Old Ergo Power

I had an inquiry from bloke about which bike I recommend, Trek or Bianchi... I am not authorized dealer of these brands. On the contrary, I don't sell any bike at all right moment. I would like to but it is hard to sell with out retail shop. However, I used to deal with either brands so gave him some ideas and recommended to go to local dealer. Still nice to talk with customer.

I recieved another bike with campagnolo about 10 year old still in good condition but Ergo power shifters needed to do overhaul. It is much easier than Shimano but It still takes nearly 3 hour for a pair to complete overhaul so started right away. Luckly the bearings in the housing and every pivots or hinges are in good condition so just need to degrease plus wash then regrease. As you can see that yellow ish colour grease has got hard and all the grease was around the pivots tuned to darker than black. It costs $200.oo for a pair and cables and bartapes are additional cost. Yes, it is not inexpensive work however, if you have Centaur, Chorus or Record, it is worth to do it instead replace shifters especially old models. Improve your shifting and more loving your bike(s).

I built a wheel for commuter. He has been using 2years ish and spokes were stretched. It does happen once in a way...

New bearings in Shimano BB

We've got sealed bearing replacement for Shimano two piece crank's bottom bracket. It sometimes makes me realise that Those seals are not good enough to protect from water... I've done several times already this year. As you can see on picture the bearing sits on the top is rusted and hardly move. This thing happens an age or by art, using high-pressure washer and using degreaser directly. About degreaser (as well known as "parts Cleaner"), When you are cleaning drivetain with some devices, all the chain and chainrings get covered in degreaser, then excess degreaser drops on bottom bracket and gets into bearinig. What they do, they rinse off the grease inside of bearing gradually, then get rumbly and rust... This is not only a reason but it is worth considering. Simply knock old bearing's out, spread extra grease and press the new bearing's in stead knocking. You are looking at $20 to $40 for labour depends on a frame or not The sealed bearing costs $35.95 each. Campagnolo Ultra Torque is also same costs. please leave some comments for any inquiry.

I had a servicing bike with degrease drivetrain aswell today. I love this time of Campag component (early 1990). Chucked parts in the parts washer and brushing... I also had to clean other 3 crank sets so stucked there over an hour. I don't mind doing this but got bored in the end(laugh). Reassemble the parts and lubrication...

I am back!!

I've been away a couple of weeks to Japan. It was nice to be back to my home town Matsuyama, see my families, mates, Ueno cycle, etc... And of course, Good food!! ate lots of fishes and junk foods. During the stays, I was at Ueno cycle everyday helping at shop (nothing else to do in small city). It was good just staying at shop people who I know (mostly regular customars and neighbours) popped around on thier spare time to spend time, not much reason to visit but still they come... It is nice shop. This is my wish to have like this bike shop (Well, it doesn't have tobe bike shop but I know nothing beside bikes!!). It was also good to talk with my brother Ryo who took over my position after I left shop 2years ago, sharing current bicycle news, skills, experiences and local gossips!





I had a chance to join Sunday ride (mountain bike) which I started over decade ago, still going arround, excellent. I borrowed Ryo's Bridgestone, Anchor hardtail. Yes, Bridgestone manufactures good bikes(See website. Japanese only...). They have racers with high quality carbon too. Anyway, it was best season for cherry blossoms. Did you know it is Japanese national flower? and hay fevers season as well. I have really bad reaction to pine pollens. It was almost end of the season but got me from second day...
I am back now in Perth and dealing with real life. As you see I renewed weblog. It just make my life easier...