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. 

Winding Roads & Wintry Stuff

 

Aside from being a product tester/reviewer, I’m something of a perpetual fettler, so fitting and switching components comes with the territory but I stick to horses for courses, seasonally appropriate-tyres and lubes being prime examples. Substituting the fixed’s rear Maxxis Re-Fuse in favour of The CST Xpedium Level 6 700x35C Single Compound 60tpi Wire Bead CST Xpedium Tyres | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) proved a good move. The Xpedium are a surprisingly compliant, grippy tyre, the level 6 with a very comprehensive puncture-repelling belt. I’ve quickly warmed to the Enve Handlebar tape, too. 

Winter might be a time when the best bike(s) go into hibernation but for me at least, it's also a time of quiet, but purposeful review. I found myself toying with switching the fixed’s D-Riser back to the On One Midge- a big, wide, swoopy drop whose buxom charms I first fell in love with back in 2005.  

Those were 25.4mm diameter and a little whippy, compared with the 31.8 and like a lot of lasting loves, it was initially slow burning but ran very deep. I’d sold both sets of Midge during the pandemic on the basis I’d had a glut of bars and was best served recouping money and space. Undoubtedly the right move but I was genuinely tempted by another set of Midge-black of course.  

However, chances are their greater width would necessitate longer cables and similar faff. More so, had I taken Ursula that route. Ruled that out on the basis the Soma Condor 2 hit the all-rounder sweet spot by a country mile. Besides, I’d just replaced the brake lever and cable and for time being at least, l am leaving the Souma leather handlebar tape in situ.

  

I wouldn’t describe myself as someone on the peripheries, or on the margins of society but beyond a certain point, I’ve never felt a compulsion to “fit in”.  Sure, I’m diplomatic and emotionally intelligent in my dealings with people and commercially, am something of a chameleon. Outside of that, I am very particular about my circle of influence, or who consumes my time/energies.  I have learned to be kind, but for want of a more fitting expression, take no shit.  

We must navigate through these and other rabbit holes to recognise who we are, our motivations and values. Some people travel through life never knowing. Others are heard animals, simply going along with whatever is presented before them and without critically evaluating anything. Rebelling against something simply because lots of others are doing it, is equally myopic.  Being in a relationship where there is coercion, control, and generic abuse to feel “normal” is a classic example of this. I contemplate all manner of things while I ride but there are (and always have been) some definite constants.  

  

As mucky, dark, and superficially bleak as winter can feel, the darkness can be very liberating. Once upon a time, some hardened riders advocated “running a cold out on the road”. A practice widely rebuffed as dangerous now, but I have been known to cast my darker thoughts, more malevolent demons throughout a ride and along deserted roads. In my early teens, cycling was my escape, from school, from bullying and anything else I didn’t want to confront head-on. It was also a means of cultivating self-esteem, a sense of clarity, and a fascination with whatever technology would improve the experience.  

  

I’ve long concluded that bullies are cowards. Some who I allowed to bully me subsequently developed heroin addictions rather than confront their own demons. One developed a heroin habit and served a custodial sentence rather than tackle his own sexuality. An illustration of how going against who you fundamentally are serves no purpose. Hard though it is to admit, I chose to marry someone unsuitable and paid an extremely high price, emotionally and financially.  

However, these things also taught me a great deal about myself, honed and about trusting intuition. It’s what we take and employ from these experiences.  She too was a bully and ultimately, I received the spanking some would say I needed. Yes, I have some very tangible regrets, some that hit most mornings as I wake but similarly, I’m not bitter. It's not about seeing the worst, I just read people, their intentions, and situations very carefully.  

People can leave us, and we have only moderate control over this. Marriage's end-either in death, or divorce, we must cultivate the skills and healthy coping mechanisms to navigate these and other of life’s challenges.   I digress... 

  

450 miles along, it was time to check Ursula’s chain, especially since I’ve been running stodgy wet lubes. These tend to attract mud, grit, and indeed light amounts of aluminium oxide from the rings.  

Aluminium oxide is the stuff of grinding discs, so said cocktail’s a recipe for accelerated wear. The Birzman Chain Checker is registering just below 5, so I’m hoping I’ll get through January before I’m reaching for another 106 link KMC.   

I’ve also switched from the SKS Lube Your Chain TESTED: SKS LUBE YOUR CHAIN (sevendaycyclist.com) to some Silca Super-Secret Chain Lube that arrived with the tape and Wolf Tooth Precision Bike Grease. Timely for re-packing hubs and headsets, in particular. Most stiff greases tend to be long-lived these days, but I find six-monthly inspections useful-especially during a very wet winter and if you’ve been venturing off-road.  Time I was dipping my fingers in the pot...