Calculated Gambles

 

 I’d been pondering whether the Shimano Ultegra dynohub’s grease had turned to watery gravy and needed to investigate. I’d always understood Shimano, unlike Shutter Precision, were partially user serviceable. The right side could be stripped and overhauled using a 15mm cone spanner and 17mm for the locknut. Trepidation cast aside, I rounded up spanners, greases, clean rags and solvent. The locknut was quite stubborn, which in some respects is a good sign, but submitted without recourse to penetrant spray.

 Locknut and cone removed, the grease had assumed an oily, but still functional state. The loose balls and bearing races were also free of pitting and similar wear. I toyed with the idea of repacking with Juice Lubes Slick Juice but reached for their Bearing Juice The Juice Lubes Bearing Juice Long Term | cycling-not-racing on the grounds of outright staying prowess. Even allowing for the recent heatwave, viscosity meant it was a little messier to apply but no issues once I’d transferred the excess to the cone.

This would also help seal the elements out. Getting the bearing tension bang on took four attempts. Back in the forks, neurotic checking revealed zero play. Hub strips tend to be annual, or thereabouts, so I can get away with some cheap but cheerful cone spanners. Unlike some cheapies, Lifeline seem accurately machined and sturdy enough for periodic use.

I’ve since invested in this 15mm Park, replacing the Tacx someone borrowed and felt entitled to keep.  I took the Slick Juice route with the trailer’s hub, which, as expected has reduced friction. Will be interesting to see how well it stands up to the elements, especially since it's right in the firing line of puddles and other dodgy water.  I’ve periodically had the idea of upgrading the trailer’s wheel but talked myself out of it. A New Old Stock Deore unit was waved under my nose for less than £8, so I indulged. I’ll seek out a suitable rim, but only at the right price, since all this is want, not need.  

Overhaul complete, I treated Denise to a deep clean. Though not obviously dirty, given the prolonged, dry spell, rear wheel, rack, rear triangle and fork crowns were coated in a stubborn dusty layer. Buckets, Muc-Off Chain Wax Cleaner Muc-Off Chain Wax Cleaner 500ml | cycling-not-racing, Juice Lubes Bike Cleaner, Muc-Off MO94 Muc-Off MO94 Multi Use Spray | cycling-not-racing and assorted brushes rounded up, twenty minutes later, Denise was washed, dried and lightly re-lubed. Knowing when to down tools and pack up-quitting while ahead is another important skill. Sometimes, if it aint broke, don’t fix it.  

 The chain was still below .25 on the chain wear indicator, and I was going to run the fleet on wax lubes for as long as conditions permitted. Back to testing Ursula’s M Part Ridge Pannier rack and some fixed gear frolicking aboard Muffin. Having discovered the Ride’s top section broader than the Summit-confirmed when strapping my long serving Carradice Super C atop.

This was filthy, so I decided to take it for a thirty-degree Tour De Zanussi, adding some wash-in proofing. Now, this isn’t strictly the way to treat cotton duck, so a gamble at my own risk. However, it seems to have emerged in good health. I decided to take my 25-year-old SQR Tour the same route since, while very solid, it was looking very jaded. The sun and other elements had bleached the fabric in places and there’s no getting that back, but it was at least, clean and re-proofed.   

This also presented the ideal opportunity to give the washing machine’s soap try a thorough cleaning to remove accumulated soap scum and similar.

 Ideally, we should follow manufacturer instructions regarding care to the letter and have no recourse, should we deviate. Those of you looking to reproof cotton duck luggage should give them a good wash and then apply Carradice’s own reproofing wax.  I even found a box of high-quality patches, which was another pleasant surprise.

One thing led to another. I decided it was high time I had a sort through of the work bench. I decanted a myriad of small fasteners, mounts and similar into dedicated zip lock baggies and found and appropriate storage box. I’d been slightly disappointed by the OEM Coospo CS600 Coospo CS600 GPS | cycling-not-racing Garmin pattern mount adorning Ursula’s bars but hadn’t found a suitable contender.

