A year of riding the Ti Cross Deluxe has taken it’s toll on the IF. A rear tyre that has punctured on the last three rides. New rear tyre to replace a well worn Conti Cyclocross King that had been been worn smooth and some new tubes. The gears that don’t shift so well and I suspect is down to an old chain.

Update: The new chain worked on about 2 of 10 gears so a new sprocket was then ordered. The old one refused to come off, requiring the rivets to be popped on the cassette and each sprocket worked off in turn.

Then there was the ominous creak from the cranks that seemed to come and go with time but was never a good sign. New bottom bracket required and whilst I was at it I drilled the bottom bracket shell for drainage and cleaned everything up.

I like the more compact replacement XT unit, but that minimal size means smaller bearings (and a new fitting tool – fortunately that comes in the box). It will be interesting to see what mileage I get out of this one.

The brakes have been less than optimal and on the most recent rider were giving cause for concern. It meant workshop time!

January saw snow. And ice. Cold temps and those that climbed up into the mid-teens on some days. Keeping riding meant some challenging conditions, but there was no wimping out and taking the easy option of the car. That’s despite the prospects of permanent four wheel drive, snow tyres, heated leather and tunes.

I’m thinking that I am committed. It’s possible that some colleagues think that I should be committed.

43,263m climbing, 2,869km riding. Phew.

Snow by the end of November and through out December. Going to be more I reckon. Seasonal photos from County Durham…

Newly rebuilt Scott Chubby. Broken. Welsh rock is tough stuff.

List of destruction:

• Rear wheel (rebuild due to mullered spokes)
• Rear mech
• Mech hanger
• Chain
• Rear disc pads (random spoke became wedged and damaged)

Fortunately it was the final descent into Llangollen after two epic days riding around North Wales. So I’ll consider myself lucky.