I'll Just...

 

January is a tricky month in every respect. The festivities forgotten, replaced by an unsettling silence. Some folks await the fiscal hangover, others plunge themselves into projects and traditionally, it’s a time of year when I disappear to the garage, fuelled by those nights where an idea can evolve into the ONLY idea.

I was recovering from a sudden, unwelcome seasonal lurgi and feeling infinitely better, (save for an infected tooth, spotted by my dentist during a routine checkup) decided I’d switch Denise to gravel rubber and complete testing of the Zefal Shield G50.Zefal Shield G50 Mudguards | cycling-not-racing Wheels fitted, tyres inflated to the desired pressure, I then discovered the rear Kore cantilevers were dragging. Hmm, just a case of changing the inner wire and a quick tweak of the balance screws.  

No joy. After some deliberation, I concluded the Tektro RL520 must be pulling too much cable, so after a quick rummage of the spares boxes, I recovered a silver RL340 designed for cantilever and side pulls and made the switch. Closer, but definitely not right.  By this point, we were coming close to midnight- I’d planned to have everything sorted and safely tucked up in bed long beforehand. Firmly in the zone, I discovered a missing balance screw, so decided to strip them from the bosses and switch to another set. This also presented an opportunity to regrease the cantilever posts with Zefal Pro II Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing.

Refitted, snugged tight, some minor tweaking of the balance screws- sorted. Ok, so a few localised squirts of MO94 were needed, since I’d forgotten to flush the outers through in my diagnostic phase. The RL340 and 520 levers have slightly different profiles, apparent when looking down at the hoods but close enough aesthetically. Moreover, I had a fully functional rear stopper.

 Once-overs completed, bars redressed in the Ergon Orthocell Ergon Orthocell Handlebar Tape | cycling-not-racing it was 1245. Still, I’d diagnosed and cured the fault, so off my list and out of my head. A test ride the following morning confirmed all was well. Quit while ahead. Weeks and many miles hence, the Zefal Shield G50 continue to impress with their rattle-free construction and impressive protection- on and sans asphalt.

Definitely the best clip-on guards I’ve ever used and by some margin. I’m still mightily impressed by Mudhugger’s Gravel Hugger, but these are a more permanent design- none the worse for it, but slightly different. The Gravel Hugger are also incompatible with rim brakes. Fine for contemporary gravel, or bike packing framesets and the coverage is also impressive.

However, incompatible with bikes running cantilevers, or linear pulls. Talking of which, I’ve upgraded Muffin’s brake cable with a Jagwire CGX 5mm outer and stainless inner. Not on par, with their top flight Jagwire Road Elite Jagwire Road Elite Sealed Brake Kit | cycling-not-racing, but a tangible improvement. The Fibrax and bog-standard stainless inner fitted during the initial build has served well enough in the “use what you got” sense. Now it was due replacement, hence the opportunity to upgrade. A few months down the line, I wasn’t surprised to discover the MPart Primo Anti Slip Silicone Gel Bar Tape M Part Primo Anti Slip Silicone Gel Bar | cycling-not-racing had weathered. In fairness, it was re-useable and the adhesive backing still up to the job, but the finishing strips were really stubborn to remove. Should get another few months regular use before retirement. Switching to the Spa Aire Titanium has also brought a new level of bliss. I’d broken it in years ago but forgotten how comfortable it is, especially on a bike with similar positioning and geometry as Muffin.

Mercifully, save for testing, worn consumables and the odd tweak, I more or less have the fleet optimised. Major revamps and overhauls are off the table.  Invariably, when I’ve fallen down one of these rabbit holes, some other expenditure has presented, whether it be cars, dental treatment, or similar priority.

I should point out that while brutally diminished by successive administrations, we do still have the burning embers of universal healthcare, but there is still a fiscal contribution to be made. Universal healthcare makes sound economic sense. The healthier your nation, the more productive. There is an argument in favour of contribution and I can see this, but only so long as it's proportionate and based upon the ability to pay.

There is a large swathe of the UK’s population who enjoyed increasing prosperity across the board-even those in lower-skilled, dare we say “dead end” work. High quality affordable housing, good schools and other public services. Housing was about community, not assets, educational attainment and life chances were more closely associated with the communities, parents and peers surrounding you.

