One thing led to another-we know how those sessions go. A chance inspection of Ursula’s chain revealed not one, but several crumbling links, which would explain some jumping at certain points along the cassette. Not the time I’d expected to replace it, but I decided this was the safest option, relegating the existing part-worn KMC to salvage/spares duties-into the SQR tour (via a resealable bag), it went.
Now a skipping chain can be down to several things. Could be a stiff/damaged link, a worn cassette/sprocket, a kinked, or similarly worn cable, or a bent derailleur/hanger. I had recently replaced the inner and outer wire, we hadn’t been in a spill, so not a hanger issue.
The Velo Orange Rubbery Bar tape is certainly making a positive impression.
Reminiscent of the Lizard Skins DSP in terms of texture, it’s 3.5mm thick, yet weighs 147g (including plugs) and is markedly easier than most to wrap. I was seriously impressed by the Control Tech’s overall performance, but it wasn’t very malleable, thus required patience and very firm pressure to fit. No such problems with the Velo Orange and even the rubbery finishing strips were decent quality.
Length is suitably generous too, a good six feet, so I had plenty left after dressing the Soma Condor 2. I was almost tempted to dress the right-hand chain stay, to protect it against accidental chain slap. However, this was a solution looking for a problem. I figured it would come in handy later down the line, so it went to the appropriate spares box. I also decided to mix things up by switching from the K-Lite Bike Packer UltraK LITE BIKEPACKER ULTRA DYNAMO LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), to the K-Lite Bike Packer Pro V2 K LITE BIKEPACKER PRO V2 FRONT LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)
I am pleased, dare I say relieved that the new seat collar and binder bolt appear to have cured the fixed gear winter/trainer’s post slippage issue.
Glad I bought another spare collar and hanger, since the price was keen, and these small parts always fail at the least opportune moment. The System EX Security SkewersSYSTEM EX SECURITY SKEWERS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) have also been a useful addition. Sure, they’re not going to offer any real defence against a tea leaf wielding a 5mm Allen key, but they hold a disc wheel very securely, prevent opportunist theft and practical jokers.
Cleats are another small but significant part that lead tough lives and only court attention when their hardware seizes, or they don’t engage/release reliably. I discovered two spare Shimano sets in the small parts drawer, while I was rooting around for post hardware. Existing cleats are OK, but I may pension off come October, as precautionary, seasonal maintenance.
I also unearthed this Tern Vizy light, while rooting contemplating switching Ursula’s K-Lite Bike Packe Ultra for the Bike Packer Pro V2 K LITE BIKEPACKER PRO V2 FRONT LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) since I was in the mood for mixing things up a bit and maximising handlebar real-estate. The Vizy is an interesting concept light. It pumps out a maximum of 60 lumens and combines a rear light with a big red arc around the bike and rider.
It lacks the outright presence of Magicshine See Me 200, (presently adorning my fixed gear winter/trainer’s right-hand seat stay) but still has some charm. I’ve chosen to post, rather than wishbone mount, since this seems to project the light’s arc most effectively, so for now, it stays.
Peaty’s Link Lube wet continues to impress me with its staying prowess. I’m easily 500 miles in and there’s no call to top up the fixed’s KMC chain. Contaminant is moderate, although less than typical of wet types-wiping the side plates every week hasn’t been necessary to date, although the depths of November may say different. I remain impressed with the Peaty's Speed Grease, too PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)
I was also searching for a VDO sensor, so I could pair the second M3.1 head unit and run it on Ursula. This proved truly elusive. However, a few days later, some Sigma goodies arrived for testing.
The BC9.16 wireless computer is aimed at those riders seeking to improve fitness but without online connectivity. It has 11 functions- current speed, average speed, comparison of current/average speed, maximum speed, distance, total distance, ride time, total ride time, clock, calories and total calories burned. All I will need, save perhaps for a backlight. I was suddenly struck by just how similar the mount and sensor were compared with the VDO M3, so I tried pairing the VDO head unit and sensor, without success but satisfied my curiosity.
Then we have the German marques Blaze and Infinity Rear Lights. The Blaze promises visibility up to 500metres, daytime running modes and a “braking function”. The Infinity, promises 16hour run time, StVZO approval and claimed visibility to 500metres.
Autumn is creeping ever closer. With it, another sequence of shortages. The hospitality industry is not only struggling to find suitably qualified staff but supplies of beer and CO2 gas are also in increasingly short supply. This also bodes badly for welders/metal fabricators, since CO2 is a commonly used in shielding gas. Argon/CO2 being a blend I am particularly fond of.
