Spitting the Dummy

Having updated the old girls’ transmission, some might say, bringing it into the 21st century, Ursula decided she wasn’t impressed with the KMC and wanted something more refined. A sentiment palpable when said chain imploded 200 metres from home. Some pondering followed by fevered rummaging in the transmission box unearthed this gold superlight model. 

 

One which also feels more robust than the KMC. Of the two joining systems, I much prefer connecting pins over quick links. Both need to be replaced when you’ve performed a removal but being as I tend to get 1250miles from a chain and rarely remove, I’ll stick to cleaning it in situ. 

Performing well thus far, long may it continue. I ran it on the factory lube during the “shakedown” period but went over to the Squirt Cold weather chain lube, since conditions are relevant.  While doing a supermarket run, I happened upon this brush, which looked the right profile for scrubbing chains and cassettes.  

Now, there are some people who dogmatically insist that household cleaning products are the answer to everything. Until of course, the harsh kitchen cleaner dulls expensive finishes and/or damages small components, such as seals. I do, however, recognise there are some useful crossovers. Beeswax furniture polishes being one of my favourite staples. Will be interesting to see how effective and moreover, durable this bargain-basement brush is.

   

As for the gearing, well, it’s a little lower than I might consider ideal for tarmac duties but “spin out” hasn’t been an issue thus far. Some would argue in favour of 2x10 but the whole point of going the 1X route, was a lack of complication while shaving a few grams into the bargain.  

I’m contemplating a planned upgrade of the rear wheel, while we’re at the phased replacement, rather than obligatory stage. The Deore hub is inexpensive and generally reliable but if I’m going to upgrade the hub, I may as well upgrade the complete wheel, since the inexpensive rim will be showing some signs of wear and penny-pinching costs more in terms of time hassle and ultimately, money.     

Drive pins tend to be the weakest spot on multi-tools. The KMC claimed that belonging to this cheerful Topeak Alien Homage. For the time being, I’ve switched to a Crank Brothers F15, which boasts a fair complement of tools catering for most situations.  

However, I still need a 6,8 and 10mm socket wrench to tackle the bike’s corresponding fasteners-brake straddle wires, specifically. The more obvious thing would be to carry a stand-alone chain tool, but I don’t fancy the additional heft and annoying tool kit percussion.  

A reminder to perform regular tool/spares inventories, rather than getting caught out on a cold, dark and rainy night...Talking of which, I’ve reached my conclusions regarding the Ravemen CLO5 Sensored Rear Light RAVEMEN CL05 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

If you need a model with a braking function, its bigger brother, the CLO6 RAVEMEN CL06 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) I’m really fond of both units and find them more than adequate for the darkest lanes. Neither employ an official daylight running mode, which may be a deal-breaker for some, although I still find their presence quite useful, especially on overcast days.  

It's been chill here, by UK standards-single figures, so I have stuck with the FLR Defender MTB Thermal Dry S-Tex Boot.FLR DEFENDER MTB DRY BOOT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) I usually don a heavier weight gilet, atop a jersey cum jacket type layer to block invasive wind chill. 

Chill that can otherwise result in a lingering and painful chest infection. March can be a tricky month weather-wise. Conditions where easily packable gilets, arm warmers, glove liners, etc can make all the difference to rider comfort.   

     

 

Holiday Fixes

 

 

Having spent the last few weeks riding, fettling and perpetually washing my beloved fixed gear winter trainer, I’d organised the garage to an operational state, so reclaimed Ursula from temporary storage. Though generally in great shape, I discovered the rear mudguard stays required thread lock and front brake needing some TLC. Nothing more serious than a new inner and outer cable.  

I had a solitary Jagwire  Pro road cable TEST: JAGWIRE PRO ROAD BRAKE KIT (sevendaycyclist.com) the outer’s celeste livery screaming to me from the translucent storage container. Thankfully, these Jagwire snips JAGWIRE PRO CABLE-CUTTERS AND CRIMPERS (sevendaycyclist.com) were also holidaying there.   

 

Having cleaned the pads and performed similar “might as well” housekeeping, I fitted the fresh cable, pumped the brake to induce any potential slack before pulling through and ensuring the pads struck the rim uniformly and evenly.  

Control tech Bar wrap reinstated, I thought better of pruning the cable until the following morning. End super-glued and left to cure. These aren’t a completely sealed system but minimal maintenance.  

Some of the truly sealed models, including Transfil Flying Snake are as fit n’ forget as you’ll find but tend to be quite venomous during the fitting stage. The housings were also on the coarse side, too, gnawing through paintwork. So, if you’re going this route, slip a silicone cuff or two on the cable and some “helicopter” tape on the frame to avoid abrasion damage. 

Despite the inner wires being factory treated, I find the occasional shot of maintenance spray keeps them slick and happy. Electrical tape, or stickers are another useful “home” remedy, but I’m still pleased with Zefal Skin Armor Roll ZEFAL SKIN ARMOR ROLL | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Little jobs completed, I ordered some more cables (since these things always strike when the shop’s shut and you’re clean out of cable) and some GT85 All Purpose Lubricant GT85 ALL PURPOSE LUBRICANT (sevendaycyclist.com). Frankly, I like to have routine/preventative stuff done BEFORE Christmas, for precisely this reason.  

I’d re-greased the seat post when I’d replaced the collar and there was oodles of Muc-Off Bio Grease TESTED : MUC-OFF BIO GREASE (sevendaycyclist.com) still keeping things slick and happy on the steering front, although as I’ve said on several occasions, full-length mudguards offer a surprising amount of protection to machine and rider alike. Comfort and dignity aside, they also extend service intervals.   

I’d noted the Univega’s cassette and chain side plates looking slightly scuzzy, so got busy with Weldtite Jet Blast Degreaser. Testament to the lube’s tenacity, it required a more generous helping of the potent solvent spray, and subsequent agitation with a brush, dipped in a citrus-based degreaser.  

 

I’m sticking with the Zefal Extreme Wet Nano Ceramic Chain lube and unless the weather turns as wintry as the tabloid press are whipping themselves to an orgasmic state about, I’ll keep “Ursula” shod with the Schwalbe Kojak. If it does, I’ll reach for the Schwalbe Winter Plus, which are more tenacious versions of the Marathon Winter, characterised by more spikes for superior traction and cornering. TESTED: SCHWALBE WINTER SPIKED TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com)         

Talking of which, the KMC Z1 EPT chain’s coating also seems reassuringly corrosion resistant. However, I’ve found some limitations with the Muc Off E-Bike Wet Weather Ceramic Lube, so have fed the fixed’s chain some of the Zefal too, which is holding its own, despite some patches of hub deep flooding. Bracing winds have left my fingertips slightly chill, despite decent full finger gloves, so I’ll have a rummage through my gloves drawer for some liners. Those needing more warmth might find these Raval drop bar gloves an ideal fix RAVAL DROP BAR GLOVES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)