Click above for some more of Tommi’s fantastic photos!
Category Archives: Bike
I snapped my frame!!!
This morning I was “Just Riding Along” (I can hear all the LBS guys groan but I’m serious!) when my GT frame snapped.
I was 30 minutes into a fairly relaxed 36 minute commute, having set a PB for this same ride yesterday (finally cracking the 30 minute mark with a relatively easy 29:52).
I was cruising along Sussex Gardens when there was a loud bang from the rear wheel.
I thought it was the quick ‘n’ nasty spoke repair I’d done last week but a glance seemed to indicate the wheel was true. Another quick look at the next set of lights and everything seemed ok.
It was all very odd because when I spun the wheel, everything appeared straight, but as soon as I jumped on and pedalled, the back-end was all over the place, like I had a flat rear tyre.
I thought it might be a broken axle or perhaps shot wheel bearings or some other internal chaos (maintenance levels are not high on this bike) so I watched the hub closely for signs of movement (while dodging the black cabs of course). Nothing seemed out of the ordinary except the swishy rear end. WTF?
Being close to work I just kept going, slowly, knowing I’d get to check it out properly once I’d stopped.
Which I did. The spokes were all intact and the wheel spun straight and free..
So I grabbed the wheel and yanked it side to side. The whole rear triangle moved. This is when I spotted the crack all the way through the drive-side chainstay. Damn..
Pic was taken at an odd angle, in a dark room with my mobile. I’ll try for a better one just as soon as I work out how to get the bike home!
This certainly explained why the whole back end was fishing around even though the wheel looked and spun fine.
Ode to the GT:
The GT Talera was a mid-90’s steel bike bought for $300AUD in showroom condition with lots of bits in 2002.
It was going to be my first singlespeed project but I got into trials and fitted it with wide bars, platform pedals, etc.
When I bought the trials-specific Zebdi, it was time to turn the GT into an SS. Mick from CCW helped me do this under the “$0 Rule”.
It was raced at the SSWC in 2003 (against Cadel Evans!).
It did a tonne of commuting in all weather conditions.
I had so much fun with this I rebuilt it with better bits when the first lot of parts wore out.
It did my first lap at the Kona 24hr in 2005.
Before leaving Australia for England I fully rebuilt the GT as a touring machine with new front wheel, Deore LX, guards, rack, panniers, barbag, etc.
Spent 4 months riding around Europe on it – killing both wheels – one from loading strain, one from a head-on with a motorbike.
Rode it briefly while working as messenger for Courier Systems.
Back in London it was my commuter since early 2006 when I started working for a company with showers.
More of the GT’s illustrious history, click here.
Photographic Build History:
One of the guys who rides at work suggested this mob for frame repair: Mercian
Not sure of a course of action yet but given the repair is likely to cost more than the bike is worth, a new machine is definately on the cards. “N+1”, where N=0, currently.
For now I am a Tube-bitch.
But that On-One Il Pompino is looking better every day.. “I’m EXCITED!”
TdF – Pushing Broadcasting to the Limit
Just some TdF nerdage I felt a need to link to..
www.virtualvtr.com – tdf www.apple.com – tdf
I missed tonight’s tour update because I was held hostage in a pub (again). Common problem over here I’ve found..
I’m not sure I will make it to 2am to watch the repeat. What to do.. what to do?
I didn’t even get to read the cyclingnews.com live coverage. Damn this silly “work” thing!
Re-cycle.org needs your old bikes!
At 8pm tonight, a container of bikes is being shipped to Africa. The container is not full and needs people to donate any unused bikes.
It’s leaving from Vauxhall tonight but I can’t remember the full address. Doh! They accept monetary donations too and given that I only have one bike that I’d like to keep I think I’ll go this route.
Okay.. NOW I’m leaving for the pub.. AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!!!
May 17th – Ride Of Silence
“In 2003, Chris Phelan organised the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed.”
“The Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 18kph and remain silent during the ride. There is no brochure, no sponsors, no registration fees and no t-shirt. The ride aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured.”
I’m yet to get back on the bike so I missed this ride but I’m posting about it because I think it’s a top idea. Consider it an ad for next year’s ride. Think bike!
Basket Case
Looking for cargo space on your bike and want something a bit retro to match your woollen Rapha jersey? Check this out: David Hembrow – Traditional English Willow basketmaker, Cambridge UK. David’s also doing a Land’s End To John O’Groats ride for the Dr Hadwen Trust.
Pink Bits
NYC roller racing carnage
Yeah, one of those posts where the blogger contributes nothing but a link.
Tough titties!
That (Toxic) New Car Smell
“The odoriferousness of your new car could make you sick, according to a new study published by the Ecology Center.
The report states that dangerous amounts of PDBEs (Polybrominated diphenyl ether chemicals often found in flame retardants) were detected in dust and windshield film samples taken from cars from model years 2000 to 2005. The Sun can raise the temperature of car interiors to up to 190 degrees, which accelerates the chemical breakdown and the release of toxins“
from: www.wired.com – that (toxic) new car smell
also: www.treehugger.com – beware: that new car smell is toxic!
Use your legs instead!