If you've ever watched any of the rather sweary Hambini bike videos on YouTube, you'll know that Boardman frames often have pretty crap BB dimensional tolerances, which could well explain a tight crankset that doesn't spin freely. I would be far more bothered about a fundamental dimensioning problem than I would be about some muppet leaving the bars loose or not sorting the gear indexing out. Those things are a five minute job, but if the BB isn't round or is undersized so the bearings don't fit correctly, then you've got a real problem.
I popped the chain off last night just to check the crank movement and it seems good (very free, no wobble, no resistance, no noise).
I noticed that the factory chain lubricant has a very sticky feel to it so I'm not sure if this is really a lubricant or a protective coating?
There's nothing in the handbook (that I can find) to indicate what the lubricant/protective coating is? I plan to clean it off tonight (unless anyone on here knows better?).
Also, even though the FD is perfectly aligned and the changes are sweet, there is a slight rub in the FD where the chain touches the plastic wear plates. My assumption is that the wear plates are "sacrificial" and after a few rides, would have worn down enough to allow the chain to run through without any rub? I've googled the front mech (shimano 105 fd 7000) and some forums and reviews indicate that the wear plates are there to protect the chain plates from metal to metal contact and that they wear down to fit the chain.
When I was in
Halfords on Wednesday getting the bike looked at, I had a fiddle with the display model and it feels exactly the same as my bike.
I've fitted a chain catcher and I've got some good quality chain lube so I'm all set for a test ride at the weekend (weather permitting).
One last thing. Regarding my spare tube, does anyone on here know what length valve I need to suit the wheels? The young guy in Halfords told me a standard length would do but looking at the rims, I'm not so sure?
