Subtle Gains & False Economies

 

Cables replaced and firmer conclusions cemented regarding the Continental Terra CompetitionTrails’ dirt prowess The Continental Terra Competition Trail | cycling-not-racing, it was time to strip the drivetrain of residual Muc-Off Dark Energy Chain Wax Muc-Off Dark Energy Chain Wax | cycling-not-racing and reapply another wax- the KMC Go, since I had ample left and it was closest to hand.

Checking the chain’s health, I was pleased to discover it was only .25, which was another incentive for sticking with wax lubes. I decided to retire Denise's 11-25 cassette in favour of an 12-28 since I had a Microshift in stock. The Tiagra was the original and outlasted six chains. Shifts were still smooth, but I noticed some very occasional skipping when climbing on the small ring. The cassette switch and some long climbs confirmed my suspicions and crucially solved the issue. Going by the book, the chain would’ve gone too, but wear was minimal and I wanted to be sure.

I like Tiagra- it might lack glamour but is a relatively inexpensive and durable component group with decent performance. 12,13,14,15,17,19,21,23,25 and 28 are more road-centric than a gravel setup but paired with the 175mm 36x26 rings gives a range between 24.4 and 78.8 inches. Closer to that found on older cyclo cross rigs and crucially, well suited to my riding needs. Longer-term, when the rear mech finally turns sloppy, I will consider a long arm version and a 12-30-tooth cassette as a bail out, or trailer winching option. 

Spring’s tepid start had been eclipsed by some very balmy weather, the mercury reaching 27 degrees over the bank holiday weekend. Ideal conditions for testing summer riding kit.

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the Altura Airstream Jersey’s wicking prowess- I could literally feel sweat being wicked through the perforated shoulders. The BBB Karma MIPS also gulps in plenty of cooling air. Steve’s been suitably impressed by Castelli’s Espresso 2 bib shorts.Castelli Espresso 2 Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing and jersey Castelli Espresso2 Jersey | cycling-not-racing

Even at these temperatures, the KMC (and Muc-Off) have demonstrated good temperature stability, turning slightly soft, rather than becoming a gooey mess. A hairdryer on high heat, coupled with warmer weather has also helped traffic the Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing deep within the Wellgo 823’s inner sanctum, turning them close to buttery smooth and completely silent.

I say close since they’re cheerful cheapies. While adjustable, come time bearings get the grumbles they won’t owe anything but unless you’ve a free hand in axles, bearings etc, rebuilding may prove uneconomic.

Go for their MO94B WELLGO MO94B SPD PEDALS | cycling-not-racing cousins, or Shimano’s justly revered 520 if you’re looking to strip, service and possibly rebuild. Alignment of the auction site’s Garmin mount lacks the outright precision of some, but easily corrected post ride while I was snugging the stem face bolts down.  

I’m planning to fit the other to Ursula, when I get round to the bar, stem, and brake lever switch, but no rush, given the positioning is right and existing components are very serviceable.

Sometimes, these auction site “bargains” can be false economy- rubberised crank arm and brake lever protectors being two prime examples. Buy a decent set, such as these Zefal ZEFAL CRANK ARMOR | cycling-not-racing and they’ll last, quickly recouping the initial investment. Action camera mounts can also fall into this category, although I’ve found some cheap and cheerful designs. That clinging to Denise’s Genetic Neuron GENETIC NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing being another case in point.  Switching Muffin’s Vittoria Adventure Tech for the Maxxis Roamer proved a welcome move.

The Vittoria roll better than I’d expect from coarse 27tpi casings and there’s not much separating them but even at loftier pressures, the folding 42mm 60tpi Roamer are supple and compliant, giving a nice, magic carpet ride across lumpy lanes. There’s also scope for less challenging dirt roads, byways and bridleways.         

