If It Ain't Broke Fettle It Anyway

  

It may come as little surprise that I am fighting every urge to perform another bar switch... Swapping the Soma Condor for its successor, the Condor 2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars . Rationally, I know the Univega’s setup is bang on, yet still I feel compelled. I’ve swapped back to these long serving, dual sided XLC pedals though.

Build quality seems better than many SPD homages I’ve owned; or tested over the past twenty-five years. The white powder coated finish is particularly hardy, showing surprisingly few battle scars, several years down the line.  

Flipping and clipping with the otherwise likeable single-sided Wellgo (say at Junctions) had become uncharacteristically faffy. It also proved an ideal opportunity, to test the Soma Woodie 20 function multi tool’s 8mm cap.

I’ve never been a fan of the cap type that fit atop the 5 or 6mm key. Most fit fine and do the job. On the flip side, they are easily lost to the lawn, or undergrowth. Torque was better than I was expecting, given the relatively stubby 6mm host. liberally greased threads certainly help.  

Decided to clean and strip the Univega’s drivetrain. Nothing exotic this time, a rag dipped in white spirit remains a very efficient exorcist. I reached for Zefal Wet Pro Lube, primarily, because I wanted a ride that evening, so needed something “drizzle n’ go”. Pro wet is best described as a middleweight blend.

In terms of tenacity, I strongly suspect it won’t rival the hell n’ high water favourites (including Weldtite TF2 Extreme Wet, or Finish Line Cross Country Wet lubes). That said; its less syrupy than the former, yet stocky enough for protecting electroplated fasteners from taint and tarnish.

Staying with Zefal, a moment, the French brand has also sent us their Pulse Z2 side-entry cage. A composite side entry model, its designed to be switched round, to suit the rider’s dominant hand.

Side entry cages are also intended to overcome the problem of carrying two trade size bottles in a small main triangle. On this occasion, ours has replaced the Vel, which succumbed to sudden and unexpected fatigue. A lost cause. Even Theromoworx Whitemorph couldn’t fix, or modify satisfactorily https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/thermoworx-whiemorph  The Zefal Pulse Z2 composites do feel much sturdier, so we’ll see how it fares, in the coming weeks and months.

According to the tabloid press, the UK is due to get another bitterly cold winter. The coldest for 30 years, according to some sources. These lubes and the Schwalbe Winter Spike tyres are on standby, just in case. Meantime, the Univega will sport its Schwalbe Marathon Mondial Double Defense tyres https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-mondial-tyres  . Unless other testing options present, or disaster strikes, my fixed gear winter/trainer will retain its Tioga City Slicker and Schwalbe Marathon GT pairing https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres   . Both are very dependable and handle very nicely, even when the roads are paved with a slimy cocktail of derv and bovine dung.

Dusk officially starts at 1900hrs and Sun rise 7.15, so lighting is also becoming a major focus. K-Lite Bikepacker Ultra systems aside, I’ve just received Knog Cobber Mid Rear light. Middle child of the Cobber family, it’s reckoned to produce a 330degree arc, and 170 lumens, top whack. I’ve mounted ours to seat-stays by using the Cobber’s aero seat post bracket.

120 miles, and four rides in, its too early to reflect on run times but in terms of output, the mid should suit most people’s needs, even tag-alongs. Would be tempted to plump for the big Cobber, on a low-slung touring trailer, like my Yak homage. Maybe I’m just being over cautious…Let’s see what the following weeks bring.    

I’m also switching over to heavier duty threads. Now conditions are recognisably autumnal, I’ve defaulted to middleweight  layers, jerseys (including this Prendas Cyclismo Paris Bordeaux https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/prendas-ciclismo-long-sleeve-jersey . ¾ length bib longs strike the best balance still.