Nonetheless, upward social mobility was very much a lived experience. Something that progressively waned through the 1980s onward, as industries and communities died. Those that could, left and pursued new lives, those that didn’t were left behind, largely ignored. Easy prey for the populists who offer slogans, emotional dynamite but no solutions to inherently complex and ingrained problems. 

Derriere Delight & Rapid Chain Consumption

 

Having switched saddles and riding conditions milder and wetter, I switched to Muffin and some fixed gear serenity before things flip flopped again. Reunited with the titanium railed Spa Aire, I was delighted with the comfort but also noted some slight slip with these Castelli Competizone Bib Tights Castelli Competizione Men’s Bib Tights | cycling-not-racing- the case with the Ergon it replaces.

With another snowy blast on the horizon, I switched Ursla from the CST Patrol CST Patrol Folding EPS Tyres | cycling-not-racing to Schwalbe’s Ice Spiker Pro Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Tyres | cycling-not-racing. Wheels in situ, I then decided a chain check was opportune- .75 when I introduced my more basic, nickel-plated tool. Bin fodder either way.

I had two in stock, so no issues on that front. Simply brake, prune the new and click into place with the magic link. Now was also the opportunity to expel some gunge clinging to the jockey wheels and lighter grime adorning the rings. Something also prompted me to check Denise’s KMC- said nickel-plated gauge also slid straight to .75.

Again, an easy fix, and chance to strip some residual gunk from the jockey wheels, cage and rings.  Both chains had been fed the Muc Off C3 All Weather Chain Lube Muc-Off C3 All Weather Chain Lube | cycling-not-racing . This also serves to illustrate how persistent exposure to waterlogged roads, mucky lanes, trails and of course snow and salt rapidly consume drivetrains-even with disciplined cleaning and light lubrication. Denise’s chain was only replaced in November. I subscribe to the philosophy of buying less exotic chains, since they still return a reasonable mileage and are relatively kind on the wallet when replacement’s due. Same goes for cassettes.

Rings should be fine, so long as you’re not lax when it comes to replacing chains. However, there’s an argument for investing in stainless steel, rather than 6061 aluminium alloy rings. At least on a tourer, or other bikes that do big mileages year-round. Mercifully, the Deore FC M5100 fitted to Ursula and Denise are steel, which adds a few grams but theoretically repays with improved durability.

Again, Deore is often regarded as entry-level, but the specification and performance are still very impressive. Back in the 1990s, I had high regard for Shimano’s STX & RC components, good enough for racing, but affordable and economic to replace, should you bend something beyond repair in a crash.  They key with all these things is to keep repairs, replacements and upgrades practical. Unless a gift, or passed to you at an incredibly favourable rate, bolting high end CNC machined rings on lower to mid-range cranks makes no sense.      

All this also serves as solid argument for running a fixed, or single speed steed as a primary winter bike. One ideally with full length mudguards (fenders). That said, fixed and single speed drivetrains are low maintenance, decent sprockets and chains are key, since they’re under a fair bit of strain and that’s before you throw the witches brew of wet, salt, grit and similar nasties into the mix.

Without doubt, the best sprocket I’ve ever run was EAI Superstar- a beautifully machined, highly polished stainless-steel affair commanding £45. EAI also offer a less exotic steel stablemate for £25. One that arguably strikes the best balance of value and performance on a working, or training bike.

I’m also suitably impressed by the Andel Fixed Sprocket (1/8 17tooth) fitted to Muffin. I’m not a fan of electroplating per se. I appreciate it looks pretty but I don’t like the process and acids involved. Nonetheless, Muffin’s seems to be holding up very well against the elements and offers a winter, knee friendly ratio of 67.5.

Great for a smooth, struggle-free cadence, but without going into overdrive on the descents.  As for chains, I’ve had surprisingly good results from budget KMC, such as the Z510, their higher end stainless counterparts, not to mention, the Gusset S Link and thus far, this Izumi. Once upon a time, while riding conversions I ran 3/32 Sedis, but it’s been 1 1/8^th track fare all the way since I took advantage of fixed’s resurgence in 2005.    

