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Josh
Time for an update!
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.