Firmly in the zone, I discovered a couple of Magicshine mounts- the type employed on the marque’s Allty and Ray series. These employ a Garmin pattern head mount and a series of straps, so a universal fit. One, already attached was in Goldilocks territory. Sixty seconds later, a neater, sturdier host. A small but very satisfying upgrade.

Next, I decided to road test my hypothesis that wrapping some scrap inner tube around the quick-release trailer hitches would act as a damper. One producing a tighter union, silencing a slight rattle.  Formative impressions are favourable, although trailer release is less convenient than ideal. Maybe thinner tube, or even electrical tape is the solution... 

 

 

 

       

Progress & Priorities

 

On some levels and to some extent, everything in life is a work in progress. That out of the way, I was still being taunted by the intermittent brake tickling and concluded everything was otherwise correctly aligned...Perhaps the outer housing from lever to first cable stop was fractionally too short... 

I'd had plenty of compression-less outer and had earmarked inner cable replacement, so an obvious thing to rule out and a simple fix. Something that came to mind during that meditative mid- ride phase.  

I've also been contemplating the rack and trailer compatibility conundrum.

One potential solution was to fit an adaptor that would raise the racks' legs, providing the necessary clearance without compromising the rack's payload. Now, I'm talking a high quality, properly machined stainless/6061 aluminium alloy, not the sort made from cheese. However, closer inspection of the Topeak’s “foot” revealed this a non-starter. Some folks recounted shaving metal from the foot with their trusty Dremel…Nope, not for me. Besides, braking was my primary focus-this needed to be right before we're tethering trailers.

The solution came courtesy of Madison cycles and a M Part Ridge rack. Weighing 624g, it's a single tier design loosely reminiscent of Blackburn's MTN. One that served me well until its demise while riding through Forest Gate (E7) late summer 1999. Credit to Blackburn, they honoured their lifetime warrantee and I received a replacement. The Ridge is made from 10mm 6061 aluminium rod, comes complete with a no quibble 5-year warrantee and a respectable 25kilo maximum payload.

Designed for disc brakes, it employs adjustable legs and oodles of calliper clearance without the "feet" which preclude trailer fitment. There's a solid top plate doubling as a mudguard for easy porting of rack bags and loose stuff captured by a cargo net. Stainless steel fasteners are another nice, corrosion-resistant touch. However, I found the arms too short for Ursula, preventing it sitting level, so switched them for the  Topeak's. 

Single tier models can make pairing of panniers and trunk bags less convenient than their two-tier counterparts and means weight is also positioned a little higher. All things being equal and in the everyday sense, I've never had any major issues lugging 20-litre panniers with Blackburn and homages.     

One of the most faithful homages to the Blackburn MTN was produced by Bor Yeuh. I bought one over thirty years ago for £15 and it was very much bombproof and surprisingly well-finished. There’s an argument for using threadlock on fasteners, rather than grease-especially ahead of a tour. In these contexts, I’ve always carried a few spare nuts and bolts, should one make a bid for freedom. However, I didn’t have any medium strength threadlock to hand, so added a coating of Zefal Pro ii Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing, which should keep the elements out.

 These and other little fasteners are easily overlooked until you want to remove or adjust something. In a pinch, heavyweight wet lubes, or 10w/40 motor oil make passable grease substitutes, and I’ve found fasteners mobile a few months down the line. Nonetheless, for daily drivers and other mile munchers, re-greasing every six months or so remains best practice.  If in doubt, apply a quick squirt of MO94 Muc-Off MO94 Multi Use Spray | cycling-not-racing, GT85 GT85 ALL PURPOSE LUBRICANT, or similar maintenance spray (allowing it thirty seconds or so to penetrate) before introducing an Allen key-your frame threads will thank you.

