Issue 6 of Seven Day Cyclist
(www.sevendaycyclist.co.uk http://www.pocketmags.com/searchresults.aspx?search=Seven+Day+Cyclist)
has just hit the digital newsstands. We’ve a thorough test of the Genesis Croix
de fer 2.0, a Hope hydraulic brake service, an interview with Martyn Brunt
Sustrans’ NCN manager, tours, products and lots more besides.
Chill Easter weekends are
something of an institution on these shores but a blaze of spring-like
conditions have swept in behind, prompting resurrection of my Geonaute G-Eye
action camera. Image quality and ease of use are definite plus points given the
modest outlay but let down by a protective polycarbonate housing, incompatible
with Go-Pro patterns, which has made handlebar mounting trickier than
necessary.
A threaded base would’ve
enabled direct fitment to this Minoura (easily the best mount I’ve come across);
or surprisingly effective bodge bin specials made for pennies from old blinky
brackets, assorted screws, nuts and washers. Maybe, I’ll find another casing on ebay; or
the patience to file the existing unit’s lug so it will mate nicely with Go-pro
pattern brackets. Reportage will be fair weather for the time being.
The National Society for The
Protection of Cruelty to Cleats (NSPCC) would’ve been pressing charges if
they’d caught sight of these dog earned patterns.
Months of neglect, salty coastal roads and constant di/engagement, it was small wonder they’d lasted this long.Suspiciously easy exit suggested I was pushing my luck-especially on the fixers and the arrival of these Stiletto white XLC proved the decider.
Months of neglect, salty coastal roads and constant di/engagement, it was small wonder they’d lasted this long.Suspiciously easy exit suggested I was pushing my luck-especially on the fixers and the arrival of these Stiletto white XLC proved the decider.
Murphy’s Law dictated that every
last trace of grease had been whittled from the screws, locking them in a
passionate tryst with their hosts (the universe’s way of telling me not to be
so self-righteous!) Mercifully a blast of penetrant spray and Torx driver
secured their release without resort to drilling.
Packet fresh WP98A spun home
(fasteners fed a generous dollop of ceramic grease!) and feet engaged with that
familiar “Clack” we were off on these “Stiletto” white XLC pedals.
Closer inspection suggests
they’re rebadged and painted Wellgo WP801; albeit without the magnesium
options. No bad thing since these Ritchey Logic homages were delightfully
faithful-I ran a red pair for several years on “The bird shit special”- my much
loved 1X8spd cross inspired MTB workhorse.
They even became my go-to
set when testing bikes-until someone pilfered them. Over the years, I’ve run
worthy patterns giving change from £17 but the XLC’s casting and bearing
quality seems decidedly superior. Cro-moly axles feel a wee bit stiffer under
explosive acceleration and sustained honking too.
Powder coating is an obvious
choice for pedals when properly applied-it’s cheap, rugged and generally very
attractive. White can be a very tricky customer since there’s so little
pigment.
Inexperienced sprayer will apply too much powder in an attempt to counteract this, resulting in an orange-peel effect. No trace of that here. Obviously, the cleats are digging in at localised points but there’s no suggestion it might flake or peel further along the line.
Inexperienced sprayer will apply too much powder in an attempt to counteract this, resulting in an orange-peel effect. No trace of that here. Obviously, the cleats are digging in at localised points but there’s no suggestion it might flake or peel further along the line.
Muc-Off have also sent me
their latest “Hydrodynamic” lube, which is reckoned to be the ultimate all
conditions lube particularly to suited to cross and road duties. Theoretically,
it has the stamina of a wet lube but with superior cleanliness and friction.
Exact composition is Coca
Cola secret but apparently petrochemical free, so won’t hurt aquatic life or
otherwise pollute the environment. In keeping with others of this new breed of
super lube, recipient chains need to be surgically clean before a drop is spilt.
From the spout it emerges
with a blue taint and has a four hour curing period (I find overnight is ideal)
whereupon it assumes a clean but glossy state-similar to those fortified with
PTFE but much cleaner.
Hydrodynamic has clung to my Ilpompino’s stainless steel chain very convincingly-often lubes can migrate to the slippery metal’s outer plates. Eighty miles in and I’m certainly warming to its potential but at this end of the market, I’ll be disappointed if it doesn’t return at least 500 variable weather miles per re/application.
Hydrodynamic has clung to my Ilpompino’s stainless steel chain very convincingly-often lubes can migrate to the slippery metal’s outer plates. Eighty miles in and I’m certainly warming to its potential but at this end of the market, I’ll be disappointed if it doesn’t return at least 500 variable weather miles per re/application.
With the longer evenings,
it’s easy to overlook lights and then get caught out by a deviation/puncture or
good company. I’ve noted several riders- experienced enough to know better,
succumb to dusk’s unexpected curtain recently.
Always pack a set of blinkies just in case-they’re potent, dirt cheap and could save your life. Right, there ends my public service announcement-I’m off to put an assortment of bike washes through their paces-see how the cope with various genres of gunk.
Always pack a set of blinkies just in case-they’re potent, dirt cheap and could save your life. Right, there ends my public service announcement-I’m off to put an assortment of bike washes through their paces-see how the cope with various genres of gunk.
