Good Housekeeping

 

No, not that one, I am of course referring to keeping drivetrains sludge-free and lightly lubed. I’ve decided since it’s been milder and drier to dress Ursula’s chain in the NZero Wax. OK, so the arrival of this Muc Off Chain Cleaner brush influenced this decision.  

The fixed’s Z1 is still sporting a healthy amount of NZ wet lube- impressive, given the typically wet conditions. I’ll be sticking with it for now and for the Z1’s life. I’ll then switch to the Gusset S-link and possibly something lighter. However, I’m becoming increasingly enamoured to the NZero Wet lube.    

In common with other wet blends in these, the lube has been migrating towards the outer plates. However. I was surprised to find in drier contexts this has fallen away. Much like a traditional wax formula. It is suitably stubborn-I'm past the 200-mile marker despite the onslaught of filthy, flooded roads. Transfer to hands is very easy, and removal equally stubborn, however. Something I was reminded of while adjusting the fixed’s chain tension. For this reason, pack disposable/ mechanics gloves in case you should need to fix a flat, or some other mechanical by the road, or trailside.   

I’m happy to feed the Holdsworth’s KMC chain wax formulas since it’s a summer/sunny days’ build, and in the heat, waxes tend to melt deep into the rollers, then flake off.  

Dry lubes and waxes can also prove useful on bikes in storage, preventing corrosion, without attracting dirt. Teenage Dream and Holdsworth’s chains have remained blemish-free and dressed in a protective glaze. For these reasons, they’re also good choices for bikes serving on indoor trainers. I’ve heard stories of wax lubes being at the root of component demise-chains gnawing through derailleur cages.  

I’ve never seen it myself but that’s not to say it doesn’t happen. However, I’m of the belief this resulted from a cook-up, home-brewed formula. I’m thinking paraffin, Xylene, and similar base components, which have assumed too thick a consistency. Too early to comment on the NZero Wax’s staying prowess but I’m finding some definite appeal in the curing speed and cleanliness.  I’ve also received these Blub wax and ceramic lubes for testing, so there may be a lot of competition and it will theoretically keep me out of mischief for a little bit.   

Then of course, there are drier blends such as the Momum MIC Wax Momum MIC Wax Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). These tend to run cleaner and are closer in nature to dry lubes, albeit more durable, so my preference for a potentially changeable spring and summer, where I want a lube to run clean, but also stay put. This is also quite welcome if you’ve put a summer bike in storage.    

Stout lubes and tyres are not the only considerations when it comes to enjoying winter and early season riding but dependability goes a long way.  

I also found an opportunity to inspect and ultimately re-grease Ursula’s Cirrus Cycles Kinekt2.1 Suspension Seat post KINEKT 2.1 SUSPENSION SEAT POST | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and the seat collar binder bolt. I blasted a little HC-B1 inside the seat tube and treated the chainstay bridge chip to some high-build primer. The rear fender is functional but a likely candidate for upgrade, although contemporary designs are intended for framesets with disc, not cantilever mounts 

The Pirelli Angel DT Urban Tyre Pirelli Angel DT Urban Tyre | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) have proven themselves in some challenging contexts and the puncture-repelling belt has been effective despite mud, thorns and hedge clippings. It’s not a substitute for good maintenance or weekly once-overs, mind.   

Check spare tubes, pumps, patch kits and other spares, or regret it when you’re in the arse end of nowhere. I like Topeak products per se but am particularly fond of the Topeak Uni Super Tourist DX rack and this Topeak  Road Master Blaster Frame Fit Pump Topeak Road Master Blaster Frame Pump | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) .  

Talking of racks, the Topeak MTX Trunk Dry Bag continues to impress with its refinement and weatherproofing. The semi-rigid foam insert has also proved highly effective at damping vibration-I've brought eggs mid-ride and returned with them intact. That said; I wouldn’t be toting cameras and other sensitive electricals in there- that goes for all rack-top models. Lined bar bags are the best hosts for cameras.