New Stuff, Old Stuff

I installed that Chris King headset last night. Not having any proper headset removal or installation tools on hand, it was not something that you would have wanted your children or bike mechanics to watch. Now, I should mention that I have used the brute force headset installation method many times in the past, although I wouldn't recommend trying this particular methodology on your expensive all-carbon frame. The Cervelo, being good ol' steel, did not complain too much, however. My primary tools for this operation are two allen wrenches for removal of the stem and brake, a small block of wood, a long big-ass screwdriver, and a ball-peen hammer. Kids, don't try this at home without adult supervision!

After removing the stem and front brake, the headset cups are "delicately" removed by pounding them out from the inside with the screwdriver and hammer, being careful to work all sides evenly so that the cups come out more or less straight. The race on the fork crown comes off in a similar manner. Installation of the new headset involves propping the frame up on a solid block of wood on a table so that the head tube is resting square on the wood, and then carefully pounding in the cups using the wooden block to keep from damaging them and to help keep them going in straight. Anyway, everything finally went together nicely and I finished up by putting the stem, brake and computer pickup back on.

This morning's ride was a nice steady paceline; slow enough that I never put it in the big ring, but fast enough to count. I don't guess I was very talkative. The Daughter had some surgery done on her ankle up in Iowa City this morning, and I had a number of things on my plate at work as well. The surgery seems to have gone well and they removed an "extra" bone that apparently 20% of the population has that was causing some irritation, and fixed a tendon or ligament on the top of her foot that was torn. She should be back on her feet in ten days or so (I hope), and is counting on her teammates to help her out while she heals up.

Right now I'm taking a little break and checking out the live reports from the Tour de Georgia on Cyclingnews.com. I'm hoping to make it out to the lakefront for the Wednesday training race this evening.