Diversions & Fixations

Due to the sheer demand for Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating's expert services, my trailer and TIG welded forks blast n' paint rebirth, has been postponed. One of those things. I'd never ask anyone to work beyond their capacity. I wouldn't welcome it, so why would anyone else!

For some reason, the Halo Fixed-G https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-fixed sprocket's lock-ring, will not stay tight, subsequently, the sprocket moves along the splines. This would partly account for the annoying, low level chatter when riding across anything other than virgin tarmac.

Then of course, there's the selection of loose fasteners, zip-ties etc residing in the Carradice SQR Tour's side pockets. Lived in patina aside, mine's still looking great, 18 years on and is arguably the best option for my (general riding) needs. Big lock, tools, change of clothes/shoes, tubes, food and tooling- easily swallowed.

The only minor consideration is weight distribution. Laden anywhere close to their ten kilo capacity, the SQR and its Carradry cousin  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry    can be something of a handful. That said; it’s a characteristic that I became accustomed to, and accounted for, within a matter of rides.

Back to sprockets...For the time being, I've gone for this 15-tooth, Andel Threaded Cro mo track unit-mounted on the hub's threaded side (obviously). Given these get the lion's share of dodgy water, salt and other detritus, greasing the threads with a suitably stiff grease, is essential. In this instance, I've opted for a ceramic, to avoid galvanic union later on.

I prefer ceramics. Durability and to some extent cleanliness being the main draw. However, a synthetic PTFE fortified prep will be fine, even on Titanium/aluminium interfaces. Old fashioned lithium greases are also fine...Provided you are pairing an aluminium alloy sprocket and hub.

I've also forgone the lock ring- for now. Lock rings are a sensible move. However, I find, even given a liberal greasing, the forces placed upon a fixed transmission, ensures sprockets get wound on very tightly.

Harmonious swoosh restored. I would be interested to try Level Components "bolt on" system, which in theory, should be the most secure going, albeit another demanding dedicated  sprockets.

What I’d expect, from a straight cut, CNC machined example. Bevelled sprockets have their place and tend to be relatively cheap. Hence their popularity on road bikes, converted to fixed. 

Overcast, slightly oppressive humidity has been the climatic theme these past week, or so. Nonetheless, I've managed to get out, and really let my hair down on the Holdsworth. No word from Apeman regarding the sheared A80 casing and mount. For the time being, video falls exclusively to my Tom Tom Bandit, which is beautifully intuitive to use. 

Though slightly quirky, the swoopy Soma Condor drops and Tektro RL520 lever are proving inspired revisions. Revisions offering improved control, both in terms of leverage and braking. The bars shallower drop ensures I can hunker lower than with the pursuit type.

I liked the Highway1 handlebars, too https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-highway-1-handlebars. Another relatively shallow design but one that felt deeper, probably given I was running a TT type lever, at the end. I spend much of my time on "open" roads and relatively quiet lanes. Thus, this voluptuous genre, are a better fit. 

The Tektro RL 520 and Miche dual pivot calliper are a decent marriage, offering lots of controlled bite. Enough power to lift the rear wheel, so not something I'll be looking to upgrade. No call for a rear brake, unless you run a flip-flop (Fixed and freewheel setup) or live in a really mountainous region (at which point, you probably wouldn't be running a fixed, or single speed setup).

Other contemplated revisions, include the Crank Brothers Cobalt 3 seatpost, in favour of this Genetic Syngenic https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-syngenic-seatpost . While I love the Cobalt3's inline design, svelte profile (250g for 400mm, anyone?) I'm less endeared by the single clamp. One that is fiddly to adjust, and more prone to slippage, compared with other designs. Single bolt, or otherwise.   

Aside from the greater leverage/control, wide bars also open the chest cavity, which assists breathing, and of course efficient climbing. Gearing between 76.1 and 81 inches, is arguably bang on, for most road contexts.

https://www.facebook.com/sevenday.cyclist/videos/2068629046766215/

Tall enough for maintaining a steady 20mph, without grinding up the gradients, or spinning out on the descents, like a demented, caffeine-fuelled hamster.  Talking of which, check cleat health regularly. Unplanned disengagement at 25mph plus is a very unwelcome, and potentially painful and expensive experience.  We have become very accustomed to a fantastic system of universal healthcare, here in the UK.

