Cables replaced and firmer
conclusions cemented regarding the Continental Terra CompetitionTrails’ dirt prowess The
Continental Terra Competition Trail | cycling-not-racing, it was time to
strip the drivetrain of residual Muc-Off Dark Energy Chain Wax Muc-Off Dark Energy Chain Wax |
cycling-not-racing and reapply another wax- the KMC Go, since I had ample
left and it was closest to hand.
Checking the chain’s health, I
was pleased to discover it was only .25, which was another incentive for
sticking with wax lubes. I decided to retire Denise's 11-25 cassette in favour
of an 12-28 since I had a Microshift in stock. The Tiagra was the original
and outlasted six chains. Shifts were still smooth, but I noticed some very
occasional skipping when climbing on the small ring. The cassette switch and some
long climbs confirmed my suspicions and crucially solved the issue. Going by
the book, the chain would’ve gone too, but wear was minimal and I wanted to be
sure.
I like Tiagra- it might lack
glamour but is a relatively inexpensive and durable component group with decent
performance. 12,13,14,15,17,19,21,23,25 and 28 are more road-centric than a
gravel setup but paired with the 175mm 36x26 rings gives a range between 24.4
and 78.8 inches. Closer to that found on older cyclo cross rigs and crucially,
well suited to my riding needs. Longer-term, when the rear mech finally turns
sloppy, I will consider a long arm version and a 12-30-tooth cassette as a bail
out, or trailer winching option.
Spring’s tepid start had been
eclipsed by some very balmy weather, the mercury reaching 27 degrees over the
bank holiday weekend. Ideal conditions for testing summer riding kit.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by
the Altura Airstream Jersey’s wicking prowess- I could literally feel sweat
being wicked through the perforated shoulders. The BBB Karma MIPS also gulps in
plenty of cooling air. Steve’s been suitably impressed by Castelli’s Espresso 2
bib shorts.Castelli
Espresso 2 Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing and jersey Castelli Espresso2 Jersey |
cycling-not-racing
Even at these temperatures, the
KMC (and Muc-Off) have demonstrated good temperature stability, turning
slightly soft, rather than becoming a gooey mess. A hairdryer on high heat,
coupled with warmer weather has also helped traffic the Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED
GREASE | cycling-not-racing deep within the Wellgo 823’s inner sanctum,
turning them close to buttery smooth and completely silent.
I say close since they’re
cheerful cheapies. While adjustable, come time bearings get the grumbles they
won’t owe anything but unless you’ve a free hand in axles, bearings etc,
rebuilding may prove uneconomic.
Go for their MO94B WELLGO MO94B SPD PEDALS |
cycling-not-racing cousins, or Shimano’s justly revered 520 if you’re
looking to strip, service and possibly rebuild. Alignment of the auction site’s
Garmin mount lacks the outright precision of some, but easily corrected post
ride while I was snugging the stem face bolts down.
I’m planning to fit the other to
Ursula, when I get round to the bar, stem, and brake lever switch, but no rush,
given the positioning is right and existing components are very serviceable.
Sometimes, these auction site
“bargains” can be false economy- rubberised crank arm and brake lever
protectors being two prime examples. Buy a decent set, such as these Zefal ZEFAL CRANK ARMOR |
cycling-not-racing and they’ll last, quickly recouping the initial
investment. Action camera mounts can also fall into this category, although I’ve
found some cheap and cheerful designs. That clinging to Denise’s Genetic Neuron
GENETIC
NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing being another case in point.
Switching Muffin’s Vittoria Adventure Tech for the Maxxis Roamer proved a
welcome move.
The Vittoria roll better than I’d
expect from coarse 27tpi casings and there’s not much separating them but even at loftier pressures, the folding 42mm 60tpi Roamer are supple and
compliant, giving a nice, magic carpet ride across lumpy lanes. There’s also
scope for less challenging dirt roads, byways and bridleways.
