Subtle Stockpiling

 

Bargains are to be found everywhere and seemingly limitless temptation. However, I always remind myself something is only a bargain if I actually need or want it. There are exceptions to every rule, but impulse buys don’t typically fall into this category. Some things I stockpile while cheap- deodorant, shampoo cleaning products, coffee, since they will always get used.

Same goes for chains, cassettes, and cables. I keep three sets of each aside, since these things usually wear out quietly, typically demanding replacement when you’re doing an impromptu check and the shop’s shut. I also keep a couple of cleats handy, for the same reason, although I seem to go through these at a more pedestrian rate.

 I picked up several blue KMC Z1 for £5 a few years back, but default to KMC X10 for the geared builds, KMC Z510 for fixed and single speed. While I like stuff that compliments, if a white, or “tarts handbag” gold are offered at the right price, on they go. Both the KMC X10 and Z510 are inexpensive and will last, with basic maintenance.

Conditions and chain lubes play their part, but I bargain on 1200 miles from an X10, 1700 from the Z510. This gives me three months to source some suitable replacements, at the right price. The most I’ve had from a track chain is 3,000 miles- the KMC Inox SEVEN DAY CYCLIST'S 3000 MILE TEST OF A KMC INOX CHAIN and Gusset S-Link. I retain considerable fondness for, but they’re not the lightest. I’m also fond of their nickel-plated Z1eHX, particularly on winter and working bikes, it’s just dearer than my defaults. I ‘m not a fan of missing links when it comes to fixed gear, preferring the old school prune and push, chain tool method.   

I function fairly well in extremes of temperature, although experience a gradual, palpable fatigue when the temperature creeps into the high 20s. Against this backdrop, the timing of Castelli’s offer to review the UPF 50 jersey couldn’t’ve been better, Conditions were optimal for evaluating the garments claims too.

Like-for-like, the UPF50 has a slight, tangible edge on the otherwise very comfortable Espresso Castelli Espresso Jersey | cycling-not-racing and Espresso 2 Castelli Espresso2 Jersey | cycling-not-racing jerseys.  The original Espresso fabric offers SPF30 protection, which is very welcome and covers a lot of bases in the broad strokes sense. However, where offered, I’d go for factor 50.  

Some faint increase in friction led me to checking and ultimately topping up the All Mountain Style Miami Glide Chain Wax The All Mountain Style Miami Glide | cycling-not-racing This also presented an opportunity to treat Muffin and Ursula a good wash. Though primarily dry, a tangible layer of stubborn, filmy grime clung to the bottom bracket shells, chainstays, fork legs, wheels etc. An excellent opportunity to test the stock blend Juice Lubes Bike Wash.   I’d also noted some very subtle oxidisation on Ursula’s Ryde hoops-just the machined sidewalls, since I’m not running disc brakes. 

Easily dismissed with some titanium cleaner I had nestling in my cleaning potions box and a medium stiff brush. A light, periodic coating of wax on the sidewalls, while I’m treating the frameset and components should lock the elements out.   Mid ride, I also discovered the Dia Compe 287 lever had suddenly worked loose. Nothing a few turns of a 4mm Allen key couldn’t fix and much easier to access compared with Tekro’s venerable RL520 and 340. While we evolve, our formative years retain some powerful influence.  

Au pairs aside, my fragile teenage mind was blown by the drop bar mtb concept.

Lightweight, rugged, go anywhere machines that were engaging to ride over any terrain, could carry me and luggage away from every torment. During that pre internet era, Mountain Bike Action was as close as we could get to the longer established US market, developments and technology. These were only found (sporadically at that) in bigger retailers, so Muddy Fox’s Trailblazer and Specialized’s Rock Combo were my first exposure to the concept. The latter was particularly well executed.

Fast forward nigh on four decades and the appeal remains immensely strong, life’s challenges just become more significant. Packing up and pissing off for a bit, to process, reflect and formulate plans of action should never be confused with running away. Running away solves nothing and just compounds issue(s).

Mercifully, jettisoning baggage didn’t extend to the Topeak Pannier Dry Bag 16litre, which has proved very secure along rough, churned trails. Rixen Kaul has a small, yet palpable edge on the limpet-like retention. Topeak’s Handleloc system performs very well, and release is much smoother but allow for a little more audible chatter and "bob" if rough stuff’s your thing.        

