km 2140.3

Some mathematics:

Average speed is 19.8 kph, therefore actual time the wheels have been rolling is about 108.09 hours.

The cost of this project has been about $200, therefore cost per kilometer is about 9.34 cents per kilometer.

Contrast that to a $10000 car with 200000 kilometers/ 5000 hours riding time on it at about 5 cents per kilometer, probably averaged out to be the same when factoring in fuel, parking and maintenance.

The bottom bracket is making some strange crunching noises, indicating an overhaul will be necessary immenently.

km 2114,2

Bell was easily repaired last night with new hammer and striker arm.

Rig is now 100% in meeting requirements of highway traffic act.

Surprised OEM plastic pedals are now worked in enough that they are quiet again.

Also surprising is no flats yet (knocking on wood).

With air in the tyres and oil on the chain, the machine feels like a brand new bike again!

Street legal (sort of) km 2060

At last got a bell to make the SC1800 meet the requirements of the Highway Traffic Act.

It was part of a schwag kit given away at a local friday night (15th) social ride, courtesy of one of our sponsors, Mountain Equipment Co-op. It is silver in colour and an embossment on the body of the clamp suggests it is made in Japan. And it free!

Fastened it to the handlebar at 1800H on the 16th. Then at 2030H, while riding along, attempted to make an adjustment to the position of the hammer by wiggling it closer to the bar. But no, twas attached too tightly and in the process of position adjustment the clochet went flying! Recover the clochet and that was easily re-attached, but the striker arm went missing.

At least it looks like it meets HTA requirements.

To clarify

The two pairs of brake shoes costs exactly $5.63 including taxes.

km 2042

Dramatic improvement in performance was achieved by applying three things.

* Swapped out completely worn brake shoes for fresh new ones. Cost: $5 for two pairs and 30 minutes service.

* Lubricated chain, cables, calipers and gearboxes with SAE 20 wt oil. Cost: $.50 per application.

* Inflated front tyre to 60 PSI, rear tyre to 65 PSI Cost: Air is free!

Feels as it was last January when the machine was new.

The bearings in the bottom bracket are still knocking about, the seems quieter after a couple of rides in the rain.

All in all, the rig is capable of extra efficiency compared to last week's performance.

km 2029

Maintenance schedule has been pushed back until further notice, as still trying to get money's worth out of brake shoes.

Replacement brake shoes have been procured and are ready for installation.

Amazingly, tyres are still holding air. Speed is slightly scrubbed due to velocity being limited by brake systems.