Shed Sitter

 

House sold and just post completion; I gave the fleet a thorough waxing and pre-storage once over. A quick squirt of maintenance spray on the cables, tyres inflated to optimum pressures, a quick drop of lube on the chains to keep them happy, while they are in secure storage. I am waiting to complete on a new property and while the COVID pandemic is raging,

Univega and I have sought solace in temporary, bedsit accommodation. Parred to the workshop essentials- a few tools, spare tubes, lubes, chain, cables, bike washes and degreasers. All do-able and enough to keep me and the old girl going through the increasingly dark, wetter, between houses thing. Crucially, we have a roof over our heads.

Having transported most essentials over previously, I loaded Ursula up, bike packing fashion (if you turn a blind eye to the Oxford Aqua Evo 12 litre backpack) and made the final, twelve-mile trip. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/topeak-midloader-frame-bag

https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/passport-cycles-bikepacking-seat-pa

https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-aqua-evo-12-litre-backpack

Not a soul and in the dark, some long climbs were much flatter. However, farmers had decided to resurface the roads in lumpy mud, which has turned decidedly slippery with the subsequent rains.

Thankfully, the 2.0-inch Continental Speed Reflex and Control Tech bar wrap smoothed things out and held their line. I could feel the slide strike, corrected this and the subsequent squirms. Not wanting to push my luck, I resorted to riding on the opposite side of the road, since nothing was coming and thankfully, nothing did.

Mud and torrential rain have also licked the lion’s share of Tru Tension wet lube from the Univega’s chain, leaving it decidedly parched. I'm still impressed with its balance of cleanliness and relative durability, so will top up and plod on for the time-being.

Bedsits are also a challenge when it comes to bike cleaning and if you find yourself in this situation, a big piece of lino to protect flooring, furniture polishes, waterless cleaners are an absolute godsend, meaning bikes can be kept relatively clean, without involving buckets of water, mess, lost deposits, or drawing unwanted attention.

Schwalbe were also kind enough to send me a 26x2.0 set of their long-serving Kojak slicks and some Air Plus tubes. These are much thicker than bog standard butyl, though not the proverbial builders’ hose so should retain pressure and resist puncture better.

I love a big slick tyre. 

67 EPI (Ends Per Inch) the Kojak are marketed as lightweight touring rubber and there’s certainly scope for this, especially since commuting lends itself to more comprehensive puncture repelling belt. Interestingly, Schwalbe cite their Race Guard as 4 on a scale of 7 (Continental Contact Speed Reflex are also 4out of 7 on their scale, so comparisons will be interesting). A more obvious difference is the Continental say their sidewalls are bottle dynamo compatible- a bit old school but welcome. The Schwalbe are not but employ retro-reflective detailing.  

Quick, compliant, and tenacious all-weather grip. However, there is usually some trade off in terms of durability/puncture resistance. I’d run the 700x35 section Kojak some years back and found they had tremendous charm, although mine seemed susceptible to cuts-thorns and shards of glass being the main offenders.  The most notable exception being the Freedom Thick Slicks, which I have run on the Holdsworth for some time.

Talking of Holdsworth, while mooching through Colchester, camera close to hand, I spotted this Holdsworthy made example. Aside from the lovely red livery, I was initially drawn to the classic leather saddle and Carradice luggage and a lovely blending of classic and modern components. I’m still putting the Pro-Viz Reflect 360 through their paces and they continue to meet my expectations of a commuter glove. Those seeking something closer fitting might find Chiba Second Skin Windproof and Waterproof Gloves a better bet  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/chiba-second-skin-gloves    

 

End of the Rack?

 Unless you’ve been living under a rock these past few years, you can’t help but notice the emergence of bike-packing, which swept in, alongside gravel and previously free road (an evolution of the cyclocross bike from 2008). These were characterised by Two or more sets of bottle, rack and mudguard mounts, so you could tour, commute and train on. Specialized’s Tri Cross was a very good example of this breed. 