Ample protection to the knees and vital organs, yet still temperate around 15 degrees. Primal Dawn Bib Knickers remain firm favourites https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/primal-dawn-men-s-bib-knickers  

Oxford Bright 4.0 Waterproof Cycle gloves have also been resurrected. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-1 These are another bridge garment. Not waterproof, in the impervious sense but they offer decent defence against moderate rain and chill. Last but certainly not least, I’ve been putting these Follow Hollow Performance Alpaca Socks. 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/briandavis/performance-alpaca-socks  

80% baby alpaca yarn, 15% nylon and 5% spandex, they’re made in the USA and I’ve been suitably impressed by their performance. Several weeks and hundreds of miles later, I’m forming the opinion they have an edge on Merino when it comes to temperature control and moisture management. Stay tuned for the full review.

Harvest Festival

 

No, not that one…After a week’s postal drought, a blizzard of kit arrived, including the Redshift Shockstop Suspension Stem www.redshiftsports.com I referred to, a few entries back.

Unsurprisingly, it’s infinitely more sophisticated than the Girvin Flex stem that divided opinion, back in the day (but one I was rather fond of). More refined engineering and working to closer tolerances, set up, is perhaps, predictably, a little more involved.

Given this precision and depending on rider weight, elastomers need to be swapped over and pre-load carefully reset. Not the sort of installation you’d attempt, 20 minutes before a big ride.

On paper, my Holdsworth might seem an unusual test rig. However, the shock stop is also intended for tarmac biased riding and the weight penalty, compared with a traditional 7005/6061 unit, is only around 80g.

As I’ve mentioned before, the frameset’s thin, steel tubes and carbon composite fork blades, are synonymous with compliance. However, the steerer is aluminium alloy and front end can feel unexpectedly direct, over washboard surfaces. My favourite 1in7 descent being a case in point.  

Ison Distribution www.ison-distribution.com sent me these rather fetching Genetic CX cantilevers for testing. I’ve reviewed several Genetic products, from pedals to seat posts, over the years, and have been consistently impressed, by the brands’ bang-for buck ratio.

Despite discs’ dominance, there’s a lot to be said in favour of the humble cantilever. Lightweight, a well-honed unit has adequate mechanical bite, to halt 115kilos-comfortably.

These are CNC-machined aluminium. The braced design, we’re told is designed to eradicate flex. 

Standards of finish are very high, relative to the asking price and polished finishes always keep their looks. Albeit with the occasional waxing, or buff with a polishing cloth and product, such as Crankalicious Mayo Jaune. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/crankalicious-mayo-jaune-intensive-  

The Genetic were trickier to set up, with my Univega’s shallower reach Microshift brifters, which is historically, the case, with any wide arm design. M System patterns and models, such as, these Avid Shorty 4, are pretty much plug n’ play.  Crucially, I have the tubby 

tourer’s braking back up to scratch now.    

Elsewhere, I’ve switched my winter/trainers perch from the likeable 14mm wide BBB Echelon saddle, to titanium railed Brooks Swift homage. Motivations for this, will become obvious, further down the line.

However, its butt bespoke and some additional “spring” is welcomed along the lanes. Especially, since I’ve forgone the Cane Creek Thudbuster ST https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cane-creek-thudbuster-suspensuin-se   in favour of the more tarmac traditional Genetic Syngenic https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-syngenic-seatpost .

Despite warnings of apocalyptic weather fronts, temperatures remain in the high teens/early twenties. 

No call for substituting shorts and summer jerseys for something more substantial (although summer kit is easily extended through autumn, with Lycra arm and leg warmers).

Talking of which, I’ve been suitably pleased by the Tenn GC Eurosport range https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tenn  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tenn-global-eurosport

We are being approached with winter ranges, including some from Stolen goat www.stolengoat.com , which is really nice.

The 29^th marks the tenth year of this blog and has me reflecting on my motivations behind it. Its conception originated with the acquisition, and restoration of a certain orphaned frameset-hence the title.

However, other cycling related projects and concepts/product testing soon crept in. Occasionally it has lapped at social commentary and indeed, some personal shorelines. There’s a lot more to riding, than components and equipment, which make everything go, stop and handle in correct proportion. Yes, I am including the rider, in this equation.

Two wheels, with and without engines are extremely practical, everyday vehicles for a small planet but long, steady miles are very conducive to deeply reflective states. Often, I contemplate the journeys along life’s highways and my wrong turns on its roundabouts.

