The Government at work.
4/18/09
Chain Reaction or Mea Culpa Stupido - by Gregg Senne
It was Walt who brought my chain/derailleur issue to the fore. During a climb up Shalona where he had to listen to my rear derailleur idlers and cassette make cacophonous music together. Afterwards he pointed out that there may be and adjustment issue with my rear derailleur. This might also explain why he dropped me after a few minutes. It was quite a racket.
Little did he know that the preload adjustment was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The ride the passes event on Sunday revealed just how bad the situation was. When I shifted down to the 30-tooth chainring strange noises came from my rear wheel. At first I thought that it might be my shiny new wheel's spokes finding their places under the load of climbing Coalbank. A ping or two now and again would be expected, but this sounded like a badger trying to dig his way out of a piano. It's a new chain I reminded myself. A Shimano, no less. What gives? I stopped several times to investigate only to be all the more puzzled. The chain was slapping the spokes and playing variations on "Who's Sorry Now?" The only "fix" was to stay off the 30-tooth chainring and tough it out.
Back at the ranch I decided to try shortening the chain. Easy-peasy. Whip out the chain breaker tool thingy (CBTT) and have at it. Let's start with two links and see what happens. Breaking a chain and shortening it is simple enough. How about putting it back together? Would be nice to have another one of those special pins that come with the new chain. You know, the pin that easily slides in place to be driven home with the CBTT? What about using the old one? Should be okay, right? Here's the plan. Hold one end of the chain and the CBTT in the left hand. In the right place the other end of the chain in the CBTT and use one finger from the left hand to keep it there. So far, so good. Now place the old pin over the holes in the links. Notice however you position any of the afore mentioned items, the pin will not stay still. Give the screw on the CBTT a turn and try to capture the pin in just the right spot. Looks like its there, so give the CBTT a couple of quick turns to drive it home. Notice also that the links have slipped out, the pin is on the floor and the CBTT part that pushes the pin is badly bent off center. Not to worry. A pair of pliers is just the thing to align the CBTT pin pusher bit.
Parenthetically, I could coin another acronym for CBTT pin pusher bit (CBTTPPB), but it raises the issue of typing it each time or cutting and pasting. I like acronyms as much as the next guy. Probably more, in point of fact. That said, it's probably best not to overuse them. Five acronyms in a short essay is a sensible limit. Four might seem wanting. Six is overdoing it. Seven, dare I say, is plain foolhardy. While we're on the topic, how many letters should a proper acronym have? One would think at least two and not more than five. That would include TV and ASPCA, two perfectly serviceable acronyms. CBTTPPB seems a bit long at seven letters and as it's not likely to be used much, it might be better to forgo its coining. But, I digress.
With the CBTT somewhat repaired, it's time for a second try and a second failure. This time the CBTT was pronounced DOA and retired to the TC (trash can). Upon close inspection, it was decided that the chain should join the CBTT as well, thus ending one evening's efforts to get to the bottom of the musical spokes problem.
Today's plan is a fresh start with a fresh chain. Yes sir, nothing like a fresh start. Chin up and march right into the bike shop for a brand new chain and a new CBTT. This time it'll be one of those with the master link that comes apart with a flick of the wrist and none of that driving the pin nonsense. Nothing like an ounce of prevention. Only one other person in line at the service counter and then it's my turn to be on my way, chain in hand to fight the good fight. I've even brought the old chain box with me to avoid confusion. No more slip-ups now.
It's my turn. I ask the mechanic for a 9-speed chain. In a sympathetic tone he explains that he doesn't want to sell me a chain unless he can fit it to my bike. I'm somewhat taken aback. This sounds serious. Fitting a chain to a bike? Don't they come ready to go right out of the package? What if you're not sure just how long the chain should be? Suddenly, my confidence level has plunged from the Julie-Andrews-Sound-of-Music kind to the Luca-Brasi-sleeps-with-the-fishes kind. I take my hands off the counter.
In a more conciliatory tone, the mechanic explains how chains are sold in lengths to accommodate the longest application and usually trimmed back as necessary. He points out how the instructions in the SRAM package explain exactly how this is done. Run the chain around the biggest chainwheel and cassette from outside the derailleur and add two links. Simple. A weight has been lifted from my chest. I can breath now. Along with the chain and a new CBTT, I bought two pins with the break-off tips so that I might resurrect the Shimano chain languishing in the TC.
Back at the ranch again, I made short work of fitting the new chain to my bike. A quick test and it shifts like a dream. No more Keith Moon chain solo on the spokes. Now to trim the ruined bits off the Shimano chain and pick up a spare, so to speak. Today was garbage day. My Shimano chain sleeps with the trashes.
