Reflections in The Rain

So, the Holdsworth’s returned hibernation due to torrential rains and semi-flooded roads. Gives me chance to acquire a replacement Apeman housing. Talking bars, I reached my verdict on the Velo Orange Handlebar Accessory Mount. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/velo-orange-handlebar-accessory-mou  

Defaulted to my fixed gear winter/trainer, early season training kit, and wet lube. Mildly temperamental cleat engagement promoted some introspection, and ultimately replacement of the left. I’d had a part-worn spare (in much better shape) bouncing around a small parts tin. Bolted in situ, harmony restored.

Patterns are generally very accurate. Some will argue this is because many are made in the same factories, and simply re-branded. Maybe so. However, having mixed n’ matched VP, Wellgo, XTC, Exustar, (and pretty much every SPD pattern I could get my feet in, these past 25 years) I’ve concluded Shimano cleats are machined to marginally tighter tolerances.

Placed aside each other, these ISSI cleats have a ledge, whereas the Shimano are flat. Interestingly, the Shimano engage and release faster than the dedicated ISSI (which, in fairness, work harmoniously with the brands discussed).

As with cameras, there’s a sound economic, and practical argument for running one, or two systems. I ran Look on my road bikes, SPD on my mtbs for several years (rather like running wet lubes during winter, dry during summer).

However, the latter system’s convenience- the ability to walk, rather than hobble (and gouging expensive flooring) through the house, or when navigating slippery surfaces etc, saw their wholesale adoption. Holdsworth & Teenage Dream, run Time, SPD for Univega and of course, fixed gear winter/trainer.

I prefer dual sided systems, especially riding fixed, since you can simply clip in, and power away. However, some single-sided designs, including these Wellgo are weighted, which means the pedal “presents” the cleat mechanism, so less faff.

This; coupled with their smaller surface area has proven a winning combo on my tubby tourer.  I’ve also run a set of Time All Road Gripper Pedals, to good effect. They were a hybrid design- cleat mechanism one side, rubberised platform, on the other.

They’ve been gone from the French marque’s range for several years, and pricey for working bikes, relative to dual sided SPD patterns. 

My only minor gripe, with Time’s otherwise brilliant ATAC, is the use of brass cleats. The softer metal wears faster, and replacements are expensive, relative to the ubiquitous SPD.      

Stating the obvious perhaps, but this soggy spell has been perfect, for testing wet lubes (although I also like putting dry formulas against the elements. If only to see how they’ll cope when an arid ride turns unexpectedly soggy). 

Talking of which, despite looking slightly thirsty, touching my fixed’s chain revealed a stoical black, lubricant layer. I’ve since cruised past the 300-mile mark, before this became a faint, filmy state. 

So, since I was adjusting the chain tension… Out came the Zefal Pro Dry Chain Lube. An odd choice some would argue. Afterall, these are specifically designed for tinderbox dry conditions.

However, the UK is, apparently on the cusp of high pressure and blue skies. Is the Pro Dry going to be of the old school, i.e. washed away come the first hint of drizzle? Only real-world miles will tell.  

Several months in, I’m pleased to report that the Velo21 Ultimate Paintwork Protection https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/velo-21 has lived up to its hype. In a nutshell, its compatible with matt, satin and gloss finishes, a little goes a long way, and results are lasting.