Yesterday morning, I peeled myself out of bed at 7AM. It was like trying to flip a pancake that wasn’t ready to be flipped. After enjoying some French Roast made in my new french press I got for xmas from Mom and Dad, I suited up and headed out for my last ride of the week in the QQ.
I was going to enjoy a 3.5 hour mountain bike ride and was having fun riding on the icy trails until… “WHAT?!?!” My front brake lever suddenly pulled straight to the bar. I released, and it was flapping in the wind.
This part fell out… which abruptly ended my ride. Turns out, you kinda need your front brake to stop going at high speeds. 😉 I already knew that, but had a few “fun” moments when I was going too fast and tried to slow for a corner. I simply rode back home after that, but still got in 2.5 hours. I think there is an evil brake leprechaun who lives in the North Foothills of ABQ because in November, I was mountain biking up there and my rear brake died. It was an easy fix (just needed to be rebled).
It appears I have sold my Scott Hardtail to someone on MTBR which I will be kissing goodbye after next week. I am excited for someone else to give ‘er a whirl! And guess who scored the Cannondale? The brother of Survivorman who is also survivorman, part 2. It’s hard to let go, like watching your 5 year old go to school on the first day for the very first time. *Sniffff*
I am off the bike for the next 2 days. Today is hiking with Superkove and tomorrow, we are going snowshoeing. I also splurged for a bottle o’ champagne to celebrate 2009. It’s going to be a great year!
How do you like the grip shifters? Been considering them for some time. Do you ever twist too much and skip gears?
I like them for dry conditions. They are very lightweight and easy to work with. I like how for the front chainrings, you can microadjust and have the derailleur move over a touch so you aren’t rubbing.
When it is wet out, it is kind of difficult to shift because your hands slip.
Survivorman Part Deux is what I think he prefers 🙂
Noted. 🙂 He needs a website.
Way to make the list on Kerkove’s blog. 🙂
Happy New Year and I wish all the best for you!
A quick trail fix for your brake lever is a mini zip tie. I have lost two bolts while JRA. The Zip tie will give you a functional brake to get home on and save the trail from those “I only have one brake” wheel skids.
Awesome!! Thanks Bike Paul. 🙂