Broken Carlton.
Posted by: u5227470736789439 on 18 April 2010
The back wheel on the Carlton has been rumbling badly for a couple of days, so today I took it to a friends [not far] as we planned a BBQ for when is wife returned later on.
I took the back wheel out with a view to tightening up the bearings. But sadly the quick release was all that was holding it all together as the real axle was broken apart.
I rescued the pieces, and so the old Carlton will languish till next month when she gets re-enameled. And the back wheel bearings remounted. Shame really as it is all old imperial stuff, so finding parts might be fun!
I would rather get shot of the quick release and use a solid single piece bar though.
Never rains but that it pours.
ATB from George
I took the back wheel out with a view to tightening up the bearings. But sadly the quick release was all that was holding it all together as the real axle was broken apart.
I rescued the pieces, and so the old Carlton will languish till next month when she gets re-enameled. And the back wheel bearings remounted. Shame really as it is all old imperial stuff, so finding parts might be fun!
I would rather get shot of the quick release and use a solid single piece bar though.
Never rains but that it pours.
ATB from George
Posted on: 08 June 2010 by u5227470736789439
I am just looking forward to getting out for a proper ride on it again!
It should be enamelled well enough to see me out - with steady mechanical TLC along the way!
ATB from George
PS: Great to see you back, Stu!
It should be enamelled well enough to see me out - with steady mechanical TLC along the way!
ATB from George
PS: Great to see you back, Stu!
Posted on: 09 June 2010 by u5227470736789439
At work today I was talking to the guy from whom I got the Peugeot - a swap for a rather heavy Raleigh town bike, which I did not enjoy at all - and he told me why he was fed up with the Pug. The drop bar. He said that once he passed sixty it gave him backache!
I asked him if he would be offended if I found another North Road bar for it, and he smiled and commented that it was my bike now!
He did add that he had enjoyed the Carlton for a short spin [which I did not know about] with the North Road bar fitted, so perhaps he will enjoy the Pug that way one day!
Which caused me to wonder why the drop bar is so popular, when most of the people using them seem to ride on the top of the bar, or on the brake hoods so much of the time? Neither is as comfortable as the NR bar, and for speed you can tuck down just as a effectively with it as in the low position of the modern drop bar.
As usual I questioned the received wisdom, and came to a fairly unusual conclusion that, on experimentation, has been a real success for me.
ATB from George
I asked him if he would be offended if I found another North Road bar for it, and he smiled and commented that it was my bike now!
He did add that he had enjoyed the Carlton for a short spin [which I did not know about] with the North Road bar fitted, so perhaps he will enjoy the Pug that way one day!
Which caused me to wonder why the drop bar is so popular, when most of the people using them seem to ride on the top of the bar, or on the brake hoods so much of the time? Neither is as comfortable as the NR bar, and for speed you can tuck down just as a effectively with it as in the low position of the modern drop bar.
As usual I questioned the received wisdom, and came to a fairly unusual conclusion that, on experimentation, has been a real success for me.
ATB from George
Posted on: 09 June 2010 by u6213129461734706
George, I hear what you're saying, but I find the modern Campy brake hood to be the most comfortable position for my hands. Even with good gloves, I find the NR bar irritating re: carpal tunnel.
Posted on: 09 June 2010 by winkyincanada
quote:Originally posted by The Hawk:
George, I hear what you're saying, but I find the modern Campy brake hood to be the most comfortable position for my hands. Even with good gloves, I find the NR bar irritating re: carpal tunnel.
I concur. I love drop bars. Three basic hand positions to choose from. Yes, for most (even the pros) the drops position is reserved for hard, fast riding, sprints and downhill stretches; but when I'm riding hard pace-lines or descending, there is no other position I'd want to use. I also love riding in the drops when sprinting or even making hard accelerations on climbs.
Posted on: 09 June 2010 by Huwge
quote:Originally posted by GFFJ:
The drop bar. He said that once he passed sixty it gave him backache!
I think this speaks to the need for a proper bike fitting if one wants to avoid pain - post back surgery, I am finding drop bars more comfortable than the riser on my MTB. At the moment the stack is a little higher than convention would suggest, but as my back strengthens it will get shorter (maybe).
A fitting is not cheap, but for those choosing to spend a significant amount of $ on a bike it has to be good VFM. A bit like auditioning speakers in the room in which they will be used, rather than just at the dealer, if you like.
I concur re the Campy hoods - in conjunction with both good bar tape and gloves.
