Pumping & Prepping

 

Not in the Mad Max post-apocalyptic sense, although global events and the political climate have certainly left me imagining some very dark scenarios. Growing up in the 1980s, I recall the very real threat of nuclear war and societal collapse and frankly, we seem closer to both scenarios, now…

After ten years, I was compelled by the urge to strip and inspect the Blackburn Piston 4. Would a good clean and regrease of the gasket and piston (plunger, if you prefer) restore its slick, refined efficiency? The hose and chuck were al in good shape and it was still very functional, delivering the desired pressures but the piston action and airflow weren’t optimal.

Undoing two little Philip screws, everything separated smoothly and in one piece. Gasket and plunger were sporting a gungy beard, but essentially sound. Degreasers can be a little harsh, so I gave both parts a light rinse with tepid water and then treated both to a few blasts of Juice Lubes Bike Wash.

Now, I’d generally steer people toward solvent based aerosol cleaners, or industrial alcohol when cleaning the barrel’s inner sanctum. However, I blasted some Motoverde Drivetrain Degreaser inside and left it doing its thing for five minutes, turning my attention to the gasket and piston. A gentle tickling with this Green Oil Bike Brush GREEN OIL BIKE BRUSH REVIEW and some tepid water cut through the grot.

Rinse, dry and reach for grease. Swerve anything lithium, or PTFE-based. When it comes to Silca, only use their dedicated preps. Otherwise, silicone formulas are a good default, but I’ve gone for the Juice Lubes Slick Juice. Liberal around the gasket, sparingly along the piston’s lower section. That done, I returned to the Piston 4’s barrel. I dried this in two stages. Some old, scrap towel doing the lion’s share, judicious deployment of a hairdryer on medium heat removing any residual, mischievous dampness.

On a roll, I took the same route with my SKS Air-X-Plorer Digi Floor Pump SKS Air-X-Plorer Digi Floor Pump | cycling-not-racing. This is stereotypically Teutonic in terms of build quality. Same MO, save for the collar screws being M25 Torx. Piston, spring and gasket were particularly solid. This time, I cleaned these with bike wash but exorcised the barrel using an aerosol solvent cleaner. Everything slid back together beautifully, any faint stiction well and truly banished.

Well and truly in the zone, I popped Muffin in the work stand and decided to remove the Genetic Tibia crank, clean and inspect the ring and give the frame a good waxing while I was about it. Be rude not too… I’ve gone for self-extracting bolts and was initially disconcerted by their reticence. Gentle persistence with the 8mm Allen key secured the drive side’s release.   

A tag team of Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner | cycling-not-racing and Muc-Off Chain Wax Cleaner Muc-Off Chain Wax Cleaner 500ml | cycling-not-racing  consumed the slightly gungy residue clinging to the teeth, making inspection and assessment viable. The ring is still in good shape, so stays for now. I’ll review come November and at that point, will take a view and chain replacement may be all that’s called for.

I turned my attentions to the TRP Spyre SLC, giving the pads and disc a cat-lick, ensuring the piston movement was optimal. An easy, preventative tweak. Muffin back in the workshop, I turned my attention to Denise. I was keen to see whether the Magicshine Ray3000 would sit securely atop the auction site Garmin Mount.

Given the light’s girth, I needed to relocate the Genetic Neuron Accessory Bar GENETIC NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing outboard, necessitating a quick dip into the shim bag. While on that particular mission, I found another Magicshine handlebar mount, which is an improvement on that supplied with the Coospo Real Road CS600 GPS Bike Computer Coospo CS600 GPS | cycling-not-racing  . Sure the bars feel a little busier, which might bring the clutter-phobic out in hives. However, there was a bigger, unwelcome surprise in store. During our first outing, the out-front mount ejected the Ray3000. Testament to its build quality, not so much as a scratch.

Closer inspection revealed the plastic Garmin pattern mount had deformed and fractured at one point. I switched the light to the resin Magicshine mount and popped the Coospo CS600 in my jersey pocket for the remaining five miles. Diagnostics done, I arrived home, had a rummage in the spare munts bag and found a replacement. I also took the opportunity to exchange the Gaciron Cetus 1700 Gaciron Cetus 1700 Underneath Bike Light | cycling-not-racing mount for the Magicshine Hori 1300 Magicshine HORI 1300 Front Light | cycling-not-racing for those times when I’m testing the Ray 3000 on another machine and I want more lumens than the Exposure Revo dynamo lamp can muster.

