Just Because You Can Doesn’t Always Mean You Should

 

One thing often leads to another in my world. I’d spotted some bridlepath while bimbling along the backroads and was curious to see where it led- not very far, ultimately but nothing ventured, nothing gained. I was tempted to tackle it the night before, since I was out bedding in some brake pads and getting some beam shots. However, the Sigma Buster HL2000 SIGMA SPORT BUSTER HL 2000 | cycling-not-racing battery was still charging, so I made a mental note for the following morning.  Having indulged in a mixed terrain loop, I cut right and found myself navigating some recently churned bridleway that required low gears, persistence, deft unclipping and dab-downs.

Conditions improved and at that point I was met with a private no public access sign, so turned around and embraced the gloop once more.  Having filled the CST Patrol’s CST Patrol Folding EPS Tyres | cycling-not-racing tread, turning them into giant slicks (albeit with tangible traction) I rejoined asphalt and headed the two miles home, the CST Patrol shedding mud, mortar fashion.  

I rounded up the bike wash and blitzed Ursula. No sooner had I gone for the sudsy bucket, Fed Ex dropped off some goodies from Muc-Off. Specifically their Dark Energy Chain Wax and Chain Wax Cleaner-the latter optimised for removing wax lubes and others, including the factory packet-fresh elixir. I’d already stripped the Weldtite All Conditions Lube Weldtite All Weather Lube | cycling-not-racing clinging to Ursula’s KMC using Moto Verde Drivetrain cleaner, which is a very effective formula that works cleaner, rather than faster.

A question of spraying over the chain, cassette, rings and leaving the Motoverde doing its thing for 5-10 minutes, then introducing your chosen scrubbing brushes to agitate and lift the residual lube before rinsing with warm water and drying thoroughly.  The Muc-Off Chain Wax cleaner is reckoned to work in seconds, which may account for the (£22) asking price. Looking more closely at the directions suggests it's primarily intended for stripping chains of the factory dressing and similar before waxes are employed. It is also designed to tackle wax formulas, which can be quite tricky to dismiss convincingly, especially if they've been impacted within the chain, cassette and rings. In my experience, solvents tend to melt, rather than dismiss wax formulas, resulting in a gooey mess. Will be interesting to see how it performs.   

The Dark Energy Chain Wax uses a liquid carrier, which in my experience, results in more controlled, less wasteful application. Drop into every link, shift the chain up and down the cassette and leave curing for at least twelve hours- three times longer than typical of wax formulas. Designed for dry to damp conditions, as waxes are, I’m expecting something special. Muc-Off say the Dark Energy Chain Wax has been four years in the making and offers “The most complex balance between efficiency, durability and wear.”

I’m looking forward to seeing what the lanes, trails and roads reveal, once I’ve rolled it out across the fleet.  When it comes to Ursula, though there have been some very small tweaks and personal changes since her refurbishment and modernisation eighteen months back, the makeover pleases me. Retrospectively, I should’ve left more length in the Carbon Cycles Exotic Fork steerer Carbon Cycles Exotic Fork | cycling-not-racing , which would permit me to use more spacers and more traditional flared drops. 

I remain very fond of the Soma Condor II Shallow Drop Bars (riser drops) SOMA CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS | and the positioning is bang on. However, the swoopy design means the diameter isn’t uniform throughout and can make mounting or aligning accessories trickier.  Eventually, I will retire the fork, go with a longer steerer and switch the bars but otherwise, cost of new fork, new cables and time switching everything over greatly outweighs the small, some might say, marginal gains. Come time, I will also replace the Tektro 520 levers for Dia Compe 287, since though great value, aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, in my experience, inner wires ultimately wear through the Tektro’s resin guides.    

Now, this brings me to the title. Though Ursula’s modernisation was for me, the right move, I’m not for wholesale conversion of older cross country mountain bikes, for its own sake.  Because everyone appears to be doing something, doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.

