Vittoria e-Barzo Trail 29x2.6: Tubeless mount

In 2019, I tried to make tires tubeless on a few occasions (see 1 and 2). However, the rims were not suitable for this.

This time, I have a different set of tires and wheels. So, I tried it again.

I installed these tire valve stems.

I used inexpensive "universal" (for bikes, motorcycles, cars, and so on) tire sealant. Since it is winter, I mixed the sealant with antifreeze/coolant.

It works well. I already rode 300+ km without any problems despite the cold weather. This may be due to the relatively low tire pressure. I use 1-1.5 bar (14-21 psi), or even less.

It will be interesting to see how it goes in the summer with the different tires I want to use.

See also related notes:

• Vittoria e-Barzo Trail 29x2.6 (2025-12-19)
• Koozer XM1850 (622x27) wheelset (2024-06-29)
• Антифриз Coolstream JPN (2020-04-10)
• Бескамерные покрышки на Cujo 1: вторая попытка (ободная лента и вентиль) (2019-09-13)
• Бескамерные покрышки на Cujo 1: первая попытка (2019-06-11)

Image albums:

• Bicycle

Pentax Q 01 8.5/1.9 Standard Prime: Samples [2] - 1/1.7" - f/1.9

Camera: Pentax Q (1/1.7", 12MP)

Lens: Pentax Q 01 8.5/1.9 Standard Prime at f/1.9 (39mm equiv.)

The profiled lens (distortion/vignetting) correction is disabled.

I was disappointed with this lens when used on the Pentax Q. However, the Pentax Q7, which has a larger sensor, produces better results. The angle of view is wider, and the resolution is higher. This combination is quite usable. One notable issue is distortion. I wish it were less.

See also related notes:

• Pentax Q 01 8.5/1.9 Standard Prime: Samples [1] - 1/2.3" - f/1.9 (2025-10-07)
• Pentax Q 01 8.5/1.9 Standard Prime (2025-09-23)

Image albums:

• Pentax Q 01 8.5/1.9 Standard Prime

Additional seatpost clamp

The PostFix BSP-97 is an additional clamp (27.2mm, 31.6mm) that is installed directly onto the seatpost, on top of the frame's seatpost clamp. It is very useful for a carbon frame.

I wanted to make something similar for the 31.6mm seatpost. For the base, I used a standard seatpost clamp for a 31.8mm seat tube. However, such a clamp has a lip that secures it to the seat tube.

This lip must be removed. I used a grinder to do so.

After all, I have two versions of processed clamps.

The two-bolt clamp (40g):

The one-bolt clamp (21g):

Both work well.

Why don't I use a dual-size seatpost clamp? They are 31.6mm/34.9mm, usually. But I need one that is 31.6mm/37mm.

See also related notes:

• Flyxii FR-701: More details (2026-02-03)
• Подседельный штырь Reverse Style Lite (2020-12-05)
• Дремель (2009-09-04)

Image albums:

• Bicycle

VIOFO A119 Mini 2: Bitrate problem

The VIOFO A119 Mini 2 dash cam has a quite good sensor and lens. However, the main problem is too low bitrate, even with proper settings.

The video quality is good for static scenes. While motion of the car introduces too many artifacts.

For testing, I recorded the same scene with the maximum bitrate setting for each mode.

2592x1944 30fps 29870kbps

2560x1600 30fps 30207kbps

2560x1440 60fps 26845kbps

2560x1440 30fps 30800kbps

2560x1080 60fps 30737kbps

2560x1080 30fps 30931kbps

2304x1296 30fps 24874kbps

1920x1080 60fps 25077kbps

1920x1080 30fps 22855kbps

Yes, the bitrates are too low for high resolutions.

Also, there is no any resizing. A smaller resolution results in a smaller angle of view due to cropping.

I chose the 2560x1080 30fps mode. The 21:9 aspect ratio is suitable for a dash cam.

And the ~3000kbps bitrate is satisfactory for this mode.

