Bargains are to be found
everywhere and seemingly limitless temptation. However, I always remind myself something
is only a bargain if I actually need or want it. There are exceptions to every rule,
but impulse buys don’t typically fall into this category. Some things I
stockpile while cheap- deodorant, shampoo cleaning products, coffee, since they
will always get used.
Same goes for chains, cassettes,
and cables. I keep three sets of each aside, since these things usually wear
out quietly, typically demanding replacement when you’re doing an impromptu
check and the shop’s shut. I also keep a couple of cleats handy, for the same
reason, although I seem to go through these at a more pedestrian rate.
I picked up several blue KMC Z1 for £5 a few
years back, but default to KMC X10 for the geared builds, KMC Z510 for fixed
and single speed. While I like stuff that compliments, if a white, or “tarts
handbag” gold are offered at the right price, on they go. Both the KMC X10 and Z510
are inexpensive and will last, with basic maintenance.
Conditions and chain lubes play
their part, but I bargain on 1200 miles from an X10, 1700 from the Z510. This
gives me three months to source some suitable replacements, at the right price.
The most I’ve had from a track chain is 3,000 miles- the KMC Inox SEVEN DAY CYCLIST'S 3000
MILE TEST OF A KMC INOX CHAIN and Gusset S-Link. I retain considerable
fondness for, but they’re not the lightest. I’m also fond of their nickel-plated
Z1eHX, particularly on winter and working bikes, it’s just dearer than my
defaults. I ‘m not a fan of missing links when it comes to fixed gear,
preferring the old school prune and push, chain tool method.
I function fairly well in
extremes of temperature, although experience a gradual, palpable fatigue when
the temperature creeps into the high 20s. Against this backdrop, the timing of
Castelli’s offer to review the UPF 50 jersey couldn’t’ve been better,
Conditions were optimal for evaluating the garments claims too.
Like-for-like, the UPF50 has a
slight, tangible edge on the otherwise very comfortable Espresso Castelli
Espresso Jersey | cycling-not-racing and Espresso 2 Castelli Espresso2 Jersey |
cycling-not-racing jerseys. The
original Espresso fabric offers SPF30 protection, which is very welcome and
covers a lot of bases in the broad strokes sense. However, where offered, I’d go
for factor 50.
Some faint increase in friction led me to checking and ultimately topping up the All Mountain Style Miami Glide Chain Wax The All Mountain Style Miami Glide | cycling-not-racing This also presented an opportunity to treat Muffin and Ursula a good wash. Though primarily dry, a tangible layer of stubborn, filmy grime clung to the bottom bracket shells, chainstays, fork legs, wheels etc. An excellent opportunity to test the stock blend Juice Lubes Bike Wash. I’d also noted some very subtle oxidisation on Ursula’s Ryde hoops-just the machined sidewalls, since I’m not running disc brakes.
Easily dismissed with some titanium cleaner I had nestling in my
cleaning potions box and a medium stiff brush. A light, periodic coating of wax
on the sidewalls, while I’m treating the frameset and components should lock
the elements out. Mid ride, I also discovered the Dia Compe 287
lever had suddenly worked loose. Nothing a few turns of a 4mm Allen key
couldn’t fix and much easier to access compared with Tekro’s venerable RL520
and 340. While we evolve, our formative years retain some powerful influence.
Au pairs aside, my fragile
teenage mind was blown by the drop bar mtb concept.
Lightweight, rugged, go anywhere
machines that were engaging to ride over any terrain, could carry me and
luggage away from every torment. During that pre internet era, Mountain Bike
Action was as close as we could get to the longer established US market,
developments and technology. These were only found (sporadically at that) in
bigger retailers, so Muddy Fox’s Trailblazer and Specialized’s Rock Combo were
my first exposure to the concept. The latter was particularly well executed.
Fast forward nigh on four decades
and the appeal remains immensely strong, life’s challenges just become more significant.
Packing up and pissing off for a bit, to process, reflect and formulate plans
of action should never be confused with running away. Running away solves
nothing and just compounds issue(s).
