Thanks! This is a clear rite of passage. I had zero intent on biking during FIRE, yet here I am.
More bike progress:
1. The flat pedals arrived and are installed. I had to get my Dad's help. I couldn't for the life of me get the old pedals unstuck. When he tried they popped right off. He must have a better wrench
2. We took two links off the chain, bringing it to stock length. Previously I had issues with the chain slipping in low gears, which I cannot now reproduce. The master link pliers work great. I have couple spare links on the way, since I guess they are not infinitely reusable.
3. Possibly related - once de-greaser and brushes arrived, I gave the bike a much deeper clean. The cassette is now shiny. Maybe this helped with the slipping. I'm going to try a cassette brush next time, since getting in the nooks was still tough.
4. I settled on the transition lens biking glasses, which seem to fit well. Interchangeable lenses looked like a pain. These won't be great during peak sunlight, but I don't like being outside then.
5. I made an attempt at lubricating brake and shifter cables. Dunno how useful this is, but I had some dry lube I was itching to use. I also put some on the chain. It still has some factory coating on there, so again, not sure how useful. But I practiced the task.
6. I think I traced the squeaking back to my adjustable stem. Which it turns out is in the highest possible riding position. So I'm going to try moving it to the lowest position. That should both let me stretch out and lower my center of gravity. I think that could help increase my comfort with handling. However, I couldn't loosen the bolt with my cheap wrench. I didn't want to force it, so I've got a better tool on the way.
7. I'm heading out for a 10 mile ride with my Dad tomorrow.
Longer term, there are many other ideas queued up. I need to ride more and figure out my active constraints.
1. Practice mounting and dismounting more gracefully.
2. Practice riding on loose substrate
3. Learn how to tune my rear derailleur, to optimize shifting. Repack the guide and tension wheels with grease. Adjust the spring tension.
4. Something similar for the front derailleur.
5. Touch up the paint job
6. Repack wheel bearings
7. When I eventually take off the cassette, get and apply a new spoke guard
8. Get a Portable pump or c02, so I can repair flats on the road.
9. Get a lock, so I can go places.
10. Get a multi-tool with chain breaker, so I can repair broken chains on the road.
11. Replace cabling. What's there sloppily done and old
12. New brake pads. Mine are working, but old.