26 March 2013

Busy, cold & no miles but chainrings have turned up

Its unreal, i take a few weeks off work to get some work done around the house / garden and hasent got over 2 degrees yet since i finished work mid last week. Spent the last three days outside for 8-10hr shifts and it has been Boltic with wind / blizzards. I have had my favourite jump suit on and has worked very well, too hot sometimes. Bought it many years ago at a Vat Free night @ Machine Mart, Darlo. If you spend alot of time outdoors during the Winter months saying that Autumn & Spring now treat yourself to one. http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/padded-overall-3 they now come in navy colour as well. Tenner off at the mo
I also can recommend Woof Wear Short boots as well, only had them a couple of years but never let me down. Very comfy and warm. Waterproof as long as you dont go through too deep water etc. http://www.woofwear.com/for-riders/footwear/short-boot-adult_10.html got them from http://www.millbryhill.co.uk/ @ Stokesley.
Anyway im back in doors on decorating more rooms. Thats this months wages gone at B&Q, Homebase & Travis Perkins.



My Middleburn chainrings turned up last Friday and just fitted the outer one. The existing inner one still looks ok so going to keep the new one for when it wears out. I couldnt be bother to strip the chainset off either to get it on ;-) the outer went on no probs and had to adjust the front mech a half turn. Its not as smooth on the change up from the granny as the six thirteen but will last more than a few hundred miles. Hopefully that will be the chain suck problem sorted. Just need to find the time to get out and get some miles in. Are we ever going to seen the sun again and lose this wind. If you you are planning any rides alon the lines dont bother going anywhere above Lanchester etc level as they are blocked with big snow drifts and are not rideable or by reports walkable either.
One last thing, this little story was sent into me and its a belter, happy reading http://kentsbike.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/justifying-one-more-bike.html

22 March 2013

Tyre & Air updates


The Floaters have been fitted with no problems. Its great fun using Fairy washing up liquid to crack the tyre beads ! They have only done one ride but can report back they clear well of mud and have plenty grip if you dont get too deep in the sticky stuff. They roll well compaired to the Nates. More feedback when we get more miles on them. They will be tested on some Lakeland wet slate soon.

Talking of tyres, well inner tube inflation really. I have decided to go up market & more modern and invested in a Co2 system. The real reason is you get a bloody sore arm using a mini pump on 4" tyre ! I have gone for Innovation Elite Air Chuck - very light & small, not much for your money but hopefully works perfect. I have also bought an Innovations Cartridge Cross to store upto 4no Co2 canisters ready for use. At the mo I have 16g, see how they go. When i replace them probably go upto 20g ones or have a mix of both. They have been fitted and ready for use. Finger crossed not too soon ;-}

That is the only fun i have had this week as my paint brushes have never stopped. Just as well as the weather has ben crap and not looking to get any better. Busy weekend of graft as well, just hope the snow keeps away. Still awaiting my Middleburn rings to land. They will be fitted as soon as they land so can get the big lass back on the trails.
Got a rather large item getting built up at the mo. More news on that if it lands next week.

Crud Up

I have mud shovels mud guards fitted to my fat bike, they work and work well at catching mud. The front dosent look too bad but the rear is just pig awful. Due to the fantastic weather of late it was time to get a set for the Mukluk. Angus said no way was he having the shovels so i had a spare set of normal 26" crud cathchers. One ride later they had to be removed. The rear was a complete waste of time and front was a little better. Time to try a bigger approach so an email to Westys and a day later a new set of Crud 29er guards landed. I just love how simple these things are. The photos show just how much bigger they are and looks like they cover the width of tyre & length much better. The rear bracket seems to be better than the older model and nipped up well. A few riders and we will give you feed bac on how they are working, well our clothes will tell us that lol
http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/accessories-c190/mudguards-c84/crud-racepac-29er-mudguard-pair-black-p212726