 

 

 

 

 

Lights, Discs & Doo Dahs

 

There comes a time in the creative process where fatigue strikes, and I’m both numb of bum and brain. This is fleeting and easily dismissed on the road, or trail. Well, assuming of course, I’m not breaking in a traditional leather saddle. The saddle is where I do much of my contemplation of wider dilemmas and escape life’s exhausting noise. Chances are, come a ride's end, whether it be 20 or 50 miles, I’ve mentally drafted a plan of action and just need to transcribe.  

The present political climate, the mobilization of people towards a very dark avenue often creeps into my thoughts. Not on the bike specifically, but my rights to ride, to be, to live and let live aren’t something I take for granted. Fascism doesn’t ignite or become tolerated overnight, rather, it knocks politely and speaks softly. The rhetoric is steadily dialled higher, mobilising people from outrage to organised street violence. Extremist views then become mainstream and normalised.

There’s also a lot of money to be made. Nothing new, we’ve been here before. The same “patriots” engaging in the street violence, intimidation will talk about their grandfathers and great grandfathers' participation in World War II. They will do so with pride, oblivious to the fact these men were battling against precisely the fascism they are buying into and fuelling. These politics of rage are also intertwined with anti-intellectualism and a profound lack of critical thought.

Meandering along the lanes, turning a steady cadence aboard Muffin, engaging the brake lever and feeling the Spyre SLC bite the rotor progressively, it occurred to me. I’ve a tendency to ignore rear brakes much of the time. In addition to double- checking the alignment and piston travel, I needed to go back to basics bedding in Ursula’s rear brake. Get those pads and rotor nice and warm along some sweeping descents, bring the bike progressively to a walking pace. Rinse and repeat until optimised.

I’d also come across a NOS Shimano BR517 at a very tempting price, so indulged as a contingency. It’s a single-piston model and surprisingly compact alongside a Spyre. Yes, my temptation is palpable. However, I’m determined to get an impeccably behaved Spyre. I also decided to get a little more scientific with calliper alignment, courtesy of this tool.    

Progressively cooler weather and falling leaves has seen my sudden switch to 3/4lengths and this Castelli Do Di Ci Jacket  Castelli Do Di Ci Jacket | cycling-not-racing. Temperatures have typically around 9, or 10 degrees when I’ve headed out, creeping up to 13 or 14. At the upper end, arm warmers and a micro jacket should suffice, especially if rest stops aren’t planned but flats or similar sneaky mechanical can flip the script.

I’m still defaulting to mitts, although occasionally it's been cold enough that I’ve reached for these Cycology Life Behind Bars MTB Gloves Cycology Life Behind Bars MTB Gloves | cycling-not-racing  Talking of script flipping, shorter days and longer nights have seen the arrival of these Msagicshine Ray 3000 Endurance Bike Light with ANT+ and Seemee400 ANT+. The Ray 3000 Endurance Bike Light With ANT+ boasts a maximum of 3,000lumens and eight modes, carried across three settings and sequences. Starting with the low beam, which in my view covers most bases of road riding. We have 375lumens (cited as a 22.5-hour run time), two 750lumens (10.5 hours and 13.5 hours) and 1500lumens (4.5 hours). Next comes a hybrid setting comprising of 1500lumens (6.5 hours) and the full 3,000lumens (3hours).

Finally, there are two flashing modes, only accessible via the wireless remote. One of the traditional limitations of integrated battery models are run times, especially in the highest settings. These might be fine for those who primarily ride through the suburbs but want to let loose along the backroads for a few miles. However, the 10000mAh lithium-ion cell employed here promises 4.5 hours from the 1500lumens, which is practical for longer exploratory rides. 3,000lumens is really for trail and gravel duties.

Night flash ranges between 165 and 900lumens. I was initially curious as to whether the remote from other models, including the Hori 1300 Magicshine HORI 1300 Front Light | cycling-not-racing would also engage the Ray3000.  I wasn’t expecting it to, but stranger things have happened.  Staying with the remote, I’ve mounted ours to lever hoods for convenient, mid-ride toggling. Aside from illustrative purposes, I’ve positioned it inboard to prevent potential damage in the event of a spill. It can also be paired with some computer head mounts for further tunability.  

The nicely machined stock mount required two shims to achieve vice-like tenure  on the Genetic Neuron Accessory Bar GENETIC NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing  Rather than porting over, I’ve gone with Denise’s stem mount and resurrected the OEM Coospo CS600 Coospo CS600 GPS | cycling-not-racing- I may replace it with another of the Magicshine Allty …

The Seeme 400 is another design producing 400lumens in the braking and daylight flash. There are five modes catering for most riding contexts. Three flashing and two steady.  There’s a third diode poking out from a turret at the base. Referred to as the “Optitracing” light it casts a broad arc at the tarmac, which is really effective. The Seemee 200 V2 was my first introduction to the Optitracing concept, and both these lights seem particularly good choices for trailers, recumbents, tandems and tagalongs. The 1600mAh lithium-ion cell also ensures generous run times.  

