Functional bikes. Not Porn not Anti

Does anyone know what the racks are on the elephant?
Ed, is that like the one your getting?

^^ Unless you're riding a lot around 25mph 53/39 is larger than ideal.

The rings on the Pina (and elephant) may be smaller (perhaps 52t big ring?) but they're going to lead to a lot of cross-chain riding and time spent on the bottom of the cassette (where the jumps are bigger) leaving the small cogs almost untouched.

650b wheels effectively lower the gearing (over 700c)... but not much at all once you fit large tyres.

Does anyone know what the racks are on the elephant?
Ed, is that like the one your getting?

You're*. The racks are custom.

Cross chaining is not a problem in itself, only on bicycles with short wheelbase where the angle of the chain is exaggerated.

Loss of efficiency and wearing things out is a thing.

With the attention to other details made, I find it odd how often people just 'make-do' with whatever gearing they have.

^ :) Well, my continuously updated Pina is a work in progress where attention being lavished on different parts at different times. I tried running a triple (XTR M950) for about a month before this, but it was just so much hassle with trimming the front derailleur and generally fuzzy operation that I gave up and put the (admittedly) huge double back on, but with a larger-range cassette. Am planning on putting a mix of two tiagra cassettes on to get something like 30-14 which is the simplest and cheapest solution to getting lower gears on this bike. However, as noted in the current projects post, on my recent 200 km trip I made good use of the 53t ring and two of the smallest gears (14 and 13) while resting my elbows on the handlebars and powering through the landscape. The only time I wished I had smaller gears was when, at the very end of the trip, I had to climb some crazy-steep roads leading up to my friends farm.

You can put a 50t on the outside when the 53 dies. 50/39 is nice for flat riding.

You make do with what you have, going down to a 50t isn't the end of the world, hell I'm quicker on my 46/30 (13-26) than the old 50/34 (12-25).

I spun out a little on the descent, not a problem unless I'm being paid to race.

Apropos of the Pacenti tires, which way of mounting them is the right one? I couldn't figure it out, and to add to the confusion the labels are on opposite sides on the two tires. Or does it not matter? It has herringbone file thread on each side of the central diamond thread, but I don't know in which direction the herringbone should point.

If arrow pointed forward = front;

Normally I reverse it on the rear, but honestly cannot feel any difference, so rear pointed forward as well.

Be wary that the Pacenti is more of an event tyres, being light and thin, cut easily too, if you're liking this 650b lark, I would highly recommend the new Compass 38mm Loup Loup;

Thread is thicker, so more durable and long lasting than the Pacenti, and the sidewall is thinner as well, currently run those on my 650B.

^ Fully awesome, are those the GB long mudguards? I need.

Anyone know where to get the MKS GR10s in the UK? It looks like they're not imported over here, but they look ace, being a little wider than the GR9 which I already find decent for short rides. Would be nice to switch to platforms for touring.

Brought some from Kinoko, they're great, but barely enough grip as you can see.

I spun out a little on the descent, not a problem unless I'm being paid to race.

You're not going to race at all if you can't be bothered to pedal ;-)

Brought some from Kinoko, they're great, but barely enough grip as you can see.

Ace, I'll drop them a line

Don't see the point of those, as Ed says there's no grip.
I sold mine on years ago after many barked shins.

MKS MT FT ftw.
Seriously plastic, with rebuildable bearings.

Rack, fenders, single speed, risers (soon to be bullhorns), I feel as though this belongs here.

ha I was just about to post that, good looking bike. Which rack is it?

Thanks! It's an Origin8 HD Cargo rack.

The HD is for "Heavy Duty" I guess. It's beefy and I love it.

Don't see the point of those, as Ed says there's no grip.
I sold mine on years ago after many barked shins.

MKS MT FT ftw.
Seriously plastic, with rebuildable bearings.

Never felt the need for grip for on road riding with clips and straps. Are you sure those were the GR10 not the GR9 you bought Ed? Kinoko have no recollection of them.

really really want one of those.

Thanks! It's an Origin8 HD Cargo rack.

The HD is for "Heavy Duty" I guess. It's beefy and I love it.

Plenty worth it. Not expensive compared to almost any other substantial rack.

I want gr10 pls!

they are gr8 ;)

Never felt the need for grip for on road riding with clips and straps. Are you sure those were the GR10 not the GR9 you bought Ed? Kinoko have no recollection of them.

They had them at Tokyo Fixed last I remember, the older staff member will know what you're talking about.

ready to go touring

homemade waxed canvas bag

^ nice hwcb!