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| Unflat tires, new crank set, different front derailleur = Ready! |
The Singular Buzzard was particularly hard hit in that regard. I had it all set up, ready to go, last Fall, but I didn't really get the chance to ride it. Well, actually, the one time I wanted to ride it I didn't in deference to my friend who was on a single speed fat bike and I decided to suffer similarly on my Blackborow DS. Anyway, the end result was that the Buzzard lost all its air, the sealant dried up, and it was Winter. Then I got busy with the gravel stuff. Then I went one step further backward......
I dismantled the Buzzard to a degree!
A different friend was having issues with a crank and front derailleur, so I helped him out by pilfering my lightly used SLX stuff which got him out of a pickle and back riding again. Good news for him. Bad news for me and the Buzzard. Usually once I start pilfering a build its dead meat. I'm like a vulture and I pick it apart till nothing is left but the skeleton. This time, I didn't let that happen, although the thought had crossed my mind a few times!
I picked up a brand new SLX crank set, used an old X-7 high direct mount derailleur, and recharged the tires with fresh sealant. Boom! Back in business again. I also took the opportunity to switch pedals. I took the Shimano trail SPD's off and put on some Fixation Mesa MP's, which are flat pedals that I happen to think are really good. Two reasons for this move- The first is that I don't have to use specific cycling shoes with this bike anymore and the other is that I feel flats suit the build better than clipless pedals do.
Now I just have to hit the dirt!
2 comments:
I've been riding flats all season. Actually I'm finding it harder and harder to justify why my feet need to be attached to the pedals. From the best I can tell no one's pulling up on the back stroke anyway so why the need for attachment? I think that many people are reluctant to try flats because they're afraid they'll be getting the fish-eye from the equipment snobs on the next Sunday morning club ride. For me personally riding flats were just the ticket for cleaning up a lazy spin. Also being able to slide my foot forward so that my arch is over the axle helps when I really need to stomp hard on the pedals (singlespeed downshift).
@phillip Cowan: There are a lot of research articles claiming flats actually work better than clipless pedals for cycling efficiency. Interesting to see that may be the case. However, I didn't base my choice on those reasons, but it is nice to know I may be okay in terms of efficiency over clipless.
I actually did the Fat Bike Century recently on flats and using Nike street shoes just to prove to myself that I didn't necessarily need that extra gear to do something like that.
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