19 March 2013

Some you win and some you loose

Well apologies for the lack updates but been very busy with one thing or another. Weather has been crap to say the least. New wheels are fitted to the Beargrease and going well, well i say well. The first time out had two punctures within three miles of my front door. Then another two punctures six miles from home so wasnt a happy bunny that day and it was in blizzards and freezing cold. Got some good rides in on The FAT Bike and did 33 miles one day last week in slightly better weather.
The E thirteen Chainset has been giving me hassle again. Near the end of the ride at Hamsterley a couple of weeks ago i was getting chain suck but the chain was totally covered in wet thick mud so thought it was that. Checked the chain for wear and it was gone so fitted a new KMC X9 SL Silver chain and the chain suck was even worse so time to strip the rings off. Chirst the big ring must be made out of cheese, never had a ring wear so much in such a short period of time. Not a happy bunny so i ordered up a Middleburn 36t slickshift hardcoat, just waiting for it to land then the beargrease will be back out again. Im using the Middleburn Hardcoat rings on a few of my other bikes and there are no signs of wear after many years use. I will report back on the Middleburn ring & KMC chain. Its the first time i have tried KMC as i have always used Sedis (well sram own them now).

Onto some happier news Angus has finished building my old Mukluk and is out training on the beast. The original Nate tyres are beasts and heavy going in normal conditions so was on the look out for some cheaper more general condition tyres but not at normal fat tyre prices. BINGO someone at On One had listed their Floater 4" tyres at the wrong price so ordered a pair and they were here the next day.
The day after i get a code for 5% off if you spend over £50 - dont you just hate that but got a cracking deal on the tyres. Ideal tread pattern for general use and along the lines riding. Report to follow after a few rides on them.
The 45NRTH cap is just fantastic, its never been off my head for the last couple of weeks. One thing i have noticed that you can get quite a large amount of snow build up on the little peak at the front in blizzards!
Less miles for next couple of weeks as im off and working in the house decorating etc on the joys.

9 March 2013

Quiet week this week

Well got the email from Westys on Fri pm, wheels were ready for collection. Popped down today to pick them up and they are looking good - Hope Fatsno hubs front & rear (black). Surly Marge Lite Rims, Surly Marge Lite Rim Tapes (blue) & Hope rear skewer (black). Jason got the parts and Mark did a grand job of building them. That is the first set of builds on the new Hope Fastno hubs for Westys so im the test pilot !


Fitted the tyres,tubes, cassette and on they went. Just a sucker for the hope rear purr ! Alot lighter than the wheelset that came on the Mukluk 2, so thats another 1.3 lbs knocked off the old girl. Shame it was such a wet, cold & windy day. The drive down and back on the A19 was an experience with drivers belting past 80+mph with no lights on and standing water on the road / spray, was pleased to get back home.
That was the highlight of the week as i had a rest day Mon, did the night loop on Tues but legs were empty and crap weather / could not be bothered for the rest of week means miles are well down. Not looking good for tomorrow either with gale force winds, freezing cold and snow forecast. Good luck to the riders who are doing the Nutcracker @ Dalby, think you might need it after 24+hrs solid rain. You can enter on the day £26+ £4 parking (reduced from £7)
Report on the new wheelset after i get a few rides in on them.

3 March 2013

Three Days on the FAT

Yes just finished the third ride of three days on the FAT Bike.
Friday was a quick ride around Hamsterley Forest on the way home from the other side of Egglestone, it was dark by the time i got back so was a quick blast in the cold. Nearly 13miles & 1500+ft climbing so was good training
Saturday was a different story with a hard overnight frost it was time to strech the old legs. We did the 'Bishop Loop' as we call it. Cracking ride but the woods at Tudhoe and Croxdale were up the eyes. Nearly 34 miles later my legs were tired!
Sunday and back to overcast cloudy day - we had planned a fun day at Hamsterley Forest with some friends. Some great climbing and cracking singletrack. Some sections up there are really mashed up big style now. 20 miles & 2500ft climbing later I was ready for the cafe. Great fun and a real change from the back country lanes and lines of Co Durham.

27 February 2013

Light nights and warm days

The nights are getting lighter and the days warmer. First night ride of 2013 without using any lights. Quick blast around Durham with a chilly breeze, 13 miles later with a few diversions due to closed bridges and fallen trees. The Beargrease FAT was going well and turned a few heads around the riverside tracks in Durham.
With the day temperature getting above freezing and a nice winter sun shinning i dragged my supersix hi mod out for a good blast around the little hills in Co Durham. Still snow on high ground, icy roads and plenty of pot holes - 3100+ft of climbing and 35+ miles, great riding day/evening.
A couple of new bling items will be built up soon and fitted to the FAT, photos to follow.

