Icy weather in remission, it was time to switch back to my beloved fixed. I’d also
received this rather nice Fizi’k Vento Solocush tacky handlebar tape, and a
Tioga city slicker (700x32c) tyre. The Fizi’k Vento Solocush Tacky handlebar
tape, is reminiscent of other tacky, polymer based tapes. Including Lizard
Skins DSP bar tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/lizard-skins-dsp.
I wasn’t expecting the
additional .2mm density to have much impact, especially when dressing the bars.
However, it required a firm, consistent approach to achieve aesthetically
pleasing results. In common with similar tapes, it was very tolerant of being
rewound, which was welcomed.
These sorts of finishes
require more delicate cleansing (no harsh chemicals, or brushes for that
matter). Otherwise, you’ll strip the non-slip layer. I was also surprised by how
readily minor traces of dirt/oil and grease transferred. So, best to wear/change
examination gloves, if new tape coincides with more generic servicing/repair.
Plenty of additional incentive
to get out along the lanes. However, I have noticed a palpable and pronounced surge
in aggression-across the board.
Observation and first-hand
experience, on two wheels and four, leads me to hypothesise people are
increasingly angry and entitled. This leads to an emotionally immature, and
extremely dangerous “might is right” mindset. Rather than considered,
cooperative and intelligent approach to road use.
I have often wondered whether
this has any connection to a wider sense of societal angst and popularist
politics. Popularism can be defined in a multitude of ways. For me, it
describes a knee jerk, simplistic, emotional responses to complex issues.
Popularist ideologies appeal to those, who know nothing about the world, are
disinterested in exploring possibilities and simply want these prejudices
validated.
Talking of prejudices, while
in the midlands, collecting my wheel, from John Moss, I suddenly got thinking
about my Univega’s mysterious (phantom) creak. Bottom bracket replacement
sounded like a reasonable starting point.
Then I got to thinking along
other lines. Firstly, the idea that the left-hand crank might be the culprit.
Perhaps the alloy taper had warped slightly, preventing it from staying snug on
the arm. This prompted one of those infamous, late evening trawls of the online
auction sites, searching for a suitable replacement crankset, at the right
price…
Having placed a couple of
(mercifully) unsuccessful bids, I then reflected upon recent changes. Pedals
being the only component switches. So, I reverted to the venerable Ritchey
patterns, gave the crank bolts another quick check, then headed out for another
twenty-mile blast. Smooth, progressive
silence
This appears to have cured the
problem, so, being a perpetual fettler, I am, I’ve swapped to these Wellgo RC713,
which offer excellent ground clearance and surprising amounts of support, even
on longer outings. However, there’s no doubting double sided designs have a
slight edge, at the traffic light grand prix.
I was tempted to swap to a
rather nice set of single sided Time. However, these would require swapping
over to the time cleats. Sticking with SPD means I can alternate between fixed
gear ‘crosser and Univega, without having to consider footwear choices.
Back on the fixed, I was
enjoying some headspace along the lanes, when a mile from home, a slow rear
puncture struck. I was able to creep the final half mile, on 35psi. The Gods
had decided it was time to instate the Halo track HG wheel, built by John Moss.
https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/love-resurrection-john-moss-s-tandem
Now, there’s a lot to be said
about this hub. One side is threaded for a conventional track sprocket and
lock-ring. Bearing quality and weather sealing are also very high, well suited
to the real world. In this instance, hollow Cro-moly axles turn on super
smooth, Japanese bearings.
Refined and very reliable but
nothing out of the ordinary… However, the other features an HG cassette type
body, designed for Halo’s dedicated 7mm sprockets. These slot on the splines
and are locked in situ, using a traditional Shimano type tool. No need for
chain whips and primal grunting.
Yes, traditional HG sprockets
may fit…
However, they will wear
through the splines. You have been warned. It will accept sprockets between 12
and 20 teeth. Caters for pancake flat, hillier regions, or indeed, trail duty
too.
The other significant feature
is the ability to get chainline absolutely bang-on (between 41 and 52mm). This
is particularly significant on conversions, which have generally required
bevelled sprockets to compensate.
I gauged spacing by studying
that of the Aerorage wheel. Panned out exactly as I’d hoped. Sliding the
15tooth sprocket home, I added a moderate lick of grease to the lock-ring.
Snugged tight, I mounted
Schwalbe rim tape and their 35mm Marathon GT tyre. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres
I wanted something super dependable but
relatively sprightly. The GT roll a lot faster, and smoother than their weight
and profiles suggest. Looks like a great package and one I can’t wait to get
testing!
