My Wheeler mountain winter bike (2)
Updated: Oct 24
Braking
Lever: Tektro
I am using my vintage Taiwanese mountain bike Tektro 4-finger brake levers, which are made from aluminum. Many people might not realize that during the 1990s, there were also lighter 2-finger levers available. However, I find these narrower levers uncomfortable for road cycling or long tours. Like many older aluminum components, the paint on these parts tends to peel. While some may see this as unattractive, I appreciate it as a sign of character.
V-Brakes: Tektro 855AL
My friend at the bike parts store suggested that I switch to disc brakes, but I decided to stick with V-brakes as a DIY mechanic. V-brakes are affordable, easy to install, and provide reliable braking when properly adjusted.
I upgraded the brake pads to high-quality red and black Kool Stops, which I highly recommend for better braking performance. These pads help protect alloy rims because their softer, stickier rubber material offers improved grip.
Many people online recommend switching to disc brakes. However, since I’m not a racer and want to avoid the chemicals associated with hydraulic discs, I prefer mechanical brakes, specifically V-brakes. They are easy to install, and maintaining or replacing the cables and brake pads is simple. In traffic, I keep my fingers gently on the levers in case I need to stop suddenly. V-brakes provide reliable and sufficient stopping power, giving me peace of mind.
Wheelset
As previously stated, I utilized my 'old' MTB wheelset; the rim, spokes, and hubs were all in good condition, approximately 80% new.
Rim:
**Front Wheel:** KD Rims are crafted from 6061-T6 alloy in Taiwan. They feature 28 straight round spokes and Bitex hubs that include sealed bearings, also manufactured in Taiwan.
**Rear Wheel:** Mountain Sport rims are made from alloy and have 28 aero spokes along with Shimano Deore hubs.
Tire & Tube:
Front and rear tires: Kenda Kwick Roller Sport folding, 26" x 1.5 (40-559), with tubes: Kenda 1.5/1.75 F/V.
After experiencing the performance of the original Kenda tires, I replaced the rear tire with a "made in Germany" Continental Grand Prix 26" folding 1 1/8 (28-559) road tire. With the Continentals, the bike's responsiveness and acceleration improved dramatically, elevating the entire bike to a whole new level. I would like to replace the front tire with the same Continental model, but I sold the other one before completing this project.
Comments on the wheelset and the tires
The wheelset is sturdy and performs exceptionally well, so I'm not too concerned about the aero spokes on the rear. A friend recommended Kenda tires because of their high quality, but I find them to feel slow and heavy during rides. Although these Kenda tires offer a smoother experience on road surfaces compared to my narrower 25mm road tires, they do not provide adequate traction on wet roads; I actually slipped on a rubber surface while going at a very low speed.
Later, I used my other rear wheelset that already had the Continental Grand Prix tires (26 x 1 1/8, also known as 28-559), which I had mounted some time ago. These tires provide a noticeably different experience compared to the Kenda tires. They are made from the same materials, construction, and design as Continental's larger 700c models, delivering the same high-quality feel as my road bike. Additionally, they roll much faster than their Taiwan-made counterparts.
In my experience, high-quality 26-inch wheels and tire sizes are becoming increasingly scarce, not only in Taiwan but worldwide. The rising popularity of 700c tires for road and gravel bikes, along with the shift in standard mountain bike tires from 26 inches to 27.5 inches and even 29 inches, has led to a decline in the appeal of the original 26-inch size. As a result, finding lightweight rim brake wheelsets is becoming more challenging, and there is limited development in 26-inch road tires. For reference, quality 700c road tires typically weigh around 200 grams each, while the smaller 26-inch tires weigh about 500 grams each.
On this particular frame I could get up to 700c or 29' wheels, but not every MTB frame has the space required for changing to larger wheels.
Assembling
Since I already had most of the parts and some experience assembling bikes from components, the whole process went smoothly. I had the essential tools, like those for the bottom bracket, and everyone has hex or Allen keys in various sizes at home—a sharp cable cutter is essential!
As I mentioned, I had to purchase
-a front derailleur
-a new set of rear V-brakes for safety reasons
and I opted for a new square tapered crankset with a traditional 113.5 sealed bottom bracket.
Before beginning the assembly, I envisioned the bike I wanted to build to suit my needs. Choosing the parts was gratifying, and assembling it piece by piece was incredibly rewarding as I watched it transform into a finished product.
I'm particularly proud of sourcing the 'old' 25.4 handlebar/stem combination in silver, which contrasts with the common black found here in Taiwan. I personally restored the fork from a damaged original by smoothing out the scratches and applying a smooth base coat, making it a unique piece.
Costs
Since some components came from the original build and my parts bin, it's challenging to assign a price to the entire bike. I purchased some new parts for functionality and safety, specifically:
- crankset including bottom bracket: USD 24.00
- front derailleur: USD 15.00
- cantilever brakes (front and rear): USD 10.00
I spent about USD 49.00 on new parts, excluding shipping, with the remainder being an inventive form of recycling. Compared to a mid-range road bike, this build was quite cost-effective. Although I won't assign a price to the value of my hands, body, and soul, the joy from building it certainly contributed to extending my life expectancy.
Riding Experiences
The bike is designed to withstand challenging conditions with impressive stability, making it an authentic mountain bike. This stability is essential when carrying loads of up to 25 kg on the rack and in both clip-on bags, whether for shopping or recycling paper. The wider tires help absorb the bumps and occasional cracks of Taiwan's poor-quality roads, allowing me to ride more smoothly. While navigating these surfaces, I've learned to relax and brake gently.
This "working bike" features flat, wide pedals that are suitable for everyday shoes, although I prefer using clipless pedals with cleated shoes. This design gives me the flexibility to ride in any shoes I choose and walk comfortably after cycling. Additionally, the upright seating position allows me to see further and better anticipate oncoming traffic. Overall, it’s a fantastic bike that I thoroughly enjoy.
Some afterthoughts...
In Taiwan, I have access to Eurosport, which broadcasts a variety of cycling sports, including road cycling, cyclocross, and mountain biking. While many cyclists try to replicate the excitement of these sports during their personal rides, it's not advisable to do so on public roads. Most people lack sponsors, a mechanic to handle any issues during rides, or someone to provide food and drinks along the way.
Although I own both a road racing bike and an endurance road bike, this Wheeler mountain winter bike has rekindled the initial joy that drew me to cycling. I don't require special cycling attire (except for the shorts), and I can wear any shoes with my flat pedals. My saddle bags offer plenty of space for carrying items, not just for cycling tours but also for shopping, recycling, and more.
This bike allows me to ride without the pressure to perform, whether I'm traveling solo or with others. Its upright position lets me enjoy my surroundings, appreciate the views, and stay aware of any potential hazards. I can stop to take a photo whenever something catches my attention. I often leave this bike unlocked outside convenience stores or coffee shops, enjoying time with family and friends.
Isn't this the true joy of cycling?
Dream on, Gerhard
-The end of the story but the beginning of new chapters-
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