• Time for an update!

    1. Brake levers have arrived
    2. Brakes and gears are set up
    3. Handlebars are wrapped
    4. Old plastic mudguards have been installed amateurishly
    5. Found some nice bottle cages
    6. Went for a test commute

    Lots of small things have happened sind the last update. I was really looking forward to get the bike in to a rideable state just to finally try it. There were a few draw backs.

    The matching Deore FD-M735 (triple) front derrailleur wasn't playing well with 2x cranks. It was simply too big. I couldn't shift up in the front without running the cage into the crank arm. While I would have loved the colourmatch on front and rear derrailleur this wasn't a big loss. The Deore FD was only £4 on eBay and I found nice Shimano 600 6207 to replace it.

    Installing the brakes and gears was also "eventful". While wiring everything up I had to realise my ferrules weren't fitting in the cable guides. I had to buy stepped ferrules. Didn't even know they were a thing.

    It was also my first time to set up canti brakes. I still don't know how I managed as apparently I am underequipped having only two hands. I tried to follow some concepts descriped here and here but I didn't understand all of it. Anyways they seem to work fine. We'll see how they do in the wet.

    Besides functionality I am starting to get real worked up on small details. I must have spent already over 5 hrs trying to decide on quick releases without success.
    So after sending a pair of bottle cages back I was really happy when I found the Condor Stainless Steel Bottle Cage. From what I can tell they are identical to the Nitto R Stainless Bottle Cage. Like the Holdsworth / Velo Orange seatpost this was another great budget find.

    Finally I managed to fill some remaining gaps in the build to make the bike rideable. Today I had to leave my safe living room #wfh desk to check something at work which gave me the perfect excuse to take this for a quick test ride.
    What can I say, it flies. It's fast and comfortable.
    There is still loads of finetuning to be done but I am really happy with it so far.


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