These samples from WD40 (parent company of the GT85 brand) and Free Parable T2 trailer have arrived on the Seven Day Cyclist test bench. First up we received those iconic red tins of PTFE infused water displacer that I’ve used since 1989. Excellent for sticky mechanisms, reluctant cables and as a frame flush/ masking agent for electroplate. Their degreaser; wet, dry and all conditions lubes arrived a few days later.
In many respects, the T2 is
very different from the Yak pattern, although the coupling and swing arm system
will be very familiar. High standards of manufacture run throughout. From the
neat, uniform welds and bolt-on mono blade. Trailer wheels tend to be something
of an afterthought.
Though anything but exotic, the T2’s is a notch better than
many OEM examples I’ve come across, turning on sealed fit n’ forget cartridge
bearings.
Having enjoyed a relatively
restful few months, I’ve roused my cyclo ‘cross inspired fixer from its slumber.
Back in 2005, it was acquired as a crate-fresh, stock MKII Ilpompino.
These
days, only the rear hoop and headset remain of the original build.
Traditionally, it has
followed the fixed gear winter trainer narrative; full-length guards, rack,
28-32mm 60tpi tyres etc. However, last years’ conversion to a new, disc
specific front end, two-tone powder coat makeover and a flurry of test kit has
seen its incremental evolution. I’d call it a ‘cross/adventure hybrid;
detractors would shout Frankenbike...
True; an 81 inch gear is too
tall for anything sans asphalt and the rear triangle will only just entertain
32mm rubber. Gone are the Bontrager rack and full length chrome plastics in
favour of these lovely 35mm Clement X’plor and Crud Racer clip-ons. Time ATAC4
have replaced the XLC dual sided Ritchey pattern SPDs and some minor, yet
disturbing creaks were traced to its drive side, square taper crank bolt.
With an operating pressure
between 55 and 90psi; firm centre ridge and soft diamond knobblies, the Clement
are essentially mixed terrain tyres designed for unmade/roads and light trail
fun.
The words dual-purpose are
laden with negative connotations thanks to the awful OEM types that swept in
with the 80’s mountain bike boom. These are worlds apart. Ours are the 120tpi
versions; they’re also available in a stockier 60tpi casing, which would be my
default for winter or weekend touring.
As you’d expect; rolling
resistance is greater than a 120tpi 35mm slick, such as Vittoria Voyager hyper
or Schwalbe Kojak. Similarly, they don’t slice through soft gloop like a
thoroughbred ‘cross knobbly. Nonetheless, they’re responsive and keeping them
rolling at 20odd mph is pretty effortless.
Cross-specific rubber when
pushed hard on asphalt will squirm. I’ve been scorching along 1 in 7s at 30mph
plus and to date; they’ve never missed a beat-rain or shine.
Formative impressions are of
an extremely competent choice for riders looking to exploit their cross or
gravel bike’s dual personality without needing to swap tyres.
The same goes for the Crud
guards. Aimed primarily at XC mountain bike audiences; these fit in the
proverbial minute and have presented a simpler solution up front-especially
since I’m using a headlock system in place of the SFN.
The Ilpompino’s mono-stay
rear triangle seemed an ideal mounting point, maximising clearance while
minimising air resistance-at least that’s my rationale’. On the subject of
preload; a game of musical spacers addressed some minor slop in said machine’s
OEM, cheap as chips; yet equally cheery FSA orbit.
Despite turning on bargain
basement caged balls and slogging through some pretty harsh winters, its’
exceeded my expectations. Good quality grease, regular servicing, full-length
guards certainly help.
However, I suspect we’re
nearing the end of its useful life and I’ve a cartridge unit waiting in the
wings... Elsewhere, good progress is being made with my children’s story
collaboration. We’re agreeing new plotlines and Michael J Murphy is working on
the visuals.
