I've been commuting all year on the trusty old Focus Izalco equipped with SRAM Red and Focus Racing 1’s. Hoewever, my rather smug feeling gained by daily scalping the slow coaches on their lumps of iron on A21 was somewhat tainted last night, when I popped into see Winston in SE20 Cycles in Penge. Initally, I asked him to tighten up a few bolts on the head set with his torque wrench, and to test the chain for wear. Winston duly obliged and told me that my chain and the 10 speed cassette were indeed knackered, as I suspected as it has just started jumping. So, I order a new chain and block, 60 quid and 150 or so quid apiece. I then ask him what their life expectancy is, and he replies around 1,000 miles depending on conditions (winter/summer). Well, I do 80-100 miles a week, so by that rate I will have to shell out 250 quid every 10-15 weeks! That makes consumables pretty damn expensive on top of Schwalbe Utremos, inner-tubes, lube etc. etc.
Can anyone recommend a more durable (even if it is a few grams heavier) chain/block combo that will fit my machine?
Thanks folks.
Can anyone recommend a more durable (even if it is a few grams heavier) chain/block combo that will fit my machine?
Thanks folks.