11 December 2007
Breezer Uptown 8 chaincase update
Posted by todd under: Breezer Uptown 8; My bikes .
Unfortunately, the full chaincase now available on the Breezer Uptown 8 won’t work (at least very well) on the older model. A full chaincase is a great feature, because it protects the entire chain from water and grime while keeping the chain away from your clothes. It’s a common feature on European bikes, but it’s rare in the United States.
Breezer started putting the full chaincase on this year’s models, and I had hoped to get one for mine. (The picture of the full chaincase, left, is from Breezer’s Web site; the picture on the right is my bike.)
Here’s the news straight from the company:
Hello,
Thank you for checking in with us and for riding a Breezer. However,
I’m sorry to inform you that your Uptown does not accommodate the new
chain case. The new models with the chain case have special attachment
points built onto the frame for the chain case that your bike is
missing. So as I have done before, the best I can do is suggest that if
you really want a chain case you find a friend or family member who you
can gift your current Breezer to before buying a new one :). This has
actually been done before.Thanks again for checking in,
Mitch @ Breezer
Too bad! Hmm. I guess I could try drilling the holes myself …
[[Find more information about the Breezer Uptown 8, including a ride report and more about the bike's features and benefits.]]
2 Comments so far...
doc Says:
11 December 2007 at 10:13 am.
I would not recommend drilling into the frame because of potential damage and oxidation issues, but it may be possible to either obtain or fabricate clamps for your frame that you could attach the chaincase to. You could try your LBS, or another place I would look is Velo Orange. Chris is big on the retro look and chain guards for his francophile bikes.
Joe M Says:
11 December 2007 at 11:38 am.
I wouldn’t give up so easily, either. Keep in mind Joe Breeze built these bikes to be maintainence-light and suitable for the ham-handed among us. Of course the factory is going to say it can’t easily be done. Just take that as a challenge!
I would order a full chain case, anyway, and I’d bet you could jury-rig an attachment setup. I wouldn’t drill the frame, either (though it is aluminum and if you sealed the holes with silicone, you’d probably cover the oxidation problem; keep the holes small (less than 1/4″ to not compromise strength, either) but some combination of clamps, nylon tie-straps, and perhaps hose clamps would probably do the trick.
Good luck!
Joe M.
Joe, thanks, there is a little more information on this coming from Joe himself in a post tomorrow that makes me reluctant to try this, although I am sure it can be done with enough want-to & elbow grease. -6-
In fact, I almost ALWAYS wear one (while riding a bike anyway). (On the other hand, if YOU don't want to wear a helmet, I have no problem with it.) I don't remember what happened on this particular day. Fortunately for all of us it makes for a less-nerdly picture. My exceptionally talented professional photographer friend Charles Bertram took this photo.
I asked my 6-year-old son, Caleb, an avid bicyclist and artist, to draw a bike for me. I think he did a great job!
