Trailing Behind but Following the Plot

 

No, I’ve not taken the recumbent trike route, I’m referring to my mighty Bob Yak homage. I acquired mine in 2008 and ultimately sold my genuine Yak in 2009. Main reason being I preferred the homage’s hitch mount, which seemed more secure and less faffy than the Yak’s. The homage's grey finish wasn't bad by factory standards, but the boys at Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating blasted and treated it to a chrome effect powder coat makeover back in 2019.

Single-wheel designs with swing arms track very nicely, so impact upon handling is minimal-although don’t forget its there-especially if you’re navigating rush hour town centre traffic.

Both designs employ bargain basement, but serviceable wheels. Replacing the OEM knobbly tyre for something better quality and road-centric also makes a huge difference in terms of handling and rolling resistance.

I also needed to check the pattern skewer purchased a few months back was a precise fit. Spoiler alert, it was. Much to my relief, the trailer’s spring mechanism mated perfectly. Patterns have improved considerably- cleats being prime examples. However, they can still prove a lottery in the “fit where they touch” sense.  Ursula usually does the tugging duties and handsomely. However, Denise is a little sprightlier and aside from testing the pattern skewer, I was keen to see whether my theoretically optimal gearing held up in practice.

55psi all round, everything securely attached, I headed out in search of some dung- I’d spotted bags of the garden elixir dotting the roadsides at various points on earlier rides. Didn’t want to make a special trip, rather combine collection with a longer meander. Big ring and middle of the 11-25 block provided sufficient torque for 17mph cruising and save for some additional weight and the odd bounce when crossing battle-scarred tarmac, I wasn’t conscious of the trailer. 

I should also point out that I’d applied some Juice Lubes Slick Juice to the swing arm bearings and also took this opportunity to apply some Zefal Pro ii Grease Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing to the wheel’s quick-release skewer.  I was never keen on the mudguard-same applied to those fitted to Bob Yak’s, so removed it. I’m wondering whether a zip-tie “Arse Saver” type might be the way forward. I know there’s a couple in the spares boxes…

Huge bag of equine dung spotted, grabbed and carefully settled into the trailer; I about turned and set off along the lanes.  For the most part, the 36x26 and 11-28 block provide a decent amount of torque. However, a lower bottom gear-30-32 sprocket would be good insurance for the knees and longer ascents. I’d noted a couple of medium cage Tiagra Mechs, so indulged, since prices were favourable.

 Oh, that reminds me, a parking brake of some description is always a good bet when pulling over to stop. Scrap inner tube isn’t glamourous but easily carried and very effective.  A rubber O-ring mount-typically found on lights, computers etc is a more discreet option for engaging a brake and holding the plot steady.   

I’d been getting some decent miles in with the Leatt Trail 6.0 Clip In shoes and have been pleasantly surprised by their blend of power transfer, walkability and breathability. However, they are a little hefty. While comparing their soles with some others loosely of the trail genre, I decided it was time to compare and contrast, so switched to these FLR MXT Vibram Trail Shoes    FLR MXT Vibram Trail Shoes | cycling-not-racing .

These are a narrower design with slightly stiffer soles, which translates as improved power transfer. Trail in this instance is closer to gravel and rough stuff touring rather than mountain biking ( That said; I’ve used them to good effect in the latter context). Continuing this narrative, the soles perform equally well on narrower pedal platforms, such as these Shimano XTShimano Deore XT PD-M8100 Pedals | cycling-not-racing  and Wellgo MO94B WELLGO MO94B SPD PEDALS | cycling-not-racing  and Leatt’s Endurance 6.0 Clip In Pedals Leatt Endurance 6.0 Clip in Pedals | cycling-not-racing.

The Leatt and similarly broad models with more compliant soles are arguably the best union with designs such as this M530 and PED ED500 Shimano PD ED 500 Pedals | cycling-not-racing  . Temperatures in the mid-thirties lead me to conclude the Leatt Trail 6.0 have an edge on the breathability and comfort front, but I’ve never felt unduly toasty in either. No hot-spots or similar discomfort, for that matter.

