|
So back in October, we drove for over two hours from Findlay Ohio to east of
Cleveland to take Big Red the '91 Cannondale road tandem to Hubbub for a
major overhaul and upgrade. In went a Suntour 7-sp freewheel, 40-spoke
Chinook rims w/Sugino hubs and cracks around the nipples, Suntour barcons
(originally had the old Gripshift dropbar-ends), Suntour derailleurs with
54-42-32 & 13-30, and Shimano v-brakes w'Shimano black pads (an early change
from the original Pedersen self-energizers that no LBS could seem to get
adjusted properly).
This past Saturday, five months later, out came Velocity Aero 36-spoke rims
with Phil hubs, Ultegra 9-sp. brifters, FSA 53-39-30 rings (& 40-tooth
timing), Ultegra front derailleur, XTR rear, 105 12-23 freehub, salmon pads
on the existing v-brakes, and new chains all around. Kept the original
Sugino cranks.
The proprietors asked us if we wanted to take it out for a mile or so
shakedown. Yeah, right. After driving for almost three hours to get there,
we were going to make darn sure everything was picture perfect before the
long drive back home. "Give us a 20-mile route, and make sure there's
hills!"
Out we went in the 32 degree partly sunny day, pulling 18-month-old Clara in
the Burley Solo.
WOW!!!! Instead of shift-grriiiiiinndd-clatter-clatter-clunk, we now have
snick-click-aaaaahhh! Shifts better than either of our half-bikes (Ultegra
8-sp & 105 9-sp). The rear brake provides excellent power without hitting
squeezing the lever all the way to the handlebar. We think we notice a bit
easier acceleration with the lighter wheels & fewer spokes.
Kudos to Hubbub. Besides the excellent wrenching, they pay attention to
details. The frame was cleaned & shined, and they polished the minor surface
corrosion off the handlebar stems. They also put one of those simple in-line
cog position indicators on the rear shift cable up by the handlebars.
Certainly helps out an oxygen-deprived captain when the team is standing
while grinding up a steep hill pulling a child & trailer on the first ride
of the season.
Drove home, then on Sunday rode 25 billiard-table flat miles back in NW
Ohio. The captain bonked return leg. Gotta start piling on those
early-season miles riding the rejuvenated steed ...
--Steve Mc.
|
