Too Much Pressure

Despite the best efforts of Jacob Rees Mogg, SKS in Germany (those people responsible for arguably the finest full length, chrome plastic mudguards) were able to get this Air-X-Plorer Digi 10.1 Track Pump to my door in a matter of weeks.  

However, unless the UK rejoins the customs union shortly, this may not be so easy later down the line. Against this backdrop, I snapped up some SKS guards that were going seriously cheap (along with some other little sundries, while I was there and to justify the flat-fee postage).  It shouldn’t be inferred that Ursula’s SKS Blumels Shiny SKS BLUEMELS SHINY MUDGUARDS | cycling, but not ususally racing (sevendaycyclist.com) are in anything but rude health. However, at that price, I’d be a fool not to, and save ‘em for a rainy day.  

In a fit of pique, I decided to bolt some Shimano MT cleats to these Shimano touring shoes, which I resurrected after several years on the subs bench.  Why? Well, I was curious to see how far soles and other tech have come along in the last 12 years, or so. Multi Release Cleats (denoted by an M) are, as their name implies are designed to allow disengagement from multiple angles.  

Traditional models, such as Shimano SM- SH51 are designed to release ONLY when the heel is moved outward. The multiple release can disengage in any direction, including tugging upward. I’ve not had any issues with unwanted release when gently pulling up on the pedals-even with the pedal spring tension set to minimum. Newbies might sound the most obvious audience but aside from being generally convenient, riders with less strength in their legs, or joints would also reap benefits.  

I’m still loving the Oxford Venture Jacket OXFORD VENTURE JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)- its lightweight, easily packable and great for those morning’s where it may not be raining, but intermittent blustery winds have an edge to them.  However, I decided it was time to add a zipper tag to the breast pocket, for easier access.  Retrieving my superzoom compact camera was becoming an awkward fumble and wasn’t going to have a happy ending.   

Drier weather has meant more weekend miles on the Teenage Dream. The long bank holiday weekend was perfect for this and hiking the saddle height by those few milimetres was an inspired move. However, I had just switched to this Eclipse Road 25 Tube inner tube, when I discovered a disconcerting bulge in the Vee Tire Co Rain Runner Clincher Tyre. 

 

Closer inspection confirmed it needed pensioning off. Fortunately, I had another 25mm Freedom Thick Slick resting quietly in a corner, so performed the switch. Eclipse tube safely instated; I was suitably impressed by the speed and ease at which the SKS delivered 110psi (the Thick Slick’s maximum pressure).  

Staying with rubber, here’s my review of the Vittoria Evolution Road Bike Tyres Vittoria Evolution Road Bike Tyre | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). Both machines are running the Momum MIC Wax chain lube, which has held up surprisingly well by wax standards and along some very wet roads and yes, heavy rain, too. 440 mixed terrain, mixed weather miles before any telltale taint and tinkling.  

Incidentally, this can be replenished, without needing to strip the residual. Shake, drizzle in, leave to assume a glazed lacquer-like state, then scoot-off. On this basis, it’s looking a very viable choice for tourists (especially given there’s a 15ml option). Seems to be working rather well on cleat mechanisms too. 

Talking of scooting off, Steve’s been testing these 360 Dry Blue Ankle socks 360DRY BLUE ANKLE SOCKS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Though the two-wheeled fleet has a decent amount of waxy internal preserve sloshing around their inner sanctum, I like to have plenty lying around-especially to treat the KA and Micra underbody, so picked up a bargain candle, while doing the weekly Tour de Supermarche’ and ordered in two litres of solvent online, benefitting from the economies of scale.