 While rooting around in the spares boxes, I uncovered a set of solid axle mounts for the trailer. I’d acquired some along with the sprung hitch spares some years back. At that time, I’d been toying with Alfine and similar interplanetary (hub) transmissions. This never came to fruition. On a few occasions, I’ve tethered trailer and V2 fixed, primarily as part of wider product testing. Otherwise, gearing in the mid to high 70s isn’t synonymous with trailer tugging. However, 63inches might prove a better fit, should need arise.  

Using the Specialized Crossroads EX as a "control", I've done 250 miles with the Nutrak and found them grippy and relatively responsive, especially coming from 2.2-2.3-inch cross country rubber. Average speed across metalled road is 17mph against 14.5 with the Continental and CST Patrol in comparable conditions.  Even inflated to their maximum (65psi) they've felt supple and compliant without any trace of skittishness.

I'm experimenting with pressures and am forming the opinion that 50-55psi is the sweet spot for my tastes, but time, mileage and testing may say different. I'll be interested to see how they cope in gloopy mud, which may be a while off yet, given the long, hot and distinctly dry summer. My supposition is their narrower profiles, and tread pattern will crave through without clogging or causing mischief around the chainstays. 

From a personal perspective, I was delighted to find a 26x1.9 gravel tyre, alongside 700c and 650b, although I was curious as to whether Nutrak were seeking to tap into the quiet trend for mountain bike to gravel conversions. Something I raised with Madison when discussing the specifications.

 Now, they are intended as a tubeless setup, which is another nice touch for those running a conversion. They also proved a very tight fit, which is very welcome on a tubeless system, but calls for a decent tyre lever. This was particularly so when running them with a butyl tube- even aboard a very conventional cross-country rim. I was relieved to find my trusty Cyclo Advanced Tyre Removal and Fitting Tool worked its magic, saving considerable time, effort, blisters and agricultural language.  I am very particular about lending tools and there are some I will flat out refuse to let out of my sight. Said tyre wand falls firmly into this category, along with a Czech made headset press.     

Seasonal Swaps & Sabre Tooth Man Flu

 

Possibly it’s the accumulation factor, coupled with a sharp drop in temperature bringing more seasonal colds into the arena but I succumbed to a sneaky, feral virus. The sort that begins with addled thought processes but allowing you to head out for a decent ride. Before you know it, head and joints feel like lead, simple tasks like adjusting cable tension, or replacing bottle cages can feel challenging. These being significant, since I needed to dial in Denise’s front Shimano CX50 stopper and I was keen to switch the Wolf Tooth Morse over to Ursula to see how well their adjustability benefits a small compact geometry frameset, especially when a lithium-ion battery and frame fit pump are thrown into the mix.

The Wolf Tooth Morse are so called because of the plate’s drillings and there are two basic versions-our stainless steel and a lighter, dearer titanium. 304 grade stainless steel is popular in a wealth of applications due to its blend of resilience and corrosion resistance. Qualities that are verry apparent, judging by the regular bastings from wet, greasy roads, agricultural slurry, muddy trails and regular washings. It also offers secure, reliable tenure and release to big 750 ml trade bottles and bigger, double walled thermos designs, too.

Now, as many would justly point out, perfectly functional bottle cages can be had for £6 and indeed, less. I’ve had three Trans X going strong some 26 years down the line-no, they hadn’t been kept in a trophy cabinet, they’ve been in regular service. The fetching yellow livery contrasted very nicely with Ursula’s original flamboyant red finish.

Back to the bargain bin, I’ve gone for another set of the red composite fitted to Muffin- 99p each. These will contrast nicely with Ursula’s grey finish and offer surprising amounts of adjustment, so while not level pegging with a good side-entry model, will overcome some of the hassles associated with standard bottles and small frames.  Having said that, I’m pleased with the contrast the stainless and titanium cages provide, so they may stay. I gave Denise a good sudsy bucket scrub and fitted these Burls and Boardman carbon fare. This also presented an opportunity to pump some more corrosion busting waxy preserve inside the frames. Fasteners were given a blob of Zefal Pro II Grease Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing.  

