Inflated Egos & Lowered Expectations

 

If there’s someone you know who loves you but is taking it all for granted, they may lose you someday... Bread’s “Everything I Own” (Covered by Boy George and others) reworked -a song resonated very strongly with me for a good 35 years. The years have taught resilience and self-reliance. Sometimes very brutally. A few have come to my rescue in ways I cannot begin to repay-at least not like-for-like but otherwise, I have a fiercely independent, survival streak. One that serves me very well, thank you.  

Given last week’s “ordeal” I was rather touched to discover Extra UK Extra UK had sent me this Topeak Road Master Blaster model, a traditional frame fit reckoned capable of an eye-watering, bicep-busting 160psi. It also mounts nicely along the top tube, sheltered from the silt, water and generic ruinous nastiness.  

They also sent me the Topeak Nanomaster Duo Fixer CO2 cartridge kit, which will hopefully help with the rapid get up n’ go following those hopefully infrequent flats. Most reading this will undoubtedly be quick to point out Co2 escapes butyl faster, so there’s a good chance the tyre will be pancake flat come the next day. Don’t panic, whip out the track pump (or bike-mounted inflator, if you’re mid-tour/bike packing escape.) and inflate to taste.   

Talking tyres, I’m looking forward to exploring some of the more technical forest trails, bridlepaths and unmade roads with the Maxxis Ikon, when they arrive. Not to mention seeing how well the Mud Hugger Evo and budget rear guard perform in these contexts.  

Both have met my expectations thus far and the former’s low-slung aesthetic belies decent mud clearance and I’m not expecting any clogging hassles. The wallet-friendly rear hasn’t turned to blancmange either but then, given its price, I had lower expectations.  Closer inspection revealed the Axiom Oceanwave City+ Seat Bag AXIOM OCEANWAVE CITY+ SEAT BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) had been aligned slightly downward, rather than being level, so took this opportunity to correct. An easy job, thanks to the Rixen Kaul  

I’m also keen to try the 700x32c Maxxis Re-Fuse-on my fixed gear winter/trainer. Allegedly they “refuse to puncture”. Specification promises good wear and puncture resistance.  

The 60tpi single compound casings employ the brands’ silk-shield technology (used in the Overdrive Excel) runs bead to bead and is boosted by an aramid layer.  

Will be interesting to see how they compare alongside old favourites such as the Kenda  Kwick Journey KS Plus Tyres KENDA KWICK JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com).  the Kenda is cheaper and “only” feature a 5mm (about 0.2 in) puncture repelling belt along the centre strip, but I only succumbed once in several thousand miles. 

1200 miles down the line, I’ve hit my third puncture with the Maxxis Overdrive Excel Maxxis Overdrive Excel Tyre | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) in fairness, the two were on the same occasions and caused by very sharp flints that had pierced front and rear casings. I pulled these free and superglued the cuts. Replaced the tubes with fresh and repaired the wounded, consigning them to spares.  

When it comes to winter, working and competition bikes, reliability is paramount- Sunny days playthings and other “best” bikes are a little more nuanced perhaps. Talking of which, I’m hoping the weather and infrastructure are going to improve, so I can get some miles in with the Teenage Dream and the recently mounted CST Cito. It’s still rather soggy, changeable at best.  

I’d crossed the 480-mile mark with the Zefal, before replenishment called (which is around 200 miles more than the Muc-off Wet lube in comparable contexts). Now it shouldn’t be inferred that the Muc-Off is a poor lube-it's not, rather it serves to illustrate the difference between a most conditions, year-round “every person” wet formula and a hell n’ high water blend.  

This coincided with the two flats, and I took this opportunity to give Ursula a good clean and strip the residual Zefal in favour of the Motoverde  PTFE Chain Lube Motoverde PTFE Chain Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  However, headed off-road, I’d shy away from river crossings and waterways, since PTFE and similar forever chemicals are very harmful to aquatic life and the ecosystem generally. Talking of bike cleaning, here’s my review of the Finish Line Easy Pro Five Brush Set Finish Line Easy Pro Five Brush Set | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Bob Elliot & Co have sent me these FLR F70 PRO MTB 250 and appropriate, given the mtb theme Safety Labs E-Bahn 2.0 'MIPS' Urban Inmold Helmet in Black. It will be interesting to see how this compares to the Lazer Chameleon Lazer Chameleon Helmet | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

Hubs n' Hoops

 Shutter Precision got in touch, inviting me to test their SD8 hub, which is very timely, given recent events. The S series is apparently, the lightest, smallest models in the Shutter Precision range. In this instance, reckoned to tip the scales at 350g. By mine, it's 399g.  

