Winding back roads are thickly
carpeted in mud, reminiscent of Belgium classics (especially in the mist) and
cyclo cross meets. The Kenda Kwick Journey KS Plus are surprisingly sure-footed
in these contexts, providing excellent feedback and traction. The ½ link chain
seems to have settled down and the Muc-Off E-Bike Ceramic Lube is staying put keeping
things sweet and serene. Stoical, its seemingly unaffected by muck, subsequent washing
and is attracting surprisingly little grot.
Temperatures are now broadly
seasonal, so bib tights it is. I’m defaulting to the Funkier Polar Fleece Bib
Tights and the Showers Pass Elements Jacket SHOWERS
PASS MEN'S ELEMENTS JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), the
FLR defender continue to do their thing pretty convincingly, save for a few
curious quirks.
Pandemic and social distancing
aside, people seem helpful but non-invasive, which is the right balance for me.
This horse seemed very approving of my fixed gear winter trainer’s spec, but
seemingly insistent I switch the Redshift Sports Shockstop Suspension Stem TEST & REVIEW REDSHIFT SPORTS
SHOCKSTOP SUSPENSION STEM (sevendaycyclist.com) for the Kinekt Suspension
Stem!
The latter has a more industrial
aesthetic and a broader profile, requiring some subtle repositioning of the
Geonaut G-Eye Action Cam, which ultimately resulted in a sleeker aesthetic. Spec-wise,
the Kinekt in question is 90mm long and with a road typical 7degree rise. The
stem components are made from heat treated 6061 aluminium alloy, has an
anodised finish and laser-etched graphics. Springs are powder coated and offer
15-20mm of travel.
I’m 70 kilos and sticking with
the stock, medium spring for now, since it’s plush without bottoming out, or bouncing
around like a pogo-stick.
However, I may experiment with
a stiffer spring, since replacement seems extremely straightforward and unlike
the otherwise excellent Redshift Sports Shockstop Suspension stem, can be
performed with in situ.
The Kinekt is also offered in
105 and 120mm (7 degree) and there’s a 30-degree option in any length you like,
so long as its 100mm.
I also took this opportunity
to replace the VDO computer’s head unit battery, before it finally gave out,
losing all my ride data. To the designs’ credit, it had been registering low
battery and had entered hibernation to conserve essential power. Thankfully, a
quick rummage through the welsh dresser unearthed a pack of CR2032 button cells.
Batteries swapped and data
retained, I needed to reduce the sensor/magnet gap to restore the usually
seamless readout. I chose not to replace the sensor battery this time round but
will go this route (adding a lick of Vaseline/silicone grease to the contacts)
should readouts turn erratic.
I’ve also switched the front wheels around, in favour of the 35mm Continental Contact Plus TESTED: CONTINENTAL CONTACT PLUS TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com) and Shutter Precision SL9 dynohub HALO EVURA & SHUTTER PRECISION SL9 DYNOHUB BUILD (sevendaycyclist.com) 32mm section tyres are generally ample for winter and country roads. The default option for touring bikes during the 80s and 90s (although “fast” tourers often used 28mm). However, some additional cushioning is welcome along the wet, greasy sweeping backroads and the Kinesis DC37 forks KINESIS DC37 DISC FORK | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) have ample clearance for 42c TESTED: VEE TIRE CO ZILENT MARK 2 TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com)
