Monday, June 22, 2009


Calculation of the relationship between BCD and CC for cranksets. In the past I've done this by holding the chainring up to the crankset - but this isn't possible when ordering online. I got the information I needed on Sheldon Brown's website, but was still curious where the 1.7 figure came from (to get from CC to BCD on a five bolt). Turns out it's 1/(sin(PI/5)). Not completely intuitive, and the 1.7 is good to 2 decimal places so go ahead and use it. Pretty fun formula really, if you plug in 2 bolts you get BCD=CC, they are on opposite sides of the bolt circle. Even better try to enter 1 bolt and it's undefined!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Aqua Net

Aqua Net Hair Spray 3 Extra Super Hold Unscented
Aqua Net Professional Hair Spray
Unscented, 3 Extra Super Hold
Use this when installing grips. I recently tried PVC cement and it didn't work as well. If you have access to compressed air blow out the excess and you can ride immediately. Otherwise wait a day for it to set.

Quick One Speed Conversion

I decided to reduce my gear combination options by 20.

The crankset has had the largest and granny gears removed. The barrel of the chainring nuts were a little too long and had to be ground down. The chain has been shortened as much as possible.

Removed all gear housing and cable, except a 2" piece at the rear derailleur. Removed the inner cage plate of the rear derailleur, as well as the jockey pulley.








An acorn nut fastens the tension pulley, which pushes down on the chain. A little barrel adjustment and a test ride.