Fast Blasts, Broken Chains & Electric Blue GTs

The new Scram chain was awaiting me when I returned from the midlands. Trimmed to size and fitted in a matter of minutes, I spurned the tool free pin for a more reliable union. Derailleur and rear brake cables re-tensioned, everything was behaving impeccably.

Rear/blinkey lights on charge in preparation for an evening blast, the Exposure revo Mk1 front dynamo lamp was decidedly dormant-not a flicker. I initially feared I’d inadvertently snagged the connector wire. Replacements are around the £12 mark. Hardly going to break the bank but

Dirty hub contacts came as a relief and were easily fixed, with a quick wipe and fresh lick of Vaseline. I’ve not had chance to play with its successors, or indeed, their complete hub-dynamo system, which looks mightily impressive.

I’ve always liked integrated lighting for commuting and touring but was traditionally disappointed by the modest to moderate output-fine for being seen but in my experience, underpowered for navigating dark and lonely lanes.

Paired with a decent helmet light, there’s a reasonable amount of trail/green lane potential too, although it’s worth noting that I only run a front light from the Ultegra hub.    

Last hurdle presented in the guise of a faulty rear valve. It was a latex infused self-healing model, which in my experience are reliable enough and will seal small holes but tend to gum up, or go-off after a couple of years.  

Tube swapped for a standard Schwalbe and wheel reinstated, I took a few shots before popping it away and returned to the study to tackle some deadlines and discuss some quotes. Talking of tyres; Vittoria got in touch and are sending some mid-section 700c winter/commuter-touring models for testing at Seven Day Cyclist.  

I’d received some electroluminescent garments from Visijax, so the cold but clear evening was all the excuse I needed to take the Univega for a cheeky twenty mile test run. Lanes to myself and I was the proverbial child at Christmas. Revelling in the tubby tourer’s majestic, magic carpet ride and crisp shifts, my serenity was shattered by the sudden loss of power followed by that familiar, heart-sinking tinkle of chain tickling tarmac...

Pulling over to the soft grassy verge, I rummaged through my wedge pack until I found multi-tool and spare links. Thankfully, despite tumbling temperatures and numbing digits, I was able to execute substitution within a matter of minutes. The Revolution Vision usb helmet light http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/revolution-usb-helmet-light  in constant, 50 lumen mode, provided just enough light to operate by.

These experiences are all part of riding and a reminder why wedge pack inventories are so important. More often than not, there’s little call for anything beyond the spare tube, spare links, multi tool, snack, change and spare batteries for a light/emergency blinkey but it's worth checking their condition periodically. Eighty miles in, I’m delighted with the regeneration of my mile munching friend and confident.

Numb of bum and brain, I took a break from the keyboard, so headed to Maldon Shot blasting & Powder Coating to bolt Graham’s refinished mid 90s’ GT back together.  His Timberline now sports an electric blue livery, created using a chrome effect powder base and blue lacquer atop. He also decided to strip the Alivio crankset, giving rings and the scabby looking quill stem a satin black makeover.

Tiny traces of powder can still infiltrate bungs and masking, so it's worth giving the bottom bracket shell and derailleur hanger a quick chase through before re-assembly. 

I treated Graham’s GT to a liberal helping of wax-based aerosol preserve. This has a slightly heavier solvent content, meaning the nozzle didn’t clog so readily and all the tubes were evenly coated within a few minutes.

Nonetheless, I deliver a more generous helping down the seat tube, which can then course around the frame in warmer temperatures. Blocking off the breathe holes was fashionable practice with some riders but these are designed to allow moisture to escape, hence I chase these through afterward.

Lashings of Muc-Off bio-grease http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-bio-grease-long-term-test  were introduced to the headset bearings, bottom bracket shell, cantilever bosses threaded components and contact points.

Though not the thickest blend (or my all-time favourite), I’ve been amazed by its staying prowess. There was plenty of the “strawberry jam” smothering my Univega’s annular headset bearings, even after eighteen months hard service.

New cables and straddle wires are next. In the interests of saving time, we’ve kept the originals as rough templates. Once replacements arrive, I’ll wire everything up and begin fine tuning, exorcising play from the Timberline’s threaded headset. Wheels will also be given a quick once-over. Rim and tyre walls scrutinised, skewers and hub bearings re-greased where appropriate.