 

Freeing the Soul, Sorting the Brake

 

Some lovely kit arrived in the form of this BBB Karma MIPS helmet and Altura Airstream Jersey and bib shorts. The Karma is a nicely executed, particularly airy design using MIPS (Multi Directional Impact Protection System). This is the air node version that’s integral to the padding and supposedly the lightest iteration.

Twenty-five vents are impressive, but the raised crossbeams theoretically encourage air through the scalp. In practice, this would appear so in practice. I was pleased to note the polycarbonate shell extends around the rim, protecting the EPS liner from everyday carelessness. Though arguably a road design, I’ve found its made excellent transition to gravel duties and the shape is very accommodating of high-power lights, such as this Sigma Buster HL2000 SIGMA SPORT BUSTER HL 2000 | cycling-not-racing

A rogue red deer cantering from a hedge, into my path seemed keen to test the lid’s credentials but thankfully, my reaction times and bike handling skills kept everything in check. Altura’s Airstream are budget garments but definitely very cheerful. Both have been revised (for the better) since the set I tested back in 2021.

Pockets are deep, supportive and they’ve added a fourth, zippered model with a long, user-friendly tag. However, the left-handed will doubtless point out it doesn’t favour everyone.  Having exhausted the 50ml bottle of Muc-Off Dark Energy Chain Wax Muc-Off Dark Energy Chain Wax | cycling-not-racing , I’ve been taking to the trails and unmade byways to see how the Continental Terra Trail perform on hardpack and loose surfaces.

Speed, compliance and grip are impressive in these contexts and while the Genetic Digest are a touch broad for some gaps, this is tempered by their leverage and shallow drop. These provide excellent control when hunkered down and hossing along the singletrack. A good bet for trailer tugging and similar duties- yep, they’re staying. I dialled things that bit sharper by raising the stem a few millimetres. Some adjustments are genuinely intuitive and tend to strike mid, or post ride.

Denise’s rear stopper decided to turn erratic and mischievous. Not that I use a rear brake often, but if something’s fitted, then it needs to perform well. Having stopped to commune with this little Shetland during one forest trail frolic, I decided it was time to strip and clean the arms and replace inner and outer cables.

A simple job, but sometimes I’m my own worst enemy…Spares boxes open, I was contemplating all sorts- switching the cantilevers for some Tekro…Or some Dia Compe…Or Some Avid…Investigating this and other options saw time evaporate-precisely the opposite of what I’d intended.

After some faff and deliberation, I stripped and cleaned the brakes, bosses, applied some Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing , replaced the cables. Stripped out, both had seen better days and an obvious impairment to smooth braking.  Another bog-standard but very serviceable Clarks stainless inner, but Jagwire’s CGX SL outer. This features a high carbon coil steel, providing the strength required for braking, the carbon component limiting compression. This coupled with the lubricated liner ensures excellent modulation and feel, even commanded by Tektro’s cheerful RL340 lever.

I still treat outers and inners to a blast of maintenance spray, since opportunity presents. A precautionary drop of super glue on the freshly snipped inner seals the deal. My experience of bog standard cablesets, regardless of brand is they are serviceable enough and a very inexpensive way of restoring shifting and braking prowess- so long as they're replaced seasonally-especially on working bikes.

However, spending just a little more can reap better rewards in terms of weather resistance and performance. Pre-lubricated liners also keep things slick and largely eliminate the need for periodic flushing through with GT85 GT85 ALL PURPOSE LUBRICANT, Muc-Off MO94 Muc-Off MO94 Multi Use Spray | cycling-not-racing.

Inner wires seem less prone to stretch, cut nicely and tend not to fray so readily. That said don't skimp on decent quality cutters. I'm also quick to add that precautionary blob of superglue to the ends.  Less elegant than solder, or a crimp perhaps but effective.

You needn't spend a fortune either. Transfil Flying Snakes are c. £25, very durable and supposedly 30% lighter thanks to the Kevlar/composite outers. Forget cable cuffs, or helicopter tape at your paintwork's peril and installation requires more patience compared with other brands I've used. 

