Viking Lars | Saturday, 30 March 2024
I’m done making the half DT interchangeable sink line I wrote about a few weeks ago. I haven’t tested it yet and it’ll probably need some tweaking. There are two parameters to be aware of and I’ll bring a little gear so I can make intermediate (as in non-permanent, not the sink rate - there is no intermediate (the sink rate) tips for the line yet). It’s really perfect weather today, but there’s a family Easter lunch, so it’ll have to wait.
It took a while for me to pull myself together to get the work done, but last weekend was Gent-Wevelgem (the bike race) and they have a tendency to place me on the couch for the duration, so I got out the gear. I did get in an hour and a half min the home trainer as well (while watching the bike race, pathetic, I know). I thought the T-line I’d bought (RIO) had monofilament cores and I’ve never been confident making welded loops on monofilament cores. But it turned out they have braided cores, so heat gun, scalpel and shrink tube it was. Just as Matthew van der Poel broke free from the others, I began making 16 (yes, sixteen) loops. It took a while, but the T-line welded very nicely and the loops are good.
I made the tips 5’ long, because that’s the length on the Jim Teeny Mini Tip lines that I used to fish a lot. They are still available, but only in the US (import tax and all that). They only come with one sink rate and three is better than one. It might end up with a Teeny Mini Tip yet. The experiment might be a complete disaster.
Depending on performance, I can tweak the from taper on the DT. I think I cut it back about 4’, 2 of which were level. I’m sure it’ll be fine with the T-8, probably also the T-11. The T-14 might be too much. It also might be heavier than I ever need, but that remains to be tested. I’ll bring a small tube, so I can cut and needle knot new loops if everything performs below par. I don’t need perfect of course, but it has to work.
I got these nice heavy duty zippered bags on AliExpress and they are the perfect size for the tips and even the half DT. I’ll make a nice leather wallet for them.
I’ll have the time for it today, as I had set out on a two bike ride and punctured after 10km. I fixed a puncture just before I left, so I thought it pointless to change the tube as it’s probably something lodged in the tyre. I did put in a new type of tube (Tubolito if anyone know what that is). Paul says they’re crap and leak in the valve. I’ll know when I get it out. I’ve decided to change to tubeless tyres. They have liquid latex inside, which should simply run any small leak, dry and seal the puncture. Most people like it and say that they often don’t even notice the leak until they get home and the tyre has a small spot of latex on the outside.
Well, a bit of this and a bit of that. I’ll let you know how the line performs and hope it doesn’t end up a stink tip.
It’s Easter, so it’s time for a big family get-together, not that we celebrate Easter as such. There are som extra days off, so it’s usually possible to get everyone together.
And don’t forget tomorrow. It might be Easter Sunday, but it’s also the day where we celebrate Saint de Ronde. Those who know, know. Ronde van Flaanderen - Tour of Flanders is tomorrow. Some will say the most important one day race on the World Tour. I’m not sure if it’s that or Paris-Roubaix, but I’m stuck at the tele tomorrow, so there’ll be fly tying.
Have a great Easter!
Lars
PoD: The half DT and check out the welded loops, they’re very smooth. Let me know if you want an FP on how to make them.