Tricks & Treats

Yes, I know Halloween was last week. I have an academic interest in the occult and indeed, film. However, I loathe the commercialised American "door knocking" import. One that has seen a recent resurgence in popularity. 

Despite the K-lIte Bike Packer Ultra's prowess https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/k-lite-bikepacker-ultra-dynamo-ligh (and wearing the Pro Viz  360+ jacket) there were a couple of close calls. Drivers pulling out, without looking, at junctions. I've been riding for 33 years, so nothing new, though never a pleasant experience. 

The K-Lite Bike Packer Pro V2 Front Dynamo Light continues to impress with its power to size ratio. There are some minor shortcomings, but none I'd consider deal-breakers, especially given the design brief.
Here's some footage and a couple of stills. Both were captured using my Tom Tom Bandit. The stills contain a little grain but no shake. The seemingly rare-as-hens' teeth remote would come in really handy.  I'll manage without, unless one presents, at the right price. 

The Knog Cobber Mid Rear Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/knog-cobber-mid-rear-light has proven a good, tune able option for general riding. Sufficient bang for the back roads, and as a daylight running option, yet sensible for town and group riding. Run times are similarly favourable.  

Rains have also returned, after some brief respite. Univega and fixed gear winter/trainer remain grubbier than usual. However, gives an opportunity to really see how durable the Naked Bikes Wax holds up, long term. Its worth noting that all waxes are slowly eroded by salts and other chemicals over time.

Washing with sudsy household detergents being the fastest way of stripping. For best results, stick to a gentler shampoo and rinse machines down using cold water first. Especially during winter, since hot will simply accelerate the caustic properties of road salts. Waxes, sturdier tyres, lubes and mudguards (fenders) all extend ride to maintenance ratios, but laziness comes at a price.  Remember to grease contact points and of course, those little fasteners that often get forgotten. 

Waterproof luggage is another good investment. My Carradice Carradry SQR bag https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry is doing the business handsomely. Steve's also been suitably impressed with Zefal Z Adventure F10 bar bag https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-z-adventure-f10-bar-bag

 
The Zefal Pro Wet Chain lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-wet-chain-lube has certainly clung on, longer than I was expecting, from a relatively inexpensive wet blend. 375 miles from a single application isn't to be sneezed at, given the rainfall we've had here, in the UK. 

First sign of the lube's demise was on the fixed. Wondered why my little legs were struggling to winch us up the climbs. I had a rummage through my lubes box and plucked out Weldtite TF2 all weather chain lubricant. Another middleweight wet formula. One reckoned to cope in extremes of temperature. 

No sooner had I done so, a huge box of goodies arrived, from Juice Lubes.  This included their ceramic. Surprisingly enough, its designed for dusty to damp conditions, rather than winter per se. 

I'm told the Ceramic is a "100% synthetic lubricant containing special additives. Boron nitride features but without getting overly technical, the compound's lubricant properties are similar to graphite. Curiously, its reckoned resistant to salts and other contaminants.  On the plus side, its very straightforward to apply, and curing time is measured in minutes, not hours. 

I've also set aside time to brew up a fresh batch of wax-based corrosion inhibitor. Not that the weather has let up long enough, for me to consider applying it to the KA's underside. Frames also have plenty sloshing aroundtheir inner sanctums.  Nonetheless, its on hand when I need it. Cheap as the proverbial portion of chips, too.