Thanks for the replies, the issue with the difficult tire mounting is the narrow rim, I believe it’s 14mm, a tight fit for clinchers with big beads. I don’t look forward to dealing with any flats. On the positive side, the wheels are very true, allowing me to do a good job fine tuning the crappy brakes.

Yesterday I installed the new shifter and a new chain. I couldn’t find a grip shifter that I liked, and as I said before, I really dislike the appearance and cable layout of the STI levers. So I went with the XTR 970 shifters, and they work brilliantly.




I temporarily installed a set of old MTB grips until I get a new bar, I ordered a set of Avid speed dial SL brake levers, and TRP v brakes, the original Tektros are awful. I should have those on by next weekend. I also installed a new Wipperman chain, the Moulton has a long swing arm, which means it needs a longer chain. In Japan it’s almost impossible to find chains more than 118 links, and I needed 122 links for the new crank set, so I bought two 114 link chains.

The bike rides like a dream, though it’s a little cramped. I’ve also ordered an old MTB chrome moly combined bar and stem which will move my hands a little more forward, and should look good on the bike.