Always store your bike in the mechanic's position: small-small to ease tension on the derailleur springs. Photo: Pedale.Forchetta
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]
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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
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.
@DavyMuur
How do ride any long duration like that?
@DavyMuur
Sorry, it was dumb of me.
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.