Command Centre

Having recovered from crank extracting efforts, I switched to my Univega and away from the increasingly maddening crowd. An ideal opportunity to see how well Squirt Chain Lube copes, in changeable conditions. This Apeman A80 Action camera had also arrived for testing. Initial impressions are favourable, relative to price point.

It seems intuitive to use, and image quality broadly comparable, with this Geonaute I’ve owned for a few years.  The Apeman A80 comes with a lot, as standard, including 2^nd battery, weatherproof casing and several mounting options. I’ve opted to fit ours via this nicely finished Minoura VC100 Quick Release Camera Mount. Works well with compact cameras and Go-Pro homages.

This Genetic Neuron Accessory Bar arrived and prompted some tidying of my fixed gear winter/trainer’s cockpit. The old resin accessory mount had served me well, but was slowly falling apart and ultimately, consuming unnecessary space.

I simply mounted the Trelock LS906 Bike-I PRIO Dynamo Front Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/trelock-ls906-dynamo-front-light  and bracket to the Soma Condor 2 bars https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars , then ported “Frankenpute” and Xeccon Spear 900 front light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/xeccon-spear-900-front-light  aboard the CNC machined Genetic. The 22.5mm bar is designed to accommodate computers/GPS and other “lightweight” accessories.

In real terms, it seems perfectly happy with a 200g payload. Standards of construction and detailing are impressive, especially for the money. CNC machining and anodised finish aside, it comes complete with aluminium spacers (rather than the crude, but generally effective rubber type), to achieve rock solid, scratch-free tenure to 26.0 bars.

Alas, my beloved Frankenpute, then decided it no longer wanted to live. Mysteriously ejecting itself from its mounting bracket, and beneath a following SUV. Sentimental soul I am, I retrieved what remained and was astonished to discover some functionality.

A few days later, this very simple, lollipop shaped Cat Eye Quick Computer arrived for review.  Professionally, I’m interested in the latest “Make the tea” technology but personally, lean towards simpler stuff.

The Quick is a five function, wireless model. We’re talking current, average and maximum speed, trip distance, total distance, total distance, moving time, and clock.

I’ve had plenty capable of scrutinising every scrap of ride data, and I understand how useful that can be. However, though I love riding, racing hasn’t been part of that diet some years.

So then, the Genetic Tibia Track Cranks. Well, any component change generally makes a bike feel different. Ours were the 165mm versions but there are 170 and 175mm alternatives.

These are arguably better suited to taller riders and/or road biased builds. With this in mind; my working fixed, originally sported 175mm SRAM cranks. Given the frame’s lofty bottom bracket, spirited cornering didn’t lead to “grounding” or similar fun-disruptive nastiness.

Some studies suggest moving to a shorter crank, can improve comfort. These cite reduced scope of motion at the knee, hips and lower back. Sounds good to me, all things being equal.

However, if you’re not sure, or suffering discomfort, go for a bike fitting consultation and solicit medical advice/as appropriate.

I wasn’t surprised to find myself turning a slightly higher cadence during my formative twenty-mile test runs. Neither do I run knee-popping ratios, in any case. Nonetheless, a good fit, now feels that bit better. Not that I have any intention of wholesale fleet conversion.

Squirt chain lube is proving clean and relatively stoical. Both tubby tourer and fixed gear winter/trainer are still on their first helping, 180 miles in. To be frank, given the relatively dry climate these past few weeks, I’d expect even the most basic formulas to last 200miles.

However, cleanliness seems excellent, with little evidence of contaminant. In common with other emulsion types, I wasn’t surprised to discover my Univega’s cassette cultivating a waxy patina. One that will hopefully, protect the bright electroplating from light tarnish and can be reclaimed by the chain in due course.

Despite incessant promises of balmy days, the mercury is still struggling to nudge 12/13 degrees during the day, so I’ll have to wait before I can do these Primal Onyx aero gloves justice.