Posted on: 09 June 2010 by Mika K
Yesterday did a 2h 55min ride with my Colnago and was just thinking the bike fitting as have nowadays no back issues etc. My opinion is that also the used saddle has quite a role in this. If the saddle (and the geometry of the bike) do not allow you to get natural position for your hips while pedaling problems will eventually occur that might also affect your legs and upper body also.
During the years have learned the hard way what type of geometry and saddle suites best for my riding style. Naturally there are some guidelines how to do this but after 15-20 different bikes to road and forest trails starting to get hang of it
One issue related to the comfy bars is the bar tape which atleast for me seems to play quite big role as have huge hands and lot of weight. Trad style skinny drop bar with simple tape is not so good choice for em, so usually put little extra stuffing under good quality cork or leather tape. Does to job for me with good brake hoods..
During the years have learned the hard way what type of geometry and saddle suites best for my riding style. Naturally there are some guidelines how to do this but after 15-20 different bikes to road and forest trails starting to get hang of it
One issue related to the comfy bars is the bar tape which atleast for me seems to play quite big role as have huge hands and lot of weight. Trad style skinny drop bar with simple tape is not so good choice for em, so usually put little extra stuffing under good quality cork or leather tape. Does to job for me with good brake hoods..
Posted on: 10 June 2010 by Rockingdoc
That is another good looking bike. Not a bit of carbon or plastic in sight.
Posted on: 10 June 2010 by u6213129461734706
Mika K, the old Cinelli bars seemed to have had a larger diameter. Extra tape under the cork works well. I've thought of trying a gel insert that goes on the bar before you tape. Love your bike. Many fine Italian brands, but always thought Colnago at the top. Your bike is so nice, especially the top tube. Ernesto has such neat ideas when it comes to frames.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Posted on: 10 June 2010 by u5227470736789439
Well I have nailed the 172.5mm Gipiemme crank set with 53 and 42 teeth on the cogs. So the next step is to re-assemble - next [not this] weekend!
I shall report!
ATB from George
I shall report!
ATB from George
Posted on: 10 June 2010 by u5227470736789439
The Hawk, Member, Posted on Thursday, 10th June 2010 at 22:22
"Let us know how the cranks work out. I had Record 172.5 once, I regret selling them. They were the beautiful 'C-Record' style.
Before I married, I used my bike as much as possible, sometimes used transit. It's funny, I love driving, but I hardly drive anymore. Years ago I used to drive heavy equipment. Now, living in such a busy city, my wife does the driving. We got a Prius, I know the batteries are bad for the environment and it's production has a big carbon footprint, but it's nice in that it sips gas (5.5 l per 100 km), and stuck in traffic, it is usually running off battery only. Very quiet. Nothing beats going to work and back by bike. I'm as fast as the rush hour traffic, can always escape to side streets, and all the tension of work is dissipated in the ride. Not to mention the fact that you are much more connected to nature."
This experiment should work out. Slightly more pressure [about 0.5 per cent], and the long crank cometh! I also enjoy driving but hardly do, but riding home after work is a brilliant way to dissipate tension!
The Carlton, even with 52 over 14, could run out of possible extra speed for the possibility of pedalling fast enough. I am fairly sure that with 53 teeth on the front, I can never run out of possible top speed!
ATB from George
"Let us know how the cranks work out. I had Record 172.5 once, I regret selling them. They were the beautiful 'C-Record' style.
Before I married, I used my bike as much as possible, sometimes used transit. It's funny, I love driving, but I hardly drive anymore. Years ago I used to drive heavy equipment. Now, living in such a busy city, my wife does the driving. We got a Prius, I know the batteries are bad for the environment and it's production has a big carbon footprint, but it's nice in that it sips gas (5.5 l per 100 km), and stuck in traffic, it is usually running off battery only. Very quiet. Nothing beats going to work and back by bike. I'm as fast as the rush hour traffic, can always escape to side streets, and all the tension of work is dissipated in the ride. Not to mention the fact that you are much more connected to nature."
This experiment should work out. Slightly more pressure [about 0.5 per cent], and the long crank cometh! I also enjoy driving but hardly do, but riding home after work is a brilliant way to dissipate tension!
The Carlton, even with 52 over 14, could run out of possible extra speed for the possibility of pedalling fast enough. I am fairly sure that with 53 teeth on the front, I can never run out of possible top speed!
ATB from George
Posted on: 11 June 2010 by u5227470736789439
Breaking news: I have sold my Volvo 240! I always said that it would be my last car, so keeping in mind this resolution, the Carlton now becomes my main personal transport!
Great news! To grasp this particular nettle is not so easy, and has required a long period of weaning myself off using the car over more than two years, but having only used the car four times [eight journeys, to and from] this year, I concluded that if I could sell then I could manage without ...
