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Tijs
vpCogworks
My hand was healing much slower than expected. Weirdly enough, I've had no problems in the gym doing weight training, but riding a bike was painful. So, I haven't been cycling (or wrenching on bikes) in the past 6 months. However, it's been getting better lately, and during the Christmas holidays I decided to take action.
Singlespeed is back. Initially went 40-15 with a tensioner, then figured I could try my luck without. 36-13 with some random old chainring and cog, worked fine for 100 meters then the chain snapped. Tried again with a new 38-15 chainring+cog combo. These arrived today. Tomorrow morning I'll stress-test things.
I've ditched the rack and the bottle cage, and changed a few bolts to stainless ones. Will get a shorter bolt for the front mudguard clamp, the current one is really long and ugly. Got a new saddle and a set of plastic pedals that are surprisingly good quality. Also mounted a set of Zoom brake levers, the left one has an integrated bell, which is really loud. A bit heavy, a bit ugly, no reach adjustment, might upgrade later on.
And then, grips. I should have tried actual Ergons way earlier. These GP1 Evos are phenomenal. What a difference! Curious how they hold up on longer distance rides.
I really wanted to install a middle-mount kickstand. Frustratingly, the one I bought didn't fit (the left crank was hitting into it no matter what; that's what you get with hollowtech road cranks on an old trekking frame). This part of the project is on hold for now, I might try again with a wider crankset later.
I've sold the track bike and the Puch by the way.