Punctures, Potions & Preparation

Halloween’s arrival coincided with wetter and classically autumnal conditions. I had a premonition I’d succumb to a flat, an evening or so previously, fuelled by the torrential downpour. Thankfully I’d donned my Lake booties, and done an inventory of the wedge pack. https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos/564575290635001/

Spare tubes, tyre levers, 15mm wrench pump all present and in good order. The familiar, wet “hiss fut, hiss fut, fut” and gradual loss of pressure, struck seven miles from base. Having whipped out the rear wheel, I was conscious of a familiar, guttural rumble. No, not my bowels- a V8 engine.

Seconds later, an ambulance cruised to a halt and a Paramedic leaned out from the cab. We exchanged the time of day and, he seemed slightly surprised, by my mid puncture buoyancy. We laughed, bid each other good days. Whatever pierced the Soma Fabrications Supple Vitesse EX https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-fabrications-vitesse  casing had been flushed out-possibly by the air pressure escaping the butyl it bit.  

At least this struck during a gloomy morning, not the dead of night. These contexts proved an ideal test of the Ugoe 2000 lumen headlight’s flashing-as a daylight mode. At the other end of the power spectrum, I’d also reached my verdicts, regarding the Oxford Ultratorch Slimline R100 and R50 lights. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-ultratorch-1 These have impressed me, in pretty much every respect. Especially, their performance, relative to asking price. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-ultratorch

Spare instated, I then discovered my CO2 cylinder had mysteriously discharged. (This has since been substituted for old faithful, my SKS Air Champ Pro. A big old beast but ultra-dependable).

Out with the mini pump. Two minutes later, I guesstimated 65 psi (the Supple Vitesse EX, recommended minimum), reinstated the wheel, centralising it and adjusting chain tension. Track nuts snugged down, I scooted off, quietly petitioning the god of blowouts, to be merciful.  

Now, in my last entry, I started a 5w/40 motor oil challenge. This was partly to indulge my curiosity and to see just how any miles per application (and theoretically, how cheap) it returns, compared with bike-specific wet lube. Chainsaw oil is the other choice, many swear by. It also forms the basis of Nasty Lube Siberian chain lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/nasty-lube-siberian-chain-lube   

My Univega was the first recipient but it wasn’t long before my fixed’s KMC X1 followed suit. Motor oil transfers to hands (and pretty much everything else!) quite readily, why this roadside flat was a bit messier than usual. This eventually leads to an indelible, some might say, authentic patina on clothing.

I’m a firm believer in the old saying, that there’s no such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong kit. However, for the right kit to look after you, it also needs a bit of TLC. Two and three-layer laminates, such as Gore-Tex, eVent and more sophisticated polyester mixes all benefit from periodic treatments.

Soap Flakes is probably the kindest, everyday detergent However, proofing agents, such as this Nikwax Tech Wash, retain and restore the weather repelling, breathable properties.

Genuine leather shoes, gloves, saddles, bar wrap etc also need treating with a decent quality “hide food”. This locks the elements out, which keep them supple and nourished. Much as with motorcycle leathers, apply the food every six weeks, or so. Not too regularly though, since the solvent based blends will rot stitching.

Overshoes are a sensible option during the wetter months, protecting expensive footwear from salty, slushy stuff and rider from chill. Steve (Seven Day Cyclist’s Co-editor) likes them. I prefer the comfort and convenience of booties. For me, frequently rinsing salty spatter and similar contaminant, is a minor trade off.