I’d been hopeful but am pleased to discover the Muc-Off C3 Ceramic All Weather Chain Lube is still clinging dependably to the inks, keeping them lubricated and corrosion-free despite sections of road resembling Paris Roubaix, waterlogged lanes. Mudguards, (fenders to folks in the US) surprise, surprise do keep a lot of crap at bay, and I remain impressed by the Mud Hugger Gravel Hugger MUD HUGGER GRAVEL HUGGER MUDGURADS | cycling-not-racing fitted to Muffin.

Sure, they have some compromises and don’t offer the same protection as traditional full-length models, but they are still fairly effective, while permitting easy rear wheel removal. Full length chrome plastics and track ends tends to require removing the frame mounts, too which is a faff, especially on a cold and rainy night. Oh, and full-length chrome plastics are impractical off road, unless of course you’re exploring dry singletrack on an adventure bike, or big tubby tourer. Zefal have sent me their Sheild G50 Gravel Mudguard Set and on a seasonally related note, their F1500 front light. The issue with a lot of gravel specific guards (and it’s a fairly small point, given disc brakes are the default) but they can prove incompatible with bikes running cantilever and V-brakes. The Shield G50 also proved comparatively straightforward to fit and adjust.

However, while this design will entertain older framesets, I strongly suspect they won’t offer quite the same degree of protection afforded by the Gravel Hugger and similar patterns.  The F1500 has me curious to see how well it compares with the Sigma Buster 1600 Sigma Buster 1600 & RL150 Light Set | cycling-not-racing  

It’s four grams lighter at 233g and slightly bulky, but I was pleased to find a wired remote within the bundle and the light complies with IPX6 for weatherproofing. Remotes allow easily toggling between modes, when entering different environments, or needing to dip. The choice of bar or Go-Pro mount is another nice touch. Time and long, dark roads are where the proof lies, although I remain impressed by its R150 rear light, so I’m quietly hopeful the FL1500 will leave a similar impression.

I’m always saying (primarily because its true) that I love the changing seasons and the riding experiences they bring. Autumn remains one of my favourites, possibly given the association with receiving the Holdsworthy built Claud Butler and Richard Ballantine’s legendary “New Bicycle Book”, then at 18, leaving for London and a world full of possibilities. Some I took, some I didn’t. Winter can be a longer slog, so testing, a well-dressed machine and rider coupled with wider, intensive focus helps with mood and momentum.

 

 

  

 

Bar con bother & More Welcome Surprises

 

I found myself switching this Topeak Road Master Blaster Topeak Road Master Blaster Frame Pump | cycling-not-racing over from Muffin to Ursula. Though on paper, I’d be surprised that it would fit the 17.5-inch frameset, but it’s worth remembering that mid to late nineties cross country mountain bike framesets had long top tubes for a more stretched, aggressive stance. In this instance 21.3 inches, which proved bespoke for the pump.  

Proof of said security was off road and during our first outing, I wasted no time in taking a left turn and letting rip along two miles of leafy bridlepath. I was also keen to see how the Sidi Algor performed off road. Formative impressions are positive, and I was pleasantly surprised to find them temperate in milder conditions-13 degrees. Nonetheless, there’s plenty of miles to come on and sans asphalt_ I’ll reserve judgment until December, possibly the New Year.  

As for the pump’s tenure? Rock steady. Inner tube wrapped around the top tube undoubtedly provides some additional grip, but the pressure fit is perfect, holding the pump steady, while still allowing ready, convenient access when required. Less delightful was discovering the right Microshift bar end shifter had turned belligerent and wouldn’t shift. Now, bar end shifters main selling point is their rugged simplicity and the ability to switch them to friction mode.

