Polished Performer

A semi-sheared side plate put a temporary stop to last week’s back road blasting on the Holdsworth. Unusually for me, spare links were conspicuous by their absence. Thankfully said weakness was spotted at the end of Tuesdays’ outing, not ten miles from base. A generous helping pruned from the Ilpompino’s inox unit were later found in its wedge pack.



 

Rather like spare tubes and patch kits without a pump or CO2 inflator, links aren’t a fat lot of use without a suitable chain tool. Those found on some multi tools will do an excellent job of splicing and re-joining beefy track types. However, keep this infrequent. to avoid fatigue. Even if the pin doesn’t pop, the spreader slots can eventually crumble.

 

That said; I’ve been stunned to discover some pricey models marketed as “Workshop” used relatively soft aluminium drive pins, which inevitably expired within a month’s moderate use.  
 

A new KMC was sourced at a very favourable price. I’ve pruned a few links for spares but otherwise leaving it complete for a rainy day. I’ve also decided to whip the wheel round and use the 16tooth alloy 3/32 sprocket, delivering a marginally lower gear.  


 

Staying with chains a moment, here’s the mid-term (3 month) review of the Weldtite TF2 extreme wet, which had served my ‘cross inspired fixer’s chain from January onwards https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-extreme-wet-chain-lubr . 

 

Weather is still quite changeable, erring on the wintry and for the meantime; I’m sticking with some middleweight formulas. Here’s a quick guide to lubes and the science behind them https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/blank-ao363
 

Before I’d discovered the fractured side plate, an audible click when under load pointed to the right hand Time ATAC XC4. Not the most obvious pedal choice for a road build, let alone TT bike. 


 

However, I much prefer dual sided models for quick getaways. These are resin bodied, which save a few grams. Plentiful float is good news for knees and there’s plenty of ground clearance too.
 

The only downside for me is their use of brass cleats, which, being a softer metal wear faster and are pricier to replace compared with SPD. Admittedly, price is partly due to a lack of patterns. SPD can be found pretty much anywhere and I’m yet to find some that aren’t universally interchangeable. 


Elsewhere the postman brought me some kit from Brian Davis I’ve been rather impressed by his concepts. First up, we have the fix-it sticks T way wrench http://fixitsticks.com/for-bikes , which is simplest described as the big brother in the range, designed specifically for workshop duties. The fixed T handle is made from high quality nickel plated, heat treated chrome vanadium steel.

Supplied with 7 contemporary bits 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and Torx, it’s also fully compatible with any standard ¼ bit, which is a refreshing change. These are held securely within the ends using neodymium magnets and there’s a handy pouch to keep everything in. No excuse for losing anything, unless the cat decides to sweep them from the workbench and to the least accessible point!

 

While my initial rummage through the spares drawer for off cuts of track chain might’ve seemed in vain, the arrival of some titanium polishes and the Univega’s recent post upgrade has stirred an unexpected revival.

The Ilpompino’s otherwise excellent perch has been substituted for this Brooks Colt pattern with titanium rails. A lick of nourishing food to the Australian cowhide and it coordinates beautifully with the equally pleasing Bobbin wrap https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/bobbin-leather-bar-tape.

 

This sits atop the super refined Thudbuster St for now…I’ve given the Ti bottle cage a quick polish, replaced the high volume Lezyne micro floor drive for its high pressure sibling. Right, that’s me done for now. Wonder how that clump of dried earth got lodged in its right hand issi pedal….