 

 

Season of the hiss, Gravel & Grinding Gears

 

Wet muddy lanes and embedded sharps have declared the puncture season open- the first penetrating the Maxxis RamblerMaxxis Rambler Tubeless Ready Tyres | cycling-not-racing and several rides later, the Continental Pure Contact finally succumbed. Slow punctures, mercifully meaning they were only apparent when I’d reached home and not completely flaccid at that stage. Sometimes it’s the little things. Both were easily patched, although I’d replaced both with fresh butyl.

Standard practice wherever possible, keep the patched tubes as spares. My only minor misgiving about the Continentals is they are a very tight fit-less problematic when mounting but can tax tyre levers (yes, you’ll want two, ideally three). By the third patch, I’m consigning them to scrap. Saw a bundle of five going for a very favourable price, so wasted no time purchasing.    

The conditions presented opportunities to don the Sidi Algor, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the sole’s balance of stiffness and walkability. These are rated 5 on Sidi’s stiffness scale, but their rigidity is palpably better than the Shimano MW5 Shimano MW501 Dry Shield SPD MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing-particularly apparent when riding fixed where honking on the climbs is mandatory.

Having dismounted and run up some fairly steep climbs, I’ve found the Algor’s soles less grippy, but they may bed in over time.  I’ve since switched to Ursula and indulged in some further exploration of unmade roads and bridleways, which will provide better insight into their off-road prowess.

Opportunity also presented, so I dressed Denise’s WTB drops in the Ergon Orthro cell bar tape. At 230cm long per side, there’s oodles of it, and at one point, I thought I might be able to dress the big, swoopy bars using a single roll. Spoiler alert, I couldn’t but came frustratingly close, even wrapping around the hoods “figure of eight”. Nonetheless, there was plenty of scope if you ran a tri bar setup, or a gravel model, such as Redshift Sports Top Shelf family.  

I was also surprised to discover how much backing adhesive the Silica Nastro PilotiSilca Nastro Piloti Bar Tape | cycling-not-racing left behind after a few months and only modest weathering. That’s a statement of fact, dare I say, surprise, rather than a criticism.  I’ve been contemplating going over to a 12-28 cassette with Denise, giving some slightly lower gearing, since its medium cage will manage 28teeth without turning cannibal.

Temptation is to wear the medium mech out, go for a long arm cage and 11-34 tooth cassette, giving a more touriste range, but without going gravel’s monster 9-42 1x route. Now, I’m going to preface this by saying gearing is a very personal choice with a wealth of influencing factors, including rider strength, terrain, and luggage. Late 80s onward, touring lorries and mountain bikes tended to share groupsets, and I’ve little doubt this is a big influence. Back in 1991, I had a 19-inch bottom gear on my Super Dalesman and found myself needing to tame an impromptu wheelie when powering away from a junction in the wee small hours.        

I’m very fond of the gravel genre in the broad strokes sense- it’s the all-terrain, spirit of escape thing. Bar bags and capacious seat packs also speak to me. However, while bike packing luggage certainly has its place, I prefer luggage that doesn’t rest against the frame. Therefore, the trend for removing mudguard and rack eyelets does nothing for me. 

Racks are easily and inexpensively repainted, framesets less so. I also tend to dress the tubing in scrap butyl to prevent wear- this M Part Summit M Part Summit Rear Rack | cycling-not-racing is starting to show some minor chips several months down the trail. True, panniers can limit the ability to sneak through winding, narrow singletrack and they do add precious grams, not to mention some air resistance. You do you, I’ll do me and we’ll agree to differ.  

For me, the beefy all-terrain tourer and drop bar cross country mountain bike still have tremendous value and though slower and portlier than a gravel bike, cope better when the roads and trails become rougher and in the latter context, boggier. Indeed, machines such as Specialized’s Tri-Cross might be better options than a gravel bike, if you were seeking a do most.

Admittedly, it’s no longer a production model, 6061 aluminium alloy tubes and the lack of disc mounts on earlier versions might be a turn off for some, but I’m told later models swallow 700x40c with 8mm to spare. Whichever route you take, there will always be some element of compromise, and in keeping with life generally, it’s about those that best compliment you, or have minimum negative impact.

