How Did We Get Here?

 The world is in a very fluid state at present, not least here in the UK. My default move, when it comes to processing anything complex and with consequences usually involves some time in the saddle. Having fitted those new chain tugs and tweaked the S1’s tension, I went for a tyre and tube swap up front. I’m back to the Bontrager AW3 Hardcase Lite (700x32) and the Tubolite X-Tubo City/ Tour.  

The latter is a wider section TPU tube that they reckon is puncture proof. Hmm, one of those terms begging for contradiction. While the context is different, watchmakers, since the 1960s, progressively replaced “waterproof” with “water resistant” since it is arguably the case that in this instance, a watch is only water resistant, but not impervious to water, in all conditions.  Catch a nail with your name on it, that bombproof tyre could go boom.  

Anyhow, back to the tubes. To assess their claims, I’ve switched the Vittoria Rubino Pro Control Graphene Vittoria Rubino Pro Control Graphene 2.0 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) for the Bontrager, which is showing some minor nicks and cuts in the casing. Minor wear I would usually plug with a drop of superglue, but in this instance, leaving them open and technically vulnerable stands a reasonable chance of calling Tubolite’s bluff. I’m running a 25mm Eclipse TPU at the rear and both tubes afford a quicker, more compliant ride with the two loosely comparable tyres.  

Whacking one in a heavy-duty commuter/touring model, such as this Vee Tire Co Zilent 2 TESTED: VEE TIRE CO ZILENT MARK 2 TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com) isn’t going to reap any tangible weight-saving benefit. Talking of which, the Tubolite X-Tubo City/Tour is designed to work with tyre sections between 30 and 50mm- I’ve also whacked one in a 42mm Maxxis Roamer TESTED : MAXXIS ROAMER TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com) with no issues.

 

In my experience, the TPU genre of tubes are easier to fit and harder to pinch than traditional butyl. Less call for tyre levers-I've only ever required one, to hook the last section home. I like the improved ride quality and in comparable climates and contexts, I’ve kept a higher average speed-18.1 mph, rather than 17.6. hardly meteoric, but palpable. The Momo MIC Dry lube is also clinging on, despite some more changeable conditions and the odd off-road excursion.  

The Souma Leather Leather Handlebar tape, much as I predicted continues to impress with its refinement and grip. This has simply improved with 400miles and though I’ve liked and been impressed by other brands, I’m thinking the Souma will stay, on both bikes, long term. Talking of which, when I started this blog, back in 2008, we’d just entered another major economic crash, instigated by various things but the sub-prime mortgage market and bad debts being major factors.  

I never thought the UK would decline, almost beyond recognition. Affordable housing, rented, or mortgaged has long been at a premium and had quite profound effect upon communities. However, an increasing number of the population, even those on moderate incomes struggling to feed itself and cover the basics.  

Reading between the lines, might I say lies, I can see a privatised, insurance-based healthcare system and private, for-profit prisons becoming a near future reality, in the UK. I also suspect the present government is intending a system of conscription. Those receiving Universal Credit and without employment will be forced to work for their benefit, not pressed into work and paid a wage/salary. Then of course, defence spending has been greatly reduced, so others may be drafted...

Political scandals are nothing new, but standards in public life have virtually evaporated, without barely a murmur. The UK was once a respected, some might say positive presence on the world stage. Now, the country is becoming increasingly insular and isolated.    

I’d been thinking chains once more and decided, upon reflection and some general inspection, it was time to pension-off the KMC S1- it'd been in situ, for ten months and a good few thousand, so certainly didn’t owe me anything. Besides, these chains are inexpensive, rings, sprockets and similar less so these days.  

I fitted another S1 and acquired a Z510HX for next time. Checked the 16tooth Halo Fix G HALO FIX G TRACK HUB | Seven Day Cyclist Tourin Tests Commuting sprocket was snugged tight, gave the frameset a good clean and wax, then fed the Souma leather bar tape and saddle. Prevention is always better, and cheaper too. Lube-wise, I’ve gone for the Momum Mic Wax Momum MIC Wax Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) since I’m rather fond of it.