I’ve been switching between the Thudbuster G4 and Redshift Shockstop Suspension Seatpost https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/redshift-shockstop-suspension-seatp and this has taken its toll on the Aeropost’s Klick Fix mount’s clips. Two have failed, one mid-ride but thankfully, the Altura Aeropost pack remained in alignment for the remaining 15miles.
Luckily, I had a couple bouncing around the spares bin, but I’ve ordered some heavier duty versions, just in case. I’ve gone for the slightly beefier SQR type, rather than a direct replacement, since the SQR are beefier, theoretically dispersing the load more effectively.
I’ve also taken the precaution of binding some old inner tube around the post. This serves two purposes (a) means less torque applied to the clamp, reducing the likelihood of fatigue (b) in turn safeguards against slippage and further cosmetic scarring of the anodised finish.
Back on my Univega and as predicted, I returned 400miles from the Weldtite TF2 Ultra Dry Chain Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-ultra-dry-chain-wax by which point, I was on the cusp of that faint, metal on metal tinkling. I stripped the remnants using their Dirt Juice Boss Chain Cleaner https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/juice-lubes-dirt-juice-chain-cleane and introduced some of their Chain Juice Wax.
This has been around for a while and has the advantage of a relatively swift curing period. Technically, you can scoot off after 5minutes but in practice, I’ve found applying two coats, (leaving ten minutes or so, in between) and leaving this to cure for several hours (ideally overnight) reaps a more substantial coating.
Wax lubes take various forms. Some, including Squirt Long Lasting Dry Chain Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/squirt-long-lasting-dry-chain-lube and Smoove universal Chain Lube are closest to an emulsion https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/smoove-universal-chain-lube-summer-
Other formulas melt, then get spread across the cassette, reclaimed by the chain in due course. The latter will return a surprisingly good mileage to application ratio, but evolve into a matted mess, which isn’t particularly pleasant to engage with, especially following a puncture, or similar road/trailside mechanical.
This incarnation of the Chain Juice Wax seems of the very clean variety. The sort that collects minimal contaminant in the first instance but encourages any residual stuff to scab and fall away.
I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the versatility of this Merida Aero C bottle cage, which has also proved a competent host to some Thermos types, including this now-defunct (but very functional) Ibera thermos bottle that was designed around a dedicated resin cage. A surprisingly reliable system, per se but since I have no intention of slurping piping hot coffee at 20mph, this setup works just fine.
The lockdown is essentially in name only now and I’m astounded by how quickly people have abolished any concept of social distancing, at least in private spaces. While mentally shedding the day’s stresses aboard my tubby tourer, I witnessed several social gatherings, including a 5year old’s birthday party.
Now, I wouldn’t expect children to adhere to social distancing, especially in this setting. However, adults (clearly from different households) were flocked together, in pre-lockdown proximities. Not an isolated example either. However, the UK’s relaxation is politically/ideologically motivated.
Balancing public health and economic activity was always going to be perilously difficult and with carefully monitored phased returns. The present administration seems to be ignoring, or muting qualified scientific advice.
I’ve pondered this during early morning lockdown rides and am quietly convinced they are pursuing “herd immunity” I.e. they want people to become infected (think chickenpox parties, on a grand scale), so in turn, people will supposedly become immune to it. Widely discredited as a dangerous gamble, some figures suggest up to 40% of the population could in fact, perish.
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