See also related notes:

• VIOFO A119 Mini 2: My new dash cam (2026-02-09)

Image albums:

• Video

Cannondale Cujo 1 (2018): The end

My Cannondale Cujo 1 bike is no more. I took it apart completely.

The frame is cracked, and I didn't want to weld it. So, I threw the frame away.

By the way, the size "L" frame weighs 1950 g without any parts attached. It's lighter than I expected based on its appearance.

I mounted some stock Cujo 1 components (the fork, steering, and brake parts) on my new bike.

See also related notes:

• Flyxii FR-701: My new bike (2026-02-23)
• Cannondale Cujo 1 (2018): Frame cracks (2026-02-11)
• Cannondale Cujo 1 (2018): Specifications (2025) (2025-12-31)
• Мой новый велосипед: Cannondale Cujo 1 (2018) (2018-10-06)

Image albums:

• Bicycle

Riconar/Rikenon 55/2.2: Samples [3] - FF - f/2.2 - Two types of focusing

Camera: Sony a7c (FF, 24MP)

Lens: Riconar/Rikenon 55/2.2 at f/2.2

Here's another comparison between the two types of focusing: focusing by the lens mechanism, and focusing by the lens adapter. See more details.

The difference is more noticeable when the focusing distance is shorter.

1.

(lens focusing)

(adapter focusing)

2.

(lens focusing)

(adapter focusing)

3.

(lens focusing)

(adapter focusing)

4.

(lens focusing)

(adapter focusing)

See also related notes:

• Riconar/Rikenon 55/2.2: Two types of focusing and background blur (2023-11-27)
• Noname Leica M-Sony FE/E close focus (helicoid) adapter (2023-07-30)
• Riconar/Rikenon 55/2.2 (K): It's not a triplet (2023-06-21)

Image albums:

• Riconar/Rikenon 55/2.2

My cameras (2025-02): 4 + 4

After selling some cameras, I have four digital cameras and four film cameras.

Digital cameras:

Sony a7c (2021, FF, 24MP, mirrorless with Sony FE mount)

Ricoh GR (2014, APS-C 1.5x, 16MP, fixed 28 equiv. lens)

Samsung NX2000 (2013?, APS-C 1.5x, 20MP, mirrorless with Samsung NX mount)

Pentax Q7 (2013, 1/1.7" 4.6x, 12MP, mirrorless with Pentax Q mount)

Film cameras:

Pentax Super A (1983?, 135 film, SLR with Pentax K mount)

Zorki-6 (1965, 135 film, rangefinder camera with M39x1/28.8 mount)

Kiev-6S (1983, 120 film 6x6, SLR with P6/Б mount)

NONS SL42 II (2021?, Instax mini film, SLR with Canon EF mount)

See also related notes:

• Pentax Q7: Better, but still too specific (2025-11-13)
• Kiev-6S: Budget medium format film camera (2025-06-11)
• NONS SL42 (II): "Instax Mini" SLR camera (2025-05-27)
• Pentax Super A: My new film camera (2025-04-21)
• Zorki-6: Rangefinder film camera (another copy) (2025-01-10)
• Samsung NX2000: cheap 20MP camera, welcome (2023-07-05)
• Sony α7c (Alpha 7C, a7c) (2022-03-18)
• Ricoh GR: субъективные впечатления (2014-03-19)

Viltrox AF 20/2.8 & AF 28/4.5: Firmware updates (a7V support)

New firmware updates were released in December 2025 for the Viltrox AF 20/2.8 and AF 28/4.5 lenses.

The update for the Viltrox AF 28/4.5 is usual.

However, a firmware file (which you should download and copy to a virtual disk) is no longer available for the Viltrox AF 20/2.8. I had to use the Viltrox Lens application for Windows.

Fortunately, it worked.

See also related notes:

• Viltrox AF 28/4.5: Firmware update (PC) (2025-07-21)
• Viltrox AF 28/4.5 (FE): Wide-angle pancake lens (2025-01-24)
• Viltrox AF 20/2.8: Firmware update (V1.1.2) (2024-11-16)
• Viltrox AF 20/2.8 (FE): Ultra wide angle autofocus lens (2024-08-31)

Image albums:

• Viltrox AF 20/2.8 FE
• Viltrox AF 28/4.5 FE

Flyxii FR-701: My new bike

I assembled my new 29+ hardtail bike, using the Flyxii FR-701 carbon frame as the base.

