Cytech-world

Accounting for skinny tyres my gear is about 38". I wouldn't play the magic gear game and I'd go for a 32 or 34 ring because it's easier to get real single speed rings in a 104mm bcd.

Some non polo related tech questions. I'm looking to soften up the ride on my Plug so that when I get to ride again I can have some comfort for a couple of months while things settle down. I'm basically looking to set-up the bike so I'll be comfortable on stuff like extended towpath rides and very light CX type use along with general urban commuting duties.

Does anybody know what the largest tyre you can fit on a standard Plug is? I'm guessing that 32mm would fit OK but that 35mm CX tyres or Randos would not fit in the rear and be very tight on the front. Any suggestions on a good all round tyre with a light tread?

Anybody had a play with the On-one Fleegle / Fleegle Pro handlebars? I'm looking for something with more back sweep than a standard riser bar to put my wrist at a better angle. Any suggestions for a good bar that has sweep but isn't going to be a PITA when parked in the communal hallway? The 44cm Snorky looks interesting but I'm not sure it would handle that well.

I've currently got a 16t 1/8th Decta freewheel. I'm considering dropping to a 17 or maybe even 18. I've found an e-bay shop doing the Decta ones for £7.50 delivered but know they are not the best built bit of kit out there. I can't afford a White Industries but did wonder if there was anything out there for under ~£25 that makes sense. I've spotted the odd NOS DX Freewheels for about £16 but I'm not sure if they are that much better.

SJS are selling shimano 18t for a tenner.

Had a look at those yesterday. Unfortunately only 3/32 and I'm rocking 1/8th :-(

Still work though.

May cause slightly more noise, though I did it and couldn't notice a difference.

It must be so, Mr Brown confirms it. So question then is Shimano DX at £12 delivered worth it over a Decta at £7.50? Given the noises my existing Decta makes on occasion I'm guessing yes.

Never ridden a dicta, I didn't like my shimano but that's because I've been spoilt by the token ones I've been using. The shimano ones felt fine, pretty quiet just too slow too pick up, needs moar pawls!

I had a dicta for a bit, was shit. As in it fell apart. The Shimano ones are grand for riding about on the road, mine's still going (now on polo wheel) and they are stealthy as fuck.

The one I fitted to my girlfriends bike certainly looked and felt a bit shit.

victor's bike has the decta. it's cheap, but you get what you pay for really.

I had a dicta for a bit, was shit.

It was this very feature that finally forced me into running fixed so they do have some use. I already have a 17t Andel cog on there, it's just a shame I no longer have knees that work without making more noise than a freewheel :-(

The Shimano looks likely, but this is tempting...

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/39333/Onza_Tensile_18T_Freewheel

Especially considering I just sold the last remaining MTB bits for roughly the same price.

For whatever reason it won't let me click on it. Never heard of it, though being onza I assume it would be heavy duty. Seems pricey though.

Looks alright but does say reverse lockring thread on it, might be worth a google.

Anybody know if the ACS Crossfire needs a dedicated ACS tool or if you can get away with an ISIS BB Tool? It looks to be the same 8 prong pattern and you can get the ISIS BB tool for less than half the price of the dedicated ACS Crossfire freewheel tool which would be kind of handy.

If someone brings an ISIS BB Tool I can find out for you at polo.

The freewheel has 6 notches doesn't it?

I've got a 2 prong one that might fit, maybe. Emma has it at the moment but you're welcome to try when I get it back.

I've not bought yet as I'm holding out till I've seen the consultant later this month.

The Crossfire is definitely 8 prong... maybe??:

http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/m8b191s258p8471/ACS_Crossfire_Freewheel/RS_GB/22753

• Removable with Crossfire 8-Slot Tool
  
  

It gets confusing when other listings show the tool as 6 prong:

http://www.danscomp.com/811007.php

For £15 you get 30 POE but need the silly tool which is also £15. For £32 you can get the HALO Clickster which is 72 POE and which uses the same 4 prong tool as my existing Decta I need to get off the wheel. Total price with a budget 4 prong tool is under £36 or I could use a 2 prong one on loan.

I'll probably crack and go for the HALO as a back on the bike treat but budget might force the cheaper option and the Crossfire looks to be the best of the sub £20 options.

It must be 6 prong... has to be.

Everything I've found about them is 6 prong.

I think I've got a 4 prong doofer if that helps.

(the above posts confused me a bit, so simply ignore if not needing a 4 pronger)

That's cool. I need a four pronged one at some point to remove my existing freewheel but it's all on hold for a little while yet. I'll give you a shout when I do.

I haz 4 prongs too.

In a few sizes.