I Go in Peace...

 

Chain casualties addressed, I was hoping that was the last bite winter was going to take out of their drivetrains and indeed, my wallet. I was relieved after the first 20-mile outing to note the shifting issue was resolved, everything just clicked up and down the cassette effortlessly-no call to fine tune the bar cons, or rear mech.  

 

Another little job off the list and my head. I’d dressed the chain in Peaty’s Link Lube Dry, which is essentially a waxy-type formula for dry weather-more suited to spring and summer. The conditions have since turned wetter and muddier-lanes resembling a cyclo cross course, seeing Denise and I blasted with cack. Great for testing stuff, but means regular sudsy washes- for bike and rider alike. Against this backdrop, I’ve stripped Denise’s chain bare using a Silca Gear Wipe and gone for some Peaty’s Link Lube All Weather.     

 

That formative ride on Ursula was characterised by thick, freezing fog, hence I'd gone for two rear lights and paired the K-Lite Bike packer Pro V2 K LITE BIKEPACKER PRO V2 FRONT LIGHT | cycling-not-racing dynamo lamp with the Ravemen XR6000 Ravemen XR6000 Front Light | cycling-not-racing  at 3000 lumens to cut through the gloom, especially since I wasn't wearing any day glow.  

 

I literally watched as the ice formed along the Madison waterproof jacket's sleeve and there was some palpable ice coating the lanes. A moot point with the Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Tyres | cycling-not-racing, which are definitely worth the additional grams in these contexts. Fingertips were nipped a little by the cold, but then it was zero and the Lomo aren't intended for the most bitter winter has to offer (although there's scope for liner type gloves).  

 

Subsequent rides were milder, at least numbers wise, taking icy roads from the equation but wind chill meant it felt closer to minus 2. I hadn’t gone the liner route at this point and despite this, the icy cross and headwinds presented more resistance than chill. I fell between sizes, so went larger, which was definitely the way forward. 

 

Once the temperature crept to 1 or 2 degrees above, they've proven very temperate. Waterproofing is in the showery to heavy rain sense, not submersion and I'm told the DWR coating will have to be replenished from time to time. It doesn't matter what type e.g. spray on, or wash-in but there's only need to do this when things start turning unexpectedly soggy.  

 

I'd much sooner garments that are highly water resistant and wick quickly, rather than a truly impervious, submersible design that became clammy and uncomfortable. Those with TPU linings being the biggest culprits. The padding density is bang on for my needs. Dexterous enough that I can tweak stuff by the roadside, rummage through pockets, wield tools such as this Feedback Sports Reflex Torque Bit Driver Feedback Sports Reflex Torque Bit Driver | cycling-not-racing, trusty superzoom compact camera, and lights. 

 

Extensive silicone detailing engulfs the palms and fingers, continuing this grippy narrative, regardless of whether it’s been dry and chill, or milder and soggy. Natural silicone wraps have been the most tenacious union, but they’re proving consistently good across the board. The huge terry pad is perfectly positioned for effortless taming of runny noses.           

 

No issues with commanding lighting, keys and similar stuff either, which is similarly welcome, and the long cuff ensures excellent overlap and therefore, weather sealing with jerseys and technical shells. On one bitterly cold (but not icy) outing on Denise, I happened to upset a woman walking her two dogs. Apparently, despite leaving ample space when passing she felt startled.  

 

Her rebuke though forthright was still very respectful, so I responded with a protected wave of acknowledgement/apology. I'm not in the business of upsetting or startling any other road users full stop. The Orp smart horn TESTED: ORP SMART HORN went straight back aboard Denise's Soma Condor bars and I was curious as to how well the pack leader of two small terriers might respond to this.  

 

Most pedestrians and dog walkers seem to appreciate the less aggressive sing-song tone (my default). In many regards, I hope I don't meet her again, since a gentler 56 decibels might well infuriate her. I have been pleasantly surprised by the Magicshine Allty 400.  

 

My riding environments dictate something brighter, but there are situations-say stretching a best bike’s legs on longer summer evenings, or cold, bright winter days. Contexts where you’re needing to be seen, rather than navigate.  The 400lumen flashing (day and night) modes are surprisingly effective and unsurprisingly, the most frugal. In common with other lights of this genre, run times in the highest, steady settings are rather modest. 1hr 35 (against the 1hr40 cited) from the full 400.