Having packed pedals, since I
wanted to see how stiff this particular lithium-based prep would be through the
darker, wetter months, I applied to Denise’s Hollowtech II axle. There was
ample Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED
GREASE | cycling-not-racing clinging on, but then was the time. I’d noted
the pinch bolts and pre-load were a little dry. The former were unexpectedly arthritic,
so regreasing was imperative before seizure could creep in and cause mischief at
the least convenient moment.
Lithium based preps have an
unenviable reputation for gobbling seals, elastomers and other rubberised
components and can be a little stodgy.
Fine on contact points, and very
durable on winter hubs, but not necessarily desirable if you're competing and
want to keep resistance at a minimum. While there's more discernible resistance
compared with blends such as Peaty's Speed Grease (which I also surprisingly
durable) its much lower than I'd expected and buttery smooth.
Staying prowess, temperature
stability, water resistance and general durability are definite plusses and
explains their traditional popularity in marine and automotive applications.
Time will tell, but at £4.99 for 150ml, at face value, it seems a bargain for
generic metal on metal duties. It’s also been applied to cleat hardware,
(which we're all guilty of neglecting until time comes for their
replacement).
Galvanic corrosion, say between
metals of different parentage can be another issue- I wouldn't apply lithium to
a titanium seat post used in a steel, or aluminium alloy frame for example.
However, I'd be less concerned about an anodised aluminium post being used in a
steel frame. A polished, fluted aluminium alloy post and I'd be reaching for a
synthetic, or failing that, something PTFE based.
I’ve decided to stick with wax
and dry lubes while the weather allows and having covered 250odd miles on the Blub
Wax, I’ve got busy with some Carbon friendly drivetrain cleaner, which I’ve had
for some years and resurrected from the lubes box. It’s fairly straightforward
to apply-simply spray liberally on the drivetrain, leave for a couple of
minutes, agitate with a stiff bristled brush, or something like this Finish
Line Gunge Brush Finish
Line Grunge Brush Solo | cycling-not-racing
I reached for some Muc-Off Dry,
since that was close to hand, MUC OFF DRY CHAIN
LUBE | cycling-not-racing In my experience, its closer to an emulsion and
requires at least four hours to cure properly. Like the Blub, can also melt
when temperatures hit the high 20s. In this state, it’s still relatively
durable but also readily transfers to hands-annoying if you’ve dropped a chain,
or needing to tackle a mid-ride mechanical. Checking the chain health suggests more
life than first believed just past .25, so reckon I’ll get to the close of
October, possibly even November before its bin fodder. However, I’ve pruned a
fresh one down to 108 links in readiness for a quick switch. I noted the front
brake pads were looking a little tired, so took this opportunity to replace the
pads and regrease the cantilever posts using the Zefal Pro II Grease, which was
time well spent and another little job off the list before autumn.
Talking of switches, following a
hunch that packing single sided pedal bodies with a stout grease would offer
some weighting (making engagement easier) I switched Muffin to the silver A520
and also moved the down tube bottle cage slightly, which improved access.
I’m pleased to report the Juice
Lubes Bearing Juice has added some weighting and thus, made re-entry (say when
frequently clipping in and out in slow moving traffic) more convenient. While I was there, I noted the K-Lite Ultra Low Drag K-LITE ULTRA LOW DRAG DYNAMO LIGHT |
cycling-not-racing lamp rotating slightly on the Genetic Neuron Accessory
Mount GENETIC
NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing . easily cured by wrapping some
scrap inner tube around the mount and replaced the 2.5mm cable ties.
The nights were quickly drawing
in, providing the perfect opportunity to assess the Magicshine Hori 1300’s
prowess and I’ve been impressed, not only by the output but its useability. The
wireless remote makes it very easy to toggle up and down to avoid dazzling
other road users. To my surprise, though obviously good in the seen-with sense,
the night flash is potent enough to navigate unlit roads by- at least to 14mph,
which is useful should you need to drop down to conserve battery.
