I returned from another
water-logged blast and concluded it was time to get busy with the M16 Podium
stage system kit. I’d allowed my cross-inspired fixer to become right royally
encrusted in a week’s worth of silty gunk.
Wheels out for a deep clean,
this was the moment to swap the superb Schwalbe Marathon GT for some much
lighter 30mm, 120tpi Vee rubber Rolldiac.Yes, I was very excited and
judging by the barking frenzy, so were the neighbour’s miniature Schnauzers.
Either that; or they were begging their master to toss them a Marlboro.
First up, frame,
transmission and contact points received a quick, cold-water rinse over before I engulfed the bike under a richly
deserved helping of that visibly subdued Extreme bike cleaner This was left marinating a few minutes while I rounded up buckets and brushes, singing that
Prince Buster classic “Whine or grine”.
Afterall, if you have your
brush, you can avoid the rush… As per the Univega, impacted grot literally fell
away come the first hint of a saturated sponge. More
intimate areas were coaxed clean using the Pedros’ large frame and wheel brush https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pedros-pro-brush-kit
God had decided to take an
extended break from washing his two-wheeled fleet on Wednesday afternoon, so I
progressed to the Pro Finish #2. This is basically a base coat wax, which will
also consume any residual grime-spent chain lube and similar spots missed
during the first stage.
With that buffed; for the
grand finale’ I applied their helmet & bike guard, which being completely
free of silicone, can apparently be delivered to discs and other braking
surfaces.
Calling their bluff, I did
just that.
Inflated to 125psi (The Rollidac are good for 145, if you must), I reinstated the wheels, adjusted chain tension and gave the links a cursory cat-lick to purge any gritty contaminant. Slightly congealed TF2 extreme clung to rollers, and may last through to April and beyond. By that point, I’ll top up, or strip in favour of something lighter.
I wasn’t remotely surprised by the pregnant pause as I progressively engaged the Tektro lever while trundling along at 5mph. Lever fully home while riding another hundred metres restored the stoppers original prowess. Therefore, minimise contact and test your brakes a few times before joining the Queen’s highway.
Inflated to 125psi (The Rollidac are good for 145, if you must), I reinstated the wheels, adjusted chain tension and gave the links a cursory cat-lick to purge any gritty contaminant. Slightly congealed TF2 extreme clung to rollers, and may last through to April and beyond. By that point, I’ll top up, or strip in favour of something lighter.
I wasn’t remotely surprised by the pregnant pause as I progressively engaged the Tektro lever while trundling along at 5mph. Lever fully home while riding another hundred metres restored the stoppers original prowess. Therefore, minimise contact and test your brakes a few times before joining the Queen’s highway.
A quick drop of Green Oil
slip https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/green-oil-slip-eco-lubricant to cleat mechanisms and the Thudbuster’s
bushings concluded the morning’s fun. I popped said machine and tooling away
and returned indoors.
Talking of green oil, they’ve
just launched a kickstarter campaign to get their PTFE free maintenance spray
into production. PTFE and its branded derivatives is used in all manner of
non-stick applications from industrial lubricants through to cookware. Great
for moving parts but particularly toxic to aquatic life and not particularly
kind to us either.
As with exposure to other
chemicals, there are supposedly parameters of safety. Delivering a quick, shot
of PTFE fortified lube to cables, cleat/derailleur mechanisms, locks etc
presents minimal risk to us.
Similarly, the occasional
engine oil and filter change won’t greatly increase a motorcycle or car
enthusiast’s risk of contracting serious dermatological condition or cancer.
Provided of course, examination gloves and other preventative measures are
taken…
Pro mechanics who regularly ingest
PTFE products orally, or through the skin do. We’re really looking forward to
getting our hands on the Eco Spray lube.
So, back to those those
curiously named Vee Rubber. These feature a very subtle, dimpled tread
reminiscent of a cross tyre that’s been sanded almost pancake flat at 667g per
pair, they’re lighter than a single Schwalbe, although still promise optimum
grip and longevity.
The supple casings boast a
very thin Aramid belt, which will hopefully deflect the most common invaders,
although I’m not expecting the Marathon GT’s almost bullet-proof dependability…I’ve
had one epic “Gunshot” blow-out (during our maiden voyage), literally tore the
tube wall clean open! Good thing I packed that little Zefal pump too, since my
Co2 inflator saw fit to prematurely jettison. We’ll see what the next few
hundred miles bring before forming any firm conclusions.
Lastly a seat post update. After some problems with an online retailer
busting the MT3 live centre component during the pick n’ pack phase, we’ve had
a Eureka moment with the ti post project.....More next week. In the meantime, if wet legs on tour, or sullied office smarts are spoiling your commute, these Pro-Viz might be a winner https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-nightrider-waterproof-trouse
