Biked this morning up to Morong KM 44, visited Mario Toledo to have the bike fixed - Wheeltop does not want to shift to 36t

Wheels of Happiness

This post biked this morning to Morong KM 44, near the New Municipal Building of Morong.   On the way, I discovered that there is a Bikol Ni Lugawan in Mambog Binangonan Rizal near the INC church.  That means, I have to bike just 10 km instead of 20 km+ to Lagundi Morong Rizal.

At Cardona a 60 ish MTB rider just past the municipal hall passed by and conversed regarding my destination and I said I am up to Morong only, and he said he is from Tanay.   I chased him and overtook him at Callahan and over the top he overtook me and chased him again from the exit arch and overtook him near the Bombongan crossing.  He inquired about my age and answered 73 and he said he is 59   So that is about 2 decades difference.   

I returned and then proceeded to my main destination a bike mechanic from Mambog Binangonan Rizal.  He lives at Crystal East Binangonan and arrived there at about 9 am.  He awoke at about 9:30   I went there to do a back job on the Wheeltop electronic GS that does not shift up to 36 t.  I need the 36 t to enable me to ride up steep hills like the ones going up Mambog.   There were 3 hills till Marios place and I only had 32t to manage the climb.  The first one was about 20% grade.

While waiting for Mario, I conversed with the regired Msgt from PA.  He was being massaged on account of neuropathy from diabetes and difficulty in standing   I learned that his wife just died  and may be he weas recovering from the grief.  We talked about same situation as I have.  Diabetic and growing weakness. I advised him to exercise some more and be happy.

As for the bike, Mario was able to make the gears go back to 36t.  But he needs to access the apps to smoothne out hte high gears.  

Cleaning and regreasing of Campy crank

Wheels of Happiness

I met Mario Toledo, my best mechanic,  yesterday at a mountain trail road and hastily I consulted the campy crank, (the bearing of which was just replaced)  which has not be been rotating smoothly.  He advised that I should disassemble, clean, and regrease.

Which I did today.  Removal of the 10mm crank bolt (and reinstalling is a challenge).

True enough the crank axle is dirty and the non drive bearing is a little bit sticky.  So I cleaned the crank axle the bearing, and the crank shell. Generously regreased the bearing and the axle with synthetic lighter grease.   How could they all be so grimy after just three months?   Its good that the bearings were still in good shape.

Now the crank now turn faster and smoother.  I must have lost 10-15 watts with the dirty 

First class repair job by Mario Toledo made an old bike brand new - sharp and responsive

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

5.28.2021

Mario Toledo

One of the famous names among bike mechanics is Mario Toledo who lives at July St., Crystal East Subdivision at Mambog Binangonan Rizal.  But to reach him, you have to ride up 3 steep hills which is by itself a challenge.  He charges reasonably well.

For servicing the hubs (the free hub which took time to fabricate the springs which were all ready weak) and the front shock (replacing the rubber seals with DIY seals cut from tubes - because not was available)

cleaning the springs, and refiling with oil)  The BN hub repair kit  just axle and cone costs P3,100 at an electronic e commerce.  Other hubs would set you back by P6k to P10 k (if you get the straight pull and with center lock)

The improperly set hubs (not the cones trouble) caused all the wobble and the friction on the rear wheels.  Now the bike is running like brand new - sharp and responsive   A good mechanic makes for a good bike and bike ride   Find a good one for your bike

The front shock, provided it will not do river crossing would be good for a year, and the hubs for another five years.    

Thank you Mario for a good job.