Replace broken spoke on Campagnolo Proton wheels

broderic on July 25, 2008

As you know, I’ve been riding my Kona PaddyWagon as my Gios is on the bike stand. I broke a spoke on my rear wheel. It was a Campagnolo Proton wheel so changing the spoke out is somewhat difficult because Campy uses some proprietary spokes when they build their own wheels. You can’t just go down to your bike store to get new spokes. You have to get a set of replacements. I got my from Brandford Bikes out in Seattle. Somewhat pricey, but the shop was charging me $20.00 for the service, before they had to go an order a the set.

You’ll also need a 5.5mm hex nut driver as it makes it easier to reach the nipple top. So to replace the spoke, remove the tire and the rim tape to expose the top of the nipple. The Protons have been discontinued but you can find the steps in the Neutron manual which are very similar wheels.

I broke the spoke on the cassette side. The spokes are straight pull at the hub that’s why you need specialized spokes. I also broke the spoke that use to reside closer to the center of the hub. The spokes cross over each other so I had to loosen the spoke that the broken spoke shared the slot in the hub. You then replace the spoke as normal. Put the other spoke back. And start tightening things up. True the wheel before you start putting the rim tape and tire back on.

That’s all you need to do. (I’m not done as I’m still trying to figure out how to true the wheel.

Good luck.

ENOZ

broderic on July 25, 2008

I’m so digging these acoustic covers of the Aya Hirano songs from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. These have been playing non-stop on my iPhone, via these YouTube videos, and on the radio.

School Rumble #283

broderic on July 25, 2008

School Rumble ends at 283 chapters. (;_;)

There’s going to be another School Rumble though! School Rumble Z.

It ends just as I thought it was going to get good. Plus it ends on the most mysterious of notes. Short and curt. No wrap up of Eri x Harima or Yakumo x Harima. Nothing about the girls of 1-D even from last couple of weeks. Nothing about the rival class of 2-D. They just ended it. It’s just an ending. Reminds me of History of the World Part I. That’s one big ending.

I hope they can get these to America so I can complete my bookshelf.

Quote of the Day [7.24.08]

broderic on July 24, 2008

“No matter how paranoid you are, you’re not paranoid enough.”

Susanne Modeski (Signy Coleman), The X-Files, “Unusual Suspects”

Quote of the Day [7.23.08]

broderic on July 23, 2008

“Your scientists have yet to discover how neural networks create self-consciousness, let alone how the human brain processes two-dimensional retinal images into the three-dimensional phenomenon known as perception. Yet you somehow brazenly declare that seeing is believing!”

Man in Black (Jesse ‘the Body’ Ventura), The X-Files, “Jose Chung’s From Outerspace”

Link of the Day [7.23.08]

broderic on July 23, 2008

I’m typing this post up late at night. No, not as late as Marge at The Fish Tank stays up, but close to the witching hour 12 midnight. So when I type clicked on the link to today’s site to make sure it works, it launches the browser’s java console. My machine spikes on its performance meter. The rain outside seems to start up. And I get goose bumps. I hope there’s nothing there.

http://www.paranormalinvestigators.com/

Le Tour 2008: Cunio-Jausiers

broderic on July 23, 2008

Stage 16 of le Tour was a monster. It went over the highest paved road in Europe over the Cime de la Bonette-Rastafond about 2900 meters high. That’s about 9000 feet! That’s crazy.

The first rider through crashes on the descent. Crazy! He wins the the LeGrange prize for crossing the highest peak of this years tour. Then he crashes. He would’ve won if he stayed out in front. It’s insane that they can go down those slopes at 60mph. I’ve hit 47 mph for a short time. It’s fun to fly but can be somewhat dangerous. I’m no descender because I haven’t ridden any thing big so I don’t have enough practice.

I’m no climber either. Riding only tiny hills.

What a fun tour. The first five places are less than a minute apart. And we have another huge day tomorrow: 3 hors categorie climbs culminating on the infamous, indomitable l’Alpe d’Huez. Ooo, I can’t wait.