Rob / track bikes / anyone has a spare front brake

[sylv]

Rob - I remember you used to ride your fixie to and from Herne Hill. I just rode to Butlers the other day and the gearing seemed very high for anything but flat ground. Was it a real hassle getting up climbs?

If anyone has a spare brake, even tatty, they're willing to sell for cheap, the forks on the bike i'm using have a hole, so i could pop a brake on for the road - no i'm not riding brakeless - tried it and it is silly scary.

[Rob]

from mitcham to crystal palace there are BIG hills......as long as youve got strong legs youll be fine....it is a slow process getting up them, but just power along!

i never used brakes, therefore going down hills was even harder, having to use all your strength to control the speed of the bike going down hill!!! very hard!!!

still yet to crash

[AodanH]

I think I've got one on an old frame in the garage. I'll take a look this evening when I get back. Probably need a new cable though.

BTW I did try to use the fixed on my commute and its' surprisingly comfortable on any stretch where you can maintain a half decent speed. I found it a pain getting around queueing traffic and close to kerbs though. (and I had front and back brakes). I use the freewheel side all the time now and am much happier.

[Brett P]

I just ride my road bike with my track bike slung over my shoulder...... it's quite easy when you get the hang of it.

Also when you get a nice set of track wheels with super lite/fast tubs on it, the last thing you want is a puncture!!!!

Rob, you at Herne Hill tomorrow or next Sat arvo for one of the last two meets of the year?

What a track season eh? Once i've raced at HH & 3 times at Reading, bring on the new Vello park at Lee Valley!!!!!

[sylv]

Yeah but Brett your track bike probably weighs 6kg ...

[Jon H]

You could always fit a different sprocket for riding on the road then change it for the track.

[AodanH]

I've got an old brake if you want it. I'm away for three weeks on Saturday so give me a call if you want to call around some evening this week.

[Grahame]

I've also got a spare front brake caliper and lever. The lever is Shimano 105, and the caliper is an old (pre-Ultegra) Shimano 600.

They work well together, and you know my email if you want them.

[sylv]

Thanks all, but even though the gearing seemed high on the road, it was ridiculously low once on the track. I need to loose 3 to 4 teeth at the rear, so the bike will be not much fun riding on the road once this is done, I'll stick to driving to Herne Hill.

[Brett P]

Sylv,
May i suggest you do what my girlfriend does & have a 15 tooth rear sprocket and a front brake. Ride on the road with a 45t ring & change it to a 48 or 49 at Herne Hill. It is a lot cheaper & much less hassle as you don't have to carry a chain whip & lock nut remover!

[siwickm]

Blimey Brett, are you mad not encouraging your girlfriend to carry a chain whip, you are missing out. BTW I thought your girlfriend was a Colnago or have you re-assessed the way forward and taken the hard option and moved on to a real life woman eeeek.

Cheers

Marek...

[Rob]

HAHAHAHHAHAH

[Brett P]

Yeah Marek, i've seen the light!
There's only so much my colnago can do for/to me

Plus she (my g/f) ain't a bad bike rider either.... probably kick Mr Fallons ar*e

[Rob]

HAHAHAHAH.....ahh brett, if you didnt have a chica id gladly love you

[Brett P]

Il'l keep that in mind Robbie, but you'd have to be Roberta before I'd even consider it.....!

Come to Herne Hill this or next Saturday....it'll be fun.

Congrat's on the 2nd place in the 'World handicap champs' too.