25 February 2013

Some stuff that works & some stuff that dosent

Click To Enlarge
When I was over in the Lakes we called in past a bike shop http://www.dc-cycles.co.uk/ (no surprise there then) and got talking to Dave and ended up buying one of these. Not cheap by any means but I was sick of my ears and head getting cold. This is made from double 100% merino wool layers and big enough to cover all of your ears. I was going to use it in the Lakes but it was too hot & sunny, shock horror but on Sundays ride it was tested to the full. I had a strong wind and temperatures around zero degrees but my head was warm for a change and it made all the difference. Just got to sort out my feet now! Northwave Artics are quite few years old and looking worse for wear.

Now then onto things which are not so good. I have had some crap BB's in my life of cycling but this has beat all records by a long way. My Salsa Mukluk came with an E Thirteen XCX external BB30 BB. It was starting to sound and feel alittle rough after a couple of months but when I swapped it over onto the Beargrease it was getting worse with every ride. So after three months use it has been removed and waiting to be sent back. I contacted Silverfish regarding the BB and they confirmed which replacement one was required so have upgraded to the higher spec bearing model to see it lasts any longer. They said to return the other one through my LBS who can return it back under waranty and they will have a look at it. I will just have to wait and see.

23 February 2013

HAVING A CLEAR OUT

Need more space as the house is overflowing with bike stuff stock at the mo!
All the following items are for sale, open to offers tel 07796553213 and more pics are here - https://picasaweb.google.com/scotbrown1/EBAYITEMS?authkey=Gv1sRgCP6rjun79cr27AE

HED 3 Tri spoke front carbon wheel. SOLD
700c Clincher type rim. Approx 870g. The wheel is in excellent condition, been used for approx dozen 10mile time trials. Hub is perfect condition, no signs of wear in bearings. No damage to carbon anywhere. Running approx 1mm out of true from new.






HED 3D Carbon disc rear wheel. SOLD
700c Clincher type rim. Approx 1390g. Shimano 8/9/10 speed compatiable freehub. The wheel is in excellent condition, been used for approx dozen 10mile time trials. No signs of wear in bearings. No damage to carbon anywhere. Running approx 0.5mm out of true from new.





HED DEEP 90mm Carbon rear wheel 650c SOLD
Shimano 8/9/10 speed. Aero falt blade spokes. Brand new Continental Podium 19mm tublar tyre fitted. Hub in perfect order but please note the following info regarding the rim -THE ALU RIM THAT IS BONDED TO CARBON RIM HAS SPLIT IN A FEW PLACES AND IS COMING AWAY.





Syntace Space Control Brake Levers SOLD

These are made for aerobar type handlebars / tri bars with internal bar-end mounting. Cold-forged, CNC 6000 and 7000-series aluminium construction. These only weigh 184g. Space Control's 20 mm wedge design mounts securely on most aerobars without the use of shims and the bearing-type pivots ensure that the smooth, precise lever. In excellent condition apart from a couple of light scratches to the anodising on the corner of one of the levers. These were £70+ new and are very rare in the UK.


Cinelli Angel bars inc Shimano Dura Ace 9speed bar end shifters and syntace computer mount. SOLD
The Angel is built in aluminium alloy AL 6082 T6. Suitable for 1 1/8” Ahead-Set forks or old 1” with an adaptor (not supplied). The armrests are in aluminium alloy AL 5754, with five small holes to choose the right fixing position on the clamp. The armrests are fixed to the wings with an innovative fixing, rotating system to find the right position. The central extension arms can be adjusted forward and backwards.
These are in used condition and are still working perfect. Please note the following – the outer bar extensions have been cut down and the rear left bar plug is missing (doesn’t affect use). They have also been drilled on the under side for external brake cables or cabling can be internal. (holes can be covered with bar tape). The central extensions have been reduced where the gear shifters are fixed. They have not been cut on the length so there is plenty of adjustment. The arm pads have been zip tied onto the holders as well as the Velcro fasteners. The female nut on the lower stem clamping bolt has been replaced with a nut (this doesn’t affect use and can still be tightened ok). There are a few general light scathes to the anodising with general use.


