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

Swapping n' Stripping

 

150 miles hence and my bruised inner right thigh reminded me why I substituted it. This time round, I’ve reached for Selle Royal Respiro, which is something of an “old faithful”. Should it prove a little narrow, I’ll reach for the BBB Echelon, which is another all-rounder but slightly broader-145mm at the widest point. Madison have sent me their M Part Primo anti-slip silicone gel bar tape.

 Available in four colours- red, black, blue and white, it employs a silicone underlay for damping and a Polyurethane exterior for tactile purchase. It’s a little heavier than some at 128g (complete and uncut)  I’ve dressed Mufin’s bars since it contrasts nicely and I’m very satisfied  with the Wolf Tooth Supple Lite Wolf Tooth Supple Lite Bar Tape | cycling-not-racing adorning Ursula’s Soma Condor 2 SOMA CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS |   which  offers a good blend of connection, damping and grip without undue bulk.

It’s also in very good shape, so stays-for now at least. Arguably, no need to go beyond 2.5mm, even off road since the big 2.3inch tyres also provide plush, refined comfort. Before I forget, here’s Steve’s review of the Continental  Contact Speed Continental Contact Speed Tyres | cycling-not-racing      

The M Part Primo is surprisingly easy to fit and thoughtfully employs a tacky silicone backing strip, rather than the traditional adhesives, meaning its tolerant of correction. No cheater strips either which suits me, since I’ve found myself defaulting to the “figure of eight” technique around the brake levers. Plenty of tape left, despite generous overlap on these 44cm wide Genetic D-Riser 4 GENETIC DRISER 4 HANDLEBARS | cycling-not-racing

Elsewhere, I've been harvesting some smaller fasteners, specifically bottle cage mounting hardware, not least as it's good to have some decent staples in stock-a chainring bolt can go rogue and create mischief at the least expected (read convenient) moment. Particularly on the fixed. Several years down the line, I’m still seriously impressed by these Genetic Tibia GENETIC TIBIA TRACK CRANKS & RING | cycling-not-racing

Obviously, it’s important to get the correct bolt and collar length, not to mention applying a light coating of assembly grease. This will give you a sporting chance of removing them when ring replacement’s due.  

 Aluminium alloy fasteners might sabe a few grams while looking pretty into the bargain but where components are under load, I reach for Cro-moly every time and twice on Sundays. I’ve wasted no time in fitting them to Dobbin and torquing down to 12nm. Another little job off the list.  

 On the subject of small parts, I'm keeping an eye out for a replacement skewer for my TWBents Bob Yak homage trailer.

I'm confident I've stashed the original unit safely away in one of my storage boxes, following Ursula's renovation last year. Spares of this kind make sense. However, some folks have been hawking them for £74 apiece, which is laughable, not to mention uneconomic. I always preferred that coupling system to that employed on the original Bob Yak. I was fond of mine but there were some things that merited improvement/felt a little fragile.   

  A few hundred miles down the line and I'm reaching the conclusion that the FLR MXT Vibram Trail Shoes are best suited to pedals with a broader, or at least, tapered angular profile.

This includes these Wellgo, which offer greater support (and consequently efficiency) than the mighty dual side cross country M540 and XTs. They do strike an excellent balance between stiffness and walking for longer periods-think touring and bike packing rather than gravel racing, or competitive. They’re a notch or so better on the riding and walking fronts than the otherwise likeable Shimano MT701 GTX SPD  Shimano MT701 GTX SPD Shoes | cycling-not-racing

Staying with pedals a moment, here’s a quick guide to keeping them cleaned, greased and happy Simple Pedal Overhaul | cycling-not-racing I’ve acquired some lever rubbers-primarily since the WTB bars wide flare tends to see the lever ends grazed against brickwork, which sets me on edge for several reasons. Might also provide some additional grip when riding in the wet.  

On the chain lube front, I'm continuing to default to the TF2 Performance All Weather Lubricant TF2 PERFORMANCE ALL WEATHER LUBRICANT | cycling-not-racing . This is a lighter middleweight that returns decent mileage in changeable conditions but without attracting too much grot, especially along fire roads and forest trails.   I've since discovered that Weldtite have revised the formula, removing the PTFE component, which has me intrigued...

Whipped out the chain checker and Denise's KMC is still in reasonable health 3 months down the line. I’m confident I’ll get a further six weeks, or 600 mixed terrain miles before its retired. That said, I bought another batch of staples, since chain wear can be very sneaky.  A bit like the front mech, which has dropped the chain a couple of times recently-nothing turning the adjustment screw 1/8^th of a turn didn’t fix, but annoying and inconvenient at the time.

