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For this first one, better safe than sorry |
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Terra Java. Lock to handicapped parking sign. |
I think, though, since I wanted to make sure that my daughter's ride went as smoothly as possible on the unfamiliar-to-her bicycle, I took gear along anyway: a frame pump in case there was any trouble with the new tires I had mounted. A six foot cable in addition to the U-lock to give more options for securing the bikes at the destination. A multitool. My camera to support this post.
All that stuff is probably acceptable, given the circumstances. But when you get right down to it, there's little or no justification for taking the chain tool on a three mile coffeeneuring fun ride. That's just pure OCD tool toting. Next time, next weekend, no chain tool. I will be bold and brave. Maybe.
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Good coffee, good turkey pesto pannini. |
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Ambiance shot |
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Trek 950 tuned up for coffeeneuring: Brook's leather grips, easy bars, Crane bell, comfy saddle, smooth city tires. |
I can't recall the last time I took along a chain tool on any kind of ride. Perhaps JRA is becoming a little too focused?
ReplyDeleteI know, right? I've never even need a chain tool! I've never broken a spoke, though, either, which seems pretty weird because I'm not a small guy. Do I need one of those Fiber Fix emergency spokes for a coffeeneuring ride?
DeleteThe only time that I ever carry a chain tool is on a long distance multi day touring ride the same with spare spokes and the same as you I have never needed them.....
ReplyDeleteI think I would carry extra ball bearings on a long ride like that, just in case.
DeleteNice to see you out with your daughter. Give her treats everytime! Perhaps she could choose which place to visit next time. I bet she'll forget the chain tool!
ReplyDeleteThanks anniebikes! She ruled out my first choice for this inaugural coffeeneuring because the coffee there is no good, in her opinion. I'll consult with her on the proper loadout for the second one. I think she thinks I carry too much, though.
DeleteI've twice snapped a chain - once around 10 miles from home and once when cycling in Thailand. I admit to feeling pretty smug because I was able to fix the chain and get going again.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the common causes of a snapped chain are...
DeleteMy chain tool is part of on of my bike multitools, includes spoke wrenches as part of its body, and is so small you hardly know it's there until one day you need it. And I know that if I leave it at home, I'll need it.
Sometimes it's easier for me to just bring everything along so I don't have to think about it. Last week I brought a sweater even though it was like 80 degrees. 950's looking good!
ReplyDeleteYes! And I've got everything down to a pretty compact package. Fits in a bulky pocket. It's not like I'm taking a wheel dishing gauge or a truing stand along. The 950 rides good, too. With those original wheels you would think I might break a spoke or something, but not yet.
DeleteI have broken chains twice. Both times they were due to obvious errors on my part.
ReplyDeleteThis Wippermann Test of Chain Breaking Loads (PDF alert) shows what one might hope, that it takes a lot of force to break a bicycle chain--in the neighborhood of 2000 pounds, in this test. So I suppose that either human error or specific wear factors can play a significant role.
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