As I discussed yesterday, I had a rating to settle, and so I settled it:
Now I’m turning my consideration again to all of the issues I’d put aside, together with some updates I’d been that means to make to my Platypus:
Specifically, having lately acquired some Silver2 shifters and ThumbShifter mounts, I’d been ready for a chance to reconfigure the bike’s cockpit:
Properly, it was raining fairly steadily this morning, which meant the chance had lastly arrived.
After I first assembled the Platypus, I used Shimano bar-end shifters, since I occurred to have available:
Whereas they work simply effective, the friction mode is a bit of obscure and lame, particularly in comparison with the Silvers. Additionally, as a lot as I like bar-end shifters, my knees do hit these throughout tight maneuvers, which I’ve been partaking in a bit of extra these days since determining that, regardless of its genteel mixte look, the Platypus likes to get a bit of rowdy. So I used to be trying ahead to altering issues round a bit of bit.
First I eliminated the previous shifter. Right here’s what it appears to be like like inside if which means something to you:
It’s a uncommon Dura Ace 10-speed shifter with indexing mode, which existed for a fleeting and pointless second in Shimano historical past.
Subsequent, I eliminated the grips. I hesitate to even point out this, since grip set up and removing is a kind of topics about which cyclists get douche-chillingly pedantic, and I’m certain a number of folks will inform me that I do it incorrect, or that their means is best. Regardless, Thaving already run the shifter housing underneath the grips, I wedged just a few hex keys in there too and poured a small quantity of rubbing alcohol within the ensuing opening:
They slid off like pores and skin off an oily drumstick.
Quickly the bars have been naked, and I started the reassembly course of:
I discover I typically use the flat part of the bar simply previous that first bend after the grip space, so I utilized extra rubbing alcohol and pushed the grips again up there. Then I placed on the ThumbShifter/Silver2 combos and the brake levers:
Assembling the shifter, uh, meeting is straightforward (see: video), and one nifty characteristic is you could angle the cable housing cease just about any means you need:
One factor I realized is that, relying on the place you place the shifter, it could hinder entry to your brake lever bolt. I used to be capable of get to mine, although clearance was very tight:
I’ve observed Rivendells generally have their brake levers reversed in order that the bolt is on high (actually my spouse’s Clem Smith, Jr. arrived like that) and I assume that is why. So when you’re placing collectively a motorbike with these items and ranging from scratch you could wish to do this too, although on this specific case I used to be means too lazy to re-do my brake levers, and anyway it appears to be like like I ought to be capable of get to the bolt simply effective.
Along with being lazy, I’m additionally low cost, so in fact I endeavored to re-use as a lot cable and housing as doable–although the Silver2 care bundle arrived full with recent cables and housing. Since I’d moved the shifters up the bar I’d must journey the housing. For years I’ve used a Dremel to chop my cable housing, however these days I’ve simply been doing it the old style means, although I do take just a few moments to file the top afterwards and poke on the gap with an axe or jail shank or no matter that’s to ensure issues work easily:
Be aware I managed to deal with the wheel and never the instruments, as a result of I’m even worse at taking photos than I’m at engaged on bikes. Anyway, in the long run I managed to re-use all of the housing and one of many shifter cables. The opposite shifter cable saved fraying, although with some cautious trimming I ought to be capable of use it some other place someday. I do know there are individuals who solder cable ends to forestall this from occurring, however I’m afraid I simply don’t function on that stage.
As soon as I bought every thing collectively and shifting I slid on one other pair of grips I had laying round, then I turned my consideration to another modifications I’d been that means to make. As a lot as I really like the flamboyant MKS vintage-style bear traps I’ve been utilizing, it seems my growing old ft want extra assist, so I moved these over from the Jones:
I’ve additionally discovered that this Spurcycle Compact bell, whereas sonorous, is fairly ineffectual, in that whereas I can hear it simply effective apparently few different folks can:
In truth, not too way back, I shocked somebody on a path regardless of having rung my bell a number of instances earlier than passing, which prompted her to say one thing like, “It’s essential to get a extra insistent bell,” which is among the many most irritating issues a stranger has ever stated to me.
So I placed on a special bell.
Then I headed out for a quick, wet check journey:
You’ll be able to’t draw too many significant conclusions from a journey across the block, however all indicators are optimistic to date:
The Silver2 shifters have been a right away enchancment when it comes to operation, which I anticipated, and whereas I’m certain I’ll find yourself twiddling with the place, I’m to date fairly happy with the transfer from bar-end to thumb:
Including extra grip to the bars was additionally lengthy overdue:
I sit up for placing extra time in on it if it ever stops raining.
