These Schwalbe Lugano, have
seen me switch to the skinny tubed charms of the “teenage dream”; a machine
that I am still deeply endeared to, 26 years later. I corrected its builder’s
disappointing quality control back in 2009. Poor reaming, egg-shell enamel and
runny brazing, the most obvious, visual weak spots.
Clearance with mudguards can
still present the occasional challenge but otherwise, I can ride, polish and
enjoy. Seven Day Cyclist recently did a short haul (225miles) summer test of
Muc-Off hydrodynamic chain lube. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-hydro-dynamic-chain-lube
Developed in conjunction with
team Sky, we were expecting something special and weren’t disappointed.
Ingredients are cold wear secret, although and despite the 4hour curing time, I
was surprised to discover we’re not talking petrochemical stock.
Nonetheless, use and store
away from animals and children and don gloves if you are prone to dermatitis.
The distinctive blue colour and extended spout, means most folks won’t have any
problems achieving a consistent, even application.
However, there’s a UV torch
for the last word in precision. Given my working fixed and teenage dream’s
existing preps were thinning, I’ve stripped both in favour of the hydrodynamic
and will see just how many miles can be racked up per application.
Muc-Off cite 400, which
doesn’t sound particularly impressive, when cheap as chips, bog standard
mineral oil/PTFE blends will return 200 in less intense conditions. However, we
are talking an approximate, overall, four season’s mileage.
Staying with lubes, the Green
Oil Eco-Spray also lived up to its promises https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/green-oil-eco-spray-lube Comparison
with a traditional, heavy duty PTFE based spray is fairest. In its present
guise, there are better options for those seeking to flush cables, or
waterlogged blinkies through. It’s also twice the price of some very capable,
store branded maintenance sprays.
I’ve been impressed with its
staying prowess, versatility and overall economy.
Not so long ago you had to
choose between performance and planet friendly. The latter have closed the gap,
especially when it comes to light-middleweight lubes, degreasers and bike washes.
One thing that hasn’t improved
is bike theft. So long as there is a market for stolen bikes, it’s going to
remain a serious problem. On one level, all good security does is buy time. The
longer it takes for a thief to work, the more noise they make, the greater the likelihood
of them being caught.
Conversely, security is only as strong as its weakest link. A properly
deployed mid-range lock is more effective than a high-rent model used badly.
Ideally, a lock will have done
its job as a visual deterrent, a would-be thief considers it too much hassle,
so walks on by, looking for easier pickings. Pros in particular are looking to
be away in the proverbial 60- seconds. Reality is, that passing strangers are
not about to challenge someone wielding a portable angle grinder!
Talking of portability, it’s
worth taking two different approaches. One when locking in the street, another
at home. General riding, say on a road biased mtb hybrid, I’ve erred toward
several kilos of armoured chain and disc combination. Usually reinforced with
another, short shackle U lock for the front wheel.
Other people will opt for a
series of high quality locking bolts to secure front wheel and expensive
components, and a medium shackle U lock, deployed to thwart tools. Whatever your preference, expect to spend 10% of the machine's retail value i.e. £900 should be secured with a £90 lock.
That's assuming you don't have a deep, emotional attachment to the machine and components. Rightful owners will be able to tell the story behind (pretty much) every nick, chip or minor scratch.
Pros with vans are a different
entity, since they can haul an arsenal of tools-unimpeded but the average
“street walker” usually comes tooled up for one system, or the other.
Using two types is likely to
see them scurrying along without stopping. With this in mind, I’ve just been sent
these competitively priced, gold rated sold secure locks from On Guard www.todayscyclist.co.uk .
The 8001 Brute STD U lock
retails at £54.99, which is pretty competitive for the level of protection and
overall specification. The 8019 Mastiff chain lock retails at £65.99 and
features a titanium reinforced hexagonal link chain, which supposedly rules out
sawing and other, mechanised cutting techniques.
The short shackle also makes
life harder for the light fingered. We’ll see how they are to live with, before
the final, destruction testing. Stay tuned.