 I’m pleased to report the Ergon Orthocell Handlebar tape  Ergon Orthocell Handlebar Tape | cycling-not-racing  was still receptive to being re-wound and shows little signs of wear. Elsewhere, I’d been having a few issues with a Garmin pattern mount and the Gaciron Xiaoman 1000 light, so took a gamble on an auction site stem mount…

Despite some initial scepticism and tiny screws for the Garmin and GoPro patterns, I was pleasantly surprised by how easily it came together and crucially, how securely it holds the Gaciron Xiaoman and Coospo CS600 Coospo CS600 GPS | cycling-not-racing. Suffice to say, I’ve bought a second.

  

Heavier Hearts & Lighter Tyres

 

Been a little “out of sorts” for a while now. There’s a lot to be grateful for and plenty of reasons to smile. Safe, secure home for me and the bikes, lots of lovely test kit to research, review and enjoy but the global and more localised instability can sometimes prove exhausting. Especially if you’re a deep thinker with a predisposition toward catastrophising.  Some carefully considered introspection is good for us-planning a course of action, ways forward etc. Sitting in a dark corner wringing our hands solves nothing.

Being Generation X, I am very grateful for the childhood and teenage years we had. Not least the freedom to explore and navigate the world, people and situations in real time. We made our own entertainment and for the most part, learned patience, and conflict resolution of sorts. Childhood without screens wasn't strictly true. Many an afternoon was spent in front of the hypnotic glow of a VDU, practising the basics of programming and playing the latest video game releases of that era.

Not forgetting television, and video.... The video nasty moral panic, championed by Mary Whitehouse and the Conservative government prompting the video recordings bill in 1983. One requiring all video recordings were certified in the same fashion as cinema and indeed, banned in many cases with widespread use of fines and prosecution.     

It's easy for people to punch down at younger generations, whether it be parenting or wider behaviours. Blaming children and parents for a screen addiction, anxiety and depression conveniently swerves around some inconvenient truths. These things are incredibly layered and complex. However, factors such as playing fields and other public spaces sold to developers, the very gradual collapse of communities and looser social cohesion are highly influential, at least here in the UK.

Governments are supposedly there to govern in the best interests of their citizens and protect the most vulnerable, but I've witnessed les e faire indifference for the most part-regardless of which administration assumes power. By the same token, a society's citizens must also shape change. The post war explosion in public services, housebuilding and other infrastructure projects was not attributable to a benevolent political class. 

Given the disruption to global supply chains resultant from the Strait of Hormuz, shortages are inevitable. At some point, governments will be forced to step in with some form of rationing. The question in my mind being will they intervene before the point of crisis or leave it until they have no option?

I often reach solutions to a wealth of things during a ride, whether tweaking a component-a recalcitrant rear mech, spongy brake, bothersome bracket, or a deeper, personal dilemma.  That said its crucial to be mindful of our emotional state and remain focused on the roads, trails, and potential hazards.

Obviously, the same goes when operating any other vehicle. That out of the way and having reached some firm conclusions regarding the Genetic Hi-Grip Handlebar Tape Genetic Hi-Grip Handlebar Tape | cycling-not-racing, I’m racking up some proper mixed terrain miles with Denise and the Continental Terra Trail.

Though typical of most gravel tyres when popped on the scales, their low rolling resistance, snappy, engaging persona gives them an edge over those with a knobbly profile when tackling metalled roads, dry to moist dirt roads and similar hardpack.

No cuts, or punctures to date and it’s worth noting I’m running ours with tubes-bog standard butyl and TPU to be precise. Tubeless has some definite advantages, most notably, the ability to run lower pressures for additional grip but I’ve found things decidedly gooey should you catch an aggressive thorn. Or your cat take exception to a certain brand of tyre…

Strange as that may sound, my dearly departed farm cat had a definite dislike of Panaracer. He’d induced a few flats by gnawing and clawing the sidewalls. Curiously this wasn’t the case with Schwalbe, Kenda, Continental and indeed, V-Tire Co. Seemed quite fond of the V-Tire Co Zilent TEST & REVIEW VEE TIRE CO ZILENT TYRES and Zilent II TESTED: VEE TIRE CO ZILENT MARK 2 TYRES (as was I).