On the subject of upgrades, I’ll retire Denise’s Venerable Tektro levers for Dia Compe GC08H come the next cable change. These Genetic Karyotype bottom brackets are earmarked for the Holdsworth and Muffin when their existing units get the grumbles. Muffin will have a 42-tooth Tibia chain ring next time round.

 

Mr Tickle… Disciplining the TRP Spyre

 

No, I’m not referring to Roger Hargreaves creation, or the office letch…I’d been experiencing some very minor, intermittent tickling with Ursula’s rear TRP Spyre. Now, lifting the rear wheel and turning the pedals confirmed the rotor was true and the calliper correctly centred. Ditto the rear wheel.

Before touching anything else, pop the bike on the ground, slacken the quick release and ensure the wheel’s correctly seated within the dropouts. Snug the quick release down and close the lever.

Double check by lifting the rear wheel (popping the bike in a tune up stand, such as this Topeak, makes this and any subsequent tweaking much simpler.) In this instance, everything was behaving impeccably, so this left frame flex. It only happened under load, say when accelerating and would then smooth out. Thru axles are much stiffer, largely eliminating this issue.

Some deliberation and a quicker wander round the web suggested slipping a 3mm Allen key in the pad adjusters and backing the pads out fractionally either side. This would buy a smidge more gap between the rotor, without impairing stopping prowess. Accessing the pad adjusters was tricky, although this Oxford Torque R10 Mini Ratchet Set Oxford Torque RT10 Mini Ratchet Set | cycling-not-racing  came into its own.

Maybe it was psychosomatic but pumping the brake lever a few times suggested small but tangible improvement. Being as it was late in the evening, I wanted to quit while ahead, ruling out becoming wired, dare we say obsessional. Road testing was left until the following morning.  

The humble Spyre divide opinion and in my experience, they require a little more patience to setup and finer adjustments then onward. However, for the most part, they’re straightforward customers and much better fit for me than Avid BB7. Hybrid models, including TRP HY/RD are cable operated but employ a hydraulic reservoir, automatically adjusting pads as they wear.

They work well in my experience. However, the hydraulics are another thing to service. I’d even toyed with buying a different brand of rear calliper. Shimano BR-R517 and 317 seemed a good bet. However, there wasn’t anything wrong with the Spyre, so the sensible, cost-free (save for time) decision was to analyse, trouble shoot, tweak, ride and repeat. The intermittent tinkling continued and the only thing I hadn’t ruled out was rotor health.

Now, the rotor fitted came straight from the brake spares box, so was part worn and intended to get us going following Ursula’s renovations. Pensioning off seemed like a good move and would rule that out as a potential source. No amount of calliper alignment would work if the rotor was slightly warped. Not enough to create mischief in the work stand but amplified by minor flex under pedalling force. I’ve gone for a 160mm Disco brakes Wavey, since I had excellent experiences with one tested back in 2022 Disco Disc Brake Pads and Wavey Rotors | cycling-not-racing . It’s gone up in price but is stainless and very much a known quantity.  

Some Deore rotors going for the proverbial song (£10 pair) so indulged, since like most consumables, rotors wear out and at the least convenient moments. Since conditions allowed, I decided to whip out Ursula's Kinkekt2.1 KINEKT 2.1 SUSPENSION SEAT POST | cycling-not-racing seat post and blast some corrosion inhibitor down the seat tube, before the weather turned.

I toyed with the idea of making a butyl boot for the Kinekt post but didn't have any suitably broad scrap butyl to hand. Neoprene covers are one solution, but they also hold moisture, which can cause corrosion and similar problems later down the line. I dried the post and give the moving parts a shot of Muc-Off Silicone Spray MUC OFF SILICON SHINE POLISH | cycling-not-racing

One thing led to another-since time and weather permitted. The drivetrain was blitzed using Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner | cycling-not-racing and Oxford Chain Brush Pro Oxford Chain Brush Pro | cycling-not-racing, followed by a through sudsy bucket washing and waxing.  Fully dried, I decided to use up some leftover Finish Line Dry Lube TEST & REVIEW FINISH LINE DRY BIKE LUBRICANT - it was a small, saddlebag size that I'd had since the dawn of time and just taking up space. 

