gentlegreen
I hummus, therefore I am ...
Headset? Any play there?
Not that I can detect - but sometimes waiting at junctions I reckon I can feel sideways play as if it's the "temporary" second-hand suspension fork slopping about - but I just gave it all a bit of a testing and can't honestly say I can see anything.
You're correct of course - will be something of an issue living in the French sticks (hopefully) .. though I must start noting the location of bicycle repair shops in France .. but it would depend on my being able to master the skill - I'm really no good at anything that requires judgement - I even struggle slightly with the 4mm clamp screws on my brakes etc... not that I've stripped any threads or had cables slipping at inopportune moments.It doesn't take too many trips to the shop before a tension meter and truing stand become viable investments.
It's a key reason I choose over-spec rims ...
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I have to say I'm not impressed by Shimano hubs - the grease doesn't seem to stay in.
The Suntour (?) hub has conical alloy covers in place of Shimano's rubber ones.
My other spare wheel's bearing is rough too after maybe 18 months' use (cheaper Shimano)..
Do I just need to replace the balls or are the cups (and hence hubs) wrecked ?