Of Wheels and Racks

Bad week for wheels on the commuter last week.

First, I notice the rear wheel is out of true. Go to true it and notice this:



That would explain the ticking sound I have been ignoring when laying down the power the last few days or so.

Talked it over with Mikesee, apparently this is a common problem with 24 spoke count light weight roadie rims.



Too bad because they looked bitchen. Not worth it to re-lace, let me know if you want the hub which is very, nicely built. Good thing they were free (thanks Dan).

Put Josh's old wheel on that I acquired with his Monkey frame (these are also a set of Dan's old wheels ridden for thousands of miles by him, and many hundreds by Josh).

First ride:



Hit here at about 30 mph:



Didn't see the hole since I was tailgating a car to stay safe from side road traffic. The impact was impressive and almost knocked me off the bike. Instant pinch flat as well.

It looks so innocuous in photos:



Anyway, I'm trading Ed two sets of Mary bars and $25 to build me up another wheel with that old Dura-Ace hub.

This weekend, finally got around to building a more workable bike rack for the kids bikes.



Best thing is it cost nothing. Totally built with scrap 2X6 lumber I had.

Works like a charm, and the garage is a lot neater. Now to train them to use it.