8 Feb 2015: The first ride…

… of at least 20 metres!

Well, I put tyres on the wheel rims and, after an age fiddling around with spacers, managed to get the back wheel centred, and the freewheel and derailleur aligned without the chain fouling the frame. It’ll all have to be tightened up and readjusted before going on the road, but she’s now a proper bike rather than a collection of bits. Words can’t describe my pleasure (and just a touch of pride?) in getting this far. But next time, I won’t be trying to ride in gardening boots.

I can’t say I’m happy with this pair of wheels (Constrictor rims laced to Airlite hubs) – the rear hub waggles like a duck’s bottom and I have Harry Rowland’s words of caution ringing in my ears – but let’s hope for the best. I’m also not convinced I’ll ever be able to remove the freewheel, give the state of the removal slots, so I’m now looking for another wide-ratio 4-speed freewheel to use on the other wheelset.