Up n’ Down. Like the Weather

 

 

The ice took longer to materialise but a loss of traction while grinding up a climb on the fixed signalled spikes. It was the rear tyre, not the front thankfully and being fixed, the added feedback meant I could reclaim control without going rubber-up or filling my bib longs.  I’d reached for the fixed since Ursula’s rear Ice Spiker Pro was mysteriously flaccid. Something I traced to a pinched tube. Easily sorted- swap to a fresh tube and patch the pin prick.  

Then order a few fresh tubes...I'd seen some Bontrager going for £3 apiece, so swooped and bought 4. I’d also broken the last of my long-handled Lifeline tyre levers. Before we get too critical, after a decade or so’s faithful service, they hardly owed me anything. The ice relented within a matter of days, roads reverting to a wet, mulchy state, so I switched back to the fixed.  

Third outing and I was surprised to find the CST Expedium 6 CST Xpedium Tyres | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) succumbed to something sharp. Thankfully a tiny pinprick meant it was a very slow flat and only became tangible when I’d returned.  Cue a switch to the Halo Aerotrack wheel (also shod with a CST Expedium), a tube switch for the Mavic/Halo and a patch for the wounded tube. Off the list, no time the present and all that...Glad I replenished my supply of vulcanising solution and patches.  Cue a sudden interest in these Pirelli Angel DT Urban.   

These, as the name implies are intended to withstand the cut n’ thrust of urban riding. There is a wealth of sizes but given the fixed’s clearances, I’ve gone for the 32mm. Then of course, I was intrigued by how well the 5mm Hyperbelt would fare against flats, compared to that of the Kenda Kwick Journey KS Plus KENDA KWICK JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  not forgetting the CST. I decided I'd switch the fixed over to its Halo White Line/ Shutter Precision PD8 wheel HALO CLASSIC RIM & SHUTTER PRECISION DYNOHUB DISC WHEEL BUILD (sevendaycyclist.com) and give the SL9 a break 

I was even more surprised to discover the Halo Spin Doctor’s hub- freehub mechanism getting the grumbles. It had lost the familiar “tick” and was, well, not freewheeling properly. I initially thought a gummed up rear mech might be the culprit but despite some gloopy mulch, it was performing normally...One thing led to another, and I found myself stripping the Ryde/XT hub, repacking the latter with some Juice Lubes Bearing Juice.  

Aside from being tenacious, it holds bearings securely in the races- no issues with them falling out when sliding the axle through. I decided, given deadlines and similarly pressing stuff, to hand the Spin Doctor over to Mick Madgett and have him tweak the spoke tension, while it's there. Everything seemed in good health otherwise.

Presented an opportunity to give Ursula another deep clean-paying particular attention to the mechs, which are right in filth’s firing line. Having tickled these, chain and cassette clean, I replenished the Silca Secret Formula Chain Lube, which continues to impress with its silence, low friction and cleanliness.   

These Shimano MW501 mtb booties also arrived bang on cue, along with Madison Roam 2.5 Layer Waterproof Jacket. In some respects, it's along similar lines to the Showers Pass Elements Jacket SHOWERS PASS MEN'S ELEMENTS JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

Both have a more relaxed (but not baggy) cut, several pockets and hoods.  It’s priced closer to that of Oxford Venture OXFORD VENTURE JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and that’s reflected in the fact the Showers Pass has waterproofing and breathability ratings of 15000. The Oxford and Madison are 10,000 apiece. These features, coupled with subtle colours lend them to general outdoor wear, too.  

Ours was Dark Olive, continuing this narrative but black, or Chili red are the alternatives. Back to the booties.  I’ve always had a soft spot for mtb models during the darker months, even on a road bike. I’ve occasionally been tempted by road-specific versions, but the stiffer soles and exposed cleats lack the same convenience, dare I say security when dabbing a foot down, or walking short distances. Retro-reflective panelling is another nice, if unexpected touch on an mtb design and incredibly effective, too.  

 

Filth, Flats & Fatter Tyres

November has crept in stealthily. Temperatures struggle to reach double figures, skies are sombre, and the roads are strewn in a mucky slurry. The sort that sticks to frames and tyres, encouraging flints and other sharps to burrow inside, inducing flats. I’ve had three in as many rides.  

Two post ride-one apiece up front in the 28mm CST Czar and Vittoria Roubino Pro Control Graphene 2.0 Vittoria Rubino Pro Control Graphene 2.0 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and most recently, the rear Vittoria on the return leg, 2 miles from home at 5.30 am. Presented the opportunity to see how conducive the Shimano RX6 shoes were to running in- well, as it happens.  

While running alongside my fixed gear trainer, I pondered the solution and concluded I’d go for the Kenda Kwick Journey KS Plus KENDA KWICK JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) on both rear halo hoops (since the frame’s rear triangle will only accept 32mm and mudguards. OK, 35mm at a pinch.) and the Vittoria Adventure Tech Tyres. These carry a joint weight penalty close to a kilo.  

However, both roll remarkably well and have excellent puncture resistance, albeit their puncture-repelling belts (5mm and 3mm respectively) only cover the centre strips. Obviously, tyres need to roll and handle in decent proportion, but reliability is imperative. There's nothing more morale-sapping than a series of flats in freezing rain, miles from home.  

Or, for that matter, a long walk home. I carry at least two new tubes and a patched spare. CO2 inflator and cartridges save time, although a decent pump should never be overlooked.  I also like to keep these close to hand, and easily accessible. Small bar bags, tool bottles can be more convenient than the wedge pack (although I tend to distribute kit evenly across the three).  

Oxford Products have sent us their Evo Aqua Adventure range of luggage. Following the access narrative, I’ve gone for their top tube bag. It’s made from 400 denier Rip stop TPU, features welded seams and is weather resistant to IPX6.  

1.5 litre carrying capacity, which is generous. “Bolt on” packs like the Apidura that tether to a frame’s bosses (or via these Tektro Versa mounts) are the most secure, overcoming any risk of movement, especially when filled close to capacity. Some pedalling styles can also result in occasional knee contact, which is another consideration when choosing one. On the stability front, some Velcro models favour larger diameter/ flatter profiled top tubes. Only time and miles will tell but giving change from £20, the EVO Acqua looks a good deal. 

   

Thankfully, temperatures have held around 2-3 degrees overnight, so I haven’t shod Ursula with spikes just yet. I have mounted one to the Alfine dyno hub Shimano Alfine UR700 Hub Dynamo | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) wheel in anticipation- makes switches faster later down the line.  

I also took the opportunity to strip the old girl’s Deore Crankset and trailer wheel, replacing the Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) with some Juice Lubes Bearing Juice. A synthetic grease blended specifically for, er bearings.  

It’s thick and tacky, so great for packing hubs, headsets, bottom brackets and pedals. It’s also apparently tested to marine standards (meaning excellent adhesion and sealing properties) and suitable for contact points.  

However, something like Park Poly lube PPL1000 TESTED: PARK TOOL POLYLUBE 1000 LUBRICANT FOR BICYCLES (sevendaycyclist.com) or Peaty’s Bicycle Assembly Grease PEATY'S BICYCLE ASSEMBLY GREASE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is a better bet for threaded components. There was a surprising amount of Speed Grease clinging to the Deore axle, and a liberal helping of degreaser was needed to strip it convincingly, too.

Continuing my prevention better than cure narrative, I wanted to get these jobs done before winter got one step ahead.  Right, while I contemplate a chain replacement, I’ll leave you with my review of the Infini Tron Infini Tron Rear Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)