It is a liberating feeling to get rid of such a concept as a car, which is probably far more disastrous for the future of the world than the widely feared Nuclear Bomb, for example.
ATB from George
Great news! To grasp this particular nettle is not so easy, and has required a long period of weaning myself off using the car over more than two years, but having only used the car four times [eight journeys, to and from] this year, I concluded that if I could sell then I could manage without ...
It is a liberating feeling to get rid of such a concept as a car, which is probably far more disastrous for the future of the world than the widely feared Nuclear Bomb, for example.
ATB from George
Posted on: 14 June 2010 by Mika K
Brave decision!
Posted on: 15 June 2010 by Svetty
The hair shirt gets ever more pronounced!
Posted on: 15 June 2010 by u5227470736789439
Dear Svetty,
Hair shirt, or conscience? That would depends on your attitude to life I suppose.
It doesn't even feel like a decsion as such to get out of Internal Combustion powered personal transport. It simply seemed inevitable to me that it would happen eventually, and now it has. This line of thought started many years ago ...
There will be absolutely nothing "hair shirt" about the Carlton, when it is put together over the weekend.
I think your comment has potential to be read as being both rude and deeply condescending. If I am mistaken, then I shall be very glad for you to make clear what your meaning actually is, but otherwise please refrain from spoiling what I have already stated will by my last thread on the Naim Forum.
I shall make rare contributions in the Music Room as it seem that I have made post there that people have found helpful.
Sincerely, George Johnson
Hair shirt, or conscience? That would depends on your attitude to life I suppose.
It doesn't even feel like a decsion as such to get out of Internal Combustion powered personal transport. It simply seemed inevitable to me that it would happen eventually, and now it has. This line of thought started many years ago ...
There will be absolutely nothing "hair shirt" about the Carlton, when it is put together over the weekend.
I think your comment has potential to be read as being both rude and deeply condescending. If I am mistaken, then I shall be very glad for you to make clear what your meaning actually is, but otherwise please refrain from spoiling what I have already stated will by my last thread on the Naim Forum.
I shall make rare contributions in the Music Room as it seem that I have made post there that people have found helpful.
Sincerely, George Johnson
Posted on: 15 June 2010 by winkyincanada
I'm with you here George. Liberating ourselves from the tyranny of cars is not hair-shirted in the least. Not owning a car makes me healthier, richer and happier. Cars ruin everything.
(I don't think Svetty was intending to be taken too seriously, FWIW)
(I don't think Svetty was intending to be taken too seriously, FWIW)
Posted on: 15 June 2010 by u5227470736789439
Dear winki,
Humour does not always translate well to the internet. No doubt Svetty will clarify his intent.
The parts for the bike to be re-assembled are looking wonderful and clean, and will stand out to perfection against the new enameled frame! If that is hair shirt then I am a Dutchman!
Some other parts will come after the first setting up, but perhaps the thread may live long enough to shows something nearly finished in a few weeks. In reality something old and maintained is never actually really finalised though ...
ATB from George
Humour does not always translate well to the internet. No doubt Svetty will clarify his intent.
The parts for the bike to be re-assembled are looking wonderful and clean, and will stand out to perfection against the new enameled frame! If that is hair shirt then I am a Dutchman!
Some other parts will come after the first setting up, but perhaps the thread may live long enough to shows something nearly finished in a few weeks. In reality something old and maintained is never actually really finalised though ...
ATB from George
Posted on: 16 June 2010 by Svetty
No offense intended - a gentle dig at your eccentricities perhaps but no more than mild teasing which generally passes between regular contributors on forums (and in real life!)
Certainly no attempt to insult!
Certainly no attempt to insult!
Posted on: 16 June 2010 by u5227470736789439
Dear Svetty,
That is kind of you, and a relief.
To be honest the general slip towards an acid tonality here is really one of two reasons why I want to finish with all but the Music Department, where my passion for the subject means that I can get stuck in with a degree of certainty, and wish to enlighten, without hopefully ever declining to the level of being preachy or patronizing!
The other is that I have not only parted with the car, but of greater relevance perhaps, I am now only an Ex-Naim owner!
Your post allows me to answer you and also deliver the frustrating news that I cannot have my bike back on Saturday ...
Never mind! It allows me to savour the waiting for a bit longer!!!!
ATB from George
That is kind of you, and a relief.
To be honest the general slip towards an acid tonality here is really one of two reasons why I want to finish with all but the Music Department, where my passion for the subject means that I can get stuck in with a degree of certainty, and wish to enlighten, without hopefully ever declining to the level of being preachy or patronizing!