-Gregg Senne
Little did he know that the preload adjustment was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The ride the passes event on Sunday revealed just how bad the situation was. When I shifted down to the 30-tooth chainring strange noises came from my rear wheel. At first I thought that it might be my shiny new wheel's spokes finding their places under the load of climbing Coalbank. A ping or two now and again would be expected, but this sounded like a badger trying to dig his way out of a piano. It's a new chain I reminded myself. A Shimano, no less. What gives? I stopped several times to investigate only to be all the more puzzled. The chain was slapping the spokes and playing variations on "Who's Sorry Now?" The only "fix" was to stay off the 30-tooth chainring and tough it out.
Back at the ranch I decided to try shortening the chain. Easy-peasy. Whip out the chain breaker tool thingy (CBTT) and have at it. Let's start with two links and see what happens. Breaking a chain and shortening it is simple enough. How about putting it back together? Would be nice to have another one of those special pins that come with the new chain. You know, the pin that easily slides in place to be driven home with the CBTT? What about using the old one? Should be okay, right? Here's the plan. Hold one end of the chain and the CBTT in the left hand. In the right place the other end of the chain in the CBTT and use one finger from the left hand to keep it there. So far, so good. Now place the old pin over the holes in the links. Notice however you position any of the afore mentioned items, the pin will not stay still. Give the screw on the CBTT a turn and try to capture the pin in just the right spot. Looks like its there, so give the CBTT a couple of quick turns to drive it home. Notice also that the links have slipped out, the pin is on the floor and the CBTT part that pushes the pin is badly bent off center. Not to worry. A pair of pliers is just the thing to align the CBTT pin pusher bit.
Parenthetically, I could coin another acronym for CBTT pin pusher bit (CBTTPPB), but it raises the issue of typing it each time or cutting and pasting. I like acronyms as much as the next guy. Probably more, in point of fact. That said, it's probably best not to overuse them. Five acronyms in a short essay is a sensible limit. Four might seem wanting. Six is overdoing it. Seven, dare I say, is plain foolhardy. While we're on the topic, how many letters should a proper acronym have? One would think at least two and not more than five. That would include TV and ASPCA, two perfectly serviceable acronyms. CBTTPPB seems a bit long at seven letters and as it's not likely to be used much, it might be better to forgo its coining. But, I digress.
With the CBTT somewhat repaired, it's time for a second try and a second failure. This time the CBTT was pronounced DOA and retired to the TC (trash can). Upon close inspection, it was decided that the chain should join the CBTT as well, thus ending one evening's efforts to get to the bottom of the musical spokes problem.
Today's plan is a fresh start with a fresh chain. Yes sir, nothing like a fresh start. Chin up and march right into the bike shop for a brand new chain and a new CBTT. This time it'll be one of those with the master link that comes apart with a flick of the wrist and none of that driving the pin nonsense. Nothing like an ounce of prevention. Only one other person in line at the service counter and then it's my turn to be on my way, chain in hand to fight the good fight. I've even brought the old chain box with me to avoid confusion. No more slip-ups now.
It's my turn. I ask the mechanic for a 9-speed chain. In a sympathetic tone he explains that he doesn't want to sell me a chain unless he can fit it to my bike. I'm somewhat taken aback. This sounds serious. Fitting a chain to a bike? Don't they come ready to go right out of the package? What if you're not sure just how long the chain should be? Suddenly, my confidence level has plunged from the Julie-Andrews-Sound-of-Music kind to the Luca-Brasi-sleeps-with-the-fishes kind. I take my hands off the counter.
In a more conciliatory tone, the mechanic explains how chains are sold in lengths to accommodate the longest application and usually trimmed back as necessary. He points out how the instructions in the SRAM package explain exactly how this is done. Run the chain around the biggest chainwheel and cassette from outside the derailleur and add two links. Simple. A weight has been lifted from my chest. I can breath now. Along with the chain and a new CBTT, I bought two pins with the break-off tips so that I might resurrect the Shimano chain languishing in the TC.
Back at the ranch again, I made short work of fitting the new chain to my bike. A quick test and it shifts like a dream. No more Keith Moon chain solo on the spokes. Now to trim the ruined bits off the Shimano chain and pick up a spare, so to speak. Today was garbage day. My Shimano chain sleeps with the trashes.
-Gregg Senne
4/17/09
4/9/09
Bike Saddle Special Spot
Mennonites discussing the Spot where the Saddle goes,
forever more known as "The Coffee Table".
