Displacing The Load

Pleased to report that my DIY shim/protector made from old inner tube has had the desired results (a) Eliminating sway with the Aero Post Rack, while placing less strain on the SQR clip, since less torque (and therefore, stress) is required to keep everything snug and solid.  

Using the larger, full-size SQR clip probably helps, on account of its larger surface area. I’ve slipped a spare into the side pocket, just in case. In the absence of the mighty Carradice Carradry SQR bag https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry, I’ve gone for a bike-packing configuration, courtesy of this Merida Travel Frame Bag.  

It’s the large version and arguably, the medium would be a better fit, since it obscures the seat tube bottle cage (although switching to side entry models largely corrects this). The hardy, lightweight TPU material seems genuinely waterproof and the internal layout also suits me.  

The Velcro straps feel a little low rent, although bolstered by the seat and downtube counterparts draw tight enough to prevent sway. I’ve been impressed by the design ‘s rigidity (although would appreciate thicker straps) I’ve not needed to effect a knees-out pedaling style, so no issues maintaining an efficient cadence.  

Experience with webbed strapping (the sort common to top tube bags and years ago, high power rechargeable battery lighting) suggests minute amounts of sway can leave tan-lines in lacquered, or painted surfaces. This is easily addressed by dressing these areas in helicopter/similar clear protective tapes, first. Zefal Skin Armor Roll is a good, affordable workshop staple https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-skin-armor-roll  

I continue to appreciate the qualities and refinements offered by higher-end suspension seat posts and am endeared to the Redshift Shock stop https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/redshift-shockstop-suspension-seatp and Cane Creek Thudbuster  STG4.  

Though not essential, their supple zing is very welcome on longer rides, especially given the condition of local roads. Now lockdown has been eased, road patching (as distinct from resurfacing) is becoming quite prevalent. I have toyed with the idea of acquiring a G3 for the Univega, while they’re still available and not at collectors' prices. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cane-creek-thudbuster-suspensuin-se 

Nonetheless, the present uncertainties mean it would need to be at the right price to justify the outlay, since the tubby tourer’s big tyres do a pretty good job of ironing out the bumps and the existing Selcof holds the Cycles Berthoud saddle securely. Therefore, want over need. 

I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the Juice Lubes Chain Juice Wax this time round. I’ve used it some years back and indeed, more recently, during a wetter spell, which on some levels, was a little unfair. Afterall, these are designed for dry/dusty conditions. This time round, I’ve applied ours in two coats, leaving ten minutes curing between them, then observing an 8hour curing period before riding.  

Thus far, I’ve managed 250 predominantly dry weather miles and its running very clean. 

This hasn’t rivaled dry formulas, such as Weldtite TF2 Ultra Dry Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tf2 but then it seems unaffected by higher temperatures (unlike Zefal Pro Dry Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-extra-dry-chain-wax) or Muc-Off Dry Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-dry-chain-lube. Cleanliness is good for chain health and to some extent, extends maintenance intervals (save perhaps for reapplication, depending on the lube’s staying prowess).  

The KMC in question has gone past the 1,000mile marker and if the weather remains predominantly dry, I’m confident I’ll get at least 1,500 before its ready to collect its pension. 

When it comes to chains and cassettes, I get a quiet satisfaction from just in time replacement of chains and cassettes i.e. getting my money’s worth but replacing on time, before they can consume more expensive parts. Since the Pro Gold Pro Link Chain Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pro-gold-pro-link-chain-lube  dressing my fixed’s chain was beginning to look a little filmy, I added some Zefal Pro Dry Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-dry-lube to see whether the two would react negatively. I’m gambling on the solvent content being strong enough to strip the other, thus rendering this academic but we’ll see.   

With the roads being more congested now, I’ve also reinstated the Orp Smart horns https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/orp-smart-horn to my fixed and the Univega. Primarily so I can gently warn pedestrians of my approach along the lanes and sometimes, dissuade a small minority from crossing high streets without looking. 

Talking of just in time, there seems to be some surprise that a no-deal Brexit will result in Sunderland’s Nissan factory closing its doors. Car factories run on the just in time principle, relying on goods arriving at a precise point. Otherwise, productivity and profits plummet.  