The latter forgotten while I was traversing roads carpeted in thick, slimy agricultural mud and reflecting on the speed some vehicles were doing through it-with some palpable loss of traction.  Upon returning from my 90-minute mixed terrain jolly, I decided to switch the lever for a spare and fresh cable. Doing so quickly restored the comforting click and sweep of the chain across the cassette.

Minor tweaks made, cable liberally lubed with some Muc Off MO94 Muc-Off MO94 Multi Use Spray | cycling-not-racing , I pruned the inner cable, superglued the end and popped Ursula away.  I wasn’t surprised to find everything behaved on the workstand, but some phantom shifts when climbing during our first mixed terrain outing meant stopping and dialling some tension from the rear mech’s barrel adjuster.

Sorted in thirty seconds, one of those easy fixes and no issues since.   Whoosh! The child like inner joy as I weaved through the leafy carpets and soft, though not too boggy mud was a welcome relief from some complex monotony that had been all too prevalent within my wider world. Perspective, too.  

Richard Ballantin’s observations (p 17 Richard’s New Bicycle Book (Oxford Illustrated Press October 1988) “At a deeper level, how you ride reflects your feelings and thoughts. You are with yourself.”   Social media can give the impression of connectivity and indeed, personal significance, but the reality is individually, we are all very insignificant. I have also noted a pronounced rise in anti-intellectualism, a lack of desire to learn and a climate where the loudest voices, no matter how ill-informed get most attention. Contrary to popularist sentiment, we do need experts, we need expertise. This knowledge and understanding does not happen by osmosis, it takes years to cultivate, regardless of trade, or profession.  The appeal and indeed, success of populist leaders is emotional, not based on facts.

The feeling, a false sense of empathy is what mobilises people and without any introspection, or critical introspection. The pied piper then leads them along the desired path, and we’re back down those alleys which caused so much destruction-economic, social and political.

The same games and tunes are played, but just through different mediums-although some would argue regulated media outlets have become complicit megaphones. I listen closely to these things but will never engage, either with those who follow the rhetoric, or those espousing it.  

Many of those following the rhetoric and depending upon state benefits may regret their subscription, since these populists have already made it very clear they will greatly reduce public spending and welfare benefits will be top of the list.  

In all probability, these people will continue following the rhetoric and will blame and quite likely physically attack others. They already do- housing officers, social workers, nurses, administrators to name a few who are “fair game” for their frustration. I’ve experienced it first hand, so know how it plays out. I’ve had some people come and boast they knew how to tender various services, only to demonstrate a complete, some might say, breathtaking ignorance of the tendering process and service level agreements.  

Several months down the line, I will say I’m very impressed by Zefal Pro II Grease’s performance and staying prowess. It’s certainly surpassed my expectations of budget greases, especially those employing lithium.

Plenty remains on contact points, threaded components, headset and pedal bearings, Hollowtech II axles and cleat fasteners. No hint of galvanic corrosion, or other nastiness.  In fairness, these months have varied between very hot and uncharacteristically mild- 17 degrees has not been unusual in the early part of November. Plenty of opportunity to test the Castelli Do Di Ci
https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/castelli-do-di-ci-jacket

Lithium based preps aren’t ideal for all jobs, but for general assembly jobs and bearing packing, there’s much to like here. I took this opportunity to introduce the 17tooth Arundel fixed sprocket to Muffin’s hub, switching the 16tooth to the other side. Staying with lubes, I retired Denise’s KMC X10 chain, since opportunity presented, which also coincided with the arrival of this Muc-Off C3 All Weather Ceramic, so it will be interesting to see how this compares to its entry level counterpart I reviewed a while back. Muc-Off All Weather Chain Lube | cycling-not-racing  I’ve also reached my conclusions regarding the Sigma Buster 1600 & RL150 lights, which have a lot to offer, although some niggles and limitations, too Sigma Buster 1600 & RL150 Light Set | cycling-not-racing

Fettling Orgies

 

Having packed pedals, since I wanted to see how stiff this particular lithium-based prep would be through the darker, wetter months, I applied to Denise’s Hollowtech II axle. There was ample Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing clinging on, but then was the time. I’d noted the pinch bolts and pre-load were a little dry. The former were unexpectedly arthritic, so regreasing was imperative before seizure could creep in and cause mischief at the least convenient moment.     

