No sooner had I got everything as
I'd wanted, the SP PD8 HALO
CLASSIC RIM & SHUTTER PRECISION DYNOHUB DISC WHEEL BUILD dynohub
bearings got the grumbles- I couldn't christen the sound mid ride but having
gently spun the wheel on my return, some grumbling and play was tangible. I
love the SP units in terms of value and performance, but the need for factory
rebuilds every few years (typically 20,000 miles) is inconvenient, especially
since it means tearing the wheel apart. I've decided I'll switch the Ryde/
Nexus wheel from Denise longer term and get a Shimano Ultegra built into
another Ryde Sputnik hoop. For now, I’ve fitted the Halo/SL9 HALO
EVURA & SHUTTER PRECISION SL9 DYNOHUB BUILD pairing to Muffin, so all
good.
A straightforward job, until I
discovered my Cyclo Cassette remover had gone AWOL. I wasted no time in
ordering a replacement, but knew the Cyclo tool couldn’t be far away. True to
form, it emerged the following evening, but by then, I’d also ordered a pattern
replacement. However, being as these things are inexpensive, it’ll come in
handy-I’ll store it safely away in my cantilever toolbox.
Otherwise, Muffin and I are
bonding very nicely. The bigger head and down tubes seem to offer greater
stiffness and improved power when accelerating and indeed, climbing, without trading
any of steel’s trademark compliant zing. Warmer days and lighter evenings have
allowed me to enjoy a different riding pattern, dare I say perspective, not
only when it comes to testing products but winding down from the wider world,
contemplating and compartmentalising other things.
A quick 15 miles confirmed all
was sorted and another thing off my list. It also presented an opportunity to
get some miles in on Denise with the Leatt SPD pedals. At least this was the
idea. 10 miles into our first outing, I succumbed to another rear flat and the
spare tubes also blew their last-weakened seams, in case you were curious. Looking closely, I concluded that the rim
tape was beginning to slip, this exposing the spoke head, causing a pinch flat.
There were two by the point I’d concluded the rim tape was to blame. I decided
to go for tubeless rim tape, since I’d gone this route before with Ursula,
following a spate of flats.
Being thicker and adhesive,
there’s little chance of a spoke-induced hiss. While awaiting delivery, I
decided I needed to switch bars and replace a cable. I was due to give the stem
bolts a re-greasing, but before I knew it, had switched Denise to the WTB Mountain
Road Drop Bar. This also necessitated a longer outer housing for the front
brake, and I also noted some fraying of the inner wire, so replaced while I
wasn’t going to be using the bike. Though I’d expected the Wolf Tooth Supple Bar
Tape to be sufficiently long, the WTB drops have more flare than the Soma they
replace, so a slight gamble. One that paid off on this occasion.
As a side note, the Leatt are
Shimano compatible, although the entry and release lacked the same
finesse with the XT and M540, which came as a slight culture shock at the
close of our first outing aboard Muffin. Continuing the gravel narrative, I've
been sent these full finger Lomo Mountain bike gloves, which are available in
two colourways and, in the tradition of Lomo, appears phenomenally good value
for money.
Rides have always helped when it
comes to reflection and putting issues into perspective. The sense of leaving everything behind. Exam
stress, broken relationships, crap jobs, difficult housemates, relationships
etc. Richard Ballantine reflected on this construct within his books- difficult
people, neighbours and anything else that impairs one’s sense of equilibrium
and well-being.
I’m very adept at dealing with
difficult people and situations professionally but will not invite anyone into
my world who doesn’t bring a sense of positive, genuine peace. I’ve always been a gang of one. I certainly
don’t shun people, but I don’t collect them, suffer fools gladly, nor am I
prepared to go through the motions to fit in. Despite this, I was surprisingly “put
out” at being blanked by a man who rides a carbon fibre Bianchi in these parts.
I don’t expect much- a simple nod in acknowledgement-from one human to another…Go
figure.
