So, after a long day at work and some trouble with the Fox RP3 rear suspension unit that wouldn't hold air, I was ready to go out for a first ride with my Merlin Works 4.0 . The thing with the RP3 is that the inner valve easily loosens, preventing a good seal and thus allowing the pressure to escape when you remove the pressure pump. I had the same problem with Rogers' Sewanee when I tested it a few months back. With Rogers' bike I could twist the inner valve enough to fasten it without any tools but this time it wouldn't move . So I had to go to a tyre shop to get a little valve fastener with which to turn the inner valve tight. I promptly put his valve fastener into my toolkit, along with a spare inner valve. This might come handy along the road. I also have a HP pump in my backpack. Suspension forces different rules upon a biker. With the valve troubles over, I put in 100psi, which turned out to be fine for what I had in mind. I set out to the Tienne Vincent in Nethen to give the discbrakes a good bedding in. This climb is about 300 metres long and gives you the opportunity to grab the brakes and bring the bike to a controlled stop. You can do this 4 times per run. This heats up the disc pads, which in turn enables them to bed in with the discs. After 4 runs - and obviously also 4 climbs of the Tienne - I could feel that the 'bite' of the brakes had improved considerably, up to a point where you could lift the back wheel whilst applying the front brake.
I also checked out the seating position, which proved to be just about right. That means that I can cut the excess suspension steerer and get rid of the tower above the Chris King headset. The bike shifted great, but obviously it will take a few more ride - and a lot of checking of bolts and nuts - before it will all run smoothly. I am happy I got the brakes bedded in and got to check out the bike. Now I can relax, get the steerer cut and await the coming of spring.
Ride Stats : 22.3K and 265heightmeters in 1h05mins
730/5800
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