61.3% of Sunderland voted to leave the EU, Nissan is owned by Renault, who (in the event of no-deal) will relocate elsewhere in Europe where trade is seamless. The collapse of a major employer has major ripples for any community. Suppliers, café's and other businesses, which depend upon them will also disappear. Short-sighted and desperately sad, given the demise of manufacturing and its wider consequences, has been so widely documented.           

   

Show n' Tell

Seven day cyclist www.sevendaycyclist.com was at the Cycle Show in Birmingham’s National Exhibition centre. Quite a lot caught my eye, although given the focus of my last entry and the recent sentencing of Charlie Alliston, I was very taken with the Cinelli and Condor stands. Unusual to see a linear pull brake these days, especially on a road biased fixed/single speed build.

Gravel and bike packing remains a big trend and another genre that strongly appeals to me.  The Cube stand also sported this Nuroad EXC; a convergence between gravel bike and lightweight tourer. Complete with dynamo lighting, disc brakes, full-length guards and a Tubus rack. 

Staying on this lightweight, versatile tourer theme, we stopped by the Isla bikes stand and had a closer look at their Luath, which is perfect for younger riders seeking an all-rounder.

Ready to tour, commute, or drop rack and guards and try a bit of cross. Sensibly proportioned crank length, gearing and contact points are definite plusses. This also serves to illustrate how serious the brand is about providing correctly fitting machines for younger audiences.

Often parents will fight shy, on the rationale their offspring will “grow out of it in no time” but in the longer run, decent quality machines hold their value. Even after they’ve been handed down two, maybe three times come resale; expect to recoup 50% of the original ticket price.

Isla bikes also have an interesting rental scheme called the “Imagine Project”. At the end of this lease, machines will then be returned to the factory, refurbished and leased again.

Theory goes; this “closed loop” system prevents raw materials being buried as landfill. We’re told these bikes will be rugged, utility machines, rather than thoroughbred lightweights but these have a vital role to play in a sustainable, mixed mode transport system.

I also dropped by the Halo stand and they have graciously agreed to supply me with a suitable (model) rim for my shutter precision dynohub build. Staying with lighting, exposure lights showed us their Strada 900. This uses the same kind of dipped headlight technology commonplace in cars, providing plenty of illumination for high speed outings but without dazzling oncoming traffic.

We’re told the Revo dynamo light is pretty much (graphics aside) unchanged from that adorning my Univega’s bars for the past five years. Some people criticise it for not having a USB charge port for smart phones and other tech. However, Exposure has apparently swerved this route and in my opinion, it’s the ideal lamp for long, steady, mixed terrain miles. Their revo dynohub also stirred some lustful yearnings... 

Elsewhere, I’ve made time to strip, inspect and re-grease my fixed gear winter/trainers FSA Orbit headset. There was a decent amount of Green Oil eco-grease (link) clinging to the upper and lower races. Reassuring and suggests it’s very much on par with PTFE infused formulas.

I’ve substituted it for the Pure bike grease to see how it copes with more demanding service. Lower, butter-like viscosity means it spreads effortlessly over bearings, races and other components but superficially, doesn’t bind, or cling to hosts with the same tenacity as the eco-grease it replaces. Time and miles will tell.

I’ve also been spending some time behind the dark shield-familiarising myself with John Moss’s Clarke MIG130 EN gas/less welder. MIG/MAG/GMAW welding was originally developed during the Second World War and used widely in munitions factories before finding favour in automotive contexts.

Filler rod is continuously fed on a spool, minimising interruption and in an industrial context, maximising output. I was taught on a 105 amp Clarke unit feeding from industrial Argon/Co2 cylinders.  

A failed spot weld on his stool (something of an heirloom, having been in his family for 65 years) proved the ideal candidate and was easily repaired, with a few relatively short beads.  

Flux corded weld wire produces a less refined weld compared with Argon/Co2 shielding gas and standard .6/.8 filer rod. Nothing judicious deployment of a grinder doesn’t sort, mind.  Right, time to put self-activating dark shields (Technology my grandfather would never put his trust in-I can almost feel him turning in his urn) down. I’m off to play with some post show test goodies.