As is to be expected, given its enormity, there are sections of the NHS that would merit improvement, However, the present political administration seems determined to dismantle, in favour of a US-style, insurance-based system.

Combine that with a public happy to share their DNA, in order to "discover their ancestors" and "heritage", it’s not difficult to see how an insurer could test for genetic susceptibility and increase premiums (or indeed, decline insurance for certain conditions). This would also have implications for other things, including mortgages, and related premiums.

Phantom Squeaks & SQR

There’s a natural rhythm  to our machines, and we quickly cultivate an ear for anything different. You know the ones. Intermittent clicks, squeaks, rattles that induce in-the-saddle diagnostics. 

Dancing on the pedals, while climbing to rule out a poorly pedal, grumbling bottom bracket, loose crank…No, Hmmm, hope that’s not the free/hub…Stop, waggle, probe. Nothing… UN55 bottom bracket seemed fine, bars snug, ditto mudguard hardware. 

Every few rotations of the crank, came a dull, faint clicking. Loose seat post clamp? Subtle bouncing on the saddle, dismissed this idea. Coasting suggested the Deore hub wasn’t heading for oblivion, either-mercifully. 

Final climb reduced potential culprits to pedal, or crank. Sure enough, introducing my workshop length 8mm into the left-hand arm, revealed the bolt was a little loose-hence the creak. I was four complete turns before it wound drum tight. 

This also prompted a quick tweak of cockpit, saddle and mudguard fasteners. Oh, and a pedal swap for good measure. Celebrations proved a little previous. The following day, we were battling high winds, when click, click…Bong! Yep, the ultra-reliable UN55 cartridge bottom bracket, had finally got the grumbles.   

Ironically enough, this Cyclo 20 function multi tool arrived, shortly after. There’s a temptation to suggest more is better, when it comes to functions. However, usability is another big factor, especially when tackling adjustments/repairs by the road and trail side. 

These feature long tool bits, great for torque and/or stubborn fasteners, there’s a chain tool, and integral tyre lever, should you forget to pack one. 

I’m pleased to note this features a 15mm wrench, for solid axles. However, sometimes, smaller S shaped keys are more convenient for tighter spaces. Including mudguard bridge bolts, saddle clamp fasteners etc. 

Once upon a time, panniers were my default for day rides, touring, commuting and indeed, tag along tugging. In the latter contexts, the attraction is obvious. Tools, spare tubes, spare clothes, cakes, big “F*ck off” lock. Bananas, cake and other snacks are easily carried.

Room for extra clothes, should temperature and weather generally change, one way, or the other. Oh, and I could always swing by the supermarket and collect some basics, en route home. 

Not everyone wants to be encumbered by a rack and I’ve become a real fan of Carradice’s SQR system which allows compatible luggage to be whipped on/off. A ten-kilo maximum payload is great for day rides, Audax, commuting and possibly, weekend touring. 

I’ve run their cotton duck SQR tour, on and off, for 18 years. So, I was delighted to receive their Carradry SQR bag. This is an expandable system (14-18.5 litres), which on paper, should rival a small/medium sized pannier.  

One of the main advantages to this system, over a pannier, when commuting in congested traffic, is the ability to sneak through gaps more readily. Messenger bags, rucksacks and similar rider-mounted luggage can be a serious boon. Especially for hauling laptops, folders and similar valuables/delicates and for short distances. However, I prefer bikes to do the carrying. 

While the mighty Cotton Duck is certainly waterproof, it’s a little trickier to wipe clean (even though the undersides feature a protective laminate, to protect the base from mucky water). The sonically welded fabric, only requires a damp-cloth onceover. The other thing I love about the SQR system is its rigidity. 

Climb out of the saddle and it doesn’t bob around like the proverbial playful Lab.  The one problem with this system, in my experience is its incompatible with post mounted trailer/tagalong. 

Although frankly, I’d always opt for a chainstay mounted hitch, their lower centre of gravity has much less impact upon the bike’s handling. 

