Some of you may recall I'd been trying to diagnose a small but low level rattle, on my fixed gear winter/trainer. Some minor jingle is attributable to a bag of fasteners, tucked away in the depths of its SQR Tour bag. The Eureka moment struck, not while screaming along a 1 in 4 at 35mph, but grinding along a long, deceptively flat section of washboard tarmac.
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This frustrating percussion was traced to an aluminium spacer drumming against the top-cap and Redshift Sports Shock Stop Suspension stem https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/red , indicating the Gusset Headlock, had worked slightly loose. For those unfamiliar with the system, its a more secure alternative to the humble Star Fangled Nut. It comprises of a CNC machined top cap, cro-moly bolt and alloy nut.
Aside from keeping the bearing tension bang on, theoretically it offers some additional security in the event of (gulp) steerer failure. The system carries a slight weight penalty, requires some filing and subtle bending of mudguard (fender) mounts. They're also incompatible with dual pivot and other side-pull brakes. However, I consider them a definite upgrade for machines with cantilever/V/Disc stoppers.
For some reason, I couldn't locate my multi tool, by the roadside. However, I was only three miles from home. Snugged tight, I slipped this GT multi-tool in the SQR Tour's side pocket, for easy access. Talking of SQR, while fitting this Oxford Contour flow saddle, I investigated my Univega's slightly "sticky" SQR bracket.
Removing and compressing the spring, then reinstating the red, quick release mechanism proved the solution. In retrospect, a quick blast of Muc-Off Silicon shine https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-silicone-shine-polish might've done.
However, sometimes its best to strip and inspect, especially if you haven't in a while. The bag rails now lock securely within the bracket. Never had any ejection issues, when riding, but the Carradry bag https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry had a tendency to sneak from the bracket, when the bike was hanging up.
Apparently, the Oxford Contour Flow, is "Aimed at the middling cycling enthusiast those who have just started to be gripped by the unrelenting claws of cycling passion".
Its a sensibly narrow design, with a gender specific cutout, gel padding and seemingly neat construction. Will be interesting to see how it compares with the Selle Italia Sport Gel Flow FEC alloy saddle. The latter is 20g lighter but weight hasn't been the reason behind its residency, a few thousand miles down the line.
Reverting to the bike's original fork has brought a quicker, more compliant persona. Not that handling, or responsiveness was remotely average beforehand but the trials fork was portly compared to the relatively delicate looking triple butted Cro-moly originals. The Microshift Centos' standard lever travel works a treat with the Genetic CX cantilevers too.
So glad I switched.
I'm also very glad I swerved this "documentary" from Channel 5 https://www.channel5.com/show/cyclists-scourge-of-the-streets/ I must admit, it was reeling me in, like a super visceral horror film. the sort you really don't want to see, yet feel strongly compelled by.
Knowing it would serve no purpose, save for raising my blood pressure, I popped out on the fixed.
Thankfully, Chris Boardman responded in his usual, measured, reasoned and articulate way. https://twitter.com/BritishCycling/status/1148622845695557632 All the more poignient, and dignified given his mother was killed by a "distracted" driver.
Back to multi-tools, designs such as Blackburn Switch https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/blackburn-switch-multi-tool have some definite advantages. However, because the bits detach, there's the real risk of losing one (or more) out in the wildes. This also serves as timely reminder, to check condition and supply of spares/tooling. Particularly those belonging to mile munching working bikes.
140 miles in, and I'm warming to the Muc-Off dry lube, which seems surprisingly low on the friction front. Level-pegging with Zefal Pro Dry Chain Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-dry-lube , although the Zefal is cheaper and doesn't have a prescribed curing time.
On the face of things, suggesting its more practical for commuting, impromptu rides with friends, and of course, summer touring. Having tested its PTFE infused predecessor some years back, I'm curious to how this version compares.
Most dry lubes (excluding hardier ceramics) should return around 225 spring/summer miles from a single helping (roughly ten days/two weeks riding. Given the asking price, I'd be very disappointed if it didn't top this.
Cleanliness is impressive, no more evidence of contaminant, than the Zefal, or indeed Finish Line Dry https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/finish-line-dry-bike-lube. It transfers less readily to hands/clothing too, which is a definite plus.
On the subject of dry. Rather than simply scabbing away, Zefal Extra Dry Premium Chain Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-extra-dry-chain-wax seems to melt, when temperatures climb to the mid 20s. A helpful phenomenon, that redistributes lubricant, trafficking it deep within the chain, cleat and similar mechanisms.