After a decade or so, the Halo Aerotrack wheel is needing some slight TLC. Nothing major- tensioning the spokes, new axle and bearings. The former had started shedding threads, so an opportune moment to fit new cartridge units, while the hub is open. Manufacturers and their UK distributors have been extremely helpful and despite the UK’s third country status, some brands in mainland Europe have also reciprocated. Again, greatly appreciated.  

Given this backdrop, I am going to build the PD8 built into a 26-inch wheel, a spare wheel for Ursula, should the Ultegra unit require servicing/rebuilding. Similarly, though still very solid, rims don’t last forever, even with the most disciplined maintenance. I’ve acquired a 32-hole Ryde Andra 40, which isn’t the lightest but promises to be strong and dependable. While hardly obsolete, 26 –inch mtb is no longer the default, so choice is a little less plentiful than it was, say a decade back.  

I’ve always erred toward a little overbuild, especially on touring, working and mountain bikes- save for cross country racing.  In some respects, the Rigida Sputnik would’ve been a more obvious choice and the Andra have a reputation for being tricky to build, hence why I’ve commissioned Mick Madgett with the job. The other reason I’m having a “second” wheel built for Ursula boils down in part, to the fact the Rigida Snyper rim has served ten years and though seemingly solid, won’t last forever. 

I’ll inspect it properly while I’m testing the SD8.  

Talking of overbuild, I’ve formed a fond bond with the Sigma Buster 200 FL, which though less potent than some, on paper, remains very relevant and versatile enough for most riding contexts. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sigma-sport-buster-hl-2000    

The weather has only just become recognisably autumnal and despite apocalyptic forecasts, conditions are still permitting stock tyres. The Muc-Off Ludicrous AF chain lube is still clinging on, although cleat and brake mechanisms, pivot points etc are needing the odd short of Jokker 440 to keep them sweet and crud free. This presented an ideal opportunity to tweak Ursula’s rear brake slightly. Not that I employ the rear brake very often, but I want it sweet, responsive, and dependable.

  

 Weekly sudsy bucket washes and periodic waxing are a must right now. The single application of Muc Off Ludicrous AF chain lube was finally relenting, so time to purge the residual and modest contaminant. I was promised another blend of tenacious chain lube, so until that arrives, I’ve returned to the Weldtite Ceramic WELDTITE CERAMIC LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

I’ve also been promised some very refined bar tape. I haven’t decided whether Ursula, or my fixed gear winter/trainer, will be the recipient, much will depend on whether I switch to the Tektro RL520 lever sooner, or later.  Though hefty, Schwalbe Marathon GT365 TESTED: SCHWALBE MARATHON GT 365 BICYCLE TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com) are super dependable, offering excellent traction and moreover, puncture resistance through the dark, slimy, slippery roads. 

I run wider sections, where possible (a) Provides greater cushioning from the lumps and bumps that creep in (b) Improved contact with the road surface. High-quality suspension posts are another definite plus, giving some additional refinement along winter roads and trails, without the heft and complication of suspension forks.    

Cane Creek Thudbuster ST G3 TESTED: CANE CREEK THUDBUSTER ST SEATPOST (sevendaycyclist.com) and G4 and Kinekt 2.1 Suspension Seatpost KINEKT 2.1 SUSPENSION SEAT POST | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), (which is still offered in a 25.4 diameter) so an excellent, dare I say, viable option for older mountain bike framesets converted to working bikes, rough stuff tourers, or indeed, gravel builds. Just don’t skimp on the shim. They’re not expensive but even at the upper end, £20 is much cheaper than the cost of frame repair, or worst-case scenario, scrappage.  

    

Winter-specific thermal kit has been donned- bib longs, long sleeve base layers, thermal jerseys, gilet, and full-finger gloves. Despite a generous thatch, I’ve also reached for thicker caps and socks. The mercury has slid to minus figures, although thankfully, no ice, just arctic blasts, and sleety interludes   

Turning lower gears means a higher cadence and improved blood flow, so cold doesn’t bite so intrusively. I’ve also switched to the FLR Defender MTB Thermal Dry S-Tex Boot FLR DEFENDER MTB DRY BOOT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com