An old, cosmetically tatty but otherwise solid, good quality cro-moly frameset that needs refinishing, some additional braze-ons might be a good candidate (if an experienced frame builder gave it the nod). However, cantilevers and V brakes still offer excellent stopping prowess, are lighter, and generally simple to maintain.

Similarly, while 26 inch has stopped being the default, tyre choice is still pretty comprehensive, although I can see the draw of 650b, which was another factor influencing Ursula’s structural works. However, this coincided with some light structural repair and a respray- no sense having these done only to decide I wanted a disc mount.   

Discs are not the only fruit. I like them, but they can also get basted in a fair bit of crap, resulting in rub and slightly impaired performance. Then of course, not all frames and forks are beefy enough to withstand the additional forces discs place upon them. A good builder will insist on fitting a brace, such as that added to Ursula by Winston Vaz.

I’m still really fond of Magura’s Hydrostop, but they can be stubborn to set up and were supplied with braces, since their power was sufficient to cause cracks and other structural woes-especially in thin-wall tubing.  On that note, I'll leave you with something completely different- my review of the Coospo Real Road CS600 GPS Computer Coospo CS600 GPS | cycling-not-racing 

 

Smaller Buster, Slacker Chains & Bigger Tyres

 

I've also been playing with Sigma's smaller, 110 lumen Buster. Output is good, although I'd steer you toward the 1600 Sigma Buster 1600 & RL150 Light Set | cycling-not-racing or HL2000 since these have more bite and in the latter's case, longer run times courtesy of the external battery. The HL2000 SIGMA SPORT BUSTER HL 2000 | cycling-not-racing also comes with a remote as standard.  That out of the way, the Buster 1100 still offers a good spread of modes for general riding and the flashing modes are both frugal and eye catching-

Seemed to upset an Audi driver, which was ironic, given I am regularly dazzled by the intensity of Audi and other contemporary vehicle headlights, typically in the driver's seat but also the saddle. This despite sophisticated sensor technology that supposedly automatically adjusting to prevent dazzling and related hazards. I suspect the sensors will improve as time progresses, but I find their real-world performance a little erratic at present. 

While I was awaiting the arrival of the Garmin pattern mounts, I discovered another suitable design while hunting for something else. Was bound to happen-these things always materialise when we’re not looking for them. It was the “Goldilocks” length-long enough not to foul the Sigma Buster HL1100, while positioning the Coospo CS600 at the right angle I ported the head unit over from Denise. I’ve also left the old school Giant computer adorning Denise’s Genetic Diversion drops and fork leg, so I can always keep an overview of speed, distance and similar.  Those little victories…

Chain tension is a hotly debated topic in fixed gear circles. I'd left a couple of extra links and opted for slightly less tension with Muffin's new KMC. Not that the Izumi was unduly tight, but this has rewarded with slightly greater efficiency. The KMC Go Wax lube is also continuing the serene theme.

Greater clearance between rear tyre and seat tube is another benefit. I've gone for the 42mm Contact plus at the rear, which is a really solid, comfortable tyre, sticking with a 38mm Vittoria Adventure tech up front. I might go for a 42mm Vee Tire Co Zilent TEST & REVIEW VEE TIRE CO ZILENT TYRES when the Continental finally shows signs of wear. The original Zilent weren't intended for touring, but proved popular with this audience, so Vee Tyre Co reinforced the sidewalls on the MK II TESTED: VEE TIRE CO ZILENT MARK 2 TYRES

Despite "only" having a puncture repelling centre-strip, the 38mm Vittoria Adventure Tech are proving very reliable and, like the Continental, quicker than might be expected, given their girth. The 5mm puncture repelling belt is reminiscent of that employed in the Kenda Kwik Journey KENDA KWICK JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing but the Vittoria feel more supple and compliant.

There is sufficient clearance at the front for 42mm- I parked a Maxxis Roamer TESTED : MAXXIS ROAMER TYRES.   there during the summer but sought greater dependability during the darker months. Winter is hard on rider, drivetrain components, wheels and tyres, but with proper prep and the right kit, it can be a whole lot of fun, too.

