Sent my trusty Vanilla R off to Mr Flooks this morning, I think it’s due a good fettling and the fact that the bushings had gone was spoiling my otherwise lovely FSR – Talking of which Specialized currently have this good little animated set of sequences that allow the FSR four bar linkage to be compared to most of the other types. I still reckon the FSR design is the benchmark for good suspension design.
Bled disc brakes for the first time last night. The hose on my M4 was about six inches too long and had to be shortened before I snagged it on something. Despite three sets of instructions, I still managed to pop one of the pistons out of the caliper, whilst getting all the fluid out. I have now found a use for some of those old toothbrushes I’ve been hoarding under the sink. They’re the perfect size and shape to wedge the pistons in place whilst bleeding. Anyway managed not to get DOT fluid everywhere and they seem to be working as well as before now they’re back together.
Inspected the bike from Sunday’s ride and have put quite a few scuffs, gouges and chips on the Crossmax XLs, they’re still running true and seem okay and it was to be expected, but …
Came home from work last night to find that Wiggle’s goodies had been delivered, a rather lovely Windvest from Pearl Izumi and a little bottle opener thrown in for good measure. Freebies, freebies.
An old topic surfaced again today. I’ve mentioned the disk brake and standard quick release drop out issue before. It isn’t going away. Read the latest debate here.
There was also this good link posted on the STW forum today about SUVs. I didn’t realise that they were becoming so popular in the UK. I’ve only seen one Ford Explorer being driven around. What a crap concept. About as practical as doing the school run in a Hummer. Fine in Baghdad, pointless in Chelsea.
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