Gear Train Summery

This is a summary of various gear trains at the close of summer.

The IF (summer bike and long-distance ride) odometer just tied with that of minicar, my Subaru Impreza (named by E) at just under 16k miles. The IF is about three times older, and I'm counting both of its frames because the odometer survived the 'big crash' that separated them. They're both running great, and I'm pleased to ride them.

Minicar just turned 2 years old, and its stick-shift transmission is now worn in, smooth as butter. In fact, its fuel efficiency has risen above my expectations, averaging a full 28.5 MPG this summer. I drive on regular gas and use the air conditioner normally. I do coast a bit and (safely!) draft a little, but I don't work too hard on saving gas. Winter typically drags down the mileage, but I hope not far.

The Shimano Nexus 8 internal-geared hub and matching roller brake are running fine on Slushbike, with about 200mi so far. I've read that the hub needs about 500mi to wear in, and already the thing feels smoother, especially in the low gears. During this wear-in period, I'm using the large chainring as much as possible to maximize time in the low gears where drag is worst. I'm also using the rear brake as much as possible to cook off some excess grease. The rollerbrake isn't as powerful as I want, but the manual implies that when it gets low on grease it gets too powerful. And grease is lost by braking (burning off in the heat). So for the moment, the big (optional) heatsink on the brake is working against me, but once its tuned the heatsink will help keep it stable. I'm sure I'll get the gears and brake worn in before the first snow/ice ride, which is when I really need that brake to be strong.

All in all, the vehicles are in good shape for the coming cold weather! I hope you've enjoyed summer too.