Waiting for The Sun

December is dawning and daylight (not to mention dry weather) is at a premium. Perfect conditions for the indoor trainer then. In some senses, yes. However, these contexts are ideal for evaluating product performance. Lights, lubes and waterproof fabrics being the most obvious. A good measure of waxes/polishes, too. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/naked-bikes-bike-bling

The Pro Viz Men’s Reflect 360+ Cycling Jacket has certainly cut it in the visible and waterproof respects. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-mens-reflect-360-jacket

Save for the odd cold night, no sign of the “big freeze” prophesised by the digital tabloid press, so tyre choice remains unchanged.

Having consumed my stash of patches last time round, I wasted no time in putting fingers to keyboard and ordering some more Rema tip top patches. There are cheaper, and I’ve found some store brands refreshingly reliable.

However, I find the Rema that notch higher. Since the Kenda thorn resistant tube was a Schrader valve, I seized the moment, removed the valve core and pumped a liberal helping of latex sealant inside.

Three serviceable spares apiece for my fixed gear winter/trainer and Univega now. Two patches are my cut off point before I consign them to the bin; or repurpose (Protective “boots” for headsets and seat posts, or top tubes being three obvious, bike-specific uses). I have striped and re-greased my fixed gear winter trainer’s headset and added a butyl bottom race boot, for additional protection. Replaced the front brake cable, while I was there.

However, I will often carry one tube with more patches, for dire emergencies, or passing to a stricken rider.

Yes, we should regularly give machines and spares stash a once over. Yes, we should be independent. However, things happen, to the best prepared machines and riders. I have been stuck by the roadside, miles from home. There’s nothing warmer than a helping hand.

Roadcraft seems increasingly patchy and intolerance at an all-time high. Discretion is often the better part of valour. One driver, refusing to recognise my right of way, pulled by and announced, “Roads are for cars bruv!”

Tempting though it was to point out, that roads are for everyone- cars, motorcycles, bicycles, horses, HGV etc…No sense arguing with an ignorant hot head, encased in two ton of steel. Better to ride on, rather than let rip and be rendered paraplegic.

I spent three years battling a Portuguese haulier. One of their drivers crossed into my lane, along the M25 motorway, sweeping my KA onto the front of his 30ton Mercedes. Thankfully I was able to walk away. Death is an inevitability; the phrase “life changing injuries” turns my blood cold. His insurers finally admitted liability, when court papers were served.

I’ve defaulted to the Univega these past few weeks. Primarily, since its dressed for the deluge, not to mention, an increasingly battle-scarred infrastructure. 

Having crossed the 400mile mark with the Weldtite TF2 All Weather Lube, the Univega’s chain was on the cusp of thirsty. I saw this as the first opportunity to evaluate the Juice Lubes Chain Cleaner’s prowess, pitted against a middleweight petrochemical lube, and its modest accumulated contaminant.

Lubes-wise, I’ve switched to the Juice Lubes Ceramic Juice and will see how many miles I can amass, from a single application. It comprises of “blended base oils” and hexagonal boron-nitride.

Lubricant qualities supposedly comparable with graphite. Thus far, it seems slick, refined and tenacious. Its apparently thicker than previous incarnations and feels so. Still light enough for cables and cleat mechanisms.

Talking of which, I’m increasingly endeared to the quirky Look Geo Trekking pedals. These are the baseline models, yet the composites offer excellent support and don’t feel whippy under-load. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the ease of intentional release, even using VP and similar pattern cleats.

Critics will suggest there are a wealth of dual sided designs commanding £20 odd, which will do commuting and similar duties perfectly well. In some respects, I’d have to agree. Thinking out loud, I still love Time’s All Road Gripper Pedals. I still have mine and liked the concept. However, their short production run suggests they weren’t overly popular.