km 1860

Yesterday was an oppurtunity to test ride three bikes.

The first was a 2005 Supercycle SC1800, to hop back and forth to the commuter train. It was nice to be able to leave it abandoned all day and still have it there upon return. As may have been stated here before, it rides like a lazy tapir, yet it serves it's function.

The next was a 2001 Cervelo Prodigy. There was enough light left in the day to provide for a couple of laps of the local park. Hooked up with a couple of other riders over there. Their awesome strength illustrated and no matter how efficient the bicycle, performance is mostly about 'the engine under the hood'. A pleasant experience nonetheless.

The last was a 1991 Breezer Thunder. Been hybridized from it's original XC MTB format to slick Continental Avenue tyres. Running well with 27 speed compact drive under friction thumbie shifters. It is nice the way the indexing cannot fail. It was useful to run down to the video store, and then over to pick up some ice cream. Probably could've taken the SC1800, except that the brakes are scary right now and the Breezer is - how to say - a pleasure to ride.

km 1851

Not riding well on the wet course today. Must move slowly as the brakes have faded to the point of near uselessness. They howl like angry banshees despite being ridiculously toed in. Stopping distance under full lever pull from 20 kph has increased from 2.5 meters to 10 meters.

The Phil's tenacious oil is managing to keep the chain lubricated despite near complete neglect over the last three months. The elongated chain and worn freewheel still provide transmission engagement.

km 1827

Rig still running.

Wheels go around, instrumentation reads and pedals engage drivetrain.

Has probably depreciated beyond recoverable value, enjoying useful life nonetheless.

km 1805

Whew! Things are really racking up the mileage.

There are strange noises coming from the crankset. The brakes make this screech noise and stay locked up when things get wet. Still waiting for the chain to snap as it has become quite elongated. The plastic pedals make this crunch sound and feel wobbly.

On the lighter side of things, no one has even attempted to steal it over the past half year. Also the tires and tubes are still original and have not flatted out yet. They require almost no maintenance, as they have been inflated maybe twice this year.

Overall, makes a great vedette to shuttle back and forth to the commuter train.

km 1767

The machine is making loud noises now, like there is mice under millstones. Probably something to do with the BB bearings needing grease due to lack of seals on the cups.

The thing is amazingly resiliant however, as it is still totally ridable despite extreme neglect and exposure to elements.

It is also very nice the way it remains unmolested at the commuter train station where it lies abandoned all day.

km 1750

Nothing much to report, except the usual - procrastinating replacing the drivetrain and pedals.

Tires still holding air, brake shoes still holding up, chain still wet with Phil's oil despite being left in many summertime thunderstorms.

Nothing left to do but ride ride ride

km 1740

Going intermodal these days!

Ride to the train station, where the SC1800 gets locked up all day. If someone damages or steals it, that is OK, it's only $99!

Amazed at the inner tubes at how well they hold air over extended periods of time. Also the puncture resistance of the tires, as still no flats to report of (knock on wood here).

Fortunately, the train station is only 2 km away from home, then it whisks 20 km in 15 minutes to get to work. It is proving a great way to go.

km 1705.0

Tried the ride with ther sun baked computer and it still works!

Display is a little hard to read, but looking at it from the correct angle and it work okey dokey.

The SC1800 was subject to the 2 week neglect test, and it came through OK. The tires are still holding air and the brakes still work. Chain is rusty, it still engages the teeth.