There used to an expression for cars – a Friday car was supposedly one built lat on a Friday, just before the weekend when folk just wanted home. So it was prone to mechanical problems.
I think my bike seems to fall into this category.
Almost a year ago I bought a new Specialized Roubaix, with the front suspension.
I had got it home, been out a couple of times and found the gear change a bit tight. When I turned the bike over to clean it I saw the cable had been routed over the casing instead of through it. The shop I bought it from is away in Fife so I arranged with them to have it sorted at my local bike shop. Job done, bike running smoothly again.
Crossed cable, should be down in the grooves
How it should be
The next thing I spotted were cables rubbing where they entered the frame. A wee patch did the trick this time.
preventing cable rub
Next, a couple of months down the line, the seat tube has an insert of rubbery stuff to dampen vibrations. I saw it looked like a wee mouse had been having a nibble at it and quite a nibble at that. So back on the email to the Fife shop. They got in touch with Specialized and a new seat tube came winging my way.
The mice have been nibbling?
The rear derailleur design by Shimano seems a bit dodgy as cables tend to wear quickly, more annoying than anything else.
Not too good design by Shimano?
Then, just before Christmas, I heard the front suspension unit making funny grinding type noises. On close inspection the rubber boot surrounding the unit had developed some small holes and the salt & road chemicals had got in and rusted the unit. I got in touch with Specialized and they said I would have to buy a new unit, despite this being a manufacturing fault. However, the Fife shop came up trumps and managed to get Specializd to send them one and posted it to me. However, before it arrived I took the bike in for a service at my local and Colin said the headset bearings were exuding brown gunge as well. So tried to get new ones, but guess what? They’re a special size because of the suspension units and they were out of them, so just waiting for them to arrive as well.
Just a wee hole?
Lit up and rusty
So, what next?
Now, after all of this, would I buy another Roubaix? Despite all this carry on would I buy another one. The answer is yes. I love riding it. The roads round here are full of holes, gravel, farm muck, stones etc and the bike is so comfortable despite it all, it climbs well and we have steep ascents round here plus it just feels good. After well over 7,000 miles in less than a year on it, it does the job.
On a different note, as usual, I’ve been involved with our drama group in the village. I’ve given up acting as I’ve always found learning line bad and it’s getting worse. So I’ve been involved on the techie side with sound, lighting etc. This time it was lighting, so wheeking up & down ladders, mounting and setting lights, helping to programme the lighting board etc. Unfortunately for me it was a kid’s panto with 45 taking part. It was a huge, sold out success but . . . . several of the cast had coughs etc. and guess who succumbed? Yup, yours faithful. I was off the bike for 10 days, still not back to full strength after 2 1/2 weeks but gradually improving, though well over 300 miles behind my mileage last year. As I sometime say, “Ah Well!!”.
And here’s what makes it all worth it.
Winter sunset ride
Didn’t go this way that day!!
Blizzard, worse than it looks here
A friendly smile
Now for a couple of exciting bits
Up in the hills, 2 deer (looks better in a new window)
Just out of the village 3 deer, just one crossing (looks better in a new window)
Not as bad as it looks
Why wait for oncoming cars – close too!
Yup, save a few seconds
Close again
Another can’t wait!!
fossilcycle 