km 6330 & Drivetrain Overhaul

Got moneys worth of drivetrain installed around 300okm mark. It was totally elongated, well over 1% of original length.

Result was popcorn like popping noises under high torque situations. Certain amount of slippage made out of saddle effort dangerous.

Took oppurtunity to replace totally corroded rear derailleur, chain and freewheel.

Also adjusted headset from totally loose to completely tight.

Cost was 1 hour and $29.56 for chain, freewheel and derailleur hanger. Rear derailleur donated from ye olde spare parts bin.

Total cost so far $10 (shifters), $35 (BB), $65 (rear wheel), $20 (two odometers), $20 (2 chains), $20 (two freewheels), $100 (accessory kit - lock, fenders, rack), $99 (CT#71-1556) = $369 or about 5.8 cents per kilometer, with insurance, fuel, parking included.

Pictures are here:

km 5773.0

Hooked up the rig to a trailer to pick up propane for the barbeque. Rental courtesy of MEC Toronto store ($10/diem).

Was easy enough, except had to find kickstand that mounted near the centre of machine. Fortunately there was one kicking around the basement on a disused '90 Raleigh Oasis.

The journey was made super well despite snow bound roads. Cost of the propane was $8.

Only complaint with the rental was safety flag wouldn't attach to the trailer properly and had to field procure safety bobbin pins from an old spoke. Used a shoelace as a backup safety attachment.

Here are photos:

km 5679.9

Replaced front brake shoes.

Inflated tyres.

Procedure took under 30 minutes and included refinishing the braking surface with steel wool. Cost was $3.75 for MEC Product #4011-200.

Also covered derailleurs and chain with Tri-Flow lubricant (MEC product #1899-129 $3.50).

Rig running right through -20C temperatures.

km 5617.1

Riding well through chilly temperatures and wet snow.

Front brake shoes almost to wear line, replacements on hand.

Tyres holding air well, haven't checked inflation in over 6 weeks.

km 5485

Nothing new to report

Here are some pictures from the past:

test riding Raleigh Summit

Also from Canadian Tire

This has hopped up rear wheel and clever fender installation.

BB and headset already loose, probably from a lack of frame prep. Front wheel axle adjusted too tight and dropouts on front fork misaligned.

Other than those minor flaws, runs perfectly well. Sounds like a projector running when riding on quiet roads.

km 5227.69

Replaced rear tyre with used Continental 'Town & Country' 26 x 1.9

Chain showing wear and needs lube.