For three seasons riding, I find ¾ lengths ideal, or at least cover most bases, protecting knees from chill and just long enough to provide a good seal with longer socks. I often pair with longer waterproof socks, such as these Muc-Off. Whisper it, since some consider it a genre faux pas, but I also find them and their extended coverage very practical for off road excursions.

Having given Muffin a good sudsy bucket clean and addressed some slippage of the T-One Mr Fantastic Handlebar tape T-ONE MR FANTASTIC HANDLEBAR TAPE | cycling-not-racing, I topped up the KMC GO and  installed the composite Garmin mount  to Ursula’s Velo Orange Handlebar Accessory Mount VELO ORANGE HANDLEBAR ACCESSORY MOUNT | cycling-not-racing, which necessitated removing the Ravemen XR 6000 Ravemen XR6000 Front Light | cycling-not-racing but this is less problematic as we enter the lighter months.

Besides, I could always switch to the Sigma Buster HL2000 SIGMA SPORT BUSTER HL 2000 | cycling-not-racing and helmet mounting for rides on the wilder side. Helmet life and when to chuck them is a hotly debated topic. However, I’ve retired a few that have served eight years or so. I no longer trusted their integrity and in a couple of instances, adjustment dials were getting sloppy. I’m not going to argue with someone who disagrees with me on this front. I’ve worked with acquired brain injury and similar neurological conditions in the past and their impact upon people’s lives have certainly left an impression.

 During this episode of impromptu spring cleaning, I also took this opportunity to remove the seat post and check the grease’s tenure. This in turn prompted me to blast a little more corrosion inhibitor inside the seat tube.

As miles and familiarity with the Coospo CS600 increase, I’m discovering some minor niggles. Communication with the touch screen appears hit n’ miss wearing full finger gloves-even those with extensive silicone detailing, but I’ll try some others to see if this is an isolated, or consistent issue.

The auto backlight and similar sensored functions perform very reliably and while the anti-glare display is consistently good, the radar graphics are definitely sharper after dark.

 

Waxes & Inner Whippets

 

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the KMC Go wax chain lube. Arguably a chain manufacturer of their magnitude would be expected to produce a decent lube. There are some limitations and I’d still say, in keeping with the Weldtite Wax Weldtite Wax Lube | cycling-not-racing  it’s a fair weather, three seasons lube. One that copes better in damper conditions than typically associated with wax formulas.

Wild and windy weather aside, conditions continue to become more spring-like, prompting me to switch Ursula back over to the CST Patrol CST Patrol Folding EPS Tyres | cycling-not-racing. An easy switch, or so I thought…A seized, or at least recalcitrant front Spyre SLC calliper prompted a strip and clean. I switched the pads since I was there. The existing pair were ok and good enough as contingencies-I just need to gently sand some light glaze and similar crap from them. 

Continuing this waxy flavour, Muc-Off waved their Dark Energy Chain Wax. Claimed to be four years in the making and suitable for road, gravel and mountain biking. Made from “plant-based biodegradable waxes” and free from PFAS and PTFE. It’s a dropper wax intended to narrow the gaps between dropper and immersion types. The latter, as the term suggests are where the chai is immersed and left in the wax, refitted afterwards. Not a new concept by any means and “baking” chains was once popular in motorcycling circles.  

Sigma sent me their Nyte Clip and Nyte 70 rear lights. Starting with the Nyte Clip, this is designed with versatility in mind and it’s not cycling specific, which isn’t always a bad thing. it can be attached to rucksacks, bike luggage, clothing etc, so also lends itself to hiking, walking, trail running etc.

It’s a very compact, some might say bijous measuring 52x21x21mm (width length height) and uses COB (Chips on Board) technology-36 diodes in this space is impressive and the 220degree projection continues tis narrative. There are six modes in total-two steady and four flashing (70, 80, 95 and 100lumens), with a maximum run time of 10hours in the 20-lumen steady mode from a full 90-minute charge.  

