Lo and behold, days after my last entry, this substantial hot forged Stronglight track crankset came under my radar. Adding 220g to the build might fill some with horror but in practice, power transfer is greatly improved thanks to the rigidity of the arms. Coupled with a deep section CNC machined chainring, this largely addresses the shortcomings of square taper designs whether climbing out of the saddle or full out on the flat-at least for riders hovering between 70 and 80 kilos.
Dual sided SPD make a great deal of sense on a road fixers but then these Look KEO copies sport magnesium bodies, sealed cartridge bearings and tip the scales at a very reasonable 220g (pair) while giving an aesthetically sharper feel. Magnesium has been criticised for being whippy but charging along the climbs, out of the saddle with my full weight atop them, I haven't noticed any of the dreaded flex and engagement's only fractionally slower when snatching away from the lights.
With the nights drawing in, the murkier and dare I say, grimier season looms large on the horizon. Less daylight demands better time management and my attention turns to convenience cleaning products-bike wash, hand cleansers etc. Being honest, save for working bikes serving in crime ridden, inner city districts, the promise of effortlessly gleaming steeds in minutes is a real crowd pleaser but in keeping with some washing detergents, ingredients can be a real witches brew. 
Anyone involved in the repair side of the auto industry should be only too aware of the dangers associated with prolonged exposure to petro-chemicals and their health effects. Probe deeper into these wonder potions and often you'll discover hormones and carcinogens closely associated with infertility/birth defects, cancers and other physiological change.It's nothing new or restricted to industrial applications-these are commonly found preserves and stabilisers in cosmetics/toiletries.
Large manufacturers promote their benefits for the lowest possible price and as consumers we passively collude without thought to the longer term consequences. Equally, those boasting super invasive, filth busting formulas must also have some degenerative effect upon welcome lubrication. I for one am careful to avoid spraying such formulas-even citrus based, directly at headsets, hubs, bottom brackets. Fussy? maybe but there's insufficient evidence to suggest these chemicals, ingested through the skin don't mutate or contribute to disease or illness. I'm not trying to cultivate paranoia but it's food for thought and gloves, Latex or otherwise are wise precautions when working with them.
Nothing gladdens the callous hearts of bike-thieves more than a nice, shiny anonymous looking bike they can flog quickly without trace. Therefore, I've opted to treat Ninja Blue and the Teenage Dream to Alpha dot. It's been on the market for a good decade or so and feedback suggests it's like kryptonite to the professionally light fingered and insurers lower their premiums accordingly. Like any other tagging system, there's no substitute for solid, properly used locks and secure storage but they mean bike and rightful owner stand a hope of being reunited. It's a lacquer containing a unique code linking bike and owner courtesy of a central database. Unlike transponder systems which are easier to dispose of, a thief can never be sure they're removed all trace and can be applied to most surfaces without affecting paint, lacquer, plating or anodizing.
Last but not least, the Univega finds itself sporting this nifty T section alloy cage designed to haul 1.5 litre PET bottles without flinching, making those impulsive roadside purchases easier to cart about. Measuring 33cm long, fitting's tricky on compact framesets, demanding I forgo one mounted on the seattube but the benefits outweigh the shortcomings. That said, I've a feeling my dentist doesn't share my enthusiasm!
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