Elsewhere, I was surprised to discover that the Cyclo Advanced Tyre Removal Tool has ceased production. Definitely one of my favourites and all the more disappointing since I’ve lost the head on mine. However, Weldite had one doing something close to nothing, so graciously sent one my way. Just as well, since I found the Nutrak Swift Frenzy impossible to fit with traditional levers. By contrast, the Cyclo steamrollered them aboard effortlessly.

I’m running Specialized’s Crossroads EX at the rear as a control for now and will go this route for 150 miles or so. At 683g, they’re slightly lighter than the 2.25 section CST patrol but rolling resistance, especially on metalled road is palpably lower.  The tread pattern is very gravel-specific and reminiscent of WTB Nano TCS  WTB Nano TCS Tyre | cycling-not-racing, so it’ll be interesting to see how they cope across the board, particularly in muddy conditions...

 

 

  

Tweaking The Tempo

 

I’m consistently told that I’m very adaptable and for the most part, that’s very positive. To some extent, there’s never the wrong conditions, just the wrong equipment. Whether that be coping mechanisms, or material stuff. I’d been pushing myself very hard in broader contexts, to the point of chronic emotional depletion. This was only evident to a very select few and I was struggling to pinpoint; dare I say articulate the experience and root causes.  I’d been down to London to experience BTS  BTS World Tour London: 70,000 ARMYs Fill Tottenham Hotspur Stadium!

Not my genre of music but the spectacle and company were fantastic. The fanbase seemed a really supportive and positive collective- this was incredibly palpable at every point, within the train carriages, the stadium and the immense crowds snaking through the streets of North London afterwards. Potentially a mugger’s paradise, the sea of bodies flowed without incident, although we were exhausted after the two-hour journey back to our Goodge St hotel.

The sustained heatwave hasn’t negatively impacted my riding pattern, rather I’ve taken more time to explore the lanes and byways. Being mindful to cover my neck, apply a high factor sunscreen to exposed skin and carrying two full trade bottles. Soda water is my mid-ride tipple of choice, although plain tap water comes a close second. I don’t miss sugary, caffeine-laden drinks, but I’ve always missed the carbonated fizz.

Some years ago, I encountered a recovering alcoholic who told me he was able to quit gin but not the tonic water.  

Two hundred and fifty miles later and I’m forming the opinion that Juice Lubes Slick Juice is loosely comparable to Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing on the friction front. I’ve also applied some to Ursula’s Kinekt post, since I was doing some seasonal checks, topping up internal frame preserves etc, while the weather was particularly conducive.

This is particularly apparent on the Hollowtech II axles and anecdotally, contributing to a higher average speed when measured over a particular circuit. I’ve been defaulting to these Sidi Aertis Sidi Aertis MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing, which are a sporty cross country mountain bike shoe but one that makes ready transition to gravel, audax and general road duties. Contexts where safe, dependable walking is desirable.

The soles have marginally more give, compared with the Shimano SHRX600 Shimano SH RX600 Gravel Cycling Shoes | cycling-not-racing  , which is welcome off the bike but doesn’t impair efficiency when I’ve been tackling extended, or sharp climbs on the fixed. As gravel and backpacking has evolved, manufacturers have responded by introducing models with more and less compliant soles to suit different tastes.

Stiffer, dare we say sportier soles are fabulous for pedalling efficiency, but can induce fatigue on long rides.  Models, such as Leatt Pro Clip Endurance Shoes  Leatt Pro Clip Endurance Shoes | cycling-not-racing  are aimed at those wanting “dependable performance and all-day comfort but without the race focus stiffness”. I’ve found they meet this mission statement handsomely and also have scope for touring. The wider profiles are also very accommodating of waterproof socks, which is significant, especially given the extensive mesh panelling. This also extends their horizons to winter.  Compared with the Shimano and Sidi discussed; the sole has a little more give, which is apparent during out of-the-saddle efforts on the fixed and I’ve noted a little extra cleat clatter off the bike. 

