February 2017 in the Life of Ben (Blog)
Condor Brake Shoes Replaced (17th February 2017)
A standard Condor brake shoe is all one piece. The pad is part of the shoe. This means we couldn’t use the grippier Salom Kool Stop version, which we hoped might be grippier.
Secteur’s brake shoes use a cartridge for the brake pad, meaning it can use softer rubber. It also means I can just replace the pad when they wear out, not the whole shoe. It fitted in Condor’s caliper so I bought a pair of Shimano brake shoes with cartridge pads for Condor.
When they arrived I swapped the pads salmon pads into them. Used the leftover Shimano pads in the front of Secteur as they needed replacing. Fitted the new shoes with kool stop pads into Condor and it all went without a hitch.
We’ll need to do a couple of short test rides to make sure everything is working properly before our next Penge CC Sunday ride. This technical change should make it easier for Fiona to get decent braking force without tiring out her hands.
Bicycle Part Swap (17th February 2017)
- Secteur mudguards removed
- Secteur rack removed
- Condor brake shoes swapped
- Condor using salmon cool stop pads
- Condor given Secteur rack
- Secteur given pads from Condor new shoes
- Secteur given new brake pad bolt
- Secteur cleaned with muc-off and rag
Iraq: A Deadly Deception (1st February 2017)
Saw this on Al Jazeera HD. Iraq: A Deadly Deception (video will play automatically) is currently a free stream on their website. That page features a summary in written article form.
Discovery style chronological documentary about the key events which led to war in Iraq. Well researched with transparent sourcing and important interviews.
The fall-out from this invalid war still dominates politics today. Hundreds of thousands injured and killed, likely over a million displaced. All because of lies from USA and UK elected leadership.
In that context, President Trump’s travel ban can only signal a new era of tragedy and danger.