A Beginners Guide To Relacing A Wheel

First saw this on The Brit Bike forum.

Wheelbuilding has always been a black art to me, people I know who do their own all say it's easy, and on the face of it, it probably is.

Marc put a tutorial up on the forum and it's about the clearest explanation I've ever seen. Rather than allow it to get lost as it sinks down the post list, it's got it's own page HERE or access it anytime from the page bar beneath the header logo.

Thanks Marc.

A7 Bars

Much as we like Renthal bars 'round here, the pair on the Beezer never ever sat right, looked wrong from day one. All the self convincing in the world never really quite cut it, they were wrong.

Got a pair of non-descript Japper bars blacked up as a possible alternative, and fitted 'em today. Far better, brings the bars in as part of the front end now instead of a set sitting on top of it.

Kinda makes the grey grips more acceptable as well, doncha think?

The Devil Is Still In Them Details

Kept looking at the petrol pipe set-up, pleased with the way that it tucks out of the way instead of hanging down the outside of the carb, but them bloody clips, they look like.... well, clips I guess. Something had to be done to tidy that little problem up. 

Scored some brass ferrules and a crimping tool from Carrot Cycles the other day to try and tidy the act up a little and give that authentic period look. The job is made easier by the fact that both the taps and the carb have threaded unions, allowing the pipework to be lifted out as one unit.

Looks far more like it now, so much so that come the day it probably won't even be noticed, but it's a sure fire bet that the clips would have been spotted from ten yards .... result.

Stopped By The Stopper

Started in on getting the front brake working yesterday, not so good. Got the fluid down the line, presumably behind the pistons and out of the bleed nipple. All looked good until the nipple was locked off and then there was no change in the feel of the lever, the master cylinder could not deliver real pressure. Done what should have been done in the first place and checked the seals, not the best of conditions. Contacting a bloke tomorrow who should have an overhaul kit.

Pissed about and got some more jobs out of the way though including this transfer that should go on early Ariel oil tank.

Chipping Away

Got a few more of them ten minute jobs put to bed the other day,

This trick headstock badge was sent over by Roland, originally made for a pushbike it looks just fine on one with a motor in it as well.

The dummy rubber battery in place, kinda makes sense of the carrier now. The gel battery will sit inside and with a bit of luck the regulator as well.

Headsteadies and frame spacer blacked up and back where they belong.

Handlebar clamps and risers have been nickelled, so the bars are back on.

The chainguard, looking great sitting in the impossibly small space that is available for it. If you ever see the bike out and about, check the chainguard out and buy Johnny a beer on the strength of it.

Bung Hole Bunged

Got the bung that Roland made trimmed a bit, nothing wrong with Roland's work y'understand it was right to a drawing that was wrong! Just needed a couple of mil taken off to clear the internal bore and all is good.
Cheers Roland.