- Happy days -






First of all, what is examination stress syndrome?

What the hell is wrong with just calling it regular stress? Schmucks. I also get stress from deadlines, maybe we should have a condition called 'missed deadline stress syndrome'.

Second thing, I got my XTR cranks.

Aluminium, titanium, carbon wonder. This is nearly as exciting as first getting the bike. First ride home - one case of chainsuck, 6 cases of chain dropping off the large chainring. Got home, adjusted 'H' screw and problem was solved.

Chain suck plate still scratched. Oh well. They are bikes, not cutlery.




But I need to post a review: KCNC Bear Bones were a super sucky crankset. Fuck. First the spider went loose - this was within 3 days of getting the bike new - then the chain dropped so often that it tore the chain suck plate right off, and then - after the chain got shortened to try to fix the problem - it continued trying to carve a whole in the chain stay anyway. Like a big F U, it never stopped sucking. Not to mention, when I mash on the left, I hear creaks. I always thought that was due to the pedals -- but now I know - it's flex. Also, it takes like up to 3 seconds to shift up. I have to hold the lever down until the chain rails onto the ring.

XTR M970 crankset however - apart from the initial run in - holy shit, smooth shifts, *fast shifts* and after the H screw adjustment - no more chain drop. And no creaks.



Glad I tossed the KCNC.

Never trust what you read in forums.

The new cranks are 167.5mm in length, down from 175, and today's ride was slow but beautiful.

I swear I almost cracked a smile.










New shoes. They were a steal, because I stole them.





No not really, Ben gave a special price off them.




Finally, the vanity corner of my office.