When installing I got pricked by metal spikes coming from the brake/shifter hoods. Turned out the cable was frayed/breaking, I ordered some replacements and found some at a local shop to ride tomorrow.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
"Darth Carbon" Rides Again
2 new Neuvations later, new 11-25 cassette, new chain and a thorough cleaning/inspection of the frame and crank, the Giant TCR is ready to ride again. I slipped a Mr. Tuffy back in the rear tire too figuring the tire is getting thinner back there, though this time I cut it to prevent any folding/fit weirdness.
I went official Campy Veloce 10 speed on the chain, but naturally I lack the proper punch tool - all my hand chain tools are breaking down/broken. After breaking the handle of the working one I had, I took a previously stripped one and devised a "leverage upgrade" using the bench vise. Safety glasses a must. I used a spare Wipperman manual link to hold the Campy chain together - when taking the old chain off, I couldn't find the other - maybe I punched it in old school when I installed.
The goal will be to maintain this chain, and catch any Neuvation cracks early. May this blog serve as the maintenance log!
I went official Campy Veloce 10 speed on the chain, but naturally I lack the proper punch tool - all my hand chain tools are breaking down/broken. After breaking the handle of the working one I had, I took a previously stripped one and devised a "leverage upgrade" using the bench vise. Safety glasses a must. I used a spare Wipperman manual link to hold the Campy chain together - when taking the old chain off, I couldn't find the other - maybe I punched it in old school when I installed.
The goal will be to maintain this chain, and catch any Neuvation cracks early. May this blog serve as the maintenance log!
Neuvation Wheelset Replacement
The cracks that started the blog have been more than addressed by Neuvation - we are at 2 new wheels, front and back.
On inspection after the rear failure documented below, the front also had some hairline cracks at the nipples. John Neugent(Neuvation) responded by calling it a warranty issue and shipped me a new wheel, which arrived less than 24 hours later. The customer service from the guy is amazing - I mean, I am a nearly 200lb rider running on 20 spokes rear, 16 spokes front on a less than $500 wheelset that weighs under 1600grams - unreal all-around. He's my Santa Man at the moment, sending me the slightly heavier and stronger rimmed wheel to see if that will hold me up.
I am going to just consider wheels an expendable, not unlike running shoes. They simply wear out. At Neuvation prices, these wheels are cheaper than running shoes and good for about 8-10K miles. I recommend these wheels despite the doubters ("do you really want to keep riding those wheels?"), just an awesome value, just prepare to cash in on the awesome service.
On inspection after the rear failure documented below, the front also had some hairline cracks at the nipples. John Neugent(Neuvation) responded by calling it a warranty issue and shipped me a new wheel, which arrived less than 24 hours later. The customer service from the guy is amazing - I mean, I am a nearly 200lb rider running on 20 spokes rear, 16 spokes front on a less than $500 wheelset that weighs under 1600grams - unreal all-around. He's my Santa Man at the moment, sending me the slightly heavier and stronger rimmed wheel to see if that will hold me up.
I am going to just consider wheels an expendable, not unlike running shoes. They simply wear out. At Neuvation prices, these wheels are cheaper than running shoes and good for about 8-10K miles. I recommend these wheels despite the doubters ("do you really want to keep riding those wheels?"), just an awesome value, just prepare to cash in on the awesome service.
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