The other is that I have not only parted with the car, but of greater relevance perhaps, I am now only an Ex-Naim owner!
Your post allows me to answer you and also deliver the frustrating news that I cannot have my bike back on Saturday ...
Never mind! It allows me to savour the waiting for a bit longer!!!!
ATB from George
Posted on: 16 June 2010 by GML
The suspense is terrible, I hope it will last.
Posted on: 17 June 2010 by u5227470736789439
Well the extra week's waiting is what it is!
But as a consolation I picked up a lovely long crank set from the Parcel Depot this morning before work. GPM [gipiemme] with 172.5mm arms and two sprockets of 53 and 42 teeth, and weighing at a flyweight of 540 grams. Amazing piece of kit, which I fitted in the interim on my Peugeot for a ride out.
As Patrick [pcstockton of the Parish] has noted privately, small gearing changes are not a huge issue, and just like Hifi, unless you want to notice the change, then little change is apparent. Having ridden out on it, I can definitely confirm that the benefit is not huge, and will soon be discounted, as I grow used to using the gears slightly differently. What is certain is that it is marginal move in a nice direction. Would it be worth it, even as a second hand part? Not really, except that the old Shimano set [170mm, and sprockets with 52 and 42] was on inspection so far worn as not to be a sensible thing to refit. So why not refit something nicer? And for not a lot!
Pleased as punch with it as you may guess. Incremental improvements are always welcome here, though I would be the last person to call it night and day!
Anyway we have a six am start at work tomorrow for reasons of being very busy, and people wanting to not be there all day when they should be preparing to watch the footy! I, ... err, ... however, have another plan in mind, but will keep Fate placated by not mentioning it!!!!!!!!!
ATB from George
But as a consolation I picked up a lovely long crank set from the Parcel Depot this morning before work. GPM [gipiemme] with 172.5mm arms and two sprockets of 53 and 42 teeth, and weighing at a flyweight of 540 grams. Amazing piece of kit, which I fitted in the interim on my Peugeot for a ride out.
As Patrick [pcstockton of the Parish] has noted privately, small gearing changes are not a huge issue, and just like Hifi, unless you want to notice the change, then little change is apparent. Having ridden out on it, I can definitely confirm that the benefit is not huge, and will soon be discounted, as I grow used to using the gears slightly differently. What is certain is that it is marginal move in a nice direction. Would it be worth it, even as a second hand part? Not really, except that the old Shimano set [170mm, and sprockets with 52 and 42] was on inspection so far worn as not to be a sensible thing to refit. So why not refit something nicer? And for not a lot!
Pleased as punch with it as you may guess. Incremental improvements are always welcome here, though I would be the last person to call it night and day!
Anyway we have a six am start at work tomorrow for reasons of being very busy, and people wanting to not be there all day when they should be preparing to watch the footy! I, ... err, ... however, have another plan in mind, but will keep Fate placated by not mentioning it!!!!!!!!!
ATB from George
Posted on: 18 June 2010 by Rockingdoc
quote:Originally posted by GFFJ:
I have already stated will by my last thread on the Naim Forum.
Sincerely, George Johnson
Aha! shall we be meeting in the CTC forum, which, I must confess, provides me with much more useful information these days than hanging about in hi-fi land.
Posted on: 18 June 2010 by u5227470736789439
Dear Doc,
Please send me an email - look in profile for addy.
Going to Bristol now ... to fetch something!!!!!
Hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehheheh!!!!!!
Something ... Green!!!!
ATB from George
Please send me an email - look in profile for addy.
Going to Bristol now ... to fetch something!!!!!
Hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehheheh!!!!!!
Something ... Green!!!!
ATB from George
Posted on: 18 June 2010 by Mika K
Well.. ?
Posted on: 19 June 2010 by u5227470736789439
I built her up and with the old chain, which is worn out had a little test run! It is fantastic. There are one or two teething problems such as the Shimano gear levers having lost their friction and refusing to hold against derailleurs with properly strong springs, and of course I must get a proper chain. I would have posted yesterday evening but could not log onto the Forum.
And the enamel is superb!
More in a while!
ATB from George
And the enamel is superb!
More in a while!
ATB from George
Posted on: 19 June 2010 by GML
Hello Frank,
I have a Carlton just like George's. The lever that shifts the rear mech on mine has a tendency to slip occasionally. Do you know of a source that supplies replacement parts or are they some you just happen to have?
Regards
George.
I have a Carlton just like George's. The lever that shifts the rear mech on mine has a tendency to slip occasionally. Do you know of a source that supplies replacement parts or are they some you just happen to have?
Regards
George.