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... 

 

 

 

       

Stopping, Hauling, Stems & Stubborn Rubber

 

Having tamed the rogue rear stopper and rack/trailer compatibility, I decided it was time to switch the rear Specialized Crossroads EX for the Nutrak Vee Swift Frenzy for the full experience. Again, I was so grateful for the Cyclo Advanced Tyre Fitting and Removal Tool, since they've proven a very stubborn fit from the packet.

Unclear at this stage whether they'll relax any with time and use. I should point out I was able to mount them to The Ryde Sputnik, but not the Mavic X17, although this also presented an opportunity to tweak the Ryde’s Shimano XT hub bearings- I’d set them a little tight during the last overhaul and hadn’t made time to correct this until now. On went a fresh 12-28 cassette, since I was there, for super convenient exchanges.

It will be a few months before I can arrive at any definite conclusions in any case, especially when it comes to their prowess in wet, muddy conditions. Nonetheless, thus far they're proving quite frisky and grippy across a multitude of surfaces. No cuts, or flats as yet, but all things being equal, I wouldn't expect so for at least a few hundred miles.

On the subject of durability, I was surprised to discover The Genetic Hi Grip Handlebar Tape Genetic Hi-Grip Handlebar Tape | cycling-not-racing had expired, or rather the EVA backing had separated from the top layer. Thankfully, I had silicones and others "in stock". I ultimately reached for this Selcoff, which looks and feels very similar to the Genetic.

I’d also decided to make a new shim for Denise’s Exposure Revo Dynamo Lamp mount- the old butyl bodge was looking a little tired and I’d found a better candidate while hunting some fasteners. Pruned and snugged to the recommended 3nm-one of those simple, yet strangely satisfying serendipitous jobs.    

The continued drought conditions also mean I've not been able to test the waterproof properties of this Lomo carry sack, which I'd been sent to pair with my Yak homage. The original carry bag, though made of a waterproof fabric, has stitched seams without welding or taping. Consequently, rain will always find its way inside-not ideal on a supermarket run, let alone a week’s tour.

 Staying with trailers a moment, I found an old front mudguard (fender to those of you in the US and Canada) and modified it slightly before securing via the trailer bed’s quick release and a couple of zip ties.  The M Part Ridge Rack is doing its thing competently and without fanfare-much as I’d expected.

I cited some issues with the design’s proportionately shorter arms, and I’d like to see a revision, but if your frame(s) didn’t have the full four-point mounts, there are neat alternatives to the humble and generally effective P-clips. Now, Ursula’s frame threads are in good shape thirty years down the line. 

However, if your chosen frame is otherwise good (maybe you had it refinished a couple of years back, but carrier threads are a bit weary), a seat clamp with rack mounts, such as this M Part could prove an inexpensive, reliable way forward. The other possible option is to have the threads repaired using a heli-oil kit. Personally, this could be tricky, since there's not a lot of metal here. I’d leave that to an experienced shop mechanic or framebuilder. Especially if you weren’t familiar and comfortable with tapping threads.

Thoughts have also returned to Ursula’s stem. The existing unit is functional, proves the 45-degree angle was correct in practice. However, it's also a little crude.

While indulging in some reader's rides type porn, I happened upon Velo Orange's Happy Stem, which is 45 degrees, available in silver or black and 90, or 110mm lengths. I'd be needing the 90mm, wanting the black and being want, rather than need, I'll defer gratification, shift some unwanted stuff on eBay and reflect accordingly. 

Otherwise, I'm very happy with the series of subtle revisions made over the past few months. I’ve experienced shoulder discomfort or many years. This was largely rectified through a bike fit back in 2008, which determined that my legs are of identical length, but my right femur is longer, creating an imbalance. Insoles certainly helped, but, like most of us, I’ve had the odd, sometimes brutal encounter with terra firma over the past forty years...