Having packed the WP823 with Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing and whipping them aboard Muffin’s cranks, I headed out for a few 20-mile loops. I’m pleased to report the thinner viscosity grease was trafficked deep within the pedal’s inner sanctum, eliminating the squeak and any roughness.

This prompted me to port some Shimano XT over to Denise. I love the Shimano PD ES 600 SPD Shimano PD ES 600 SPD Pedal | cycling-not-racing  aside from the soft finish but fancied a change. I’ve also switched the Roswheel Lightweight Tour Rack Roswheel Lightweight Tour Rack | cycling-not-racing for the M-Part Summit M Part Summit Rear Rack | cycling-not-racing which is slightly broader, so doesn’t cause the Zefal Shield G50 Mudguards Zefal Shield G50 Mudguards | cycling-not-racing to tickle the rear tyre so readily. Right, I'll leave it here with my long term review of the Muc-Off Waterproof socks, since May is proving a little changeable weather-wise Muc-Off Waterproof Socks | cycling-not-racing 

Sweet Spots, Holy Grails & More Spuds

 

 Aside from reducing the chain tension very slightly before setting out, Muffin’s gearing is perfect for my needs.  Providing the desired additional torque on the climbs without my legs going into overdrive on the descents.

I also needed to tweak the headset bearings slightly, having detected some play when engaging the front brake. An easy, two-minute fix- slacken the pinch bolts, snug the pre-load a fraction, test by rocking back and forth with the front brake engaged, then snug the pinch bolts to 5nm.  Having been somewhat underwhelmed by the Gaciron Xiaoman 1000’s handlebar mount, I discovered that belonging to the Ravemen LR1600 Ravemen LR1600 Front Light | cycling-not-racing was compatible and popped that in situ for a few rides.

This proved a great union, but I subsequently replaced it with this auction site stem face special, meaning I could switch to the Xiaoman’s Go-Pro pattern under bar mount. Talking of lights, here’s my long-term test of the Zefal Supervision FL 1500 Front Light Zefal Supervision FL1500 front light | cycling-not-racing.  

 Modulation and feel from the Vevo V lever is smooth, progressive and basically I'd had everything dialled in to my taste. Well, it gave rise to some further tweaks. I’d added some off cuts of Cinelli Cork Wrap to the Genetic Neuron GENETIC NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing since I had some left and it was neater than the scraps of old butyl. This was employed to prevent slight, very gradual movement of the K-Lite Ultra Low Drag Dynamo Light K-LITE ULTRA LOW DRAG DYNAMO LIGHT | cycling-not-racing

Formative impressions of the Genetic Hi-Grip bar tape are similarly favourable, although the finishing strips have been creeping undone and will likely be substituted for decent quality electrical tape.  Having amassed some proper miles with Muffin's new bars and levers, I've concluded the switch was definitely inspired.

The shallower drop allows me to spend more time hunkered low, rather than cruising on the hoods (which is also a very comfortable stance). 44cm width continues this narrative, although tis came as a slightly greater surprise, given I default to 46cm. Being a tarmac-biased build, aerodynamics are subtly improved and I don't require the same degree of leverage beneficial on a gravel or drop bar mountain bike. 

Fairweather conditions put much less strain on components, so I switched Muffin to its other dynohub wheel, shod with the 42mm section Maxxis Roamer TESTED: MAXXIS ROAMER TYRES for some additional speed and compliance. There’s only 80g separating the Roamer and Vittoria Adventure Tech.

Both are cheap but crucially very cheerful. The Vittoria Adventure Tech are available in 700x 38, 35 and 32mm sections features a beefy 5mm puncture repelling belt, which inspires confidence during the darker months, and ride quality is better than 33tpi casings would suggest. Wear has been nominal too, continuing the stout narrative, meaning they’re a good choice for commuting and weekend touring.

The Roamer employs a Kevlar breaker strip along the centre. Consequently, puncture resistance is good, rather than great, which is why they’re my fair-weather choice. Again, there’s scope for exploring light, hardpack and lightweight, weekend touring but the Roamer’s 60tpi casings provide a more engaging, compliant ride.  

There are some components that I may not use very frequently but will never part with. Design classics and sentiment being the obvious attachments. These Shimano SPD from 1990 being prime examples. I’d stripped and serviced last year and found the internals in remarkably good shape.

Back then, I repacked them with Juice Lubes Bearing Juice, which is a synthetic blend with a putty-like consistency intended specifically for bearings.  I’ve used it to particularly good effect in hubs and headsets. Opening the mighty first-generation Spuds revealed a decent amount clinging to the bearings and axles. Simple Pedal Overhaul | cycling-not-racing

However, since I’d come this far, I decided I’d give them a deep clean using Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner | cycling-not-racing before repacking them with Zefal Pro II Grease Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing  . Pedals are nice things to work on, since you can sit at a bench and methodically clean, inspect, adjust and replace bearings etc as required.

There are a few schools of thought when it comes to clipless and fixed gear. I've used everything from the old "Lego-type" Look, through to Time ATAC, although have typically stuck with dual sided Shimano and Welgo, since they're inexpensive and very straightforward to service.

Single sided road designs, such as these Wellgo and indeed, Shimano Ultegra are quite pleasant and when packed with stiff grease, tend to align upright, ready for easy entry, say at the lights. Fine, if you're doing long, steady miles, or racing TTs, but lack a dual sided model's convenience-especially in stop-go traffic.

I've also run nickel-plated Exustar pedals- Look (Keo) pattern one side, SPD the other. Designed primarily for spinning/similar duties, they meant I never let the house with the "wrong" shoes, so an obvious choice for a trainer, or daily driver. However, there's some trade-off weight-wise given the steel, rather than alloy bodies.

They resisted corrosion pretty well too-waxed periodically, coupled with shots of maintenance spray to the mechanisms, which also gave the bodies a light, protective coating. Wellgo MO94B WELLGO MO94B SPD PEDALS | cycling-not-racing have proven very solid alternative to Shimano M520 thanks to the rugged silver finish and buttery smooth cartridge bearings. 

The WPD 823 are cheaper still and a good budget alternative-£30 but I've seen the version with loose ball bearings for £15 including cleats-new. Access to the bearings is via a simple press fit cover, which is convenient. These were a little squeaky, the grease looking closer to recycled chip fat. Subsequently, I’ve packed them with Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing

Momentum, Spuds & Mounts

 

I knew THAT idea was becoming the ONLY idea...The urge to switch Ursula's bar, stem, and brake levers. However, I wanted to avoid being midway through the transplant only to be thwarted by a spacer, or control cable- I strongly suspected the Jagwire Road Elite Sealed Cable Jagwire Road Elite Sealed Brake Kit | cycling-not-racing outers would be a little short at key points. Happy to take my time but crucially get things bang on first time and as with so many things, forward planning is key. I was also trying to trace some Shimano M505 pedals. These had long been succeeded, some might say eclipsed by the legendary 520 but I was curious as to where mine had vanished to.

Presented a good time to strip and re-grease the legendary original 1990 Spuds and I knew precisely where these were.  Balmy weather had seen me spend several weeks racking up a few hundred miles aboard the Holdsworth, enjoying its minimalist, spirited charms.  Clearly, it didn't appreciate the Garmin light mount, which I discovered ejected to an inaccessible part of the garage. This prompted a switch from the ultra-compact Magicshine Allty 400 to Ravemen LR1000 Ravemen LR 1000 Curved Lens Front Light | cycling-not-racing, which is a similarly compact light with a lot more useable power and thanks to the clever optics, much brighter than numbers alone would suggest.