Genre blurring is nothing new. Mountain bike drivetrains became the norm on road going touring bikes and higher-end hybrids back in the late 80s, especially as triples became increasingly expected on new builds. I’ve never been shy of mixing and matching to suit gearing and indeed taste. For example, Denise sports a 2x10 Deore crankset, Tiagra rear mech and an old Deore LX front mech commanded by bar end shifters.

I’ve had a Shimano 600 road front mech commanding a touring triple and it could struggle bringing the chain over to the big ring. Back in the days of square tapers, I originally paired a Stronglight 100 Touring triple to Ursula, although even with relatively long axles, the cranks ran a hairs’ breadth from the chainstays-literally. Hence, I ultimately opted for an Alivio, when one came along at the right price back in November 2009.

 There’s much less scope for adjustment with a contemporary external bottom bracket configuration, meaning a gravel specific crank is likely to present Q factor, chain line and chainstay whacking issues.

Again, these things are nuanced. Experimentation is one thing; fool's missions are quite another.

If you’d one laying around, or gifted you, it might be worth exploring. However, it could also turn into a time sapping saga. For me, I’d reach for a 68mm Deore bottom bracket and crankset. I initially fitted a Tiagra bottom bracket when Denise was built as a 1x10, but switched for Deore when that mysteriously got the grumbles and an XT is the planned successor.  Right, I’ve just bolted some pattern cleats to these Leatt Trail shoes and will head off on Ursula to explore…

 

      

 

 

Bicycle Aikido

 

During the long and sometimes very hot summer of 1987, I acquired a copy of Bicycling Magazine’s Bicycle Repair. The opening chapter discussed Bicycle Aikido, which though a gross oversimplification, basically meant working with, rather than against components. Working things out and using appropriate force. Knowing how to hold the bike and tools correctly, for best effect. If you feel resistance, back off, if it’s coming together nicely, go with the flow.

Obviously, things like torque wrenches are far more prevalent, affordable to most home mechanics, so reduce the likelihood of component damage. That is, if they’re used correctly and with similar mechanical sympathy. I thought I’d long since consigned my copy to charity shops, or similar outlet. I was pleasantly surprised to discover it nestling between some other cycling publications from that decade, including Richard Balantine’s.

Black and white photographs, straightforward instructions/guidance. So straightforward, it led thirteen-year-old me, armed only with a spoke key into a false sense of security. I successfully turned a very minor wibble into a wildly wandering wheel. Fast forward 39 years and I’d been doing a fair bit of dirt road exploration aboard Ursula-one that led to me discovering a rave at 1030 in the morning, not to mention a chance encounter with Spiderman.  By this point, I’d reached my conclusions regarding Topeak’s Handleloc system and fancied quicker passage across metalled roads, so switched to Denise.

On one particularly hot afternoon, I decided it would be prudent to apply some Juice Lubes Slick Juice to the USE seat post and Hollowtech II axle. Two easy little jobs-regular “while I think of it” greasing keeps things mobile and happy. I found one of the pinch bolts unexpectedly arthritic, so gave that a more generous lick of grease and snugged both to 13nm, rather than the maximum 14. Seatpost removed, I took the opportunity to blast some more corrosion inhibitor inside the seat tube. Given temperatures exceeded thirty degrees, this would flow beautifully around the frames’ inner sanctum and cure rapidly.

Though friction is palpably lower than traditional greases when spinning the cranks, I’m not sure whether the Slick Juice is neck and neck with Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing, but I’ll reserve judgement for now. Will be interesting to compare their staying prowess, too. For context, I’ve needed to replenish Peaty’s Speed Grease every six months, rather than the 9-12 typical of stout lithium-based formulas.

Personally, I find partial stripping and re-greasing more convenient than wholesale, annual tear downs. However, I prioritise a stodgy, hell n’ high water blend for headsets and contact points-at least on winter bikes, mountain bikes, tourers and others serving in more challenging conditions.

