Forum | Maintenance

Post edited 8:00 pm — May 17, 2010 by topper-hardy

Geoff.….… at home in my little workshop I too, prefer to use proper tools and would not use adjustable spanners either, but on the road they will work quite well, providing you buy good quality ones.

Another option might be something like this: http://www.weldtite.co.uk/prod.….nners.aspx

or a set of cone spanners in the required sizes, together with a small screwdriver and an allen key. The flat build of cone spanners makes them a perfect fit for small tool bags.

Last, but not least, the beautiful Brooks Tool Roll, consists of all necessary tools but it is expensive and I could not find a way to fix it properly on the Guvnor. I also rejected the plan to put the tools from the Tool Roll into the Challenge. 

Kind regards, Hartwig

(edited wrong link and justice for Duchy Wheeler — I was constantly misspelling his name, hope I’ll be forgiven ;-))

Post edited 7:58 pm — May 17, 2010 by topper-hardy

Geoff… thank you very much for the advice regarding the Parktool Spoke wrench. I knew about the problems with the Brooks spoke spanner, but I was not sure that the Parktool SW 7 would do the trick. This will certainly be the next addition to my tool kit. In my workshop I have a set of the regular Park Tool and Pedros spanners, but they are too bulky to add to a travel-tool kit.

Kind regards, Hartwig

(edited as an act of jusitce to Duchy Wheeler ;-))

One and all,

The reason I found nothing on the web is the make is ‘TAYA’, not ‘TAVA’, small stylised lettering on a chain connecting link didn’t help identification! Anyway, checking out reviews etc. on the web, this snap link doesn’t rate very highly, neither do their chains. I note Halfords stock this brand, which probably says it all. 

‘KMC’ seem to be rated, and ‘Wippermann’ highly rated.

Have any of you fellows Guv’nor riders have any recommendations, comments or expierences on chains and various types of connecting links?

Safe rides, Geoff.

Fenrir said:

Chaps,

Whats the best remedy for squeaking brakes? Mine have flared up recently, and it’s grating slightly.

Cheers

E

I had a similar problem from the front (I have also posted elsewhere re wanting the brakes to be a little keener)

I did the following;

1. Removed both wheels.
2. Separated drum brake side from hub side.
3. Very faintly and gently used a small piece of fine wet and dry (dry) to ‘hone’ the braking surface in the direction of rotation after blowing out some dust (do not breath this in). Blow out dust again.
4. Then used some thinners on a rag to clean the surface of the shoes and the drum surface until there were no dark marks left on the rag
5. Carefully reassembled all safety and other critical bits.
6. Rechecked tightness and fitting of all parts removed. Checked again.  I will bore you with a story of what happened when a bike shop left a torque arm loose and I didnt check their work.….one day .….….….….……
7. Took for a gentle test ride after nibbing up the shoes until they were just off biting point (best use bike stand — for me anyway) and
8. Then took for a rather more robust testing.
9. Hey presto, tyres that emit a gentle scrubbing sound on the tarmac in an abrupt stop with definately improved braking from the shop as well as no screech.….….

‘One &  All’,

Following on from the recent topic ‘The Chain’, I’m looking to remove, check and clean my chain and also take the opportunity of changing the rear sprocket to a 22T, to lower the gearing, and replace the poor quality TAYA connecting link.  

Checking out various trusted websites they advise against the use of WD40, but ordinary white spirit seems to be the thing if you don’t want to go for pricey proprietary brands.  Have you fellows any observations? 

Safe rides, DW. 

One & All,

Pleased to report that White Spirit did a top hole job of cleaning the chain; left it to soak awhile with some gentle agitation, amazing how much crud come off a seemingly clean looking chain! I must say I’m quite impressed with the original equipment KMC Z510HX chain, no visible wear or measurable elongation.

Also replaced the rear Sturmey Archer sprocket from 20T to 22T, a very straightforward task, once the rear wheel is removed, a simple spring circlip holds it in place. I need all the help I can get on these ‘ere Cornish hills!

I decided not to fit chain tugs, bearing in mind I’ve had the Guv’nor for nearly two years and haven’t had any rear axle slippage problems. I’m wondering whether this issue is more common on the single speed model? The anti-rotation tab washers, fitted to the three speed model, may have the added benefit of keeping the axle secure?

I also discarded the poor quality TAYA snap link in favour of a traditional KMC spring clip link. Hopefully this will make chain removal easier and also maintain the chain integrity and strength. 

Safe rides, DW.  

Rich.….…..my new 22T dished sprocket is indeed a Sturmey Archer make, which I purchased earlier this year on eBay from ‘davidsbikebites’, currently BIN price of £4.00 including p&p. 

Did your LBS use a 18T replacement on your single speed model or did you request different size and also why was it replaced under warranty?

Sturmey Archer rear sprockets are original equipment on the Guv’nor. 18T on the single speed giving gear of 65″, 20T on the three speed giving 44″, 59″ & 78″ and by changing to a 22T gives 40″, 53″ & 71″, this is with the standard 42T front chain wheel.

I’ve only taken my Guv’nor for a short road test to check all is running okay, which it is, and inclines encountered seemed less taxing on the legs, amazing what two more teeth can do. Won’t be so fast though, but then I’m not built for speed! 

Safe rides ‘One & All’.

DW.