brooks – Jules P Richards

It was two years ago, May 2011, that I purchased my Specialized Crosstrail Sport Disc 2011.

Here’s an update on the bike’s needs so far…

If you are commuting you really need to carry ‘stuff’, hence a multi-purpose the rack on the back for my two panniers.
You also need decent mudguards if you want to stay relatively dry and clean. Not an easy fit on this bike but my workaround has worked well to-date.
Even in the day, I use a Serfas ‘True 250′ USB front light. A nights charge last me a week. I consider it invaluable. Both to be seen coming in the daylight and to light your way in the dark.
And my rear light is a strong CatEye TL-LD1100. Rechargeable batteries last a good while.
Another essential, and I can’t recommend it enough, is a decent bell. I now have a Widek Chrome Ding dong Bell 80mm and In my opinion anyone cycling among pedestrians or city streets should have one fitted as standard.
Another good idea are reflective spoke thingies, they stand out when any light shines on them.
For a birthday, I was gifted a Brooks Flyer Special. A little extravagant but nice!
Of course there’s the daily banana for fuel!

Over these 2 years, the bike’s needed various replacement parts;

After 7 months it needed a new chain and cassette.
After 14 months I replaced Specialized Borough Xc Sport Tyre 700×45 with 700x32mm Schwalbe Durano Plus. These tyres have been fantastic over the last 10mths.
After 15 months the considerably worn SunTour/SRAM chain set (ring, chain and cassette) was replaced with a Shimano megarange CS HG41.
After 1 year 7 mths the stock back wheel rim cracked and freewheel was worn. The replacement tough new Mavic rim has been good to date.
After 1 year 11mths, the bike had a April 2013 full spring chemical clean, and full service.

It get’s quite a pelting from 15 miles around daily commute through all weathers, and very poor road surface. It picks up a lot of crud off the road, especially in winter. Despite this, last August’s chainset etc is still up for another 6 months+ hopefully.

Since the service, the bike is riding really well…

Here’s the stats http://www.endomondo.com/stats/1912852

I started recording my rides on my old bike back in Feb. 2011.

I totalled 3051 miles recorded over first 12 months riding. (Feb ’11 – Feb ’12)
Over the last year, June ’12 through May ’13, I have ridden about 3250 miles.

Onwards!