As my late father remarked, albeit in the context of motorcycling, it doesn’t matter how good a rider you are, or think you are, you will always come off. My left shoulder has communicated its frustration and disdain from time to time, requiring time on a therapists' table to rectify. Mercifully, not too frequently, nor is it indicative of a degenerative condition. Something that had crossed my mind, some years ago, since my late father struggled with fibromyalgia in the last years of his life.

Some people would suggest that regret is pointless. A standpoint I understand, since we cannot change the past, but we can change our relationship to it and not repeat the mistakes that led us to that point. On the plus side, I read people and situations very accurately and navigate accordingly,

Anecdotally, I have also noted an increase in people seemingly unable to listen and look beyond a dogmatic prejudice, or similar set of inaccurate assumptions. There have been many times in my life (on two wheels and elsewhere) where had I assumed, I would’ve been dead or left with life changing injuries.  That young woman walking along a dirt road…Is she in the third trimester of pregnancy, or is she packed with plastic explosive…       

I’ll close on a happier note with Steve’s review of POC’s Cadence Jersey  POC Cadence Jersey Mens' | cycling-not-racing  and Leatt’s Therma Flow Hoodie 3.0 Leatt MTB ThermaFlow Hoodie 3.0 | cycling-not-racing

 

 

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.     

Mid-range Power & Medium Cage Musings

 

After some deliberation, I happened upon a medium cage 10 speed Tiagra rear mech at a very favourable price, so indulged on the basis it would come in handy. Whether Ursula’s existing and long serving Tiagra turned sloppy, or I fancied running a 32 tooth rea sprocket for some additional winching prowess, when towing a trailer, or heavily laden panniers. Of course, it arrived and needing a break from the screen, I elected to switch things around. A simple job. I’d not touched the short cage mech save for minor adjustments, cable replacement and cleaning since Ursua’s refurbishment two years ago. The frame mounting bolt proved a little arthritic, so I squirted some MO94 and allowed it to seep in a few seconds.

 The last thig I wanted was to risk the frame thread’s integrity. The bolt released easily and I was pleasantly surprised to find some Oxford Mint Assembly Grease Oxford Mint Assembly Grease | cycling-not-racing clinging to the threads, but another reminder about regreasing at least annually. I reached for the Zefal Pro ii Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing this time round, which I’ve found a very durable, corrosion resistant default.  

Cable connected, chain fitted, everything seemed to be moving up and down the block snappily enough while Ursula was held by the Topeak Flashstand e Up  Topeak Flashstand eUp | cycling-not-racing . Proof of the pudding is in the riding, so I hopped indoors for some food and headed out an hour later. Much the same story for 10 miles and then some clicky hesitation. I initially thought this might be a b screw tweak, something I’d tackle upon my return…

Upon powering away from a concealed junction, I was serenaded by a loud ping and loss of power transfer. Inconvenient, but an easy fix, provided you’ve some spare links and a magic link connecting pin. Oh, and a chain tool. In this instance that belonging to my beloved Topeak Alien ii. Five minutes later and we were homeward bound, harmony restored.

Another mixed terrain ride the following morning confirmed this. Rains- heavy showery interludes struck and though I’d left out sans micro jacket, the cooling precipitation felt delightful after several weeks of sustained intense heat and drought. It also presented the perfect opportunity to see how hydrophobic the Leatt glasses and shoes were.   I also treated the long-serving short cage Tiagra mech to a seriously deep clean. It wasn’t obviously mucky.

A liberal blast of Muc-Off Chain Wax Cleaner Muc-Off Chain Wax Cleaner 500ml | cycling-not-racing quickly flushed out embedded wax from the derailleur's inner sanctum and jockey wheels, resulting in a shallow, oily pool, which was strangely satisfying. I'd treated the mech’s inner sanctum to a further stiff brush tickling for optimal effect. Rinsed, dried and a shot of MO94 Muc-Off MO94 Multi Use Spray | cycling-not-racing later, inspection revealed the mech was mobile and slop free, so was popped in the drivetrain spares box.

