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@LongAndWinding
Everybody chill ...
She's pretty ... oh so pretty. And I've had a couple of pretty vacant moments, but I worked them out. It is my first full-on, entire build, ever, after all. I've been doing everything myself. Slowly, but surely - learning heaps.
Build update:
At least the only blood drawn today are from a couple of large/deep cat scratches. Jambi isn't impressed with what's going on. Tazi has been "observing" all day.
Lots of adjustment needed on the bottom bracket to give the front sprocket clearance. Tom has made a 'dint' in the chain stay to accept the sprocket, but with all 3 shims it still needed about 3mm protrusion of the BB from the frame to get sufficient (2mm) clearance. I'll investigate the feasibility of this later, but it seems ok now.
Next stumbling block was the lack of Royce rear track hub lock ring tool. An hour on the phone and no bike workshops we could think of had one (as the lock ring is recessed within the rear belt sprocket, chain whip type lock ring tools won't fit). Seems Royce don't work weekends - don't blame them! I've done it hand tight and figure that as it is threaded opposite, it will hold for a few test rides for a few days until I get one.
Fitting the belt drive took way longer than expected. I think I tried every combination of shims on the rear sprocket to get it in line, and it still makes a slight rasping noise. This noise comes from the front sprocket which appears very very slightly warped. I double checked all the chain ring bolts, and shims, and re-did each to exactly the same torque so it would be as close as I was going to get. For now. It's not bad, perhaps it needs some wearing/settling in, or riding under load. Tension wise, I will get a belt tension checking device, but for now it seems ok (1/2" deflection under 5-10lb force they suggest).
Fitting the stem/bars, seat post and saddle was straight forward. I have contact point measurements from the ALAN which I've roughly replicated ready for a trial brakless run in the morning.
It was only at this point that I 'unveiled' it, removing the grey protective foam. I'm extremely pleased with the clean lines that it has. The detailed lugs aren't as fancy as I was worried they might be, that they might overtake the bike. In fact, they kind of swallow the stem and seat post and make them just flow into the frame. The lack of detail of chain and chain ring add to the simplicity, and also the black sprocket with silver cranks follows the black tyres and silver rims perfectly.
Did I say I love it yet?
Trying it for size, it feels like the bike is tiny & miles below me, but I guess that feels strange as I am used to riding a bike that has disproportionate sized wheels, is slightly too large for me and has toe overlap. Maybe that's how it should feel. Feels like it's going to be fun anyway.
Tomorrow = test ride, adjustments, brake, bar tape & ends, photo ride, upload photos.
Wheeeeeeeee x