CANNONDALE MULTISPORT 2000 SI FRAME SET –
CAAD 5 Aero frame with Integrated Aero Carbon forks, Handmade in the USA. Comes with original Campagnolo Record SI Hiddenset headset and original seat collar (never used). Owned from new and purchased from Westbrook Cycles. The frameset is in mint condition and only done approx 300ish miles from new. The frame was fitted with bike shield from new so has no cable rub marks or scratches. There are a couple very minor chips with general use on the lower left fork blade (see additional photos). Very light marks from some heel rub on left bottom stay (only notice them if you are looking hard). See the geometry chart below for exact sizes.
Frameset spec - 68mm English bb, braze on f mech, 27.2mm seatpin

CAAD5 Aero Multisport (700c wheels)

Geometry Chart 56

measured size (cm)* D 53

saddle height minimum (cm)** 69.3

seat tube angle (degrees) A 77

head tube angle (degrees) B 72.5

horizontal top tube length (cm) C 54.0

seat tube overall length (cm) 62.2

chainstay length (cm) E 40.5

fork rake (cm) F 4.3

bottom bracket height (cm) G 26.5

wheelbase (cm) H 100.3

trail (cm) I 6.2

standover at top tube midpoint (cm) J 78.1

bottom bracket drop (cm) K 7.5

front center distance (cm) L 61.0

• For aerodynamics this frame has a top tube lowered by 3 cm with a resulting shorter head tube.

• The measured size is from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the top tube at the seat tube axis.

• Due to the aero seat tube extension, there is a minimum saddle height measured from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of a Selle Italia Flite saddle.

Our bladed Aero frames are combined with wind-cheating, lightweight Aero carbon fiber forks that offer remarkable vibration-damping abilities.









21 February 2013

Three Days of Fantasic Riding

Well the forecast was looking on the brighter side for a change so it was time to hit the saddle. On Sunday the CX bike was dragged out for a 38 mile ride along the lines with a couple of friends, the sun was shining but still cold. My legs were starting to hurt by the time we hit Birtley so I swung onto the road for a cruise home to help my legs out over the next two days planned riding in the Lakes. It turned out that I only missed another 4-5 miles from the full planned route, theres all ways another day.
Day two we hit Whinlatter forest for the Altura Red routes. We always do the North loop first so of we head. Tracks were way drier than normal and the sun was out, very rare. Sweating on the climbs but very cold on the descents. Fair amount of ice but the tracks were fast under tyre. Second section of the downhill was closed for maintenance but nobody was working on it. Still got the last section, best bit in back down to the road. Back to the carpark to drop off coats etc then onto the South loop.







Expecting the same trail conditions as the North we thought we were going to have a flying loop but no, alot wetter / muddier and more ice but the sun was still out. Good climb to the top for a few quick pics then downwards. The first section is very rough now and needs sorting out. The second section was closed but at least two blokes were working on it. Last section was a good blast before heading back to the carpark. One thing to note I checked the Forestry Commission and http://cyclewise.co.uk/ website before going and neither mentioned that there was sections closed on both loops, not good compaired to 7 Staines site (there is notice on now for the South Loop!)






Day three and the last day we headed south to Grizedale Forest to tackle the North Face red route. This is the first time to Grizedale compaired to our many visits to Whinlatter. We have heard / read some very neutral / negative comments so was not sure what to expect really. We headed for the visitor centre which was empty as the Forestry Commission has decided to close all there shops (inc Hamseterley & Whinlatter) to find the start. Once through the gate it was a uphill drag to get into the woods then stright onto singletrack. Rough in places but ok. Again sunny but cold in the shade / descents and loads of ice again. There was a good mix of singletrack, forest track, rock gardens etc. There was one section closed with nobody working on it and the diversion was boring. There was a second section closed but the signs were flat on the ground and barrier removed, there was a lad in front who went down it so we followed. Pleased we didnt miss this one out, good singletrack and no signs of anyboby doing any work at all. The only fast flowing downhill singletrack was the very last section back to the centre. Fantastic views of the fells etc. Defo be going back again but the road there is crap and takes ages so unless you are in the Lakes around that area its not worth the drive. Not many photos as the camera battery wa flat and forgot to charge the spare.


Again there was no notice of closed sections on the web or at the start. We did have a look around the on site cycle shop which was very well stocked and great choice of everything http://www.grizedalemountainbikes.co.uk/ didnt have time to sample the cafe!
Day Four and it was back to normal, bloody freezing with strong wind and no sign of the sun. Had to go and buy another coat as I was that cold. Check out the temperature on the way home in the afternoon, it was -2 when we got to Alston and that was without the wind chill factor !
Back home and half day washing bikes and kit, oh the joys