Floyd's Dog
This dog drank Jack Daniels last night.
Testosterone level is indeed elevated.
Clearly, a Mennonite.
4/7/09
Scott and Gail's 2nd Annual "Ride the Passes and Party"
Church of the High Pines Special Event
RIDE THE PASSES AND PARTY PARTY PARTY
Scott and Gail Smith are sponsoring the 2nd annual bike ride/party on Sunday May 10. The Church of the High Pines will truly live up to its name as the ride will start at the Smith's house at 9,000 feet. Some brave souls actually rode from town to Silverton and back to the house last year.
Ride Details: Ride leaves at 9:45 a.m. from the Smith's house near Purgatory. Within three miles we will be ascending Coal Bank Pass and then descend to our climb up Molas Pass. Total ride is 32 miles but 3 climbs (you get to come back over the back side of Coal Bank), 13 miles of climbing for 3,200 vertical feet, and will take 2.5 hours plus or minus. Great training ride for the Iron Horse. If you want more you can add 14 miles by dropping into Silverton, or simply turn back earlier for a shorter ride!
Party Details: As riders get back to the house, showers will be available so bring a change of clothes and a towel. We have a boiler so there is no way we will run out of hot water. Everyone bring a side dish to share and BYOB. We will provide hamburgers and hot dogs. Lunch to be served on the deck overlooking the mountains around 1:00 to 1:30 once all the riders return. We will definitely need appetizers for the early arrival riders to stave off starvation. Potato salad and other salads would be good along with chips and dip.
Other Details: Non-riders are welcome. They should plan to arrive around 12:30. Carpooling may be a good idea to avoid two cars having to drive up for the same couple or friend. Riders could meet at Bread at 9:00 a.m. if they wish to hook up there. We have plenty of parking however. Also we will have ice ready before the ride for beer and drinks that you may bring up.
Directions: Take 550 North about 24 miles from the north end of town. We are in Engineer Village on the right side of the road between mile markers 48 and 49. The Gelande Parking Lot (south of Purgatory resort) is directly across from our entrance. Take an immediate right on Engineer Drive and take the next right on Storm Peak Drive. Travel straight into the Cul-d-sac and park. Our house is 29 Grand Turk Ct just around the corner.
RSVP: If you can come, please RSVP to Larry at Goldsteins@yahoo.com, with the number in your party. Scott and Gail will plan accordingly!
RIDE THE PASSES AND PARTY PARTY PARTY
Scott and Gail Smith are sponsoring the 2nd annual bike ride/party on Sunday May 10. The Church of the High Pines will truly live up to its name as the ride will start at the Smith's house at 9,000 feet. Some brave souls actually rode from town to Silverton and back to the house last year.
Ride Details: Ride leaves at 9:45 a.m. from the Smith's house near Purgatory. Within three miles we will be ascending Coal Bank Pass and then descend to our climb up Molas Pass. Total ride is 32 miles but 3 climbs (you get to come back over the back side of Coal Bank), 13 miles of climbing for 3,200 vertical feet, and will take 2.5 hours plus or minus. Great training ride for the Iron Horse. If you want more you can add 14 miles by dropping into Silverton, or simply turn back earlier for a shorter ride!
Party Details: As riders get back to the house, showers will be available so bring a change of clothes and a towel. We have a boiler so there is no way we will run out of hot water. Everyone bring a side dish to share and BYOB. We will provide hamburgers and hot dogs. Lunch to be served on the deck overlooking the mountains around 1:00 to 1:30 once all the riders return. We will definitely need appetizers for the early arrival riders to stave off starvation. Potato salad and other salads would be good along with chips and dip.
Other Details: Non-riders are welcome. They should plan to arrive around 12:30. Carpooling may be a good idea to avoid two cars having to drive up for the same couple or friend. Riders could meet at Bread at 9:00 a.m. if they wish to hook up there. We have plenty of parking however. Also we will have ice ready before the ride for beer and drinks that you may bring up.
Directions: Take 550 North about 24 miles from the north end of town. We are in Engineer Village on the right side of the road between mile markers 48 and 49. The Gelande Parking Lot (south of Purgatory resort) is directly across from our entrance. Take an immediate right on Engineer Drive and take the next right on Storm Peak Drive. Travel straight into the Cul-d-sac and park. Our house is 29 Grand Turk Ct just around the corner.
RSVP: If you can come, please RSVP to Larry at Goldsteins@yahoo.com, with the number in your party. Scott and Gail will plan accordingly!
4/4/09
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