Friday, February 23, 2007
After chopping the rear brake bosses off the Big Dummy, I installed a QR Rohloff disc hub laced to a 24" Large Marge. A Nokian Gazzaloddi 24 x 3.0 tire provides the traction and squish at the rear.
I decided to go this route for two reasons:
I wanted a large-footprint, high-volume rear tire to complement the Endomorph on the front. A 26" Large Marge would fit, but the Dummy doesn't accommodate a tire larger than 2.5" on a 26" rim. So I opted for the 24" hoop. The wheel outside diameter, with the big Nokian in place, is about 26". So there's still plenty of room for a fender.
We needed to make sure the Big Dummy would be Rohloff compatible. It wasn't (if using a rear disc) until I brazed on a boss behind the disc mount. Here's where it get's kind of technical and confusing, unless you're fluent in Rohloff.... The boss and the head of a 6mm cap head machine screw (provided with the required Rohloff OEM2 axle plate) allow you to mount a Rohloff hub without the need for the long torque arm. The boss and bolt head affectively replace the Rohloff Speedbone. The production Dummies will, of course, feature the Rohloff boss. A non-disc Rohloff should work with the torque arm or OEM2 axle plate.
I routed the cables rearward and up from the external shift box. This routing puts the cables in a less-vulnerable position, compared to a forward-facing set-up. The plate over my Avid mechanical disc brake caliper keeps the Xtracycle Freeloader bags away from caliper...less chance of rubbing a hole in the Freeloader and less chance of my cargo adjusting the outside pad for me, while in transit, via the somewhat-vulnerable outboard knob.
This is my first real experience with a Rohloff hub, and I'm liking it. It don't feel any more drag than my derailleured set-up, but I tend to stay in the saddle and spin quite a bit when I'm riding with the Stokemonkey. I've heard, from other Rohloff users, that the drag becomes more apparrant when you're out of the saddle and mashing on the pedals. That shouldn't be a problem for me on the Dummy.
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I decided to go this route for two reasons:
I wanted a large-footprint, high-volume rear tire to complement the Endomorph on the front. A 26" Large Marge would fit, but the Dummy doesn't accommodate a tire larger than 2.5" on a 26" rim. So I opted for the 24" hoop. The wheel outside diameter, with the big Nokian in place, is about 26". So there's still plenty of room for a fender.
We needed to make sure the Big Dummy would be Rohloff compatible. It wasn't (if using a rear disc) until I brazed on a boss behind the disc mount. Here's where it get's kind of technical and confusing, unless you're fluent in Rohloff.... The boss and the head of a 6mm cap head machine screw (provided with the required Rohloff OEM2 axle plate) allow you to mount a Rohloff hub without the need for the long torque arm. The boss and bolt head affectively replace the Rohloff Speedbone. The production Dummies will, of course, feature the Rohloff boss. A non-disc Rohloff should work with the torque arm or OEM2 axle plate.
I routed the cables rearward and up from the external shift box. This routing puts the cables in a less-vulnerable position, compared to a forward-facing set-up. The plate over my Avid mechanical disc brake caliper keeps the Xtracycle Freeloader bags away from caliper...less chance of rubbing a hole in the Freeloader and less chance of my cargo adjusting the outside pad for me, while in transit, via the somewhat-vulnerable outboard knob.
This is my first real experience with a Rohloff hub, and I'm liking it. It don't feel any more drag than my derailleured set-up, but I tend to stay in the saddle and spin quite a bit when I'm riding with the Stokemonkey. I've heard, from other Rohloff users, that the drag becomes more apparrant when you're out of the saddle and mashing on the pedals. That shouldn't be a problem for me on the Dummy.
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A 750ml bottle cost me $35 American at the gettin' lit store. Reposado means 'rested,' and this stuff is rested in white oak barrels, which, like whiskey, mellows and develops the spirit's body and taste. It is very smooth on the throat and the flavor is not the distinctly peppery taste typical of most tequilas but instead a bit sweet, with a hint of vanilla, and it feels a bit creamy on the tongue. More of a sipper than a shooter, it goes equally well in a small glass or hip flask. One thing: once you've had a couple of proper swigs or swallows, prepare yourself before standing up. Grab the table with both hands as that tasty smooth & creamy flavor hides the punch that tequila is known for.
Go get some.
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Also: Our old pal B.Rose has a new 
She has been keeping an inventory of stuff her mom sends her. She reports:
"Today I received --
Two bags of "Toaster Bags" - Toast sandwiches, pizza slices, burgers, bacon, and more!
Weird brown leather purse
Package of SweeTarts candies
V-day card with a glittery picture of a cat on the front"
Me, I got a new Mr. Whirly prototype crank to try out. It's no glittery cat card but it'll do.
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