Same goes for its 500-lumen sibling RAVEMEN LR500S FRONT LIGHT | cycling-not-racing. However, the 1000lumens ensures I can navigate the darker lanes, should I find myself out longer than intended on a summer evening.  Staying with lights, Gaciron got in touch and sent me their recently launched Xiaoman 1000 Multifunctional All-in-One Professional Outdoor Front light.

Aside from being a bike light, it's designed for other outdoor activities, including night fishing and hiking. Thanks to the diffusers, it could double as a reading lamp-it may also prove useful in photographic applications- we'll see. The Xiaoman 1000 will also double as a power bank and features a 5000mAh battery.

The highest 1000 lumen mode is claimed to have an illumination range of 200 metres and 2 hours runtime. I was pleased by the sensible staircasing downwards- 600, 300, 100 lumens catering for most riding contexts-great news for urban riders who like to let their hair down along the backroads, or ride through a variety of environments.

There's also a 300-lumen day flash reckoned good for 35 hours between charges and a "Breathe" mode alternating between 50 and 100lumens. Characteristics that lend it nicely to dynamo companionship. IPX6 for weatherproofing and aluminium construction bodes well for durability. There are three colour options-I've gone for black, but white or pink are the alternatives.

It can be mounted atop, or beneath the bars for a sleek, uncluttered effect, courtesy of the symmetrical optics, which is increasingly standard but welcome, nonetheless. I was very slightly disappointed to note the remote is only offered as an aftermarket option- I'd rather see this thrown in with the package, even if it meant upping the price by a couple of quid. 

Gaciron aren't alone in this omission but it's a niggle of mine.  I’m not endeared to the OEM mount design, which is very similar to that employed by Cat-Eye and prone to slippage. I’m looking into a suitable out-front extension mount. The sort that attaches via the stem face, theoretically eliminating the slippage, especially when paired with this Coospo Real Road CS600 GPS Bike Computer Coospo CS600 GPS | cycling-not-racing

 Having popped the Holdsworth back on its hook, having racked up some proper miles and fully reacquainted myself with Cinelli’s Classic Cork Wrap, Muffin and I have settled to some serious miles with the Genetic H-Grip Handlebar Tape, which is proving grippy and supportive. The 18-tooth sprocket has given some welcome additional torque on the climbs-especially when traffic’s slower, or I’m stuck behind a tractor.

It has also led to contemplating a slightly lower ratio for the Holdsworth, but we are talking the contemplative phase, and I do like the taller ratio when belting along. Presently, we’re turning a 79.1-inch gear, switching to a 17tooth would mean 74.5. I’ll give it further thought and may take this route, should I ned to switch a tyre. The Freedom Thick Slick is a very durable slick with great puncture-repelling qualities, but I’ve noted some very subtle deterioration of the sidewall.

One that’s not setting my Lycra ablaze but will be monitored carefully. A blowout might be amusing for onlookers, but I’ve no intention of being the object of someone else’s ridicule. I’d also toyed with upgrading the bottom bracket for a Genetic Karyotype and indeed, taking that route with Muffin next time (although arguably the Karyotype’s minor weight savings don’t justify the additional cost on a trainer, or working bike). I’ll either go for another UN300, or Genetic Cromozone.

Some folks have commented that the Stronglight track 2000 crankset is “made of cheese” citing stripped threads, specifically. I’ve not had any issues, although it’s worth saying I’m religious when it comes to re/greasing threaded components.  That said, should I ever need to retire it, I’d go for another Genetic Tibia GENETIC TIBIA TRACK CRANKS & RING | cycling-not-racing- in silver and possibly 165mm (they’re available in 165, 170 and 175mm).