About posts; I’d only tether anything of this genre, to metal models. Oh, and you also need a healthy amount of seat post showing, for the SQR hitch. I’ve had to move this Lightrider PHASE light to the seatstay https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/lightrider-phase-rear-light

Wedge packs, such as this Axiom Grand Fondo are my limit, for carbon composites. Afterall, there’s a reason why we use gripper pastes and lower torque, when fitting.  Right, apparently John’s finished the Halo wheel build, so I'm off to have a look...

Thawed n’ Restored

Snowbound riding and indeed, replacement tooth were curtailed by an annoying cold virus and impassable drifts along the local infrastructure. Copious amounts, of home brewed hot lemon drink, a fair bit of you tube and similar social media consumed. Enforced confinement meant I submitted a couple of small, outstanding invoices and similar lingering admin.

By Friday, I had become borderline stir crazy, so headed to the garage for a spares box stock take.  Tubes (goo filled ones, even) were set aside for the Univega. I also unearthed this rather lovely and capacious wedge pack made by Dill Pickle Gear. http://www.dillpicklegear.com/store/index.php?route=common/home  

Timely too, since the otherwise charming Passport frequent flyer wedge pack https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/passport-frequent-flyer-wedge-pack  was beginning to fail at the LED tab. I’d previously repaired this, using storm sure flexible repair adhesive https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/stormsure-flexible-repair-adhesive  but the tear had returned, resulting in the ejection and ultimately, loss of, this Kryptonite COB https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/kryptonite-avenue-r-50-cob-rear-lig  rear light.

Blinkies aren’t cheap, so not something to be encouraged. Luckily, it slipped straight into the beautifully executed, Cordura nylon Dill Pickle.  

Saturday morning came and I headed out along the backroads for a moderately paced meander, as can be seen from the footage, several layers of ice had formed beneath the slow and slush.

These revealed the Schwalbe Active Winter’s limits. While very capable, their 240 spike counterparts would be my default option in these conditions. That said; I covered the twelve miles, or so without incident and Schwalbe UK are sending me an aftermarket spike kit. https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos/vb.877353858962213/1846747668689489/?type=2&theater&notif_t=page_post_reaction&notif_id=1520084629695609

https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-winter-spiked-tyre  

Despite the thaw, they’re staying put-a combination of flooded roads, mist and freezing temperatures, otherwise equates to sheet/black ice and potentially, very nasty spills. Being a perpetual fettler, chopping and changing comes with the territory.

However, save for test kit and consumables, Ursula meets my four-season, hell n’ high water, bike- as- car design brief handsomely. The SKS chain lube has cruised past the 120 mile point. Plenty has transferred to the cassette but the links are covered in a middleweight, filmy dressing.

I will upgrade its Microshift rear mech, for another 9speed model when time comes. I’d just received some Lizard Skins DSP handlebar tape from 2pure www.2pure.co.uk , which is timely given the otherwise sturdy Guee silicone, was starting to weather and tear a bit after 18months.

Monday arrived yet the impacted snow remained plentiful, although the roads were clear enough for my ‘cross inspired fixed. The 38mm Soma Shokiro https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/s  haven’t missed a beat and the ability to relax and tap out a steady tempo, welcomed. Out of curiosity, I’m also going to see what I can squeeze, from the existing helping of Smoove Universal chain lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/smoove-universal-chain-lube  before switching to another blend.

Took the opportunity to strip, inspect and giving cleat hardware a generous lick of grease. Always more convenient and less time consuming than resorting to drilling because they’ve rounded/seized solid. Talking of drilling, my dentist drilled, pinned and instated a temporary crown, which has left me feeling less self-conscious.

The recent postponement of a shoot, was probably a blessing in disguise. The meth addict/hillbilly grin is hardly becoming! Thankfully, remedial works were completed before Thursday’s, very enjoyable shoot with Louise.

All the models I have worked with, in the past 18months have been extremely pleasant and consummately professional. Much of this comes down to pre shoot communications. People who will be difficult/unreliable/unprofessional are pretty easy to spot and I’m not I the business of wasting time. My response is a polite no and correspondence is terminated there.