Hi All, I'm in India after travelling several month from the UK on my RTW journey (http://www.andrewcharnley.com). As customs do not allow engine changes due to stupid formality rules I had to buy a bicycle and continue on that. My choice was limited and I ended up with something ridiculous. I'm managing a solid 100km a day, sometimes more. I've several questions and I know next to nothing about cycling, here goes…
1. does the drive chain (shimano gears) make a big difference to efficiency? I'm sure what is fitted at the moment is basic, but it works.
2. I need to block out the rear suspension. Looking at my bike, if I replace the suspension will it be better to replace the unit with a bar or have the vertical frame welded in some way?
3. Can I fit 1.5 26" wheels onto a rim that normally takes 2.15 tyres? My rims are unusual in that they take tubes with a long valve stem, and I also think they are less width compared to normal 26" wheels.
Bike pictures:
http://www.andrewcharnley.com/?i=resources&module=view&id=418
and
http://www.andrewcharnley.com/?i=content&module=read&id=363
Thanks!
Andrew
1. does the drive chain (shimano gears) make a big difference to efficiency? I'm sure what is fitted at the moment is basic, but it works.
2. I need to block out the rear suspension. Looking at my bike, if I replace the suspension will it be better to replace the unit with a bar or have the vertical frame welded in some way?
3. Can I fit 1.5 26" wheels onto a rim that normally takes 2.15 tyres? My rims are unusual in that they take tubes with a long valve stem, and I also think they are less width compared to normal 26" wheels.
Bike pictures:
http://www.andrewcharnley.com/?i=resources&module=view&id=418
and
http://www.andrewcharnley.com/?i=content&module=read&id=363
Thanks!
Andrew