You are reading a single comment by @jeff80 and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
-
AH, ok, didn't know that about the tub, will change it this afternoon before my ride. Also, I had though about that TA ring swap. I might have a root around in the loft later to see if I've still got a spare Ta chainring up there.....
Gearing is 46/15, which is just over 80 inches. I know it seems a lot but I usually ride 48/15 on my commute so it ought to be fine. I only really encounter one hill (actually an A13 overpass) on my nasty commute so it's manageable, so the gearing is ok. I'm putting it down to side winds near Wanstead Flats which is where I've been habitually taking my exercise ride-it's very open there so even a slight wind can feel quite strong.
jeff80
I hope you've got your breath back by now.
Let me guess at your gearing - 48 x 16 (just under 80" on 23mm tubs) If I'm correct that's a gear which would certainly leave me breathless in most places (ok round the London airport perimeter road, I suppose).
As to weight reduction, an easy way to save a few ounces would be to fit a TA ring to your five pin BSA cranks. A slight amount of filing is necessary to open out the chain ring, but this can be done in a few minutes. I believe the BSA design dates from 1904, and the TA from 1948 - I guess TA tried to make their kit compatible, but got slightly muddled with the metric conversion.
I'm a bit worried about the health of your spare tub. I'm sure more tubs have been wrecked by careless packing than by actual use. They should be folded with the tread on the outside of the folds, and must have some kind of wrapping (eg plastic sheet) to protect the tyre from the strap holding it to the saddle. A dust cap on the valve is another useful precaution for the spare.