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Post by raymondo on Apr 5, 2015 21:36:34 GMT
After 35 miles training for Eroica I need two things; Triple chain ring with Granny gears on the KP and saddle alternatives from the stock on the GP.
Any suggestions?
Ray
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Post by 54roadie on Apr 6, 2015 2:58:44 GMT
Goodness! How bad are those hills? For long ride comfort, my personal pet is a Brooks B17 narrow. Fits me like a charm, and I bought it used by someone who had soaked it in linseed oil and beaten it with a ball peen hammer. Which is a bit over the top, IMO, as I had to tighten the nose piece considerably. It's also period correct.
For a Granny gear set-up, the TA teeny inner rings should bolt right in, I'd think. Will you need a new rear mech? SunTour GT varieties are still the best period units, IMHO. Campy Gran Tourismo? Huret Jubilee long cage version? The Jubilees are beautiful, and insanely light, rather hard to locate unless one pops up on eBay, but do not have a reputation for durability.
Good luck!
Frank
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Post by velocipete on Apr 6, 2015 6:20:09 GMT
I've got B17s and a Brooks Swift on various bikes,all 2nd hand. The Swift I find very comfortable.
I don't think Raymondo's KP has the TA style chainset,so it would mean a new chainset and bottom
bracket. You could stay on a double by using an "Alpine" chainring set up.There has been a thread
on this recently on the CTC thread.If still using a screw on free wheel,there's always Shimano's
MegaRange free wheel.
Suntour long cage rear mechs are your friend,they'll handle just about anythinh you throw at them.
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Jem
Viscount
?
Posts: 3,390 
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Post by Jem on Apr 6, 2015 9:33:46 GMT
The Jubilees are beautiful, and insanely light, rather hard to locate unless one pops up on eBay, but do not have a reputation for durability. Here's a Huret Jubilee...on sale, reduced! Quick! www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Huret-Jubilee-Derailleur-Rear-Super-Rare-Long-Cage-Touring-Vintage-Bike-NOS-/281608183208?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item419127dda8But more seriously... the saddle. I have tried a few variations in the last year or more. I think it's as I get older, and I put a bit more weight on etc I have the Charge Spoon on at moment, and it's shaping up well, but not done more than about 25 miles in one go. However, I have realised that it isn't the amount of time/miles in one go that is my issue, but the amount of consecutive days on the saddle. So, day 1 20 miles fine, day 2, 5 miles ok, day 3 10 miles , I can feel it, day 4 20 miles, my bum feels bruised. For what it's worth -The charge looks in keeping with the bike, which is never as important as comfort but, it plays some factor for me. But after all, when you're sat on it you can't see it anyway. So i'd give this 4 stars out of 5. I tried the Orange Velo Gran Tourer last year and really liked that but my son liked it more and took it with him on his bike. It is very very firm plastic with sued or faux suede covering - very much like the original saddles Viscount were putting on their bikes in circa 1981. And finally - I was chatting to a guy who rode tandem across the US last year and he got saddle sore after a week in and went in a bike shop - the owner was used to coast to coast cyclists looking to swap saddle. He recommended the WTB V saddle to this guy who didn't like the look of it and felt it's relatively low price point indicated it was not up to the job. He took a chance on it and figured the shop keeper must know something having dealt with so many long distance cyclists. He told me it was comfiest saddle he had ridden on...ever. They are pretty cheap and maybe worth a go? |
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Post by velocipete on Apr 6, 2015 18:59:29 GMT
I may have mentioned this before in my ramblings? I once had a French leather saddle,an Ideale.
These are now highly collectable,ie,dear! I bought it cheaply from my LBS in the Wirral, no idea
how long it was in stock before it was reduced to give away price. It would haveneeded a steam
hammer,not a ball pean to soften the leather. I put it on my solo bike,a very rare Clifton, so
rare,I've only everseen 4 in the flesh,and I've owned 3 of them! Still own 2.
Anyhow,hard as,couldn't get on with it.Put it on my aged,pre WW2,gaspipe tandem,couldn't get on
with it.
Got a trike,put it on there. Absolute magic! THe thing with trikes is that you're always moving
across the saddle to keep the rear wheels on the road,if lucky, so a hard,slippy saddle is a real
plus!
Goes to show,what works on one machine may be excruiating on another. Or, no two bikes or bums
are the same.
cheers,
Pete.
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Post by raymondo on Apr 6, 2015 20:21:02 GMT
Cheers guys.
You are so right Pete, I had a bad time with that GP saddle. The 25 miles (2x12.5) on DF2 seemed Ok. 20 then 15 after lunch stop proved a bridge too far. Still wincing as i type.
I will try a Brookes they seem to know what they are doing, black or tan next choice.
The gearing on the KP biit more of a challenge. I think atriple ring may be too difficult so a smaller second chain ring seems a good idea. I am just not familiar with what bits to look for.
Ray
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Post by whippet on Apr 6, 2015 20:57:48 GMT
Have a look at the Shimano skip tooth freewheel Ray. I have one on my Sports "touring" wheels: pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=331523204828&alt=web Gives equivalent of 34 teeth so quite an improvement. I always think you get proportionally greater advantages with changes at the back than the chainrings ( unless you switch to triple = tricky ). |
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Post by raymondo on Apr 7, 2015 19:04:36 GMT
Skip tooth on its way from USA.
I will see if a long cage is needed.
Cheers Whippet
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Jem
Viscount
?
Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Apr 7, 2015 19:37:59 GMT
I looked at his other stuff and was tempted by a couple of things...however, when the shipping comes to £11 on a £4 item I really can't justify that to myself.
I asked about combined shipping etc and he was very amenable. I might still buy a couple of things
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