So today was final set up.
I just put the chain on the other day so the cranks didn't spin into my shims when I was sitting on it to check stem length. So today I had to take it back off and shorten it.
Chain on rear large cog and front large chainring. Add a couple of links and that's the length we need.
Re-thread chain and set up gears, sorry no pictures of me turning screws and tightening cables. It was after this that I found I had some mechanical noise and began to investigate, eliminating the cranks first. I discovered that the rear wheel wasn't sitting home properly due to protuberances on the drop out. And the rear hangar was not tight.
Tightening hangar
Filing the droput, rear mech protected.
I've still got some mechanical noise but I think most of it will bed in after a few rides. Next was the steerer tube.
Marking the tube over the top spacer
This is not where you're going to cut as you need a few mm below this. The middle line below is the one I'm aiming for. So, fork clamped front and back and the tube braced (not shown), using the edge of the vice as a guide you can cut. I used to have a metal guide but could I find it...
Once cut, a brief run over with the file with the fork upside down so no swarf goes on the bearing surface and a quick check with a spacer.
The steerer cap will push down on the spacer so it's much more important you drive the star nut in straight to load the bearings evenly. Here is my non patented method for the star nut. Just hit that screwdriver with a hammer. The srewdriver can be 'leaned' to ensure it's going in evenly.
Installed - One day I might buy all the right tools for this. it should be in a bit further but there's a good chance I'll be losing that top spacer once I know I don't need it.
Fork back on, making sure you put the cables the right side of the stem. You can see that the top spacer is just proud.
Final thing to do is put on the Dog Fang (not from a real dog, he's safe).
There mainly because retrieving a dropped chain through this gap normally means flaked paint and a chain splitter. Not to mention swearing.
Some piccies of the ff29 next to my old Marin
I await the stem now which no one had in immediate stock, so probaly early next week before I get that. When I do I shall put it and the bars on and post some final pictures before getting down to the nitty gritty of an actual ride report. I'm also awaiting the bleed kit as no bike shops I went to had one in stock.