Sigma claim its visible to 500metres and this is very plausible, judging by what I’ve witnessed from the flashing modes on some bright morning rides.   By contrast, the Nyte70 is cycling specific and features braking and emergency braking functions, meaning it emits a very powerful blast of light when it detects steady, or rapid deceleration. It also employs COB technology, although this time 20 diodes share the space.

It also features an auto mode, which brings the light on and chooses output according to ambient light sensors. In auto mode the braking and emergency braking functions don’t work. There are five others, which seem considerably brighter than figures would imply. The high steady is only 9.5 lumens, the low steady 5.5, day flash 30 lumens, night flash 7.4 and the eco flash a mere 3.

However, its considerably brighter than I was expecting. Without seeing the figures, I believed the day flash to be around the 70-lumen mark.  Eco flash is claimed to return 20 hours from a full charge, night flash 8 hours and the day flash 6, which might not be astonishing, but gives reasonable scope for longer rides.

There’s an integral charge life indicator- green denotes full to 20% blue denotes 19-10% and blue flashing says you’ve dropped below 10%.  It can be mounted vertically, or horizontally, on a seat post, the saddle rails, seat stays and indeed, some racks.      

Elsewhere, I recently dropped processed sugar, or at least as much as I could from my diet and am generally feeling much better for doing so. Chocolate, sugar, cakes, deserts etc all gone. While intellectually I am someone of nuance, with some things I am all, or nothing and just need to stop wholesale, rather than “cutting down”.

I've certainly noted the benefits in the saddle, being able to accelerate and climb quicker, without fatigue, or sluggishness. The Coospo CS600 head unit with its comprehensive readout including calories consumed is certainly fuelling a desire to push myself a little harder. The radar function is also very welcome during blustery rides, and the ANT+ communicates seamlessly with either the brands' own TR70 or BBB radar taillights. The two faint green lines and widget in the left corner, coupled with audible beeps announce when vehicle(s) are approaching and their proximity.

I'd a few Garmin light mounts bouncing around the bodge box, but they were a little flimsy, so I bought two auction site cheapies for Muffin and Ursula, meaning I could simply port the CS600 between them. I had a Magicshine mount, but it was way too lofty for my needs. Buying two was cheaper still, since I wasn't paying postage. One affixing to the stem bolts was an option, but would've placed the CS600 (and indeed, other equipment) too close, especially given Ursula's very stubby stem.  

I found myself revisiting rings for Muffin- get something inexpensive and solid as a staple for next time and I also began contemplating replacing Denise's cassette for an 11-28 next chain switch, since that's the Tiagra rear mech's maximum capacity and would provide a little more winching prowess. In terms of ring, I couldn't find anything suitable- I was thinking sturdy, rather than exotic. A 42 tooth Gebhardt ring seemed the obvious choice. As for the cassette, I was sure I had a Tiagra 11-28 squirreled away somewhere, but at this stage, there's a few months before this becomes pressing.  I’ll close here with my review of the Coospo TR70 Radar Taillight Coospo TR70 Radar Taillight | cycling-not-racing

Spring Cleaning & Present Surprises

 

A post ride flash of inspiration and some quiet saw me fit the Roswheel Lightweight Touring Rack to Denise. Straightforward enough, although I found myself stripping the rack’s fasteners and giving them all a good lick of Oxford Mint Assembly Grease. There are some things I’m not completely sold on, but I’ll reserve judgement until we’ve done some proper miles.

 It’s a slimline, narrow design, especially the top rails and in my view, aesthetically paired to a road biased build-I’m talking Audax and lightweight tourer, through to gravel. 18 kilos maximum payload is a good bit lower than the 25 offered by Topeak Uni Super Tourist 2.0 Non Disc Rack Topeak Uni SuperTourist 2.0 NonDisc Rack | cycling-not-racing but perfectly adequate for general riding, weekend touring, commuting etc.

Given these contexts and the lightweight tag, I was pleased to discover there’s also a three-point mounting option.