 

Suited and Booted

 

Perhaps I should be imagining lottery numbers and other things of significance…. How so, Michael. Well, I’d been contemplating bar tape replacement. I would be keeping Denise and Ursula’s silicones (for another time) but pension off the fixed gear winter/trainer’s ENVE Enve Handlebar Tape | cycling-not-racing.  

 

A week or so down the line, an editor sent me this Deda Loop and Josh from Saddleback this Wolf Tooth Supple Bar Tape (both the 5mm and 2.5mm versions). The former is a natural silicone, no adhesive backing needed and easily rewound, should you need to replace a cable, swap bars etc.   

 

Denise is sporting the 5mm version, which proved surprisingly straightforward to apply, allowing for the fact its 40mm wide and 5mm thick. Wolf Tooth recommends maintaining a consistent 2.5mm overlap for best overall effect. Oh, (and this goes for silicones per se) do not pull too taught while fitting, or run the risk of tearing, or unsightly tan line type fading. Uncut, and including plugs, it tips the scales at 187g.   

 

After some resistance and initial reluctance (I really like the Acros Silicone Wrap Handlebar Tape’s LONG-TERM TEST: ACROS SILICONE BAR WRAP | cycling-not-racing orange contrast- with both bikes, though Ursula in particular) at the close of a filthy, drivetrain chewing ride, coinciding with a deep, sudsy bucket clean, I switched the Acros for the 2.5mm Wolf Tooth, which was also lighter-107g uncut, including plugs, the Acros 163g.        

 

Josh also sent me this WTB Rocket, a cro-moly railed model 142mm wide and with medium density padding, comfort zone pressure relieving channel. Reminiscent of a Specialized saddle I had some years back, albeit a diet version.  

 

I’ve popped this on Ursula, switched the Ergon SR All Road Ergon SR All Road Men’s Saddle | cycling-not-racing to the fixed and left the Ergon Core Comp adorning Denise’s cradles.  75 mixed terrain miles in, I’ve slid it very slightly further back and found the padding and pressure relieving channel incredibly effective. I’ll plonk myself on it for another 500 or so miles before casting more concrete opinion.  Other unexpected revisions come in the guise  

 

 

of these 700x40 Continental Pure Contact which are reckoned to be highly dependable commuter rubber but at 587g apiece without the heft of some favourites. These have been slipped aboard Denise, given the clearances and to evaluate how well they’ll cope along the mucky lanes and battle-scarred tarmac.

80 miles down the lanes later, I’m warming to them. The compound seems very grippy, the water channeling grooves have been shifting water and slimy stuff surprisingly well and even at 65psi, they seem very compliant... The Continental Pure Contact are also reckoned capable of handling some light dirt and meet 8 on their scale for puncture prevention-I’ll be happy to test these characteristics and claims.  

 

That said; the Continental Contact PlusTESTED: CONTINENTAL CONTACT PLUS TYRES had similar characteristics and perform surprisingly well along unmade roads, too. However, at 978g apiece for the 35mm sections, they are considerably heavier than the Pure Contact and while I’ve appreciated the Contact Plus’s dependability, their heft is also quite palpable. 

 

Given the milder temperatures, I’d switched Ursula back to the Continental Cross Kings since the icy/snowy conditions went as quick as they arrived. I’ve gone back to a rack with the fixed gear winter/trainer.  

 

In this instance, the Topeak Uni Super Tourist 2.0, which is a smidge lighter (879g against 917g) on account of the traditional non-disc design and single tier pannier rail. It’s reckoned capable of 26kilo payloads, which should be enough for most people’s needs. I’ll not be going anywhere near that in the everyday sense, not least as I wouldn’t want to be hauling more than 5-10 kilos on the fixed.  

 

Rule of thumb, 15 kilos upwards and I’m reaching for the trailer. There’s a reason touring bikes have a wide spread of gears, erring on the lower side after all... However, I like the versatility and options that a decent rack affords, especially on a winter/trainer where temperatures can vary and you might want to remove, or add another layer, change of gloves, additional food/similar goodies on longer rides.  

 

There’s also the option of dropping by the supermarket and picking up some essentials. Elsewhere, I remain pleasantly surprised by the Lomo Bike Packing bag, which is not only very waterproof and surprisingly easy to port between bikes, but surprisingly stable-something I attribute in part to the internal stiffeners. It’s worth noting I’m still running the saddle rail frame, and I’ve not filled it to full, thirteen litre capacity yet Ending on a Grave note, here's my review of the WTB Nano SG2WTB Nano SG2 Gravel Tyre | cycling-not-racing