 

 

      

The mystery of the dormant dynamo

 

Once upon a time, dynamos needed voltage regulators to prevent bulb implosion that was a very common issue when tandems and long descents. I was surprised to discover a pronounced lack of illumination from the long serving Exposure Revo lamp. Thankfully,  the Gaciron Cetus 1700 Gaciron Cetus 1700 Underneath Bike Light | cycling-not-racing was playing backing singer. Most dynamos are very reliable these days, but we only need a snagged cable, or some other issue to plunge us into darkness, possibly many miles from home. For these reasons, I typically have a secondary high power rechargeable torch type along for the ride.

The mount remains permanently attached to the bars, the light typically secreted inside a bar bag, or similar bike mounted luggage. Having returned, I pondered the possibilities. The lamp itself, though thirteen years old and exposed to the worst the lanes and trails could throw at it, very well sealed from the elements and had never been subjected to jet washing, or similar abuse.

The cabling also seemed fine. No obvious signs of wear, or damage.  That left the Shutter Precision SL9 hub. The terminal block, spring contact possibly? The hubs themselves are well sealed and turn on cartridge bearings that in my experience, run for 20,000 miles before getting the grumbles.

Before getting deep in the diagnostics, the easiest thing was to switch back to the Shimano Ultegra unit. I’d already decided that I was using the Sl9 wheel as a second/spare so would not get the hub’s electricals repaired, simply run it as a traditional front wheel. Repair would mean stripping the wheel and returning to Shutter Precision in Taiwan.

I’m fond of these units, but I’ve found Shimano are more cost-effective long term. Not least since basic servicing, such as bearing replacement is within the means of home mechanics and decent shops.  The switch coincided with returning from a mucky ride to discover a slow flat caused by a tiny sharp, most likely a hedge clipping.

Tube switched, pin hole patched and a deep, sudsy bucket clean followed. Switching wheels and giving the wheel a good spin, I was relieved to find the Revo lamp coming to life. While the Weldtite All Weather lube Weldtite All Weather Lube | cycling-not-racing was turning a little filmy, it was holding on, so I decided against topping up, not least since the KMC X10 was coming to the end of its life.

Plan was to run the chain out, switch and either apply some more All Weather, or something similar, should it land on the test bench.  Having washed, waxed and dried Denise, I’ve decided to switch to Muffin, since the weather is progressively wetter. Mudguards and a simple drivetrain being the obvious practicalities, although the geometry and stout buxom rubber makes for engaging, yet predictable handling, not to mention a magic carpet ride. Perfect for general riding, these characteristics come into their own during the darker, slippery months.  The M Part Primo Anti Slip Silicone Gel Bar Tape M Part Primo Anti Slip Silicone Gel Bar | cycling-not-racing is still impressing with its damping and reliable all-weather grip. Then of course, I want to get some more miles in with the Sigma Buster1600 and RL150 lights. Steve’s been impressed with its 800lumen sibling Sigma Buster 800 and RL150 Light Set | cycling-not-racing  

Autumn well underway and another year wiser, I’ve decided to drop Muffin’s gearing slightly, no sense straining the knees, or other joints- another Arundel fixed sprocket since these seem accurately machined, well finished and modestly priced. I’ve gone the electroplated, rather than stainless route on the basis of price, although the latter might repay the investment on salty winter roads.  

I’ve been pondering suitable substitution for the Silca Nastro Piloti Silca Nastro Piloti Bar Tape | cycling-not-racing which performs really well on the tarmac and excellent connection with the bars-a good bet for long steady audax miles, possibly winter training too, although in  my view, a bit pricey for the latter. However, given I like to play in the dirt regularly, damping was also a priority.

Enter this Ergon Orthocell. Apparently, it’s made from a medical grade material that’s also employed in their saddles. This is designed to distribute pressure evenly, thus insulate against intrusive vibration, and ultimately fatigue in the hands, arms and shoulders. In common with others, an anti-slip coating to counteract sweaty hands and torrential rains. Whether these qualities also improve grip and control when the temperatures tank, remains to be seen.  