I’ve gone the four- point route, since Denise sports these, and it's always been my preference. The grey powder coated finish looks sharp and has an interesting texture, although I noted ours was a little soft along the tops, where the arms rest. Welds are generally neat, albeit with a couple of workman-like, but solid beads at certain points.

As expected, the top mount struggles a little with trunk bags, such as my long serving, 13 litre Carradice, but despite the sides hanging over, it’s been surprisingly secure, even when I’ve been exploring some new bridlepath. Not that Eric the equine was remotely impressed when I stopped by, while dropping some stuff in the post box that evening.  

It also seems a good host to bigger panniers-I’ve the Lomo Zephyr Lomo Zephyr Waterproof Panniers | cycling-not-racing in situ since (a) I really rate them (b) I was keen to see how they’d sit against the rack’s sides, and I’m also running radar lights, which seem most accurate when mounted vertically. One point, and this goes for single-tier designs per se, it's trickier to run panniers and trunk bags together.

 Despite the rack tubing being standard 10mm thick, I’ve not managed to persuade either the Coospo TR70, or the BBB Signal BLS251 to sit securely, which isn’t the case with either the Topeak, or the M Part Summit M Part Summit Rear Rack | cycling-not-racing.  Crucially, both have embraced the rack’s dedicated LED mount.

 Rack testing in motion, I decided I needed to switch Muffin’s composite cages, since these showed a tendency to collect stubborn road film and grot. Black, white, or red would’ve been the most obvious compliments, but I had three silver offerings handy, so took that route.

Then, since the sun was shining, I plucked the Holdsworth from its hook and gave it a good sudsy bucket clean, stripped the congealed Blub Wax Lube Blub Wax Lube | cycling-not-racing and replaced it with the KMC Go.

Next the Cycology 8 days Handlebar Tape was showing signs of wear Cycology 8 days Handlebar Tape | cycling-not-racing, so presented the ideal opportunity to replace and fit the Dia Compe 138  hand rest to the left side. I redressed its bars in the contrasting orange T-One Mr Fantastic Handlebar Tape  T-ONE MR FANTASTIC HANDLEBAR TAPE | cycling-not-racing .

This was doing something close to nothing, was still in good shape and contrasts very nicely with the two-tone blue. A little job I’d planned to do when replacing Muffin’s bars and bar tape, but circumstances meant postponement.  Sometimes it’s the little things that bring the biggest smiles- an impromptu dusk saunter to the post box and a quick chat with Eric (the equine). being another.   

As for the KMC Go, I’ve been increasingly impressed by the formula’s staying prowess and cleanliness despite a cocktail of wet slippery roads, bridleways etc. As I suspected, it returns cleaner and flakes off in very small quantities, rather than the big flakes.

There’s some light peppering along the chainstays, and I do mean light. I’m 150 mixed terrain miles on the first helping and curious as to how many I can amass before there’s that familiar, faint metal-on-metal tinkling. I’m assured there’s no call to strip it, just remove any loose residual stuff and then top-up. We’ll see…

 

   

 

On The Radar

 

I wasn’t expecting to get so engrossed in radar-based technology. I’m specifically referring to systems such as the Coospo TR70 and BBB Signal Radar. Lights are to some extent evolving like mobile (cell) phones did i.e. from telephones through to the complex computers in our pockets. For the uninitiated, radar technology in bike lights is designed to pinpoint approaching vehicles from a safe distance and typically communicate this via smartphone app.

The apps typically allow you to select lighting modes and other functions. These are not intended to replace wider awareness-regular over-the-shoulder glances, but to increase safety, say in contexts, such as a very windy descent where we’re battling the elements and can’t hear approaching traffic. The technology has obvious benefits to folks towing trailers, tagalongs behind their solos and indeed tandems.

I was curious as to how far light/radar could be positioned before reliable, seamless Bluetooth/ANT+ communication was affected. Coospo tell me the TR70 is good for ten metres, which should cater for most applications and contexts.  The BBB signal can also be run sans app, courtesy of an integrated speaker, which is a nice touch.

