Genetic Neuron accessory mount in
situ across both bikes, I've found a cheap but cheerful stem with 45- degree
rise and wasted no time in slotting the Ridgeback Gravel drops in situ,
followed by the Dia Compe EVO V levers. There's no getting away from the fact I
knew this idea would gather momentum- I could see my mind's mechanisms turning
and doubtless you could too. However, it will stay in this state of limbo for
now- the existing setup is perfectly functional and in good aesthetic shape, so
switching over at this point is not a good use of time and other resources.
However, the perpetual fettler in
me is compelled by such urges...By contrast there is also comfort in the
familiar and life can force us to adapt, which is ultimately a good thing and
very empowering, provided one does not toss in the towel.
I have been left in charge of
Seven Day Cyclist Touring Commuting
Recreation Rides Tests | Seven Day Cyclist and am having to learn site
maintenance and design. Layout was a crucial part of my Newspaper journalism
studies and something I struggled with, back in the days of paper and spray-mount.
Would certainly explain my anxiety, dare we say the odd mental block.
"Come back to it" were the immortal words of sage-like wisdom
imparted to me by an old carpenter. In
this instance, I was 17 and struggling to produce some nicely flowing copy in
longhand.
There have been some very
stressful moments that teleported me straight back to the final year of my
degree over three decades ago. However, in common with that era, there’s
similar resolve and determination to overcome the barriers and hurdles. Riding
helps with perspective in all facets of life, although particularly pouring
over something in a stuck position. However, there is also a huge difference
between a positive break and running away or otherwise putting things off.
I’d introduced a Genetic Neuron
Accessory MountGENETIC
NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing to Denise but then discovered I hadn’t a
"Goldilocks" shim that would achieve vice-like tenure with the
auction site special camera mount and Neuron’s 22.2mm extension tube. Some
lateral thought, a rummage through the scraps box unearthed some scrap Ergon Orthocell Handlebar Tape Ergon
Orthocell Handlebar Tape | cycling-not-racing, which is 3mm thick, thus
double as a shim, offer some damping, while protecting the Neuron’s finish. Got
me thinking about Scott’s Drop In Bar from the late 1980s- I recall someone
running a set on their winter bike, mounting lights on the lower sections.
However. They appear to be 26.4 and there’s no way I’d be paying classic prices
for them, either.
Though not inflexible, the Orthocell’s density
means its tricker to bind evenly-at least over 70mm, and I’ve needed to apply
electrical tape to both ends. Not as neat as I envisaged but passable
aesthetically and very functional. I had toyed with mounting the camera lower,
but experimentation confirmed brake and gear cable runs precluded this. It
would’ve also meant less control when dis/engaging the camera. Presented an
opportunity to grease the mounting hardware using some of the Zefal Pro Grease Zefal Pro II Grease
| cycling-not-racing, which seems very effective, durable and seriously
good value. Superb for hubs, headsets and contact points-especially on working
bikes. I’d opt for Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED
GREASE | cycling-not-racing on Hollowtech II axles, and I’d steer away from
suspension components but as general use workshop staples go, the Zefal seems
hard to beat.
Muc Off Dark Energy Chain Wax
continues to impress with its friction busting and seemingly durable
properties, which will hopefully extend chain and other component life into the
bargain. Traditionally, dry and wax formulas have been great for cleanliness,
low friction and responsive shifting in dry and dusty conditions, but required
regular reapplication, especially when things turned showery, let alone
wet.
This is changing and while the
Dark Energy is relatively pricey compared with some other waxes, performance is
reassuringly good and then of course, this could be recouped courtesy of lower
maintenance. The lack of dirt, grime and contaminant should also mean you're
replacing sensitive, not to mention expensive drivetrain components less
frequently.
Horses for Courses is a phrase
that still holds sway in my world. Someone recently substituted a healthy 105 group
set for RX100, which might seem a strange choice, but they felt it made the
bike more practical as a regular driver. I recall some folks saying they
"Wouldn't put RX100 on a pram" when it was released back in the 90s.
However, the 7/8 speed group is
less exotic, thus less immediately attractive to casual thieves when locking up
in the street, on an errand and 7/8 speed chains tend to wear better. I've had
2,000 miles, maybe a little more from a KMC fed a middleweight wet lube, such
as Weldtite's All Conditions Lube Weldtite All
Weather Lube | cycling-not-racing By contrast, a typical ten-speed chain
has been bin fodder come 1400miles, like-for-like.
