Seven Day Cyclist
(www.sevendaycyclist.co.uk) continues to attract the desired demographic along
with increasingly disparate contributors. Fancy a freebie?
Simply like our facebook
page (https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine?ref=aymt_homepage_panel)
to be in with a chance of bagging this Carbon Pro sports travel kit comprising
of their dri shine, chain cleaner, heavy duty lube, med lube and microfibre
towel.
The battle of the bike
washes intensifies with some interesting twists too. Supposedly safe on carbon,
lacquered, plated, painted and polished surfaces; all tackle the usual mucky
suspects capably but a couple have proved disarmingly efficient, though
seemingly gentle degreasers too…
This signalled a timely end
to the Teenage Dream’s seasonal hibernation. I had planned to upgrade the
groupset to something contemporary of the Sun Race or Microshift flavour but
frankly, I can’t bear to be parted from the quaint, though likeable a ’la carte
mix of 80s, 90s and early noughties Campagnolo.
Outclassed in sporting terms
(along with the “Low rent” 531competition tubeset) said machine still behaves
in excellent proportions and the framesets' makeover still pleases me
greatly.
I’ve also bagged a temporary
facilities management gig to balance the books. This week has been one of
imploding ceilings, surly contractors, tenants locking themselves out while
inebriated and then purging their colonic demons noisily (and messily) in
communal toilets.
Back on bikes, we’ve been
playing musical tyres. After 200miles the 35mm section Vittoria Voyager hyper
and MK2 Ilpompino rear triangle proved breathtakingly close, hence I reverted
to the front 32mm Kenda Kwicker. Alternating between front and rear tyres was
once widely advocated but is incredibly dangerous practice.
However, scrapping a worn
rear, popping brand spanking new rubber up front and having the old one follow
behind remains acceptable. Similar problems arose with the Univega and Kenda
small block 8 pairing but I’m keen to retain its go-anywhere persona, so
resurrected these 1.75 section Vittoria Randonneur trail. As its chain and
cassette sneak into that twilight before retirement, I found myself toying with
the idea of cutting the tubby one down a ring and introducing 11-30 cassette.
A few minutes virtual
rummaging later I’d found a nickel plated HG50 for £10 and this similarly
worthy KMC has just arrived from chicken cycles. Substitution will strike once
I’ve reached another 250miles and can say something concrete about the Muc Off
hydrodynamic lube. This will also prove a convenient moment for investigating
and hopefully purging that phantom squeak. Some Genetic bar wrap promising phenomenal
purchase and damping properties has just arrived and will mummify its muzzies
when I get a moment.
Elsewhere, I’ve been
indulging in some graffiti porn and a recent spate of thefts has given cause to
revise my own security systems. It’s widely accepted that good locks are only
to keep honest people out and to deter others. Most thieves are looking for
something that can pilfer discretely within a minute but nothing is
invulnerable.
Using two different (Sold
secure) types certainly helps but assumes organised criminals don’t arrive in
well-equipped vans. Brute force is their default and techniques are common
knowledge. This particular group of “professional” is also extremely mobile,
quashing any notion of “safe” areas.
Yes, the probability of falling
victim in a well healed semi-rural community is less than slum inner city
neighbourhoods but criminals are only too willing to exploit this, often
targeting several locations each night before disappearing on the motorway
network. Obviously, strong locks are
only part of the equation.
Those living in private
rented accommodation have fewer options when it comes to installing
wall-anchors and other high security measures. However, aside from robust
physical security, think carefully about your online activity. I’m astounded by
the number of people who post photos of their pride and joy in a way that
leaves them sitting ducks.
