On Rules #26 and #65: Spring Theory

To hold opposing truths in one’s heart is a beautiful thing; to find resonance within contradiction is a liberating force that opens one’s mind to a wide world of possibilities. Life lived in black and white is a bland, simple world, after all: everything interesting in life happens in the gray space in between.

There is nothing outwardly in conflict between Rules #26 and #65, but within the application of Rule #26 we run the risk of violating Rule #65. Whenever storing one’s bicycle, whether for the evening or for an extended period of time, one is to take care to place the chain in a little-little configuration. This is done by Pro racers out of respect for their mechanic by making their life just a little bit easier when they remove the wheels before getting the bike a clean and sparkling for the next day’s training or racing.

We, the humble plonkers, presumably don’t have a personal or team mechanic who rubs our beloved steed with a diaper post-ride. But there lurks another reason why this practice is an important one to undertake: leaving the chain in the big dog and mid or high cassette as we would when gussying our girl up to be photographed puts the springs in the derailleurs under tension, causing them to wear out more quickly. Placing them little-little leaves them nice and relaxed, all rested up for your next soul crushing session.

I can not overstate that this in no way allows us to photograph or allow someone else to photograph our steed in this relaxed state, much like we would not allow ourselves to be photographed while laying on the couch wearing compression socks and moaning about our guns.

[rule number=26]

[rule number=65]

frank

The founder of Velominati and curator of The Rules, Frank was born in the Dutch colonies of Minnesota. His boundless physical talents are carefully canceled out by his equally boundless enthusiasm for drinking. Coffee, beer, wine, if it’s in a container, he will enjoy it, a lot of it. He currently lives in Seattle. He loves riding in the rain and scheduling visits with the Man with the Hammer just to be reminded of the privilege it is to feel completely depleted. He holds down a technology job the description of which no-one really understands and his interests outside of Cycling and drinking are Cycling and drinking. As devoted aesthete, the only thing more important to him than riding a bike well is looking good doing it. Frank is co-author along with the other Keepers of the Cog of the popular book, The Rules, The Way of the Cycling Disciple and also writes a monthly column for the magazine, Cyclist. He is also currently working on the first follow-up to The Rules, tentatively entitled The Hardmen. Email him directly at rouleur@velominati.com.

View Comments

  • I have been told the little-little set up does "not much" for extending the life of derailleur springs. Owing to the fact that I didn't believe them, I was daydreaming and not paying much attention and so know little of the explaination (however incorrect it may be).

  • Over ten years or so it might make a minute difference, but it's certainly nothing to concern anyone.

  • I hope my bikes meet rule 65. But with such crappy hearing, I fear that there are creaks, rattles, and so forth, all far out of my ability to hear the cacophony.

  • @Oli

    Over ten years or so it might make a minute difference, but it’s certainly nothing to concern anyone.

    Exactly, precisely why a Velominatus should be doing it.

  • I always leave mine on the 39, but mid-cassette - as close to chainline as possible.

  • I belive #65 is near the top as far as rule importance. A perfectly adjusted quiet machine is a thing of beauty, and there is no excuse to the contrary. Too many of the younger riders rely on LBS to adjust and maintain their bikes, and the art of adjustment has fallen to the wayside. As a lifelong rider living in the rural Southern United States, I have never had the luxury of anyone but myself to build and maintain my bikes, and I take great pride in their flawless operation. I am my own Campagnolo pro shop, stocking spares parts, and wear items that many a LBS would envy.

  • @frank

    Of course you're right. And even though I know it makes no difference I still do it every time I put my bike away.

  • My father passed on these principles to me and now I pass them onto my VMH in training.

1 2 3 8
Share
Published by
frank

Recent Posts

Anatomy of a Photo: Sock & Shoe Game

I know as well as any of you that I've been checked out lately, kind…

7 years ago

Velominati Super Prestige: Men’s World Championship Road Race 2017

Peter Sagan has undergone quite the transformation over the years; starting as a brash and…

7 years ago

Velominati Super Prestige: Women’s World Championship Road Race 2017

The Women's road race has to be my favorite one-day road race after Paris-Roubaix and…

7 years ago

Velominati Super Prestige: Vuelta a España 2017

Holy fuckballs. I've never been this late ever on a VSP. I mean, I've missed…

7 years ago

Velominati Super Prestige: Clasica Ciclista San Sebastian 2017

This week we are currently in is the most boring week of the year. After…

7 years ago

Route Finding

I have memories of my life before Cycling, but as the years wear slowly on…

7 years ago