I'd been experiencing some intermittent disc tickling (as distinct from rub) at the rear and had reached the conclusion it was down to friction, specifically attributable to the galvanised steel cable that was used since it was "in stock". Some further wandering around the web suggests the 287's design is another contributory factor. I've had no problems up front, although the cable run is much cleaner and I'm running a pre-lubed premium grade stainless inner wire.

I noted a little additional stretch at the cable, so pulled it through, and dialled the lever's 2mm nipple screw down to ensure complete release, theoretically eliminating drag. I'd also ordered some replacement stainless inner wires, since they're a workshop staple. Chances are, I'd be wanting to upgrade the galvanised stand-in due course, certainly before winter.

An easy fix and a metaphor for wider life. Sometimes things are a work in progress. Take a break but persevere until you're speaking their language and have them sussed. Little breakthroughs can be incredibly satisfying. 

Continuing the sticky theme, the sprung mount assembly on the Yak homage had gummed up, meaning they weren't closing on the skewer hitch. Something that caught me by surprise on our second laden outing. Just a question of easing them closed, then giving the sprung components a liberal blast of MO94 upon returning home.

Snappier engagement and secure tenure sorted, I could let rip and cruise in confidence, although I was considering making a shim from old butyl for the skewer hitch to provide a more tenacious, vibration- busting connection. With Denise's KMC chain registering north of.5, I decided to replace and fit the medium cage Tiagra mech- another straightforward twenty-minute job.

I'd acquired a replacement spring kit with the trailer, just in case the original failed and replacements proved hard to come by. The only minor niggle I've got with the mighty Topeak Uni Super Tourist DX Topeak Uni Super Tourist DX Rack Disc | cycling-not-racing concerns their pronounced feet. These prevent me from tethering the Yak homage.

Now arguably most tourists would run either panniers, or trailer, but there are times, say when running errands, or collecting stuff when you'd want to pair the two. Since the frame only features a single eyelet, I can’t position the rack higher, thus providing suitable clearance. Hmm, I’ll reflect and consider my options.

I've also been putting in some decent miles with the Leatt ProClip 6.0 Trail Boa MTB Shoes. Soles strike a good balance of efficient power transfer and walkability- stiffer than the Shimano GTX. For the most part, I've paired them with a traditional cross-country spud, but wasn'’t surprised to find models with bigger surface areas the ideal marriage. I've gone for the dual side Shimano M530 and ED500, the latter being a road-biased touring design- very solid and supportive, albeit with a slight weight penalty. 

Mud clearance won't match that of a true cross country, or trail model, but still better than I'd expect. I've had no issues clipping in/out, provided things aren't too boggy. They're also a doddle to strip and service Simple Pedal Overhaul | cycling-not-racing 

Given twenty minutes along wet roads, I wasn't surprised to find some water had crept in through the Leatt's cleat drillings. Slightly damp soles with traditional merino blend socks, but there's scope for waterproof designs, including these Muc-Off, which have been firm favourites of mine and served me well through some decidedly wet, winter rides.  Staying with Leatt, I’ll close here with my review of their Ride Viz Pro Small Clear PhotochromicSunglasses The Leatt Ride Viz Pro Small Clear Photo | cycling-not-racing

       

 

Calculated Gambles & Headset Care

 

I’d been casually looking out for a second skewer/hitch for my long serving Revolution Cargo Trailer. It’s been out of production for a good while, so spares were a little elusive-at least at reasonable, cost-effective prices. I tried TW Bents, the Taiwanese manufacturer, but nothing.

Someone offered me a replacement for £60, which I gently declined. Indulging in some curiosity surfing unearthed this M-Wave unit. The trailer’s swing arm looked a dead ringer, so for £15 including postage, I figured it was worth a punt. I wanted the convenience of just porting the trailer between Ursula and Denise without faffing about with skewer switches.   

