Re: Riding my Custom Tetra Pro: Bikefanclub.com

QUOTE:
I have dropped my chain, flipping to the 34 while going up a hill a few times. Unfortunately front shifting on a bike with a 14 tooth ring differetill can be problematical. I have to be more careful to let it fall before I force my pedal down. I was in too much of a hurry. Normally, when I anticipate it would be better to be in the 34 ring, I have no issues with shifting.

CONSIDER:

Align your drive train - NO reason for the chain to drop, either side, if your entire drive train is PROPERLY aligned and derailleurs properly adjusted.

On my Ultegra equip IBIS and Campy equip Tetra Pro, I can drop 30 teeth on the triple straight down, no pause at the middle, from the 52 to the 22 on both bikes.

It is actually an extraordinarily unproblematic chore.

From what you have stated in your post, it would seem your wrench needs training and an interest in quality control.

QUOTE:
My saddle is a Brooks B-17. I have found my saddle. Knowing a bit about leather I have it oiled up regularly with neatsfoot oil. That and the combination of shammy cream that has ended up on it has turned it from the tan of new leather to a shiny brown of used leather quite rapidly. Every time I get on that seat I am grateful for how it feels. It just fits my but right and the flexibilty of it works well for me. Saddles are personal so all I will say further is that I finally found the saddle that saves my butt from pain.

CONSIDER:

The comfort from BROOKS leather is not from the oil soaked hammock effect you have created in a very short time by destroying the leather.

Rather, the comfort is from the SUPPORT from the minimally compliant leather and the contouring of the BROOKS leather to the individual. Of course, this is in addition to a properly adjusted saddle and the rider on a properly fitted bike and balanced on the saddle.

BROOKS saddles are made from fine leather and should be treated like fine leather not like engineering boots (http://www.stompersboots.com/gtwy_engineer-3.php).

BROOKS saddles are vegetable tanned - Google it and you will find out why Brooks recommends using only PROOFIDE for maintenance of Brooks saddles:

QUOTE FROM BROOKS WEBSITE:
Leather breathes and moulds to your shape in use. The longitudinal fibres stretch during riding, that's why for optimum comfort a Brooks saddles should be carefully tensioned using the spanner designed especially for this purpose. Remember, little and 'not very often' are the key to successful tensioning. Never ride or tension a saddle when wet as this will over stretch the leather and ruin the saddle.

Leather, as a natural material, will provide the advantages of lasting comfort, coolness in hot weather, style and durability. If you follow these simple instructions your saddle will adapt itself to you and retain its support and comfort. A new saddle should be polished with a soft cloth. Do not ride the saddles immediately, wearing light coloured clothing, as this could lead to staining.

Keep the leather supple with an occasional application of "Brooks Proofide", which is specially formulated from natural ingredients to condition, preserve and shower proof your saddle. Brooks Proofide is the only substance that should be used to care for your saddle. Apply Proofide lightly using a soft cloth to the finished side of the leather. Allow the Proofide to permeate until dry and then polish off. This should be done during the initial period of use, and every 3 - 6 months thereafter. (On bicycles not fitted with mudguards, an initial application to the underside of the saddle will be beneficial, this need not be polished off).

You should protect your Brooks leather saddle from moisture. If a wet saddle is ridden the colour may stain your clothing. Allow wet saddles to dry naturally never tension or Proofide a wet saddle.

Correct leather tension will ensure your saddle retains its shape and comfort. To tension turn the nose bolt nut 90 degrees at a time, check tension. Do not over-tension. A special Brooks spanner is available for this purpose.
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In case you may have an interest in what I have stated regarding shifting and BROOKS saddles, my bikes reside in Citrus Heights.

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