Run times in both units are reassuringly long, thanks to the sensible selection of modes and varied outputs. Up to a claimed 40 hours with the TR70 and 14 with BBB’s Signal (both in radar only mode, which means the light is only triggered when the radar senses a vehicle approaching. 140 metres seems the benchmark, although the Signal is claimed to detect from 190 metres.  

Thus far, I am forming the conclusion that radar systems are most effective and accurate along country lanes, A roads and bigger roundabouts. The density of town and city centre traffic (parked and mobile) tends to instigate false readings from parked cars and sometimes steel structures and fencing.  

Having confirmed good, user-friendly compatibility with an Android handset, I was curious as to their relationship with a contemporary computer. The sort with internet connectivity. The sort that I’ve traditionally shunned. Coospo kindly sent me their Real Road CS600 GPS Computer, which has impressive features and generous run to charge ratios. I’m at the exploratory phase, so will reserve further comment until I’ve done a good handful of rides and some proper miles.

Talking of miles, after a really filthy ride, I took it as my cue to (a) clean Muffin (b) replace the Izumi chain, which I’d noted was showing some signs of wear. There was a fair bit of congealed go around the sprocket and ring, so these were given a good blast of Drivetrain Detox and a moderate scrubbing first.

Chains are relatively inexpensive, so best replaced before they consume rings and sprockets, which can work out pricey, even on a fixed. I’m still contemplating switching to a stainless ring before next winter comes around. A KMC Z510HX (as shown here on the Holdsworth) being the choice this time round. It features a decent silver finish, “anti drop technology” and mushroom pins promising greater strength.

Not the lightest, but reliability trumps that by some margin.  I’ve found them strong, inexpensive and relatively refined 1500miles seems the going rate for a mid- range track chain. 3,000 miles is the most I’ve ever returned, and that was using a KMC Z1X Inox  SEVEN DAY CYCLIST'S 3000 MILE TEST OF A KMC INOX CHAIN  but it’s a good deal dearer these days, so I’ll stick with the Z510HX.

I took this opportunity to strip and apply some KMC Go wax to the Z510HX and X10 chains, which has also consumed the last remnants of Dynamic Bio Drivetrain Detox, which had lasted considerably longer than I was expecting. I’d spotted two litre bottles of Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner PRO GREEN MX TRIPLE PACK REVIEW for a very keen price, so indulged.

I’ve found it very effective, although in keeping with the Dynamic Bio Drivetrain Detox it likes several minutes soaking time to make inroads into the lube and contaminant before you get busy with the stiff-bristled brush. There are cheaper formulas around on well-known auction sites. However, they can be somewhat caustic- not what you want on pretty paintwork, seals and other small but significant components.

As for the KMC Go, well, it’s living up to expectations. In common with other waxes, it’s quite runny, requires a surgically clean host drivetrain and several hours (ideally overnight) curing. However, it seems to be holding up convincingly in some very changeable (read wet) conditions, drivetrains are reassuringly clean, silent and shifts silent. The other nice feature is that you can just top up. No need to strip and reapply.   

Elsewhere, I’ve been impressed by the Topeak RX Beam Rack and RX Trunk Bag DXP Topeak RX Trunk Bag DXP and RX Beam Rack | cycling-not-racing. A good option if you weren’t keen on three-, or four-point racks for day rides and weren’t carrying bigger loads. There are better choices, including Carradice’s SQR range-including their Carradry  CARRADICE CARRADRY SQR BAG | cycling-not-racing if you wanted to haul heavier payloads. Though I’ve brought the fleet over to racks, I remain very fond of the SQR system and range of bags. Because they place the centre of gravity higher, handling can take a little time adjusting to, coming from panniers and trunk bags. With conditions turning more spring-like, timely that I’ve reached my conclusions regarding the Castelli Unlimited Bib Tights Castelli Unlimited Bib Tights | cycling-not-racing