Good Moves

So, as predicted, I switched chain lubes, from the Zefal Pro Dry Chain Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-dry-lube  to the Weldite TF2 Ultra Dry Chain Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-ultra-dry-chain-wax which also led to closer interrogation of chain length. 

I decided to prune the KMC by another few links, which made for crisper shifts but without putting the rear mech under undue load. Ironically, the Weldtite TF2 Ultra Dry Chain Wax also coordinated with the celeste Jagwire Pro Road Brake Kit https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/jagwire-pro-road-brake-kit cables and See Sense Bar Bag’s cargo net. 

April has been markedly drier and quite sunny, compared with previous months, so the cleaner running dry wax seemed an obvious choice, entering May. It’s one of the cleanest, temperature stable wax formulas I’ve used. Meanwhile, Steve has been putting Rock n’ Roll Holy Cow Chain lube through its paces https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/rock-n-roll-holy-cow-chain-lube     

During a moment of (lockdown?) madness, I contemplated adding another (22-24 tooth) 94 BCD ring to the old school LX crank and wiring up a front mech (probably the Microshift centos).  

Yes, I would’ve had an even greater range. Gearing with enough grunt for riding up down and along the Great Wall of China, with low slung trailer en tow. However, the faff of trying to get a road front mech to play nicely on a frameset intended for top pull front mechs (Yes, I know Problem Solvers make a fetching adaptor), the added weight and complication means it's staying on the drawing board.     

A subsequent 20mile loop affirmed trimming chain length paid dividends.  It also confirmed switching to those Continental’s nigh on slick tread have improved my tubby tourer’s responsiveness, while providing a supple, magic-carpet ride, ironing out washboard and more overtly pock-marked tarmac.  

Just how much speed and ride quality preside over puncture resistance remains to be seen.  I’ve also been playing musical rubber on my fixed gear winter/trainer. This time, we have these 60tpi Kenda Kwick Journey KS+ in 32mm sections. Slightly narrower than my 35mm default but frees up some space at the rear triangle.  

In common with some old favourites, these employ a 5mm thick puncture resistant belt. That said, it only covers the centre strip, rather than running edge to edge, which might leave them more susceptible to sharps.  Thus far, they’re reasonably swift and corner better than I’d expect. Mucky, gritty stuff and stones get impacted within the tread, leading to that annoying tick-until it’s ejected, or extracted. Those folks who are particularly puncture prone might like to bolster otherwise sound tyres with the Tannus Insert Armor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tannus-armour   

Having resurrected those Scott Sport shoes, I was surprised to find the sole’s lip coming adrift. Thankfully I had some suitable glue, you know, the one for the toughest jobs on the planet...However, I couldn’t find a way of binding it to the upper... Enter, this old nylon toe strap. So, hang on to them if you’ve gone clipless, they’re surprisingly useful. The glue had seemingly set two hours later but much like the lube, I left it curing overnight-just to be sure.150 miles in and it’s holding up just fine.  

Studio & Beyond

I’ve been back in the studio doing fine art nude photoshoots with some fantastic models. Further collaborations are being arranged for January. My Minolta film SLR and this partially stripped Ural motorcycle is all I can publish right now.

 

 

 

I take consent and professionalism deadly seriously and will not release anything, unless the model(s) involved are willing for me to do so. Thanks to Brian, who runs the cottage studio http://www.thecottagestudio.co.uk/  for the use of space and lighting equipment. 

 

Proved an ideal opportunity to see what my A6000 would do in a studio setting. Behaved impeccably from start to finish. Traditionally, I’ve run SLRs in the studio and kept CSC systems for street and location shots but the (minor) gamble paid off. Just as well, given my Alpha SLR got the sulks and refused to play nicely with the remote trigger.

I’ve appreciated the cold, harsher weathers, which is ideal for testing lubes, cables, tyres and of course, clothing. Nasty Lube http://nastylube.com/about/  over in Canada, have sent Seven Day Cyclist www.Sevendaycyclist.com their winter lube.

Simple to apply-sparingly, mind. Too much and you’ll get the spatter effect along your chainstay and rear wheel. That aside, there’s no hanging about waiting for it to cure. Simply, drizzle a little into the links of a freshly cleaned chain, wipe away any excess and scoot-off.

Great for commuting and winter generally, since a wintry spell can strip lubricant bare in a matter of rides. So far, it seems cleaner, dare I say less syrupy than some justly popular favourites. Minus figures in the UK are often over exaggerated but it’s dipped to minus 2 and felt decidedly raw, when wind chill’s introduced. 

We’re looking to get some narrow section spiked tyres in but for the time being, the Schwalbe Marathon GT https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres   and the Univega’s GT365 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt365-tyre  are hugging slimy roads reassuringly well.       

Spiked, sometimes referred to as “snow” tyres all work to the same basic science. The tread ploughs the white, powdery stuff away, leaving the tungsten carbide spikes to bite into the ice beneath, providing traction.

Progressive acceleration and braking remains imperative but a steady tempo means 17mph is a realistic, dare I say, respectable average speed. Cables are another relatively inexpensive upgrade.

Obviously, testing tends to influence replacement frequency but I’d be inclined to replace standard brake and gear cables twice yearly, seasonally if you’re racing. Rather like stiff greases, sealed systems are a good investment for bikes in hard service.

These typically comprise of a factory lubricated, premium grade stainless steel inner wire, a Teflon coated liner and a heavy duty Kevlar outer. The latter can chomp through paintwork with alarming haste, especially if a layer of grit is allowed to form between them.

Most kits these days use rubberised cuffs to prevent abrasion but carefully cut sections of “helicopter” tape pretty much eliminates this problem. Layered electrical tape will also do, although check more frequently to ensure the outers aren’t making inroads.

While not a sealed system in this sense, I’ve been very impressed with these Jagwire pro road https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/jagwire-pro-road-brake-kit. Simple to fit, compressionless housings, EZ (easy) tunnelling and high quality, PTFE impregnated stainless steel inners deliver impressive modulation, feel and ultimately, stopping prowess!  Right, time I was heading north for another adventure.