Solving missing shifts problem of Campy at my Fuji bike

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
December 29, 2017

I rode today up to Morong to fulfill my mileage requirements for the Vigan ride  I had 50 last Wednesday, and today 40 km. I rode on the Fuji Carbon

I was trying to ape Alberto Contador who boasted of standing up going uphill (on slight or medium hills) at 53 x 17- 19.  However, as I used the 6th gear (the 19 teeth) it jumped.   I tried to adjust the cable tension from the front adjuster, to the barrel adjuster, then the screw adjuster.  But the bad shift kept on.

I avoided the 19t and used 21 or 17t to experiment the standing up when climbing the hills (instead of 34 x 25) which was slower and lazier way to climb.  Surely such a practice makes one stronger and faster

So I peered at the gears and I suspected a broken 19t gear. (Whew where will I find a 19t spare Campy cog?) What is saw surprised me:  there is an uneven space between 17t and 19t.   So I removed the cogs from the free wheel.  The trouble was with the spacer.   The first two spacers with the groove was between the 25 23 set with 21 19, and  17.   I placed the flat spacers which caused uneven spacing.  When I rearranged the  spacers and the cogs looked of even spacing, I tightened the nut and tried to shift  It was perfect.

Without this observation and analysis, this problem would persist and the mechanic could have fooled me and recommended something expensive.

VM now likes spinning on hill climbs; how about you? Which is a better technique?

Real Cyclists

Angono Rizal  PHL   |  September 8, 2013

VM prefers the Alberto Contador (or LA) style of climbing.  They use low gear and spin a lot. I see Joel and Val employ this technique.  They do this so that the legs do not tire easily with heavy gears.  VM said he did the Mambog climb at 28 kmh doing spinning.  And the Bugarin ride, back and forth was done quickly doing only spinning.

Long legged giant like Ullrich prefer heavy gears.  Some cycling books prescribe heavier gears for long climb because they say it is more efficient and less tiring?

Which do you prefer?

                                  Recyclists starting Bugarin climb (on low gears spinning?)

                                VM and Nanding;  Nanding did not proceed up;  he stayed behind

                               Choco2 and Angel

                                  Albert V and his Argon carbon bike

                      Jorgeus biker with Laguna Lake in the background, tnx Richard for the photo

How did I do in the Tagaytay ride?

Real Cyclists

Angono, Rizal  PHL  |  July 30, 2013

I am not ashamed to tell that the rest of the Recyclists wait for me.  But before they had to wait for 10 minutes or so, now, it takes 2 to 3 minutes for me to arrive (that is according to Joel)

At the C6 portion I was in the middle of the pack and even was at the front of the paceline for a while.  They overtook me at 3/4 portion of the road.

At the Bicutan to Alabang portion, I was near the front, and reliquished the advantage near the Alabang Zapote road (they were ahead by just 200 meters)

At Daang Hari, up to about 4/5ths of Daang Hari, I stayed with the lead pack.

I and master were behind at Paliparan and Greenwoods up to Silang

At Silang to Tagaytay, we (Master and I were behind) but overtook Ado at around km 48.  Ado though overtook me at km 52.  (That was near the rotonda all ready)

What did I do as we climbed?  I tried spinning which I watched at You Tube as an Alberto Contador strategy.  The climbing was much much easier and I did not feel tired.  I was able to stay close to the leaders.

How to climb like Contador?

Real Cyclists

You must have low body weight.  Contador weighs 60 kg.  (I weigh 62 kgs)  He uses 34 x 32 gears (yes - compact)  He uses on the saddle and off the saddle technique.   He does not waste any wattage. Looks easy.