So there I was having a furtive wander
round cyberspace following a hunch about badge engineered high power lighting
systems when Delkin’s wingman should slip under my radar. A marque better known
for electronic data storage, 8mpxle still camera mode, full 1080hd, waterproof
casing and compliment of mounts merited closer inspection.
Build quality and maiden voyages with
it strapped to my bonce n’ bars appear promising but the next few weeks will
determine its worth as a documentary film-making tool.
Generally speaking, I’ve got along
very cheerfully with Finish line’s range of lubes n’ potions and their ceramic
wax is no exception. As the name suggests, it’s one of the super runny genre
designed to keep transmissions silent and spotlessly clean.
In keeping with several broadly
comparable formulas, we’ve a set of petrochemicals that traffic fluro polymer
lubricant deep within the links, while Boron nitride serves as a thickener
preventing it being washed away come the first puddle. Ceramics, regardless of
incarnation seem to require a two stage curing process.
Having performed the usual chain
cleaning routine; drizzle it on while holding an old rag/kitchen paper beneath
to catch any overspill, thus avoiding wastage and side-stepping domestic
disharmony. Allow fifteen minutes (overnight when the mercury drops) for the
solvent to evaporate and hope your neighbour doesn’t choose this moment
to toss the dying embers of his/her roll/up/joint/ Cuban cigar over the
fence-like the sticker says, its flammable with a capital F.
Performance is reassuringly impressive, from the first few pedal strokes, the drivetrain feels notably
slicker and I’ve managed 170 road miles between reapplications. This obviously
takes a dip when things turn torrentially soggy but nonetheless there’s no
ruinously sludgy grinding paste to deal with and top-ups simply require cursory
wiping of the sideplates and where appropriate jockey wheels. In common with
White lightning’s epic ride, it can be used on other metal on metal surfaces,
including cleat release mechanisms but steer clear of cables, or prepare for
water displacer surgery.
Speaking of which, I’m always excited
when I see home grown products and Lancashire based Brite ride are a small but
dedicated brand seeking to improve on existing products. They’ve sent me their
foaming bike wash and some maintenance spray. Bike shops are literally groaning
under the weight of these and it’s a wonder sometimes we’re not swept under and
avalanche every time we nip across their thresholds.
However, these were
crafted to their specification in an attempt to create something road specific.
Green oil’s citrus based blend remains my all-time favourite but that aside,
I’ve found the majority are justly aimed at mountain bike audiences, who are
subjected to a different sort of gloop.
Road salt and other tarmac borne
contaminant usually requires more intensive tickling before finally flaking
away from rippling TIG welds, fork crowns and chainstays. Brite ride seem to
have cracked this particular conundrum with a more intense foaming solution,
accentuated by a clever stimulant trigger nozzle.
The maintenance spray is
suspiciously close to a household name- these are basically designed with a
light Teflon blend that lubricates, polishes and protects, thus popular for
post wash blow-overs and seasonal hibernations but the thin protective layer
still attracts thin films of grime.
Madison, finish line’s UK importers
have also sent Shimano’s dual sided A530, which feature a SPD mechanism on one
side and on the flip side, a beefy (93x78mm) anodised aluminium platform. Less
aggressive than their M230 mountain bike siblings, the ridged and slightly
concave surface loses out in terms of cornering prowess-especially making quick
turns in tediously slow town centre traffic but is great for quick dab-downs
and entertains street shoes should need/preference arise.
Weather sealed cup
and cone bearings bode well for longevity and puts them a nose ahead of equally
worthy pattern models for longer touring/ in remote regions since genuine
Shimano spares are much easier to come by.Talk of simplicity-their cleats shed
gloop remarkably expediently for road biased versions while exposed tension
screws make adjustments a breeze using stubby 3mm multi-tool bits.
Their
arrival signalled a few early (22nd) birthday treats for the Teenage
Dream. Gone are the venerable magnesium Genetix keo patterns; replaced by the
A520, entertaining recessed cleats and better agility sans bike. For now, the Prolite Cles’ saddle sits pride of
place atop the exquisitely machined layback Thompson post, though I’m tempted
to transplant in favour of Spa cycles classic Aire. Ditto the bar wrap,
although with a generous shampooing with Green Oil bike wash, the grey Lizard
Skins DSP has rejuvenated handsomely.
Undeniably quaint by modern standards (22
years old in August), it remains a firm favourite with me. Time for some summer
evening back road scratching and at the other extreme, to cast a critical eye
over few balance bikes…
