Seven and a bit speed
 

I'm almost 8spd!

Two spokes broke on the rear wheel on Monday, and rather than a repair I decided to replace both wheels. The bikeshop gave me a good deal on a pair of 36hole Mavic x222's (anybody any idea how they differ from x221's?) handbuilt on LX hubs along with a cheap Shimano cassette. They didn't have any 8spd ESP shifters in stock so at the moment I'm running the seven higher gears on the seven speed shifter which works okay - the spacing is obviously close enough for it to work, but I guess it should be smoother once I've got the new shifter.

The wheels feel less 'leaden' than the old ones, though I'm not sure whether the silver spokes are as fast as the old black ones ;)

Richard

Rich,

I'm not sure but I think that black spokes are faster.

Marty

Black spokes are always faster!!

There is nothing in the world as fast as a wheel with good BLACK spokes. I'd get rid of those wheels, if I was you, (send them to me) and get yourself some new wheels with BLACK spokes just so you can be as fast as you once were.

Apparently, judging from eBay prices, Celeste Bianchi frames are faster than those in other colours.

Looks like I'll have to spray-paint the spokes :)

It's probably the slight difference in spacing but the chain isn't running smoothly in the higher gears. Do cassettes take time to break in (it is a cheap Shimano job that looks almost chromed)?

I think I'll replace the chain with a new one whilst waiting for the new shifter, it doesn't appear to be stretched but has done 1300 miles, and as I've only just replaced chainset and cassette I think it makes sense.

Richard