180 miles in, and I’m bonding with the 38 tooth Raval oval ring, the improved mid-range has given a better spread of power, improving cruising and climbing prowess quite considerably. It’s worth noting that oval/elliptical rings require careful consideration and favour a smooth, relatively high cadence. For these reasons, I (personally) would be inclined to shy away from them on a purebred MTB.
Otherwise, there is the temptation to turn a taller gear than ideal, which can result in a jerkier pedaling motion, inducing precisely the knee and back strain the concept was intended to alleviate. Shimano’s bio-pace was originally marketed at tourists and time Triallists but over time, marketing shifted to novice and returnees. By the mid-90s it had fallen out of fashion, meaning decent cranksets with said rings were plentiful and very cheap.
The Pro Gold Pro ink chain lube is also proving a reciprocal compliment to this setup, although I’ve decided topping up around the time its ¾ spent stage (150 miles, or so, during a dry spell) is the best means of appreciating its qualities, rather than allowing it to become a thin film. I’ve also applied it to the fixed’s new KMC HL710.
I also discovered, on our first outing, that I’d got the tension too tight-this wasn’t obvious on the work stand but immediately apparent, when I headed out, on Sunday morning. It remained a little agricultural, so I’ve switched back to the PC1, using the Topeak All Speeds Chain Tool https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/topeak-all-speeds-chain-tool. One thing led to another and in this instance...A lower headset bearing strip, cable strip and re-lube, then I found another 35mm Zilent https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/vee-tire-co-zilent-mark-2-tyres, so popped that up front.
Elsewhere, Redshift Sports have sent me their Shockstop Suspension Seatpost. Available in either 27.2, or 31.8mm diameters, it’s likely to sit pride of place on the Holdsworth. Not the most obvious choice perhaps, given the bike’s minimalist “enough parts to make it stop, go and handle in good proportion” persona and those relatively compliant plain gauge 531 tubes but we’ll see...Since we’re on the subject, here’s a seatpost overview...https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/a-guide-to-seatposts
Set up is more involved than some, so set aside some time to familiarise yourself with the instructions- their youtube video is particularly insightful. It’s pretty low maintenance from then on. No need to lubricate the moving parts (although the internal preload spring may require occasional re-greasing) and obviously, regrease the post periodically, if you are pairing it with a metal frameset.
Elsewhere, Buff has sent me their new, improved original Buff, which is now made from 95% recycled Polyester and their Pack Bike Cap. Pleasant, funky and very welcome surprises.
Roads remain quiet with most people broadly adhering to the UK’s lockdown policy-at least in this part of the South East but there’s a palpable, simmering restlessness. I can envisage the present administration banning all exercise, and that includes going out, into the garden. (Yes, and you thought the turbo trainer would sort this!)
However, there are two potential scenarios (a) They won’t since they will not want to experience a backlash at the ballot box (b) People will simply flout this in bigger numbers. Indeed, many will argue an under-funded police force will not have the resources. Therefore, even with drone and similar remote technology, enforcement, beyond major cities, will prove extremely difficult. My hope is that people will behave sensibly and responsibly, without recourse to further curbing of freedom.
If you do fancy a read, this link will take you to a book review “The Story of A Bike” The Lotus 110 bike and its 108 predecessor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/the-story-of-a-bike
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