Lithium based preps have an unenviable reputation for gobbling seals, elastomers and other rubberised components and can be a little stodgy.  

Fine on contact points, and very durable on winter hubs, but not necessarily desirable if you're competing and want to keep resistance at a minimum. While there's more discernible resistance compared with blends such as Peaty's Speed Grease (which I also surprisingly durable) its much lower than I'd expected and buttery smooth.

Staying prowess, temperature stability, water resistance and general durability are definite plusses and explains their traditional popularity in marine and automotive applications. Time will tell, but at £4.99 for 150ml, at face value, it seems a bargain for generic metal on metal duties.  It’s also been applied to cleat hardware, (which we're all guilty of neglecting until time comes for their replacement).  

Galvanic corrosion, say between metals of different parentage can be another issue- I wouldn't apply lithium to a titanium seat post used in a steel, or aluminium alloy frame for example. However, I'd be less concerned about an anodised aluminium post being used in a steel frame. A polished, fluted aluminium alloy post and I'd be reaching for a synthetic, or failing that, something PTFE based. 

I’ve decided to stick with wax and dry lubes while the weather allows and having covered 250odd miles on the Blub Wax, I’ve got busy with some Carbon friendly drivetrain cleaner, which I’ve had for some years and resurrected from the lubes box. It’s fairly straightforward to apply-simply spray liberally on the drivetrain, leave for a couple of minutes, agitate with a stiff bristled brush, or something like this Finish Line Gunge Brush Finish Line Grunge Brush Solo | cycling-not-racing

I reached for some Muc-Off Dry, since that was close to hand, MUC OFF DRY CHAIN LUBE | cycling-not-racing In my experience, its closer to an emulsion and requires at least four hours to cure properly. Like the Blub, can also melt when temperatures hit the high 20s. In this state, it’s still relatively durable but also readily transfers to hands-annoying if you’ve dropped a chain, or needing to tackle a mid-ride mechanical. Checking the chain health suggests more life than first believed just past .25, so reckon I’ll get to the close of October, possibly even November before its bin fodder. However, I’ve pruned a fresh one down to 108 links in readiness for a quick switch. I noted the front brake pads were looking a little tired, so took this opportunity to replace the pads and regrease the cantilever posts using the Zefal Pro II Grease, which was time well spent and another little job off the list before autumn.   

Talking of switches, following a hunch that packing single sided pedal bodies with a stout grease would offer some weighting (making engagement easier) I switched Muffin to the silver A520 and also moved the down tube bottle cage slightly, which improved access.  

I’m pleased to report the Juice Lubes Bearing Juice has added some weighting and thus, made re-entry (say when frequently clipping in and out in slow moving traffic) more convenient.  While I was there, I  noted the K-Lite Ultra Low Drag K-LITE ULTRA LOW DRAG DYNAMO LIGHT | cycling-not-racing lamp rotating slightly on the Genetic Neuron Accessory Mount GENETIC NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing . easily cured by wrapping some scrap inner tube around the mount and replaced the 2.5mm cable ties.   

The nights were quickly drawing in, providing the perfect opportunity to assess the Magicshine Hori 1300’s prowess and I’ve been impressed, not only by the output but its useability. The wireless remote makes it very easy to toggle up and down to avoid dazzling other road users. To my surprise, though obviously good in the seen-with sense, the night flash is potent enough to navigate unlit roads by- at least to 14mph, which is useful should you need to drop down to conserve battery.