Following on from my comments about subtle stockpiling of consumables, someone waved a KMC Z1 EPT chain under my nose along with some replacement Shimano pattern cleats-both at very favourable prices, so I snapped them up.  Chances are the Z1 EPT will replace the fixed’s Z5 come November when conditions will be wintrier and the Z5 will be due its pension. Staying with chains a moment, I’m still very impressed that the All Mountain Style Miami Glide Chain Wax’s temperature stability, even when temperatures have been in the mid to high thirties.

No gooeyness, nor does it transfer readily to hands and a consistent 250- 280 miles per application is similarly impressive by wax standards (150-180 miles is more typical) in generally arid conditions and allowing for the odd showery interval. I’m hopeful these qualities will increase drivetrain life, longer term and am planning on defaulting to it until October, unless conditions dictate otherwise.  

Sometimes the best products are the ones we default to, simply because they perform well and let us enjoy the ride. I am privately something of an obsessive, I’m intrigued by how stuff works, performance gains, that sort of thing but they’re the last thing I’d want to discuss during a ride, save for a casual aside, café’ stop break etc.

Other people’s machines, the human element, the stories behind them etc, yes, but I wouldn’t want the duration of a ride, or conversation to be rooted in component choice, or technical specifications.  Much the same goes for motorcycles, photography, and anything else I’m involved with.

Some technical chat is absolutely fine and often very relevant but quickly becomes tedious if it's someone’s only line of curiosity, or conversation. Then again, I’ve never needed to be centre of attention, nor do I talk about myself, although I am consistently told that I am intriguing and maybe I like that air of mystery…I’ll close here with my review of the Topeak Pannier Drybag 16 Litre The Topeak Pannier Dry Bag 16 litre | cycling-not-racing  and Castelli  Ultimate Sun Protection UPF Jersey The Castelli Ultimate Sun Protection UPF | cycling-not-racing

 

 

 

 

Subtle Stockpiling

 

Bargains are to be found everywhere and seemingly limitless temptation. However, I always remind myself something is only a bargain if I actually need or want it. There are exceptions to every rule, but impulse buys don’t typically fall into this category. Some things I stockpile while cheap- deodorant, shampoo cleaning products, coffee, since they will always get used.

Same goes for chains, cassettes, and cables. I keep three sets of each aside, since these things usually wear out quietly, typically demanding replacement when you’re doing an impromptu check and the shop’s shut. I also keep a couple of cleats handy, for the same reason, although I seem to go through these at a more pedestrian rate.

 I picked up several blue KMC Z1 for £5 a few years back, but default to KMC X10 for the geared builds, KMC Z510 for fixed and single speed. While I like stuff that compliments, if a white, or “tarts handbag” gold are offered at the right price, on they go. Both the KMC X10 and Z510 are inexpensive and will last, with basic maintenance.

Conditions and chain lubes play their part, but I bargain on 1200 miles from an X10, 1700 from the Z510. This gives me three months to source some suitable replacements, at the right price. The most I’ve had from a track chain is 3,000 miles- the KMC Inox SEVEN DAY CYCLIST'S 3000 MILE TEST OF A KMC INOX CHAIN and Gusset S-Link. I retain considerable fondness for, but they’re not the lightest. I’m also fond of their nickel-plated Z1eHX, particularly on winter and working bikes, it’s just dearer than my defaults. I ‘m not a fan of missing links when it comes to fixed gear, preferring the old school prune and push, chain tool method.   

I function fairly well in extremes of temperature, although experience a gradual, palpable fatigue when the temperature creeps into the high 20s. Against this backdrop, the timing of Castelli’s offer to review the UPF 50 jersey couldn’t’ve been better, Conditions were optimal for evaluating the garments claims too.

Like-for-like, the UPF50 has a slight, tangible edge on the otherwise very comfortable Espresso Castelli Espresso Jersey | cycling-not-racing and Espresso 2 Castelli Espresso2 Jersey | cycling-not-racing jerseys.  The original Espresso fabric offers SPF30 protection, which is very welcome and covers a lot of bases in the broad strokes sense. However, where offered, I’d go for factor 50.  

