Showing posts with label Emulsion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Emulsion. Show all posts

Wednesday, 3 April 2019

Schoolboy Errors, The Brexit Blues & Big Bars






Schoolboy error, indeed. I am of course referring to my Univega’s chainline.  In my haste to instate the new Talon ring, I accidentally mounted it to the outer spider. Yep, threw the chainline right royally out.  Very apparent when dropping to the lower ratios.
Eureka moment struck and ring repatriated, shifts are crisp, clean and predominantly silent. What you’d expect from a new chain, ring and cassette, essentially.  Corrections made, I’ve concluded that the gearing is now, where I need it for most contexts.
An 11-30 (rather than 11-28) will be my next move but otherwise, the existing setup offers enough grunt, cruising and bombing prowess. Solo and with Bob Yak homage en-tow. Can comfortably cruise up a 1in7 at 13-14mph, 20 plus on the flat.   
Straying from variable gears but staying with gearing and chainline... Those looking to optimise precision with their fixed are well served by Halo Fixed -G Track Hub.  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-fixed  I’m extremely impressed by the concept and its execution. Some might consider it a bit pricey for winter/hack duties but it’s a better option for nicer conversions.
An acquaintance used to own a 1948 fixed gear Freddy Grubb. Beautifully made, with original gloss black enamel, ornate lugs and an interesting, road friendly fork rake, it had horizontal, road ends…An ideal candidate.
So, with a looming dental appointment, and the UK administration following the British Leyland model of breath-taking incompetence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsizoYrceOg , I needed a distraction. Off came those Soma Condor 2 Shallow drop bars https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars  and in their place, these Genetic DRISER-16 bars.
Their flatter, semi aero profile top sections provide better mounting points for lights and other accessories. Using the Genetic Neuron, I’ve been able to mount the Trelock dynamo switch https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/trelock-ls906-dynamo-front-light  and route its cabling more neatly, too. The Genetic DRISER-16 are marketed as a great option for cyclo cross and gravel racing, while also suitable for touring and commuting.
They’re made from heat treated T6 6061 aluminium alloy, the 20mm rise supposedly works to the same principle, as the Soma. Namely, providing a higher riding position, without faffing about with spacers.
The top, semi aero section is designed with cruising on the tops, in mind. 16-degree flare in the drop supposedly provides an additional control, which would tally with the design brief.
Ours is the widest, 44cm version. I typically go with 46cm upwards, so we’ll see. For the time being, I’ve dressed them in some salvaged Lizard Skins DSP 2.5mm wrap. However, we’re expecting some competitor test-tape to arrive very shortly, and the Easton Pinline Foam Bar Tape is well suited to my Univega’s mixed terrain, daily driver duties. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/easton-pinline-foam-bar-tape
While the UK isn’t affected by rapid and extreme changes in climate, early Spring can still prove a very changeable period. I’m still sporting ¾ lengths, Lake Winter booties, Buff, winter weight jersey cum jacket and full-finger gloves. Prendas Cyclismo https://www.prendas.co.uk/ have also sent us some Jerseys, bib shorts, socks and other Spring goodies for testing but with the mercury struggling towards 7/8 degrees, they’ll have to wait until things thaw a little.  
After last week’s sad demise of Frankenpute, Paligap www.paligap.cc kindly sent me this VDOM3WL. Setup was intuitive, following their You Tube tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA_JqUSNGko  
Wax based/emulsion type lubricants have come a long way in recent years. Most noticeably in the context of stoicism. Both bikes are still on their first helping of Squirt Long Lasting Dry Chain Lube. 200 miles apiece, neither chain looks thirsty, and on this basis, I’m reckoning on 300 plus before topping up is required.
Squirt has transferred more readily to hands and clothing, than some petrochemical blends and required a couple of machine washes to shift it. Bodes well for longevity but Something to consider, if you commute in light coloured trousers.