I didn't fancy the wax route this time round but wasn't ready for a stodgier oil-based lubricant just yet. A quick shot of MO94 Muc-Off MO94 Multi Use Spray | cycling-not-racing on the cables, cleat mechanisms and pivot points to flush any residual water out concluded this impromptu post-ride fettling. I’ll close here with my long-term review of the System EX Pro Grease Gun The System EX Pro Grease Gun | cycling-not-racing

Change Your Weather, Change Your Luck…

 

September has brought with it refreshing rains, which flooding aside, is very welcome for water levels, life and er, product testing. A long, dry spell is great for making the most of our best bikes. Extreme heatwaves aren’t particularly comfortable, even with SPF50 jerseys, shorts and sunscreen, our bodies take a toll.

I’ve been glad to reach for the ultralight, packable race jacket (not to be confused with the old school condom type, which kept the rain off but didn’t breathe. A rabid, sweaty mess isn’t the best look), cap and arm warmers-just in case. It’s also been my cue to tackle some preventative maintenance.

Aside from overhaling long-serving, faithful dyno hubs, I’ve taken the opportunity to re-grease quick release skewers, thru-axle converters, since they’re easily overlooked. Prevention is always better than penetrant spray and persuasion. I also needed to adjust the front brake, which had become a little impotent. Just a question of pulling the inner wire through, snugging the lever’s cable holder and calliper pinch bolts down.  

The Juice Lubes Slick Juice seemed an ideal candidate, not least since I’m exploring its qualities and limitations.  Same goes for bike washes and similar potions, although dry, dusty spells mean bikes tend to get coated in a stubborn filmy layer. Especially around the rear triangle, bottom bracket and downtube.

Tyres are another consideration as we transition to hedge clipping season and of course, wetter, colder conditions. Both are conducive to cuts, punctures and similar stuff I’d sooner not be tackling by the roadside with numb digits.  I switched Muffin’s 38mm Vittoria Adventure Tech for a 35mm Vee Tire Co Zilent MK2 TESTED: VEE TIRE CO ZILENT MARK 2 TYRES that I’d resurrected while on a different treasure hunt. In common with the Adventure Tech, it’s a portly but dependable wire bead model with a 5mm thick puncture repelling centre strip and an aramid strip running bead to bead.

 There are similarities with Schwalbe Marathon too. The centre strip works with a capillary action to push thorns, glass and similar out from the tyre. Muffin’s other dyno hub wheel is shod with a bigger (42mm) Maxxis Roamer TESTED : MAXXIS ROAMER TYRES which I may well switch to during drier, fair-weather spells. The front Mud Hugger Gravel Hugger Mudguard MUD HUGGER GRAVEL HUGGER MUDGURADS | cycling-not-racing  will manage 40mm. I experimented with a model identical to that sported by Ursula. However, it wouldn’t sit high enough around the fork crown, so back to the drawing board. The guard was only £1.50, so no great loss.

 Now was also prudent to do a tube inventory and retire or patch any suspect looking examples.  

Leather saddles are very durable but require a quick lick of hide food every so often. I’d suggest every six to eight weeks as a rough n’ ready. This will keep the hide nourished and protected from the elements. The Spa Nidd pictured has served me well, year-round, for thirteen years.

The wetter weather has also presented an opportunity to get a proper feel for how well the Nutrak Vee Swift Gravel Mud Frenzy cope in softer conditions. We’ve not got to the gloop proper as yet, but they’ve cut through softer sections reassuringly well. Something I attribute to a mix of profile and tread pattern. Pressure also plays a part. I’ve been running them between 50 and 55psi, the upper end of their range, given I’ve been doing a mix of tarmac, trail and green lane.

Despite this, their relatively supple casings ensure sprightly,, yet compliant passage over washboard surfaces, tree roots, stones and ruts. I’m expecting them to cope better than 2.1-, or 2.3-inch cross country mountain bike rubber due to these characteristics and greater clearance. Theoretically, less chance of clogging around fork crown and rear triangle.  Time will tell.

The M Par Ridge Pannier rack also continues to grow on me. There are some limitations common to single tier designs per se, but lateral stiffness is excellent-even with heavy loads. I’ve also been impressed by oodles of heel clearance with big (20 litre) panniers, including the mighty Lomo Zephyr and this Halfords Advanced Waterproof Pannier Bag.

Aside from the top sections, which employ nuts with nylon inserts, I’ve applied some medium strength thread lock to the fasteners- precautionary but good practice, especially when hauling the proverbial kitchen sink, or escaping the maddening crowd.    

