November nearing its swansong and its remaining unexpectedly mild (save for a few, very cold starts). Strange then, that I should switch to the FLR Defender Winter Booties. However, UK winters err on the wet, rather than bitterly cold and I also want to see how they regulate temperature in milder weather. Before I went into temporary exile, I collected some packet fresh consumables, including these Look Cleats.
Marked “Easy Release”; these
follow the Shimano SPD pattern and came with the Look Geo Trekking Pedals I was
testing this time in 2019. Since the Shimano and Wellgo bolted to my shoes were
fully compatible, I had put the Look on ice. In my experience, even the more
basic patterns return a decent mileage. However, they tend to expire at the
least convenient moments, especially in winter.
I introduced these with the Zefal
Extra Wet Nano Ceramic Chain Lube. Grease is more stoical but heavier duty wet
lubes make convenient and passable substitutes. Just remember to strip and
re-lubricate more frequently-at least every three months. Otherwise, you’ll be
reaching for penetrant sprays, or resorting to more extreme measures, such as
drilling them out…
The thicker soles common to
this genre of boot may mean raising the saddle a few millimetres to compensate.
I chose to perform this move post-ride and the binder bolt chose that precise
moment to expire. Being specific, it seems the collar’s aluminium thread had stripped
its threads at a crucial point.
The balance of blame lies
solely at my door-overtightened due to neurosis and forgoing a torque wrench. Thank
heavens for the internet and next day delivery.
Given this incurred a £4
charge, I decided to buy two of these Brand X (one as a spare, just in case. I
also have a blue Salsa lip-lock in storage). Muc Off Mechanics Gloves MUC-OFF
MECHANICS GLOVES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)
donned, I gave the frame’s seat tube a quick blast of maintenance spray, gently
splayed the clamp and eased it in situ.
The former added some slip,
thus reducing the risk of scratched paintwork. Treated the post to a quick lick
of Muc-Off Bio Grease TESTED
: MUC-OFF BIO GREASE (sevendaycyclist.com) since I was there, reinstated everything and
snugged the collar bolt tight, resisting any neurotic urges.
Though the Univega’s Interpon
601 powder coat cream finish After The
Gritters Went Home | Seven Day Cyclist is incredibly tough and well
applied, it’s not completely bullet-proof (no finish is) and there are a couple
of small chips.
One along the chainstay and another
on the right-hand seat stay. My initial drift was towards Revel/Humbrol type
hobby enamels but these looked to be a shade or two out, which is no use. I’d
be better off applying a primer coat to protect the metal and waiting for the
right match. As I was wandering around the web for something else, a 30ml
RAL9001 cream bottle turned up at a very keen price, so I wasted no time in
buying.
Curing times are cited as
being 2hours between coats. Two or three thin coats are always better than a
single, thick one. Wherever possibly, leave these overnight and then add
subsequent coats the next day. Ideally, leave a further 24hours. In short, best
done during a time when that bike is enjoying some well-deserved rest.
Elsewhere, the Zefal Z
Adventure Z5 continues to impress with its blend of rugged, motion free tenure
and simple, sturdy mounting. Steve’s also been impressed with the BTR Water Resistant
Handlebar Bag BTR
WATER RESISTANT HANDLEBAR BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)
I’ll close this entry with
some photos of my thankfully, temporary exile…Better organise some bike storage
for my new permanent home, before demand spikes and delivery times extend,
given the seasonal rush.
November nearing its swansong and its remaining unexpectedly mild (save for a few, very cold starts). Strange then, that I should switch to the FLR Defender Winter Booties. However, UK winters err on the wet, rather than bitterly cold and I also want to see how they regulate temperature in milder weather. Before I went into temporary exile, I collected some packet fresh consumables, including these Look Cleats.
Marked “Easy Release”; these
follow the Shimano SPD pattern and came with the Look Geo Trekking Pedals I was
testing this time in 2019. Since the Shimano and Wellgo bolted to my shoes were
fully compatible, I had put the Look on ice. In my experience, even the more
basic patterns return a decent mileage. However, they tend to expire at the
least convenient moments, especially in winter.
I introduced these with the Zefal
Extra Wet Nano Ceramic Chain Lube. Grease is more stoical but heavier duty wet
lubes make convenient and passable substitutes. Just remember to strip and
re-lubricate more frequently-at least every three months. Otherwise, you’ll be
reaching for penetrant sprays, or resorting to more extreme measures, such as
drilling them out…
The thicker soles common to
this genre of boot may mean raising the saddle a few millimetres to compensate.
I chose to perform this move post-ride and the binder bolt chose that precise
moment to expire. Being specific, it seems the collar’s aluminium thread had stripped
its threads at a crucial point.
The balance of blame lies
solely at my door-overtightened due to neurosis and forgoing a torque wrench. Thank
heavens for the internet and next day delivery.
Given this incurred a £4
charge, I decided to buy two of these Brand X (one as a spare, just in case. I
also have a blue Salsa lip-lock in storage). Muc Off Mechanics Gloves MUC-OFF
MECHANICS GLOVES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)
donned, I gave the frame’s seat tube a quick blast of maintenance spray, gently
splayed the clamp and eased it in situ.
The former added some slip,
thus reducing the risk of scratched paintwork. Treated the post to a quick lick
of Muc-Off Bio Grease TESTED
: MUC-OFF BIO GREASE (sevendaycyclist.com) since I was there, reinstated everything and
snugged the collar bolt tight, resisting any neurotic urges.
Though the Univega’s Interpon
601 powder coat cream finish After The
Gritters Went Home | Seven Day Cyclist is incredibly tough and well
applied, it’s not completely bullet-proof (no finish is) and there are a couple
of small chips.
One along the chainstay and another
on the right-hand seat stay. My initial drift was towards Revel/Humbrol type
hobby enamels but these looked to be a shade or two out, which is no use. I’d
be better off applying a primer coat to protect the metal and waiting for the
right match. As I was wandering around the web for something else, a 30ml
RAL9001 cream bottle turned up at a very keen price, so I wasted no time in
buying.
Curing times are cited as
being 2hours between coats. Two or three thin coats are always better than a
single, thick one. Wherever possibly, leave these overnight and then add
subsequent coats the next day. Ideally, leave a further 24hours. In short, best
done during a time when that bike is enjoying some well-deserved rest.
Elsewhere, the Zefal Z
Adventure Z5 continues to impress with its blend of rugged, motion free tenure
and simple, sturdy mounting. Steve’s also been impressed with the BTR Water Resistant
Handlebar Bag BTR
WATER RESISTANT HANDLEBAR BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)
I’ll close this entry with
some photos of my thankfully, temporary exile…Better organise some bike storage
for my new permanent home, before demand spikes and delivery times extend,
given the seasonal rush.