There is a tendency for concepts to become dominant to the point of being the default, the only way of doing something. Back in the 80s/90s mountain bikes ruled supreme and I’d be the first to wax lyrical about a cross country mountain bike’s versatility. However, they’re not suited to all riding applications and every rider.

  

Now, bike packing luggage is designed to use the bike’s “empty spaces” and to some extent, turn the bike’s frame tubes into a giant rack. This also means you’re not limited by rack mounts or needing to add P-clips/similar, to run a 3/4point rack to attach panniers, top bags etc.  

Caveats about correct loading/weight distribution aside, decent bike packing luggage does not impair the bike’s handling, ort profile, say when tackling tight sections of trail/singletrack, which could also translate well to the urban jungle. However, certain configurations might be better for commuting.  

For example, a frame fit bag and something like this SQR Tour might be a more convenient setup than Bike packing seat packs. True, these are a good bit heavier (1390g. Compared with 450/500g) and you do need a decent amount of post exposed. However, the SQR Tour and Carradice Carradry remains my preferred option, when everything’s considered https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry is more secure, laden with similar payloads.  

The quick-release system has a definite edge when it comes to convenience-removing them when locking up or heading home. The wide profile isn’t overly problematic when snaking through twisting forest trails, or indeed, lines of stationary traffic. I’m more conscious of the weight, when powering away from the lights, or winching along a climb.  

This also has a slight effect upon handling but not adversely so and something that didn’t take long to acclimatise to. Something like the Merida frame fit bag and the SQR Tour/Carradry, might be the perfect combination, with a small fuel tank bag riding on the top tube, or maybe a bar bag, such as this See Sense https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/see-sense-handlebar-bag if I was wanting to carry a little more within easy reach.  

No sooner had I thought this, Topeak’s UK importer sent me this 3 litre mid loader frame bag to play with.  Measuring 37.5 x 12 x 6 cm. The 3 litre is the smallest of the mid loader family-there are a 4.5 and a 6 litre siblings but my Univega’s 41cm frame means there’s little room in the main triangle.  Indeed, I may well need to switch the down tube cage around, or go for a Fidlock system.  

Apparently, the maximum payload is 6.5 kilos, which is impressive, especially given the 3 litre version weighs less than 197g. Staying with Topeak, courtesy of their Versamount, I’ve will also port the Apidura bolt on top tube bag to my Univega.  

Remember to wrap some clear “helicopter” tape or something similar, such as this Zefal Skin Armor Rollhttps://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-skin-armor-roll where the straps touch the frame, since some minor movement is inevitable, and this can leave unsightly “tan lines”/similar marks in the lacquer/paintwork, especially when wet mud/dirt and grit are involved.  

Obviously, the same applies to racks/pannier frames, where the luggage touches, although high quality electrical tape seems the best remedy. Doing so prevents premature and unsightly wear, which can also lead to corrosion and other problems. When all’s said and done, I like pack-packing luggage and its arguably the right solution for lightweight camping/touring.  

However, it’s not the only one, nor is it optimal for all conditions. A good quality rack and single 20 lite pannier can be a more practical, stable solution for commuting, or general riding where you want a rigid load-bearing system. One where the bag can detach and refit in seconds and carried conveniently, in one, to the office/destination.      

Given there’s no middle cable for the front mech, there’s sufficient room for the mount component, without it, or the bag fouling the brake and gear inner wires. The bag’s bolt on design also seems to eradicate any need for the Velcro stabiliser strap.  

I’ve slipped it inside the bag for safe keeping. About bars, here’s my long-term review of the Acros Silicone bar wrap handlebar tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/long-term-test-acros-silicone-bar-w       

Displacing The Load

Pleased to report that my DIY shim/protector made from old inner tube has had the desired results (a) Eliminating sway with the Aero Post Rack, while placing less strain on the SQR clip, since less torque (and therefore, stress) is required to keep everything snug and solid.  

Using the larger, full-size SQR clip probably helps, on account of its larger surface area. I’ve slipped a spare into the side pocket, just in case. In the absence of the mighty Carradice Carradry SQR bag https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry, I’ve gone for a bike-packing configuration, courtesy of this Merida Travel Frame Bag.  

