
I've also seen a few bikes with fender eyelet bolts incorrectly assembled. Usually the problem is that the cup-washer is reversed and the stay rattles in the eyelet bolt. Below is the proper assembly sequence. Note that the cup-washer faces up so it tightens on the stay. The fender goes between the flat washer and cup washer.
I think white Pasela tires look really cool, especially if you ride in a Panama hat. We have them in 700 x 28mm size.
We've decided to introduce VO needle bearing headsets. They are already in production and will be priced between the VO and Grand Cru headset. Stack height will be 37mm and they will be available in ISO size only. Needle bearings have more surface area than ball bearings so they usually last longer. The added surface area also prevents indexing, the clicking that results from little pits formed by worn ball bearing races. Needle bearing headsets are also said to reduce fork shimmy. We should have them in late August.
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19 comments:
Is there any difference (other than color) between the white pasela and the folding version of tourguard pasela?
Toe straps: "Correct" is an absolute. It may be only correct in the mind of the poster. I am "incorrect". I do not employ the twist. Sliding straps have never been an issue for me.
Like: REALLY long straps like Toshis which elevate the tightening button closer to we senior citizens with pot-bellies and stiff backs.
White tires: I'm running white Vittoria Randos on one bike. I have in fact worn a Panama to compliment my Hawaiian shirts, which are loose and cool. The only issue is the hat won't stay on at any speed, and a chin strap would impede my panache.
I guess I have always used toe straps wrong, didn't like clips anyway. I went to grip kings 4 months ago. Also, I never use those stay bolts, had too much issue with the toe of my blundstones striking it. I use an extra set of r-clips in its place, works well and no more toe strike. Two thumbs up Gunner for the panama and Hawaiian shirts. It's takes a confident man to discus his "panache" in public forum. Awesome...
Chad, The added "panache" of the white version is worth an added 2.2 kph. I have verified this in downhill rolling tests. Unfortunately the added drag from a Panama hat reduces this to only .3 kph, unless, of course, there is a tailwind.
The Dajia Rack appears identical to the Aluminum Axiom Streamliner Rack.
I've used that rack on an extended tour, and loved it. It sits low and is triangulated, but does not leave much room for fender clearance above the rear light mount. My Planet Bike Fenders rested against the light mount bracket.
having riden clipless pedals for 20 years, having just switched to touring pedals with your clips and straps, and having the problem whereof you speak, thanks for the reminder and tip!
Any chance of a threadless needle (both upper and lower cup) headset? When you need one, you really need it!
Chris,
I'm both surprised and pleased that you have plans to produce a needle bearing headset- is this simply because of demand? In the past you have mentioned that 'the current quality of sealed ball bearings makes it time to move beyond needle bearing headsets, such as the Stronglight.'
I'm curious as to what extent it will be based upon Stronglight designs. Will it be sealed,like the Delta?
sincerely,
Garth
Way to go with the needlebearing headset. Very smart move indeed.
There are at least two needle bearing headsets in current production available: Miche Primato 1" threaded and a Stronglight Headstron 1 1/8" threadless. Stronglight has something they're calling an "A9" in production, but it's a standard ball bearing and might just be a rebranded taiwanese one. A bunch of their current cranks are asian rebrands, I'm not sure if they have real production in France anymore.
I have a couple different Headstrong models that I got on belgian eBay. I've been meaning to get a Miche too for another bike, but I might end up getting the VO one.
Have the cup washers always been a component of your fender stay hardware? I've had my VO fenders for a while now, but don't remember anything like that in my hardware. They would definitely solve the only complaint I have with the fenders - some slight rattling and moving around at the stays...guess I need to remember to include some new hardware in my next order :)
The cup washers have always been included with the fenders.
if there's some rattling with the hardware, snugging them up a bit may help. Leather washers are also a great help.
Guess I need to look through my "parts bin" for the cup washers...I think I would have remembered anything like that though...
is the Panama in stock yet?
mw
Any chance of getting that needle bearing headset in 1 1/8 threadless?
AFAIK, the Stronglight "Headstrong" USED to be needle bearing, but now uses the ubiquitous cartridge bearings, which actually accentuate shimmy.
Rudelli makes a headset like I'm looking for, but their only US source is on my s**t list: I ordered a headset from them a month ago, emailed and called about it, and still no reply, and no headset.
There is a cheap threadless 1 1/8" option available in the US: Token TK667N. I won't link it here, but you can Google for it. I ordered one to tame the shimmy in my lightweight+low trail frame and am pleased with the results. It's pretty decent quality: needle upper and lower bearings, split race, split collar, and the bearings look better sealed than the FSA Orbit headset with a needle lower race.
If VO produces something similar (or better!) that looks as shiny as their existing headsets I will definitely buy it as the only color available I could find for the Token HS is black!
I love Rhodia Pads!
I know this post is rather old...but I don't know how to ask this in any other way.
I have been trying to find buckles for leather similar to the toe strap buckles, but I have not been able to find any. Can you help me?
Can you suggest a company that produces these buckles...or something similar? I'm not using them for toe straps...it just seemed they would make a secure and easily adjustable buckle for light or moderate strain...
Thanks!
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