So after pondering the issue most of the summer, I decided to take off the big 21T rear wheel from the Uni. I’m running 40/18 now and it sure makes the commute home more fun. It now appears that coasting is only 3 minutes faster on the way home as opposed to 4 minutes with the 40/21.
It’s not like I race home either. The ~15% harder gear means a bit more standing on the way in…but I found the last two days that the improved speed on flats and downhills more than offsets the extra monkeying that I have to do to get up the hills.
Thought: When you only have one gear and no coasting….gear selection becomes a big deal. Bigger gears are a BIG plus when you have to ride downhill (which I definitely have to do.)
Also, I switched down tire size. I’ve got a worn-flat Kenda folding cross tire on the back….it’s pretty funny looking. Soft tire compound. Ridden a lot on the road when I first built the Uni. It’s a slick in the middle with good knobs still left on the sides. Almost as fast as a “true” slick. That tire is a 28/700. On the front I have an old folding SpeedMax 32/700. Much more twitchy on the dirt, but overall, nice for running (riding) around town. Not bad on trails, but climbing is well….challenging.
Fenders are up next. A must for VT fall/winter commuter-shredding. Here I have an issue. My prized Vulture fork has no braze-ons and the crown is yet undrilled. So, I think I’ll just put the flexi-fun Surly Cross Check fork for winter. It works fine and is drilled/brazed galore. Maybe on the weekend.
I also have decided to put the rear rack on and go full ‘muter geek. I want to ride without my ubiquitous backpack when the wool and Gore-Tex come out. (It’s 45 degrees F this AM.)
* * *
Pre-release versions of the Cacophony CD have been sent to my beta listeners. I have a call today to VT-based Big Heavy World, who I plan to work with to manufacture the commercial version. Initial reactions have been pretty darn good….but I also have some issues with volume levels and mastering to work out before the press run.
Keep it tuned here for sample tracks and more 411.
Time to make the donuts.
Over and Out
G
Uh, I think U need a recumbent, they are much more efficient in the long haul…