Trailer & Transmission Fettling

Well, I've made time to strip the TW Bents Yak homage trailer, ready for some modifying and makeover magic. Disassembly was remarkably straightforward. Once I 'd worked out how the press fitted bushing/bearings were instated. 

I prefer the single wheel designs, since they track with the bike's movement but all systems have their pros, and indeed cons. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tug-jobs 

It was a welcome surprise to discover they'd been treated to some plastic-friendly grease, which assisted their, undamaged extraction. Only modest amounts of controlled force and primal grunting ensued.

Formative discussions with Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating erred toward a chrome effect swing arm, top rail and either a buttermilk (Interpon 610) or  gloss black base/frame. The chrome effect providing some reflective safety, the gloss black timeless, and easy to touch up, as required.  

However, I've since decided that chrome throughout, is the best option.

Keeps things uniform and is arguably the most efficient use of time and other resources.  

Chris was doing some more wet spray work, this time on what appears to be an old De Rosa, and this carbon fork, which will be matt blue, once the lacquer is applied. 

Seems  good quality. mass-produced (26 inch mtb) forks are now rarer than hen's teeth. Given my Univega's design brief, Carbon's a non-starter. A bespoke steel set, was another option. Disc and canti, mudguard and front rack mounts... 

However, while I'm a firm believer in paying skilled people appropriately, there had to be another option. Especially since I was only looking to save a few grams...Lo and behold!  

While rummaging through my spares stash, seeking inspiration, I rediscovered it's original pair. 

The original flamboyant red enamel was showing some cosmetic damage. 

Otherwise, not rot or other nastiness. Crown race liberated, Graham has kindly agreed to blast and refinish them, in gloss black powder coat. Note to self. Mus remind them to soak in methyl chloride tank, as they've been Waxoyled.  Be interesting to see, if  these also sport a nickel plated layer beneath the paint... https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/after-the-gritters-went-home 

Too much Mad Max, at an impressionable age, perhaps but  I have a quiet appreciation of matt black, and indeed other, slightly distressed effects. Nonetheless, gloss and satins rule my roost. 

A curious rattle, experienced when traversing washboard tarmac suggested my fixed gear winter/trainer's chain needed tensioning again. Closer inspection revealed it was the Halo Fix G Track hub's https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-fixed cassette style lockring. I was surprised by just how loose it was. Note to self! Check more frequently! 

Wheel out, tool in, 40nm torque-sorted. Presented the ideal opportunity to instate the threaded side's cover, along with a light lick of grease. Keeps things looking sleek, and sheltered from grot. I also decided to swap to a Sram chain, since I was about it. 

Nothing wrong with the Passport Elements Single Speed Chain https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/passport-elements-single-speed-chai  whatsoever. However, my long term experience suggests it's best for single-speed and hub geared, rather than fixed builds forgoing a rear brake. Especially, if you live/ride in hillier regions.  For many, simplicity is fixed's main draw. 

However, its important to remember the stresses placed upon a fixed setup, doesn't permit sloppy maintenance. For me cheap chain, hubs and sprockets are false economy. I'd still be inclined towards a 1/8th chain- even on 3/32 sprockets.

Despite the persistent, showery conditions I'm still running the Zefal Pro-Dry Chain Lube. Love the low friction, serene swoosh and indeed, its penetrant qualities. It literally seeps into the chain's inner sanctum, which made removing the joining pins, a breeze. 

Not quite so clean-at least compared with long cure, barely there ceramics, including Weldtite TF2 Ultra Dry Chain Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-ultra-dry-chain-wax ; or indeed Rock n' Roll Absolute Dry Chain Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/rock-n-roll-absolute-dry-chain-lubr 

The SRAM does seem a bit meatier, although I'll keep the Passport. According to my digital gauge, it's only a quarter worn, and could still come in handy... Muc-Off sent us some interesting samples of their lubes and polishes, this week. Well, keeps me out of mischief.... 

  

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.