A bit of grease on the skewer and everything slotted in nicely and the hitch is a reliable fit with the trailer-a calculated gamble that paid off. No excuse for not putting the Lomo Dry Sack through its paces, although save for the odd isolated thunderstorm, it’s been decidedly arid in these parts. A great opportunity to drag some favourite jerseys from the summer wardrobe too. This rather fetching Castelli Espresso Castelli Espresso Jersey | cycling-not-racing being a prime example. Lightweight, fast wicking and snug with generous pockets too. Steve’s been suitably impressed by its successor, too Castelli Espresso2 Jersey | cycling-not-racing.

Ursula’s chain was also skipping under load, so I switched to a new cassette since the chain was within .25. I also took the opportunity to strip, inspect, and deliver some more Juice Lubes Bearing Juice to Muffin’s FSA headset bearings, since it had been 12 months. It hadn’t been completely consumed and was still doing its thing. However, a generous dollop from my fingers to the races and bearings turned steering satisfyingly slick. Lubricated and protected for another 9-12 months.

Stem reinstated, preload and pinch bolts treated to a lick Zefal Pro II Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racingI noticed the brake’s inner wire had frayed. New inner wire, TRP Spyre SLC calliper dialled in, I adjusted the front Mud Hugger Gravel Hugger MUD HUGGER GRAVEL HUGGER MUDGURADS | cycling-not-racing and concluded the day’s fettling by switching the silver bottle cages for these black Elite Cruissi, homages.   

The following day, I tackled Denise’s quill stem adaptor and Stronglight A9 ST headset. Similar story. Again the lower bearing boot is very effective at keeping grease in and the elements out.

This time round I was better prepared with the headset spanners- trusty 35-year-old Campagnolo and nickel-plated BBB resurrected while I was searching for my Shimano pattern cassette tool. Component specific greases have their place-especially when tackling sensitive components. Suspension and seals, or contexts where galvanic seizures can strike (aluminium alloy seat posts in steel frames, for example). 

When it comes to bearings, more damage can result from a lack of grease or not cleaning bearing races of ingrained dirt and grease before. Everything came apart with consummate ease and as before, there was a moderate layer of Juice Lubes Bearing Juice clinging to the races and bearings. I’d come that far, so cleaned dipped a rag in solvent and cleaned the cups, bearings and races.

Bearing Juice and Pro II Greases to hand, I decided to apply the former liberally to the bottom race. The flow rate is beautiful in temperatures around 23 degrees, making it very easy to apply. Given these qualities, it would’ve been the obvious choice for the upper set. However, I cleaned components with solvent, dried and then decided upon the Zefal.

The mix n’ match approach might seem odd. However, the upper bearing takes less of a battering from wet, gritty roads and general loading. Then of course, there’s the convenience factor. The Pro II was already attached to a grease gun, so quicker and easier to deliver. Cable hanger reinstated, I applied a bead around the lockring threads and snugged down.

Quill converter treated to a top-up, front end back together. Couldn’t resist the urge to strip and re-grease the front cantilever posts- then was the time. Front wheel reinstated, cantilever straddle wire reconnected, I popped Denise from the stand. Engaging the front brake back and forth revealed no slop.

Turning the bars back and forth rewarded with satisfying smoothness-bearing tension bang on. Headset spanners engaged, locknut snugged down, it was just a matter of wiping away any excess grease with clean rag. Ok, I gave localised areas of frame a quick squirt of silicone infused bike spray and buffed to a shine.

Intuitively, I raised the bars by another few millimetres, so theoretically that’s reach and height optimised. Bike fits have taken a lot of trial and error from component choices, lengths, alignment etc, but sometimes it boils down to long, steady miles and subtle adjustments.

Substituting the auction site Garmin stem mount screws for a shorter pairing means I can fit the Coospo CS600 Coospo CS600 GPS | cycling-not-racing atop and the Gaciron XAIOMAN 1000 front light beneath. It also presented ideal opportunity to whip out the torque wrench and check stem, rack and other fasteners. No issues, save for the stem face and pinch bolts, which needed nipping tight before slippage could sneak in.     I’ll close here with my long term review of the Juice Lubes Bearing Juice The Juice Lubes Bearing Juice Long Term | cycling-not-racing