Some faint increase in friction led me to checking and ultimately topping up the All Mountain Style Miami Glide Chain Wax The All Mountain Style Miami Glide | cycling-not-racing This also presented an opportunity to treat Muffin and Ursula a good wash. Though primarily dry, a tangible layer of stubborn, filmy grime clung to the bottom bracket shells, chainstays, fork legs, wheels etc. An excellent opportunity to test the stock blend Juice Lubes Bike Wash.   I’d also noted some very subtle oxidisation on Ursula’s Ryde hoops-just the machined sidewalls, since I’m not running disc brakes. 

Easily dismissed with some titanium cleaner I had nestling in my cleaning potions box and a medium stiff brush. A light, periodic coating of wax on the sidewalls, while I’m treating the frameset and components should lock the elements out.   Mid ride, I also discovered the Dia Compe 287 lever had suddenly worked loose. Nothing a few turns of a 4mm Allen key couldn’t fix and much easier to access compared with Tekro’s venerable RL520 and 340. While we evolve, our formative years retain some powerful influence.  

Au pairs aside, my fragile teenage mind was blown by the drop bar mtb concept.

Lightweight, rugged, go anywhere machines that were engaging to ride over any terrain, could carry me and luggage away from every torment. During that pre internet era, Mountain Bike Action was as close as we could get to the longer established US market, developments and technology. These were only found (sporadically at that) in bigger retailers, so Muddy Fox’s Trailblazer and Specialized’s Rock Combo were my first exposure to the concept. The latter was particularly well executed.

Fast forward nigh on four decades and the appeal remains immensely strong, life’s challenges just become more significant. Packing up and pissing off for a bit, to process, reflect and formulate plans of action should never be confused with running away. Running away solves nothing and just compounds issue(s).

Mercifully, jettisoning baggage didn’t extend to the Topeak Pannier Dry Bag 16litre, which has proved very secure along rough, churned trails. Rixen Kaul has a small, yet palpable edge on the limpet-like retention. Topeak’s Handleloc system performs very well, and release is much smoother but allow for a little more audible chatter and "bob" if rough stuff’s your thing.        

Pruning, Tuning & Distraction

 

I resisted the cable pruning urge for all of 24 hours. Weary of bum and brain, I shuffled from my office chair and headed to the garage. Cursory inspection and some double-checking later, I’d marked the cut point and removed the front mech's inner wire. Measure twice, cut once; I performed a final check, snipped the outer cable and refitted. Save for pulling the inner wire through trimming, and restricting the front mech’s throw- done in five minutes.

Oh well, might as well…I was compelled to adjust Ursula’s rear brake. The cable had stretched slightly, which also saw me realigning the calliper.  This phase was a little more perfectionist- some might say obsessive. Having pulled the inner wire through a little further and snugged tight, I slackened the calliper mount, then used a rubber O-ring to bring the brake lever fully home. Theoretically, aligning the calliper, while I tightened it evenly. A technique that ultimately proved successful. No tickling, or rub, just smooth, progressive stopping. Yay! 

I’m a big fan of Topeak’s Uni Super Tourist 2.0 DX Rear Rack. Being a two-tier design, there’s no issues combining panniers and rack bags, whether their MTX Trunk Bag Topeak MTX Trunk Dry Bag | cycling-not-racing, or something more universal, such as my long serving Carradice. You can still pair these on a single tier design but whipping them on and off is more convoluted.

The rack is highly adjustable-great for various frame sizes and designs, regardless of whether they run discs, or not. 25 kilo maximum payload caters for most contexts, and the factory powder-coated finish is generally hardy.

My one minor niggle (aside from electroplated fasteners) is the rack’s design can hinder access to disc brake calliper mounts. A moot point tackled with a workshop, ball-end type but potentially tricky with some multi-tools. Singular L-type 5mm keys, or slender tools, such as this Oxford Torque R10 Mini Ratchet Set Oxford Torque RT10 Mini Ratchet Set | cycling-not-racing seem the best fits.   

