Ice Cold In Audax
Time to fit the new wheels for my bike, which have nice wide rims so tyres should be much easier to fit as well as have a very aerodynamic shape when inflated. I also have new Disc Brake Rotors and Disc Brake Pads.
Cyclingλ︎
All Carbon super team wheels arrived a couple of weeks ago (in less than 18 days to deliver - so much faster than stated). This week I finally have time to fit them and in time for nicer weather.
I have a new 11-32 cassette (11-speed), so that went on first. The spacer that came with the wheels was a bit too thick, but the cassette fitted nicely without the spacer.
The cassette was easy to fit and I placed a very small amount of grease on the freewheel hub to keep water out (although its highly unlikely to get in). I was careful not to get any grease on the teeth or rings of the cassette (as this would make the chain dirty by collecting extra debris).
It is important to place a little bit of grease on the inside of the locking ring to prevent seizure.
Next the disc rotars were fitted. I bought VXV rotors from AliExpress at 9GBP each. They have a purple center piece (so I will save 30 watts 🤣).
The disc rotors use a lock ring with teeth on the external circumference of the ring, so I could not use the same tool for tightening the cassette lock ring.
I also discovered that the rotors should be tightened to 40 Newton Meters (40 Nm) but my torque wrench only goes to 15 Nm.
Luckily I found a local Bike Parts shop that was only a 20 minute cycle ride away and had the tools I needed in stock. I also so a maintenance repair stand at a very reasonable price, so I got that too.
- Park Tool BBT-69.4 Bottom Bracket Tool
- Park Tool TW-6-2 Ratcheting Torque Wrench 10-60Nm
- Park Tool PCS-9-3 Home Mechanic Repair stand
I ordered the parts on Monday evening and collected them on my bike on Tuesday, after a sunny ride to Melia's Cafe
With the rotors fitted and new disc brake pads, all that was left was the chain.
I cut the chain a little shorter as the biggest ring on the new cassette is 32 teeth (rather than 34). I removed 5 extra links from the Shimano chain, fed the chain though the derailur guide wheels and connected the two ends with a quick link. I used quick link pliers to pull the link into place.
Now the bike was ready to go. Or so I thought. I needed to remove the wheels and push the brake pistons out so that the new disc pads didnt rub against the rotor when not squeezing the brake levers.
Use a disc brake piston separator tool
I have a little took that helps separate the brake pistons. It slides in and the end twists to expand the thickness of the tool.
Once expanded, squeese the brake lever and the pistons should stay in the new place. Repeat until the disc rotor smoothly traverses through the disc piston unit without catching the brake pads.
Testing the new wheelsλ︎
I did intend to do a short ride, but ended up doing a 120km ride to Box Hill and back again.
The wheels were amazing and I really enjoyed riding on them. They are definitely faster on descents. Not quite as obvious a benefit on climbs, although they do save nearly half a kilogram in weight over my old wheels.
The wheels feel very solid and robust.
Cornering feels easier and I felt more confident going faster around corners. With a wider internal rim the shape of the tyre is more uniform on the outside, more of a half circle than an extended three-quater circle with narrower internal rims.
I am very happy with these wheels.
The only minor downside to them is there is more surface area to clean, as the wheels are 50cm deep.
Audax rideλ︎
I joined the Kent Invicta Grimpeur ride on Sunday and it was a tough one.
Metally I wasn't in a good space. I think my mind was too concerned about doing the 100km route rather than just going out there and enjoying it.
The weather was not very inspiring either. It was cold and seemed to get colder during the ride, especially when surrounded by mist at the top of the hills.
After the first hill I wasn't confident I could even make the first 50km loop. I was probably thinking about Yorks Hill too much and it was draining me.
In the end I took it steady, kept going and tried to focus on just getting the first 50km lap completed.
Yorks Hill is a monster and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Its quite a poor quality road, its very narrow and usually a bit muddy in winter. The gradient starts off quite modest but the last part of the hill it really ramps up. The road is a little twisty near the top, so you cant see then end until the last 10 meters.
Had the weather taken a turn for the better, I might have tried to keep going. It was a more sensible decision to ride home as my lungs did feel very sore.
At the top of the first big hill (Rowdow Lane) the cycle computer got confused about the route (its the same lap but the second one is in reverse). I meant to restart the route but instead stopped the ride, so its in two parts on Strava. The second part of the route covers most of the ride though.
Thank you.
Practical.li Website