On Wednesday I undertook a formidable mechanical problem by overhauling a shifter on the Cervino:
There’s extra to being the Basic Cycle Previous Crap Check Pilot than driving the bikes, and it is usually my responsibility to determine issues and repair them when crucial. On this case the thumb screw on one of many shifters was working its means free and required retightening perhaps two or thrice per trip. Individuals on the Internets will let you know to only use Loctite and be completed 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Overhauling an outdated Campagnolo friction shifter will not be for the faint of coronary heart. First, utilizing no instruments in any way, you’ve acquired to take away the thumb screw. Then, you should change the washers. Lastly, you screw all of it again collectively once more. And, uh…that’s it.
You don’t even must disconnect the cables. (Or obtain an app.)
In keeping with the most recent advertising and marketing, digital shifting is all about simplicity and releasing your self from “distractions.” Nevertheless, I’m unsure there’s something extra easy and fewer distracting than an old-timey friction lever. Positive, in case you don’t have the proper connections it might be arduous to search out the correct washer must you want one, however the authentic lasted over 40 years and I’m hoping to get no less than one other 40 out of this one too–and sure, the “new” washer does appear to have completed 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 a different way:
Whereas others see limitations, I see solely prospects.
Eradicating the body pump from the Cervino reveals some decal grooviness:
In addition to extra clues as to its Italian origins:
While you have a look at its crotch you may 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, however it’s been fairly a very long time since I’ve modified one, and hopefully I don’t must relive the expertise anytime quickly–although having simply typed that I’m positive I’ve jinxed myself:
Right this moment there’s just about no such factor as a highway wheel that isn’t no less than reasonably aero, although once you account for crosswinds I wouldn’t be shocked if a superb old school low-profile setup is extra environment friendly total:
It additionally feels good to look down at your bike and see shiny silver stuff:
Which, like low-profile wheels, has additionally virtually utterly vanished from the trendy 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 in recent times?
The record of atrocities that has been dedicated within the title of “aerodynamics” is way 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 inside 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. Take into account 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 images 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 in peril of falling over. Desperately, I tried to alter gears, however in 1982 the idea of “shifting below load” had not been invented but, and as an alternative the derailleur simply mentioned “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 similar to these, time stands nonetheless, and keeling over like a tipped cow appeared like an inevitability. Happily 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 perhaps drivetrains too. And I assume gluing your tires to your wheels is somewhat ridiculous…
However aside from that, what has the bike business ever completed for us?