I used the included parts, as well as the new bottom bracket and some parts from my Cannondale Cujo 1.

The used fork is the RockShox Recon RL 29" Boost with 120mm travel (the stock fork from the Cujo 1). To start, I set the handlebars to the same height as on the Cujo 1 by placing 40 mm of spacers below the stem.

I replaced the end caps to convert the rear wheel to support a 12x148 axle.

The rear axle is in the "longer" position. The chainstay [virtual] length is 440 mm (425+15).

I also mounted the 34T chainring.  Due to the raised right chainstay, there is a lot of space.

The clearance between the crank arms and the chainstays.

My first impression is positive. The new bike reminds me of my Cujo 1, but it is lighter and allows for larger wheels. The Vittoria e-Barzo Trail 29x2.6 tires are still mounted, but there is now more space around the rear wheel.

See also related notes:

• Cannondale Cujo 1 (2018): The end (2026-03-05)

Image albums:

• Bicycle

Pentax K 30/2.8: Samples [2] - FF - f/2.8

Camera: Sony a7c (FF, 24MP)

Lens: Pentax K 30/2.8 at f/2.8

See also related notes:

• Pentax K 30/2.8: ad (2023-09-15)

Image albums:

• Pentax K 30/2.8

Motsuv 34T chainring

After upgrading to the 12-speed drivetrain, I decided to switch from the 32T chainring to a 34T one. At least, for evaluating.

I chose an inexpensive 9-12SPD-34T Motsuv (for Shimano direct mount).

  

I already have the VXM MT-V86 tool to remove and install chainrings on the Shimano M7100-1 (SLX) crankset. The tool works well.

Unfortunately, I was too lazy to check if there was enough space to use the 34T chainring with the Cujo 1 frame.

The 32T Shimano chainring weighs 118 g, while the 34T Motsuv chainring weighs 69 g.

See also related notes:

• Flyxii FR-701: My new bike (2026-02-23)

Image albums:

• Bicycle

Koozer 450: 12x148 end caps

The Flyxii FR-701 frame uses a 12x148 rear axle. That was the main reason I chose it. However, my rear wheel is QR 141.

Fortunately, the Koozer 450 Boost rear hub can be easily converted by replacing the end caps.

The Q20 and Q22 caps should be replaced with the T20 and T22 caps.

Also I already installed Koozer T38 hub caps (RockShox torque caps)

See also related notes:

• Flyxii FR-701: My new bike (2026-02-23)

Image albums:

• Bicycle

Ztto BB86/24: Twist bottom bracket

Since the Flyxii FR-701 frame has a compatible with "BB92" (press-fit 41mm x 92mm) bottom bracket shell, I need to find a new bottom bracket.

Overall, I am not a fan of press-fit bottom brackets, so I chose a "twist" bottom bracket from ZTTO.

The ZTTO BB86/24 (LKBB8624).

It has a self-pressing (by twisting) design. Also, it is compatible with Shimano's 24mm spindle crankset, such as my Shimano M7100-1 (SLX).

See also related notes:

• Flyxii FR-701: My new bike (2026-02-23)

Image albums:

• Bicycle

Pentax DA 14/2.8: Samples [3] - APS-C

Camera: Pentax *ist Ds (1.5x crop factor, 6MP), Pentax K10D (1.5x crop factor, 10MP)

Lens: Pentax DA 14/2.8 at f/5.6-f/9 (21mm equiv.)

The profiled lens (distortion/vignetting) correction is disabled.

(K10D, f/8)

(*ist Ds, f/5.6)

(*ist Ds, f/9)

(*ist Ds, f/8)

(K10D, f/8)

(K10D, f/9)

(K10D, f/9)

See also related notes:

• Pentax DA 14/2.8 (2006-12-23)

Image albums:

• Pentax DA 14/2.8