 

Revise, Run & Reflect

 

This is a principle I generally apply in broad strokes terms, not simply to bicycles, but is particularly relevant in this context. For some years now, I’ve tended to work potential changes out on paper first, evaluating the pros and cons before committing myself. Product testing is a different kettle of fish. Manufacturers and distributors sometimes send stuff on spec and I’ very receptive to “lucky dips”. I’m referring to matters such as braking, steering and gearing. In the latter context.

I’m staying with a 2x setup.

A third ring will barely get used, so will just add weight and complexity. 32x22 rings coupled with a 12-28, or 12-30 cassette provides sufficient range for most of my riding contexts. Sure, a 48 ring would offer some bombing prowess but spin-out isn’t something I’m struggling with. Even with the trailer and decent cargo en tow, there’s sufficient torque for 17mph cruising and faster descending without loosing out on the climb. A well-honed cantilever, or cable operated disc setup has sufficient bite for 20 odd kilos and 1in 7 descents-provided you’re not in Kamikaze mode.

On several occasions, I’ve toyed with ideas of upgrading to a more expensive cable-operated disc configuration. However, aside from some quirks, especially when it comes to setup, the Spyre and SLC are still very simple to work on and provide enough bite. Hydraulics have been another recurrent temptation. More bite, lower maintenance but set up and servicing are not as straightforward as some suggest.

A well-equipped local bike shop is worth their weight in gold and, all things being equal. would be only too happy to setup and maintain. However, even the best maintained components and bikes can malfunction, often at the least convenient moment. All I need carry on a cable-operated setup are a suitable multitool, spare inner wires and some pads. The latter I’d save for a big ride, or tour but you get the idea.

Talking of touring, I’ve been getting some more serious miles done with the M Part Ridge Rear Pannier Rack and continue to be impressed with its generic compatibility. By that I mean its plug and play compatibility with most mounting hardware, including Rixen Kaul, this Lomo Zeyphr Lomo Zephyr Waterproof Panniers | cycling-not-racing. Topeak’s Handleloc system found on their Pannier Drybag 16litre The Topeak Pannier Dry Bag 16 litre | cycling-not-racing required some shims (binding some old butyl around the rack tubing has similar results). Either way, reliable union is readily achievable.

 While I’ve had no heel clearance or similar issues with 20 litre models, I am forming the opinion the rack’s angular profile is optimal longer, narrower designs, such as the Topeak and Oxford Aqua V20 Single Pannier Oxford Aqua V20 Single Pannier | cycling-not-racing The top section is slightly broader than its Summit cousin, which came as a pleasant surprise and makes it a better host for rack top bags.   

I am a proponent of powder coated finishes-at least well applied, good quality powders. The satin black looks classy and more importantly, is holding up well against the usual fitting and removing. While I wouldn’t get unduly concerned about the everyday wear and tear, beyond a certain point, I’d be inclined to have it refinished along with some other parts (to keep things cost effective). Prevention is always better than cure. Dressing the rails in old butyl tube, or electrical tape largely renders this a moot point.

Talking of dressing, the temperatures are slowly tempering and dropping to more seasonally typical figures. Layering is the most obvious, time-honoured solution but some manufacturers, including Castelli offer apparel designed to bridge the gap between summer and early autumn.

Contexts where it is typically temperate, but it can turn cool, or damp during the course of a ride. A packable jacket helps protect against wind chill, showers and more persistent rainfall; arm warmers keep short sleeve jerseys practical when temperatures fluctuate. ¾ lengths divide opinion, but my when the temperatures are dropping and they’ll dry quicker than tights when the heavens open. Much will depend on how long you’re out riding but a cap and liner gloves and a buff can come in similarly useful.

Rains have brought the temperature down and meant bikes get grimier. Perfect for evaluating the Juice Lubes Slick Juice Grease’s staying prowess and of course, the brand’s bike wash and concentrate formulas.

Chains are still dressed in the All-Mountain-Style Miami Glide Chain Wax The All Mountain Style Miami Glide | cycling-not-racing and I see no reason to switch until October. By that point, I suspect I’ll be pensioning off Muffin’s KMC Z510 HX in favour of a Z1 Inox SEVEN DAY CYCLIST'S 3000 MILE TEST OF A KMC INOX CHAIN  and test lubes aside, likely defaulting to Weldtite All Weather Lube Weldtite All Weather Lube | cycling-not-racing . The All-Weather Lube is less tenacious than stodgy wet formulas, but cleaner, requires no curing time and is easily topped up.