Used as a
preservative/biocide, extending a products shelf-life, there’s an increasingly
convincing body of research linking para-hydroxybenzoic acids with cancers,
hormonal abnormalities, immune, neurological and reproductive toxicity.
Indeed, there appears an
increased presence of these oestrogen mimicking particles within the tissues of
breast cancer patients, nearest the underarm region. Playing Devil’s advocate,
it may be (like Aspartame, the somewhat controversial artificial sweetener) that
there are safe limits within which such complications do not arise…
Bottom line, I’m in favour
of minimising contact with anything potentially carcinogenic, whether used motor-oils,
contaminated greases, even the supposedly super clean space-age polymers. Thin,
washable gloves seem infinitely preferable to absorbing further, potential toxins
through my skin. Elsewhere, those nice folk at Moore Large (www.todayscyclist.co.uk)
have sent me a stainless steel KMC Z1 (inox).
Nudging 442g, it’s something
of a behemoth but seemingly bombproof and positively serene. Now, stainless
seem an obvious candidate for winter bikes and daily drivers but nonetheless,
low should never be interpreted as zero maintenance, thus I’ve a hunch the pins
might succumb to some red freckling.
Admittedly there’s no
substitute for long miles, along wet, salty roads but in their seasonal absence
I’m trying a similar experiment, leaving a discarded section marinating in a
tub of fresh water laced with table salt and left drying in coastal climes.
Ours remains dressed in the
factory drizzle, which appears pretty corrosion repellent but in any case, only
a minority of us will be whizzing round on truly parched chains for any period.
Not that this should be a problem given my present arsenal has been joined by
some store brand “wet weather” and “Teflon based” lubricants passed my way for
critical evaluation.
Superficially it’s tempting
to say they’re dead ringers for a wealth of similar formulas, which will lead
doubting Thomas/Theresa’s suggesting this illustrates the prevalence of
badge-engineering. Healthy scepticism is essential but so is keeping an open mind.
Two products can look decidedly similar and in some instances comprise of
identical ingredients.
However, that’s not to say
tracks one and two were putting different labels on the same products-weights
and measures can vary, hence why some marques will stay put longer, attract
more/less contaminant, or in the bad old days, leave a streaky finish, do nasty
things to rubberised components and indeed, beneath our skin.
Elsewhere, in the name of
frugality, gracious donation of this elderly but worthy tower means I have a
reliable desktop once more and my collaboration continues to gallop towards the
tangible entity we’d envisaged but near, yet so far springs to mind.
Several weeks on and those Btwin Automatic (SPDR) homages continue to delight, even on the fixed thanks to a
subtle weighting that allows easy location/flipping when trickling along. As
expected, their softer aluminium bodies sport more battle scars than premium
fare but nothing outlandish and I love the convenience of being able to walk
gracefully without ravaging best linoleum. Whisper it but I’m not regretting
the Ilpompino’s regression to square tapers either; though a stiffer ring would
be welcomed…