I’ve been brutally penalised for some mistakes on the one hand and I am acutely aware of a controlled rage within me. Conversely, I have a responsibility to myself and others, to learn from and channel these experiences/emotions positively.

Similarly, some unexpected detours have resulted in serendipitous successes. On that note I’ll end with Steve’s review of Surly’s Ted Trailer. With a maximum payload of 300lbs, its ideal for those of us carrying big, bulky loads, of a physical nature.  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/surly-ted-trailer

Toupes, Tweaks & Tug Jobs

Further plotlines and characters for my series of children’s stories devised and deadlines herded into their respective pens, Border collie fashion, I settled to slathering some fresh Muc-off Carbo-grip to the Holdsworth's Tifosi branded composite post. 

While about it, the Specialized toupe' was reinstated on grounds of grams and the coarse grain leather saddlebag substituted for this Zefal. Aside from superior capacity and zero sway,it includes retro-reflective detailing and LED tab. I had hoped this Cycliq fly 6 HD camera  and LED combo would cadge a lift but its specifically designed for post mounting. No bad thing, since the latter provides superior tenure and blur-free recording.

Polishing and preening complete, attention turned to its track nuts, which needed nipping tight. Obviously, I don't generate    the herculean output of a 90 kilo sprinter. That said; proves transmission braking and hard core honking call  for regular inspection.

Contrary to popular misconception, fixed chains wear faster than their derailleur counterparts. Sure; they’re no skipping up and down a cassette but those forces, coupled with grotty winters (and in my case, occasional trailer tugging duties) lead to hard and relatively short lives.

I’ve managed 3,000miles from this Z1X inox which is roughly twice that of a typical nickel plated speed derailleur chain subjected to similar conditions. Now well into late middle age, I’m probably looking at a further 700miles before it becomes bin fodder. Chances are, we’ll receive another beefy model for review by then; otherwise, I’ll go for another X1.  (Full report on Seven Day Cyclist www.sevendaycyclist.com).

On the subject of trailers, leaving the house without a camera is unthinkable-there’s always something interesting to capture. I overtook this rider on a bypass road while driving the KA and pulled into a layby several hundred metres away to get some shots of his Specialized and Burly combo.

Bikes are incredibly versatile and can haul surprising loads safely, at sensible speeds and for long distances.

Admittedly; the safe bit is clearly open to interpretation, depending on where you are in the world and I’m not sure, even with gearing lower than a snake’s testicles, that I’d attempt hauling Peter Eland’s payload www.eland.org.uk/

Nonetheless, a week’s family shop is easily brought home in a typical mid-range unit. In keeping with panniers, a low slung hitch and sensible weight distribution  are musts but so long as 35kilos isn’t exceeded, I can haul more in my Bob Yak homage than the KA and other micro-minis.  

Single wheel designs, such as the Yak and its followers track behind the bike and enjoy a low centre of gravity, which makes them a more obvious choice off road. 

Sneaking through tighter gaps and side alleys is also easier than their two wheeled counterparts. On the flip side, two wheelers tend to cope better with potholes and make stop-start parking more convenient. Hitches are similarly crucial, look for something low slung that bolts neatly to the rear dropout.

Chariot trailers used to employ a clever ball-joint coupling that was secure, yet counter intuitive to use. Avoid post mounted types crude, or otherwise since they’re agricultural and cursed with a high centre of gravity, which have a detrimental effect upon handling. Substantial twisting forces generated by the beam “wag” the rider, which is tiring to counteract and overcome, even over moderate distances.                  

Elsewhere, Green oil's workshop sized, gun-friendly 200ml tube has just arrived. This makes for very precise, mess and waste-free delivery ; especially to quick release skewers, small fasteners, bearings etc. Other than an initial squeeze, contents flow much faster than the original dropper-bottle, which often needs standing in hot water for a minute or so, particularly in cooler weather.                              

Initial reactions are favourable and it seems much stockier than the original recipe, which though good, degraded faster than PTFE or lithium pastes. Unlike these, it’s reckoned safe on rubberised components such as seals and suspension bushings. We’ll see…Off to watch some old frames restored now.