Falling Leaves & More Lumens

 

The roads lanes and trails are increasingly carpeted in leaves, horse chestnuts and acorns. I love autumn and always have. The wilder winds continue to bestow us with interesting lights. Gaciron has sent me their Cetus and Loop lights. The 1700 lumen Cetus bears striking resemblance to the Magicshine Evo 1700 Underneath Light Magicshine Evo 1700 Underneath Light | cycling-not-racing tested last year, so it will be interesting to see how the two compare.  

The Gaciron tips the scales at 269g, the Magicshine is smaller and slightly lighter at 216g all told, scotching suggestion of badge engineering. Both offer 1700 lumens, employ “cut off beams”, like those employed on car headlights and are designed to be mounted beneath the bars.

The longer brackets might lack the aesthetic purity of some, but I’ve found them a better fit with bar bags, where compatibility hassle can arise-especially with the capacious bike packing types.

The cut-off beam patterns are becoming increasingly popular and for tarmac duties, I’m forming the opinion they’re a plus point. However, a dual flood and spot system rules the roost when you’re venturing away from asphalt, or indeed down some very lonely, singletrack lanes.  Both have wireless remotes as standard, which is very welcome, the Magicshine HORI employing an integrated rechargeable cell, the Gaciron a disposable CR2032. Both have their pros and cons and playful testing confirms they will not command the other.   

As for the Loop, this is a six-mode rear light capable of producing 100lumens. As is the trend these days, it features a “braking” function, which I’m pleased to report, can be disengaged. IPX6 for weather resistance and a CNC machined aluminium housing bode well for durability.  Aside from post, there’s a saddle rail mount and I’ve found the post mount will also entertain thicker diameters of rack tubing.  The mounting hardware, plastics specifically feel lower ren than some but is nonetheless, sturdy enough in situ.

Talking of durability, after a few weeks and a fair bit of trail action, I’ve given Ursula a thoroughly good deep clean and waxing, stripping any residual, filmy remnants of Weldtite Wax, replacing it with the latest version of their All-Weather Lube. Mysteriously the right bar con shifter decided to go on strike. Nothing a minute slackening of the tension and turning of the rear mech’s barrel adjuster couldn’t correct.

Although not ideal, one of the definite advantages of bar end shifters is the ability to switch to friction, should circumstances dictate. That’s not to say that I don’t like brifters-in the right settings, they’re very pleasant to use. However, their complexity renders them vulnerable in a spill and by definition, stuff wears out faster.  

Not ideal on a rough stuff tourer, drop bar mountain bike and I would also argue, gravel bike. However, all these constructs mean different things to different people.  That sorted and a couple of hundred miles with the All-Weather Lube, I got curious and whipped out the chain checker .6- .7 means Great Bike Shop in The Sky for 10speed chains.

Since opportunity presented, I gave the drivetrain a good exorcism, then fitted a new KMC X10.Shifter blip aside, changes were smooth, right until replacement but beyond a certain point, it’s amazing how much difference a fresh chain makes-confirmed by a sweep of the block on the work stand. Another little job off the list ahead of the potentially wet and unforgiving months ahead. It’s always cheaper to replace a chain than allow a worn one to consume ring(s) jockey wheels and cassette.   A great opportunity to test out the Oxford Chain Scrubber. Formative impressions are favourable. Much comes down to a combination of tenacious bristle plot that grips the grot and an unexpectedly ergonomic handle.

 

I’m still Running Denise’s X10 on the Weldtite Wax Lube, since it’s been drier and I’m interested in seeing how it performs on a geared build in drier, sometimes dusty contexts. Switching to a shorter stem was definitely the right move and the Profile quill stem converter, perhaps unsurprisingly, seems much stiffer than the auction site special, which is another definite plus. I’ve concluded there’s no call to place spacers beneath the stem. Aesthetically, it doesn’t add much and there’s no engineering grounds for doing so, either.        

Progressively cooler temperatures have seen me reaching for long sleeve, super tactile Merino blend jerseys and when the harsh winds blow, a gilet too. ¾ lengths and full finger gloves are my other defaults and generally this ensemble serves me well, at least on early morning outings when the mercury’s slow to rise beyond single digits. Talking of digits and purchase, here’s my review of the M Part Primo Anti Slip Silicone Gel Bar Tape  M Part Primo Anti Slip Silicone Gel Bar | cycling-not-racing