Phantom Squeaks & SQR

There’s a natural rhythm  to our machines, and we quickly cultivate an ear for anything different. You know the ones. Intermittent clicks, squeaks, rattles that induce in-the-saddle diagnostics. 

Dancing on the pedals, while climbing to rule out a poorly pedal, grumbling bottom bracket, loose crank…No, Hmmm, hope that’s not the free/hub…Stop, waggle, probe. Nothing… UN55 bottom bracket seemed fine, bars snug, ditto mudguard hardware. 

Every few rotations of the crank, came a dull, faint clicking. Loose seat post clamp? Subtle bouncing on the saddle, dismissed this idea. Coasting suggested the Deore hub wasn’t heading for oblivion, either-mercifully. 

Final climb reduced potential culprits to pedal, or crank. Sure enough, introducing my workshop length 8mm into the left-hand arm, revealed the bolt was a little loose-hence the creak. I was four complete turns before it wound drum tight. 

This also prompted a quick tweak of cockpit, saddle and mudguard fasteners. Oh, and a pedal swap for good measure. Celebrations proved a little previous. The following day, we were battling high winds, when click, click…Bong! Yep, the ultra-reliable UN55 cartridge bottom bracket, had finally got the grumbles.   

Ironically enough, this Cyclo 20 function multi tool arrived, shortly after. There’s a temptation to suggest more is better, when it comes to functions. However, usability is another big factor, especially when tackling adjustments/repairs by the road and trail side. 

These feature long tool bits, great for torque and/or stubborn fasteners, there’s a chain tool, and integral tyre lever, should you forget to pack one. 

I’m pleased to note this features a 15mm wrench, for solid axles. However, sometimes, smaller S shaped keys are more convenient for tighter spaces. Including mudguard bridge bolts, saddle clamp fasteners etc. 

Once upon a time, panniers were my default for day rides, touring, commuting and indeed, tag along tugging. In the latter contexts, the attraction is obvious. Tools, spare tubes, spare clothes, cakes, big “F*ck off” lock. Bananas, cake and other snacks are easily carried.

Room for extra clothes, should temperature and weather generally change, one way, or the other. Oh, and I could always swing by the supermarket and collect some basics, en route home. 

Not everyone wants to be encumbered by a rack and I’ve become a real fan of Carradice’s SQR system which allows compatible luggage to be whipped on/off. A ten-kilo maximum payload is great for day rides, Audax, commuting and possibly, weekend touring. 

I’ve run their cotton duck SQR tour, on and off, for 18 years. So, I was delighted to receive their Carradry SQR bag. This is an expandable system (14-18.5 litres), which on paper, should rival a small/medium sized pannier.  

One of the main advantages to this system, over a pannier, when commuting in congested traffic, is the ability to sneak through gaps more readily. Messenger bags, rucksacks and similar rider-mounted luggage can be a serious boon. Especially for hauling laptops, folders and similar valuables/delicates and for short distances. However, I prefer bikes to do the carrying. 

While the mighty Cotton Duck is certainly waterproof, it’s a little trickier to wipe clean (even though the undersides feature a protective laminate, to protect the base from mucky water). The sonically welded fabric, only requires a damp-cloth onceover. The other thing I love about the SQR system is its rigidity. 

Climb out of the saddle and it doesn’t bob around like the proverbial playful Lab.  The one problem with this system, in my experience is its incompatible with post mounted trailer/tagalong. 

Although frankly, I’d always opt for a chainstay mounted hitch, their lower centre of gravity has much less impact upon the bike’s handling. 

About posts; I’d only tether anything of this genre, to metal models. Oh, and you also need a healthy amount of seat post showing, for the SQR hitch. I’ve had to move this Lightrider PHASE light to the seatstay https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/lightrider-phase-rear-light

Wedge packs, such as this Axiom Grand Fondo are my limit, for carbon composites. Afterall, there’s a reason why we use gripper pastes and lower torque, when fitting.  Right, apparently John’s finished the Halo wheel build, so I'm off to have a look...