250 mixed terrain miles on and the All-Mountain Style Miami Glide Chain Wax is also performing very well- clean and yet seemingly resilient. I’ve concluded that letting it cure for 7-8 hours reaps best reward-I sensed I was chancing it at three hours but was keen to take Ursula for a shakedown ride and it’s the sort of thing we’ve all done now and then.  Much the same story with Muffin’s KMC chain.

One thing led to another while I was contemplating the world and my place within it. Curious to see how compatible (or otherwise) Slick Juice was with titanium; I switched the super plush Sumo for this Torus. This also presented opportunity to top up Muffin’s frame preserve and having torqued everything correctly, I gave the post a polish and applied some protectant. Given the grease’s composition, I’m not expecting any issues with galvanic corrosion, but there’s only one way to find out.  

As the miles rack up, I’m increasingly impressed by the All-Mountain Sports Miani Glide Chain Was. Specifically its lubrication and temperature stability. It seems to penetrate and coat the chain’s pins and rollers, resulting in silent, crisp shifting, doesn’t attract grime and runs cleaner. In fairness, several waxes I’ve tested over the last year or two haven’t become a gooey mess when the mercury’s creeping beyond 23 degrees but some are definitely better than others. It's also proving quite effective on cables, cleat mechanisms and other metal-on-metal interfaces that we might want to lube “while we think of it”.

Leatt have graciously sent me some shoes and shades to play with. Now, I've defaulted to twin bolt gravel shoes for the past five years or so, on and off road since they strike an excellent balance of power transfer and walkability. Grippy soles offering excellent traction off the bike-even if it's just dis/mounting on an icy morning. Prior to this,  cross country mountain bike and sportier touring shoes were my go-tos. I'm still a big fan of these Quoc Pham, which are still going strong after thirteen years. Leather uppers are easy to care for and resist the elements very well-wipe clean with a damp cloth and treat with hide food, or shoe polish to keep them supple.

Back to the Leatt. These are the Trail 6.0, a trail shoe, which features a longer cleat channel, offering greater adjustment. Forward, for a more aggressive, dare we say, racy stance, further back for trail, all mountain and endurance genres. A little different. Synthetic uppers seem rugged, although means mesh panelling. Once upon a time, this meant very soggy feet when the heavens opened. However, the slightly wider fit means they are readily paired with thinner waterproof socks, such as these Muc-Off, which are firm favourites of mine. 

Leatt also sent me their  Ride Viz Sierra Sunglasses. These employ "Biopolymer" frames with stainless steel temples. Polycarbonate lenses employing polarising technology, promising to eliminate glare and therefore, eye strain are something we've come to expect. Their casual, slightly classic design looks less aggressively technical, so theoretically a good fit off the bike. The Rebound employ carbon fibre frames and arms, keeping the weight low and rubberised grippers offering tactile tenure. 

Technical kit doesn't have to look overtly technical. Some brands still offer more relaxed "touring" shirts and shorts, although this is a smaller market, which seemed to almost reach a point of extinction, but made a quiet comeback thanks to gravel's rise in popularity. Prior to that, messenger subculture had a fleeting influence between 2005 and 2009. I'm still fond of "messenger knickers" which were nicely cut, looked stylish off the bike-perfect when meeting friends for lunch and similar social contexts. 

Looser fit mountain bike clothing is similarly practical. Endura Humvee remain popular (justly so, in my view) and cross, trail, touring and gravel genres very capably. Pockets and stash points means they're also ultra practical, won't look out of place on a mountain bike, tourer, gravel, or road bike.  Great for everyday riding where Lycra is inappropriate or frowned upon.   Hmm...Might that be why the Shetlands are shunning me ... I'll close here with my long term review of the Topeak Uni Super Tourist DX Rack Disc  Topeak Uni Super Tourist DX Rack Disc | cycling-not-racing