Spitting the Dummy

Having updated the old girls’ transmission, some might say, bringing it into the 21st century, Ursula decided she wasn’t impressed with the KMC and wanted something more refined. A sentiment palpable when said chain imploded 200 metres from home. Some pondering followed by fevered rummaging in the transmission box unearthed this gold superlight model. 

 

One which also feels more robust than the KMC. Of the two joining systems, I much prefer connecting pins over quick links. Both need to be replaced when you’ve performed a removal but being as I tend to get 1250miles from a chain and rarely remove, I’ll stick to cleaning it in situ. 

Performing well thus far, long may it continue. I ran it on the factory lube during the “shakedown” period but went over to the Squirt Cold weather chain lube, since conditions are relevant.  While doing a supermarket run, I happened upon this brush, which looked the right profile for scrubbing chains and cassettes.  

Now, there are some people who dogmatically insist that household cleaning products are the answer to everything. Until of course, the harsh kitchen cleaner dulls expensive finishes and/or damages small components, such as seals. I do, however, recognise there are some useful crossovers. Beeswax furniture polishes being one of my favourite staples. Will be interesting to see how effective and moreover, durable this bargain-basement brush is.

   

As for the gearing, well, it’s a little lower than I might consider ideal for tarmac duties but “spin out” hasn’t been an issue thus far. Some would argue in favour of 2x10 but the whole point of going the 1X route, was a lack of complication while shaving a few grams into the bargain.  

I’m contemplating a planned upgrade of the rear wheel, while we’re at the phased replacement, rather than obligatory stage. The Deore hub is inexpensive and generally reliable but if I’m going to upgrade the hub, I may as well upgrade the complete wheel, since the inexpensive rim will be showing some signs of wear and penny-pinching costs more in terms of time hassle and ultimately, money.     

Drive pins tend to be the weakest spot on multi-tools. The KMC claimed that belonging to this cheerful Topeak Alien Homage. For the time being, I’ve switched to a Crank Brothers F15, which boasts a fair complement of tools catering for most situations.  

However, I still need a 6,8 and 10mm socket wrench to tackle the bike’s corresponding fasteners-brake straddle wires, specifically. The more obvious thing would be to carry a stand-alone chain tool, but I don’t fancy the additional heft and annoying tool kit percussion.  

A reminder to perform regular tool/spares inventories, rather than getting caught out on a cold, dark and rainy night...Talking of which, I’ve reached my conclusions regarding the Ravemen CLO5 Sensored Rear Light RAVEMEN CL05 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

If you need a model with a braking function, its bigger brother, the CLO6 RAVEMEN CL06 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) I’m really fond of both units and find them more than adequate for the darkest lanes. Neither employ an official daylight running mode, which may be a deal-breaker for some, although I still find their presence quite useful, especially on overcast days.  

It's been chill here, by UK standards-single figures, so I have stuck with the FLR Defender MTB Thermal Dry S-Tex Boot.FLR DEFENDER MTB DRY BOOT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) I usually don a heavier weight gilet, atop a jersey cum jacket type layer to block invasive wind chill. 

Chill that can otherwise result in a lingering and painful chest infection. March can be a tricky month weather-wise. Conditions where easily packable gilets, arm warmers, glove liners, etc can make all the difference to rider comfort.