On Wednesday I undertook a formidable mechanical problem by overhauling a shifter on the Cervino:

There’s extra to being the Traditional Cycle Outdated Crap Check Pilot than using the bikes, and it’s also my responsibility to determine issues and repair them when obligatory. On this case the thumb screw on one of many shifters was working its method unfastened and required retightening perhaps two or thrice per experience. Individuals on the Internets will let you know to only use Loctite and be accomplished with it, however that’s only a cop-out, and after some experimentation I deduced {that a} worn washer was most likely the wrongdoer. So I requested spare washers from Traditional Cycle:

Overhauling an previous Campagnolo friction shifter just isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. First, utilizing no instruments in any respect, you’ve bought to take away the thumb screw. Then, you should change the washers. Lastly, you screw all of it again collectively once more. And, uh…that’s it.

You don’t even must disconnect the cables. (Or obtain an app.)

In accordance with the newest advertising, digital shifting is all about simplicity and releasing your self from “distractions.” Nevertheless, I’m unsure there’s something extra easy and fewer distracting than an old-timey friction lever. Certain, in the event you don’t have the precise connections it might be exhausting to search out the correct washer must you want one, however the authentic lasted over 40 years and I’m hoping to get at the very least one other 40 out of this one too–and sure, the “new” washer does appear to have accomplished the trick, as a result of each thumb screws now appear to be staying put:

The remainder of the drivetrain is sort of as easy:

And since my journey to Switzerland I now take a look at six-speed freewheels in another way:

Whereas others see limitations, I see solely prospects.

Eradicating the body pump from the Cervino reveals some decal grooviness:

In addition to extra clues as to its Italian origins:

Whenever you take a look at its crotch you possibly can completely see its Viner:

Talking of packages, I’m additionally doubling up on spare tires for added peace of thoughts:

I’m not new to tubulars, however it’s been fairly a very long time since I’ve modified one, and hopefully I don’t must relive the expertise anytime quickly–although having simply typed that I’m certain I’ve jinxed myself:

At present there’s just about no such factor as a street wheel that isn’t at the very least reasonably aero, although once you account for crosswinds I wouldn’t be stunned if a great old style low-profile setup is extra environment friendly total:

It additionally feels good to look down at your bike and see shiny silver stuff:

Which, like low-profile wheels, has additionally virtually utterly vanished from the trendy street bicycle:

As have shiny lugs and fork crowns:

Is there something extra tragic than what’s occurred to the entrance finish of the street bike in recent times?

The checklist of atrocities that has been dedicated within the title of “aerodynamics” is much too lengthy.

Oh, certain, it began innocently sufficient–let’s simplify issues with a threadless headset. However threadless begat built-in, and built-in begat inner cockpit cable routing, and now a easy stem change requires a go to to your licensed seller.

In fact not all change is for the more serious. Contemplate pedals:

I’ve returned the unique pedals to the bike as a result of generally its enjoyable to bask in period-correctness. Nevertheless, simply after taking these photographs I remounted the bike, began heading uphill, and realized I’d forgotten to shift into the small ring. I had no momentum, my ft had been caught to my primitive pedals, I couldn’t get on high of the gear, and I had slowed to the purpose the place I used to be at risk of falling over. Desperately, I tried to alter gears, however in 1982 the idea of “shifting underneath load” had not been invented but, and as a substitute the derailleur simply stated “Fuck it” and threw the chain like David Millar throwing his bike:

By this time the bike had rolled to a cease, and there I used to be spinning my legs in useless. In moments akin to these, time stands nonetheless, and keeling over like a tipped cow appeared like an inevitability. Luckily I hadn’t cinched up the straps but, so on the final second I managed to extricate a foot and save myself.

So yeah, pedals have improved fairly a bit. Okay, and perhaps drivetrains too. And I assume gluing your tires to your wheels is somewhat ridiculous…

However apart from that, what has the bike trade ever accomplished for us?