Wet roads increase the
risk of punctures. Clearly, I was tempting fate by saying the 32mm Tioga City
Slicker had only succumbed to a single flat. As of last Monday night, the running total, is two. Impressive though, given their mileage and lack of puncture repelling belt.
Something sharp and thorny had worked
inside, while racing along the sweeping, waterlogged lanes. This grazed the
tube, inducing loss of pressure one mile from home. Mercifully, despite the
water amplified hiss, deflation was at snail’s pace, so I made it back without
incident, and with 45psi remaining.
This prompted close scrutiny of butyl stock. Ultimately, I needed to cull several but was able to patch the wounded
tube and had two serviceable 700x28-35c, and a virgin 700x35/42. These were
quickly ported over to my Carradice SQR Tour bag. Sometimes it’s about using
what you’ve got. I’ll replenish when a decent wholesale deal presents.
I also switched the City
Slicker for The Vee Tire Co Zilent MK2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/vee-tire-co-zilent-mark-2-tyres,
which were introduced with stronger sidewalls. Seems some folks loved the
originals so much, they deployed them as laden touring rubber. No such stresses
on my fixed gear winter/trainer and in some respects, they’re a little portly.
That said; they roll much quicker than a 38mm 997g tyre might imply and a 5mm
aramid centre strip adds confidence. Similar genre of tyre to the rear’s long
serving Schwalbe Marathon GT https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres .
Though I love the changing seasons and night riding specifically, shorter
daylight means dependability trumps exotica. As with location-based photo-shoots,
its imperative rider and machine return home without incident.
Therefore, a more time-efficient,
disciplined approach to maintenance. Heavier duty tyres, chain lubes, backup
lighting, Co2 cartridges and decent pump being good bets. Throw in a tyre boot,
patch kit, change of socks, gloves and Buff type “tube” and you’ve the basics
covered. Talking of which, I’ve reached my conclusions regarding the Follow
Hollow Alpaca Socks https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/follow-hollow-men-s-alpaca-socks .
The Zefal Pro Wet Chain Lube
is showing little signs of waning, despite the weather, which is quite
impressive. Like other, dare I say, more traditional wet blends it’s tacky to
touch. Transfer to skin and clothing is moderate.
In terms of rider dressage,
Pro Viz have also sent me their 360+ jacket. Typical of most at this price
point, it’s a polyester blend with breathability and waterproofing ratings of
10,000+gm and 10,000mm. Its seam sealed, has a fleece lined collar to retain
warmth and stop wet stuff, from trickling inside.
Sensible range of pockets too,
which is welcome. Then of course there’s the retro-reflective layer that’s grey
by day but brilliant white by night, when graced by vehicle, or street
lighting. Steve’s been busy putting
Showers Pass Skyline Trousers https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/showers-pass-skyline-trousers to the test.
Talking of lighting, I’ve done
100 miles with the K-Lite Bikepacker Pro V2 and it’s another lovely model that
loses little to its Ultra siblings-at least for road riding. It doesn’t quite
stop SUVs in their tracks, or cause them to flash their lights, and I reckon the
full 1300lumens comes on tap at 15mph (rather than the 11.18 suggested).
Sensibly, it runs the same switchgear and yes, you can whip in the USB charger
and refuel blinkies, phones/other gizmos on the go.
See Sense
Have sent me their ICON2 rear light, which is so much more than just a super
powerful, tuneable rear light. Though fascinated and rightly intrigued by smart
technology, I’m slightly wary of things that are connected via apps and
internet. That established, with the app downloaded, the unit can record all
sorts of data, including theft, road surface quality and an array of other information.
It’s also proving extremely
solid. I decided to mount ours to my SQR bag, using their clothing clip (Jemma
at See Sense warned me against this, given the Icon2 is heavier than previous
incarnations…)
It subsequently ejected along some washboard tarmac. Took a direct
hit, bouncing along the dimpled asphalt. I needn’t’ve worried. Build quality is
superb and there wasn’t a mark on it.
Here’s our general overview of
LED safety lights https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/in-the-blink-of-an-eye
