Any question answered...

Shim should be from 1.25" stem to 1.125" steerer.

we're definitely hunting for 70 max.

I think I have a rough 60mm Deda Zero01, remind me to look for it if nobody closer has anything

Looking good mate, I will get onto you if I def need to borrow it.

@Aroogah @mdcc_tester thanks guys, noted!

Are all shimano ht2 bb's much of a muchness? They're all just two sealed bearings and a couple of bits of aluminium right?

I built up a single speed commuter around a road frame I got for free. All is good apart from very occasional chain jump. It only seems to happen when I set off from a standing start on an incline, and not every time. On my 8 mile commute, it happened only twice. It is a very small jump too, the chain does not come off and it's not enough to cause me to flail dangerously.

This was the bike I was going to try to get a magic gear on but gave up on that idea and when for a chain tensioner.

I thought it was happening under load but I went up a few hills yesterday, out of the saddle, and it was fine.

Brand new 8-speed KMC chain and 3/32" single speed specific sprocket and chainring.

I have a couple of theories if the hive mind could also chime in, that would be great.

1 - the chain is too long so the tensioner is having to take up more slack so that there is not enough chain wrapped around the sprocket. So, if I stop and the chain is not under load and maybe gets moved back and forth a bit, it's not sitting fully engaged with the teeth so when I set off, it slips. It doesn't slip when climbing for example because it has had a chance to "settle" and the few teeth that are engaged have a good hold.

2 - The factory chain lube is sticky so as per #1, when stopped and moved around, the tacky lube is preventing proper engagement.

My potential solutions are;

A - I can't remove a whole link so get a half link to shorten it slightly to take up more of the slack. Not overly keen as I'm already using a chain tensioner so seems a bit much.

B - go 1 tooth larger on the sprocket for chainring (already 49x18). I like the current ratio so which would change it the least?

go 1 tooth larger on the sprocket for chainring (already 49x18). I like the current ratio so which would change it the least?

If you do both (50/19), it will take up as much of the slack as removing half a link while dropping your gear by less than 2.5"

Good to know, thanks.

Do you reckon my hypotheses are anywhere close?

Where can I contact chain reaction about my order as it hasn't arrived?

Don't you just reply to their confirmation email? Or it will have a contact, no?
Yeah, there's like 10 different contact methods at the bottom of their order confirmation emails

customerservice @ chainreactioncycles.com

Can you mount the tensioner in a way so it pushes up on the chain from below?
Would give al lot more chain wrap and seems like the only sensible way to use these tensioners.

Not the model I bought although that would be even better if lack of chain wrap is actually the problem.

Have you googled 'PayPal Ukraine' to see if he's telling the truth? Give it a go :)

@farewell
Can confirm this - we have contractors in Ukraine and paying them is a pain. PP is not an option. We have to do some kind of weird bank transfer using a third party I think.

One of the presenters on Mountainbike Radio (on either "Just Riding Along" or "The Path"[bikeshop show]) reckoned that proper SS cogs only really work with pre-set chain tension (i.e track ends, sliding dropouts, EBB). He said that if you're using a sprung tensioner, you need teeth shaped more like cassette sprockets to avoid chain jump.

The easiest option will probably be to get as close to a magic gear as you can, with the tensioner acting as insurance and accounting for a bit of chain wear.

thanks!

Difficult to see.

Interesting, I would have thought the opposite. I'll see how reducing slack helps.

Recommendations for places to eat in or around Greenwich. Everywhere I see on Google look like tourist traps or city boy fine dining.

Gastro pub level, good drink available (real ale, not hipster IPA) a big bonus, nice surroundings, or maybe something off the wall.

I always go to Greenwich Union, it has never disappointed. The beer selection is great and you can buy bottles to take home for 30% less too. Blackheath has some spots.

The Plume of Feathers is great, best Sunday roast in Greenwich.

The Hill on Royal Hill is pretty good - more restaurant than gastro pub though

Are spokey dokeys cool for your bike?

Yes

I've never had this happen before:
We ordered a wedding cake knife from a company call La De Da Living and asked for the slogan they use on their featured example to be punched into the metal. What turned up was appalling. The words are nice and straight for 75% of the line then hit a wave and drop back down. I emailed to say I wanted a refund and they keep referring to their description:

"Every piece of vintage cutlery is all sourced here in the UK. Traditional, industrial tools are used to indent every letter into the silver plate. Marks are expected during this process and the spacing and alignment of letters will not be perfect which we believe only adds to it’s unique charm and beauty.
Each commission is finished with a branded logo tag, cute cutlery charm and hand tied with chiffon ribbon and can finally be presented in a luxury gift box if required.
Our cutlery is authentic vintage and not mass produced therefore we cannot supply exact images of each piece. The cutlery is silver plated and therefore not dishwasher safe, we recommend hand washing in warm water and as silver is prone to tarnishing a good clean every now and then is also reccommended".

Their spelling in emails is appalling as per above.
It was only £40 but I feel very aggrieved. We bought a much nicer knife and slice thing from John Lewis for £45.
Edit:
Question has anyone had a similar "artisan" excuse and does anyone know which way to go next? I don't Twatter or Facebook either.

Paypal dispute?
Credit Card Claimback?

Mastercard but I think that is limited to £100+.

Photos for the lols pls