It’s the large version and arguably, the medium would be a better fit, since it obscures the seat tube bottle cage (although switching to side entry models largely corrects this). The hardy, lightweight TPU material seems genuinely waterproof and the internal layout also suits me.  

The Velcro straps feel a little low rent, although bolstered by the seat and downtube counterparts draw tight enough to prevent sway. I’ve been impressed by the design ‘s rigidity (although would appreciate thicker straps) I’ve not needed to effect a knees-out pedaling style, so no issues maintaining an efficient cadence.  

Experience with webbed strapping (the sort common to top tube bags and years ago, high power rechargeable battery lighting) suggests minute amounts of sway can leave tan-lines in lacquered, or painted surfaces. This is easily addressed by dressing these areas in helicopter/similar clear protective tapes, first. Zefal Skin Armor Roll is a good, affordable workshop staple https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-skin-armor-roll  

I continue to appreciate the qualities and refinements offered by higher-end suspension seat posts and am endeared to the Redshift Shock stop https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/redshift-shockstop-suspension-seatp and Cane Creek Thudbuster  STG4.  

Though not essential, their supple zing is very welcome on longer rides, especially given the condition of local roads. Now lockdown has been eased, road patching (as distinct from resurfacing) is becoming quite prevalent. I have toyed with the idea of acquiring a G3 for the Univega, while they’re still available and not at collectors' prices. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cane-creek-thudbuster-suspensuin-se 

Nonetheless, the present uncertainties mean it would need to be at the right price to justify the outlay, since the tubby tourer’s big tyres do a pretty good job of ironing out the bumps and the existing Selcof holds the Cycles Berthoud saddle securely. Therefore, want over need. 

I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the Juice Lubes Chain Juice Wax this time round. I’ve used it some years back and indeed, more recently, during a wetter spell, which on some levels, was a little unfair. Afterall, these are designed for dry/dusty conditions. This time round, I’ve applied ours in two coats, leaving ten minutes curing between them, then observing an 8hour curing period before riding.  

Thus far, I’ve managed 250 predominantly dry weather miles and its running very clean. 

This hasn’t rivaled dry formulas, such as Weldtite TF2 Ultra Dry Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tf2 but then it seems unaffected by higher temperatures (unlike Zefal Pro Dry Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-extra-dry-chain-wax) or Muc-Off Dry Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-dry-chain-lube. Cleanliness is good for chain health and to some extent, extends maintenance intervals (save perhaps for reapplication, depending on the lube’s staying prowess).  

The KMC in question has gone past the 1,000mile marker and if the weather remains predominantly dry, I’m confident I’ll get at least 1,500 before its ready to collect its pension. 

When it comes to chains and cassettes, I get a quiet satisfaction from just in time replacement of chains and cassettes i.e. getting my money’s worth but replacing on time, before they can consume more expensive parts. Since the Pro Gold Pro Link Chain Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pro-gold-pro-link-chain-lube  dressing my fixed’s chain was beginning to look a little filmy, I added some Zefal Pro Dry Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-dry-lube to see whether the two would react negatively. I’m gambling on the solvent content being strong enough to strip the other, thus rendering this academic but we’ll see.   

With the roads being more congested now, I’ve also reinstated the Orp Smart horns https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/orp-smart-horn to my fixed and the Univega. Primarily so I can gently warn pedestrians of my approach along the lanes and sometimes, dissuade a small minority from crossing high streets without looking. 

Talking of just in time, there seems to be some surprise that a no-deal Brexit will result in Sunderland’s Nissan factory closing its doors. Car factories run on the just in time principle, relying on goods arriving at a precise point. Otherwise, productivity and profits plummet.  

61.3% of Sunderland voted to leave the EU, Nissan is owned by Renault, who (in the event of no-deal) will relocate elsewhere in Europe where trade is seamless. The collapse of a major employer has major ripples for any community. Suppliers, café's and other businesses, which depend upon them will also disappear. Short-sighted and desperately sad, given the demise of manufacturing and its wider consequences, has been so widely documented.