Sunday 17 February 2013

Witchcraft on a Brompton

Today, like a Hammer Horror film from the 1970's I witnessed a sight almost too terrifying to commit to this blog. If there had of been a sofa to hide behind I may well have been found there. I speak of hub gears and it tis witchcraft!

At a maintenance course I attended today, my hub gear, which previously had exhibited a mild scraping sound was taken apart and examined. The hub gear on a Brompton is a sealed and self contained unit that only the brave would dare to tackle. The mere suggestion that I would open it up and poke around would induce a reaction similar to Christopher Lee playing Dracula upon seeing a crucifix held by Peter Cushing as Van Helsing! Much hissing, turning away and the covering of ones eyes - that sort of thing.

Today a man only known as Michael the Hub Slayer not only took apart my hub but no less than two others. He had a quick look at an old one he had in the workshop and then set to work on those attached to bikes.

The bearings in my hub looked a little dull. They were replaced, new grease applied and it all put back together. I am happy to report that the scrapping sound seems to have gone. Hopefully it will give it a longer life before it needs replacing.

In case you are wondering why no photos, I did take them but the hub did not show up in any of them? I take this as an omen not to meddle with things that I do not understand!

2 comments:

  1. Let's face it, anything aft of the suspension block on a Brompton is protected by a sign saying "Hyre Be Dragons..."

    ReplyDelete
  2. I remember as a boy taking apart the SA gear on my Raleigh bike. (There were no other gears.) It always worked afterwards. But there were always small parts left over on the path!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for leaving a comment.