Sweet Spots, Holy Grails & More Spuds

 

 Aside from reducing the chain tension very slightly before setting out, Muffin’s gearing is perfect for my needs.  Providing the desired additional torque on the climbs without my legs going into overdrive on the descents.

I also needed to tweak the headset bearings slightly, having detected some play when engaging the front brake. An easy, two-minute fix- slacken the pinch bolts, snug the pre-load a fraction, test by rocking back and forth with the front brake engaged, then snug the pinch bolts to 5nm.  Having been somewhat underwhelmed by the Gaciron Xiaoman 1000’s handlebar mount, I discovered that belonging to the Ravemen LR1600 Ravemen LR1600 Front Light | cycling-not-racing was compatible and popped that in situ for a few rides.

This proved a great union, but I subsequently replaced it with this auction site stem face special, meaning I could switch to the Xiaoman’s Go-Pro pattern under bar mount. Talking of lights, here’s my long-term test of the Zefal Supervision FL 1500 Front Light Zefal Supervision FL1500 front light | cycling-not-racing.  

 Modulation and feel from the Vevo V lever is smooth, progressive and basically I'd had everything dialled in to my taste. Well, it gave rise to some further tweaks. I’d added some off cuts of Cinelli Cork Wrap to the Genetic Neuron GENETIC NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing since I had some left and it was neater than the scraps of old butyl. This was employed to prevent slight, very gradual movement of the K-Lite Ultra Low Drag Dynamo Light K-LITE ULTRA LOW DRAG DYNAMO LIGHT | cycling-not-racing

Formative impressions of the Genetic Hi-Grip bar tape are similarly favourable, although the finishing strips have been creeping undone and will likely be substituted for decent quality electrical tape.  Having amassed some proper miles with Muffin's new bars and levers, I've concluded the switch was definitely inspired.

The shallower drop allows me to spend more time hunkered low, rather than cruising on the hoods (which is also a very comfortable stance). 44cm width continues this narrative, although tis came as a slightly greater surprise, given I default to 46cm. Being a tarmac-biased build, aerodynamics are subtly improved and I don't require the same degree of leverage beneficial on a gravel or drop bar mountain bike. 

Fairweather conditions put much less strain on components, so I switched Muffin to its other dynohub wheel, shod with the 42mm section Maxxis Roamer TESTED: MAXXIS ROAMER TYRES for some additional speed and compliance. There’s only 80g separating the Roamer and Vittoria Adventure Tech.

Both are cheap but crucially very cheerful. The Vittoria Adventure Tech are available in 700x 38, 35 and 32mm sections features a beefy 5mm puncture repelling belt, which inspires confidence during the darker months, and ride quality is better than 33tpi casings would suggest. Wear has been nominal too, continuing the stout narrative, meaning they’re a good choice for commuting and weekend touring.

The Roamer employs a Kevlar breaker strip along the centre. Consequently, puncture resistance is good, rather than great, which is why they’re my fair-weather choice. Again, there’s scope for exploring light, hardpack and lightweight, weekend touring but the Roamer’s 60tpi casings provide a more engaging, compliant ride.  

There are some components that I may not use very frequently but will never part with. Design classics and sentiment being the obvious attachments. These Shimano SPD from 1990 being prime examples. I’d stripped and serviced last year and found the internals in remarkably good shape.

Back then, I repacked them with Juice Lubes Bearing Juice, which is a synthetic blend with a putty-like consistency intended specifically for bearings.  I’ve used it to particularly good effect in hubs and headsets. Opening the mighty first-generation Spuds revealed a decent amount clinging to the bearings and axles. Simple Pedal Overhaul | cycling-not-racing

However, since I’d come this far, I decided I’d give them a deep clean using Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner | cycling-not-racing before repacking them with Zefal Pro II Grease Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing  . Pedals are nice things to work on, since you can sit at a bench and methodically clean, inspect, adjust and replace bearings etc as required.

There are a few schools of thought when it comes to clipless and fixed gear. I've used everything from the old "Lego-type" Look, through to Time ATAC, although have typically stuck with dual sided Shimano and Welgo, since they're inexpensive and very straightforward to service.

Single sided road designs, such as these Wellgo and indeed, Shimano Ultegra are quite pleasant and when packed with stiff grease, tend to align upright, ready for easy entry, say at the lights. Fine, if you're doing long, steady miles, or racing TTs, but lack a dual sided model's convenience-especially in stop-go traffic.

I've also run nickel-plated Exustar pedals- Look (Keo) pattern one side, SPD the other. Designed primarily for spinning/similar duties, they meant I never let the house with the "wrong" shoes, so an obvious choice for a trainer, or daily driver. However, there's some trade-off weight-wise given the steel, rather than alloy bodies.

They resisted corrosion pretty well too-waxed periodically, coupled with shots of maintenance spray to the mechanisms, which also gave the bodies a light, protective coating. Wellgo MO94B WELLGO MO94B SPD PEDALS | cycling-not-racing have proven very solid alternative to Shimano M520 thanks to the rugged silver finish and buttery smooth cartridge bearings. 

The WPD 823 are cheaper still and a good budget alternative-£30 but I've seen the version with loose ball bearings for £15 including cleats-new. Access to the bearings is via a simple press fit cover, which is convenient. These were a little squeaky, the grease looking closer to recycled chip fat. Subsequently, I’ve packed them with Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing