Self Containment

 The present state of siege is presenting opportunities and threats in equal measure. Social distancing has been an ideal opportunity to get out and test kit, fettle the fleet’s specification and forward plan. I’ve been startled by the Pro Gold chain lube’s friction busting prowess.  

Even allowing for the new chain, the transmission and shifting feels that bit snappier. A notch better than the otherwise likeable Zefal Pro Dry lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-dry-lube and marginally cleaner, thus far. Then again, its nearly twice the Zefal’s ticket price, so I’d hope so. 

Little surprise to learn the bond between my posterior and the Cycles Berthoud Soulor Saddle continues to grow. I’m still feeding the hide every few rides to accelerate perfection and there’s a definite patina forming, so all good.  

A puncture (traced to a faulty valve stem) coupled with sunnier, drier conditions prompted a switch to my fixed. The Sugru Mouldable Glue Original Formula https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sugru-mouldable-glue-original-formu appears to have solved the Tom Tom Bandit’s wibbly bracket and I’m enjoying the Soma Condor 2 again https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars   

Now the weather’s more spring-like, I’ve reinstated the Apeman A80 Action camera https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/apeman to the Univega’s bars. The switching of my fixed gear winter/trainer’s Titanium Torus post, back to the very likeable Genetic Syngenic Seatpost https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-syngenic-seatpost may raise a few eyebrows.  I’ve also reverted to the Spa Cycles Aire titanium saddle- it was already in situ, so why not? It’d long assumed my shape-bliss! 

However, look closely and you’ll note the Torus has a relatively pronounced layback. The Genetic is nigh on inline. The most obvious benefit of an inline model is it brings the rider in line with the bottom bracket and theoretically improves power transfer.  

It also brings me closer to the bars. The Torus’ layback also made fitting/removal of the Carradice Carradry SQR bag https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry awkward, which the switch has also solved. This also presented an opportunity to put the Juice Lubes Bearing Grease through its paces. After all, if it's designed to keep bearings smooth and happy, so should last a good while on contact points.  

Ah, but then it’s also lithium-based, which can conspire with the elements, creating the chemical reaction more commonly known as a galvanic seizure. Suffice to say I will be keeping a very close eye on things. Lithium-based preps will also scoff seals and other rubberised components.   

  

When it comes to greases, we tend to test on a mid-long-term basis. This allows us to make a proper evaluation of its staying prowess, reactions to changing environments and riding contexts etc. 

Talking of contact points, here’s our clipless pedal overview https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/stepping-in-a-guide-to-going-cliple  

While social distancing is paramount, some human contact is unavoidable. Last Friday, while my helpful local garage was sorting the KA’s puncture, Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating rescued the slightly scabby spare wheel holder.   

Though generally solid, upon blasting, we discovered the salt monster had been nibbling, resulting in some pitting and a small hole. Little surprise, given it was the original, thus 13 years old.  

However, we decided it wasn’t a structural weakness, so no call for plug welding. Besides, I’d come to them unannounced with a “could you blast and fit in” request.   

The thick zinc-rich epoxy primer and polyester colour coat would lock the elements, and further corrosion out. 

A big thank you to Graham, Chris and the team at Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating for their kindness, can-do approach and exemplary standards. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/aluminium-frame-refurbishment 

https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/after-the-gritters-went-home 

https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/two-tone-frame-makeover 

Polished Performer

A semi-sheared side plate put a temporary stop to last week’s back road blasting on the Holdsworth. Unusually for me, spare links were conspicuous by their absence. Thankfully said weakness was spotted at the end of Tuesdays’ outing, not ten miles from base. A generous helping pruned from the Ilpompino’s inox unit were later found in its wedge pack.



 

Rather like spare tubes and patch kits without a pump or CO2 inflator, links aren’t a fat lot of use without a suitable chain tool. Those found on some multi tools will do an excellent job of splicing and re-joining beefy track types. However, keep this infrequent. to avoid fatigue. Even if the pin doesn’t pop, the spreader slots can eventually crumble.

 

That said; I’ve been stunned to discover some pricey models marketed as “Workshop” used relatively soft aluminium drive pins, which inevitably expired within a month’s moderate use.  
 

A new KMC was sourced at a very favourable price. I’ve pruned a few links for spares but otherwise leaving it complete for a rainy day. I’ve also decided to whip the wheel round and use the 16tooth alloy 3/32 sprocket, delivering a marginally lower gear.  


 

Staying with chains a moment, here’s the mid-term (3 month) review of the Weldtite TF2 extreme wet, which had served my ‘cross inspired fixer’s chain from January onwards https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-extreme-wet-chain-lubr . 

 

Weather is still quite changeable, erring on the wintry and for the meantime; I’m sticking with some middleweight formulas. Here’s a quick guide to lubes and the science behind them https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/blank-ao363
 

Before I’d discovered the fractured side plate, an audible click when under load pointed to the right hand Time ATAC XC4. Not the most obvious pedal choice for a road build, let alone TT bike. 


 

However, I much prefer dual sided models for quick getaways. These are resin bodied, which save a few grams. Plentiful float is good news for knees and there’s plenty of ground clearance too.
 

The only downside for me is their use of brass cleats, which, being a softer metal wear faster and are pricier to replace compared with SPD. Admittedly, price is partly due to a lack of patterns. SPD can be found pretty much anywhere and I’m yet to find some that aren’t universally interchangeable. 


Elsewhere the postman brought me some kit from Brian Davis I’ve been rather impressed by his concepts. First up, we have the fix-it sticks T way wrench http://fixitsticks.com/for-bikes , which is simplest described as the big brother in the range, designed specifically for workshop duties. The fixed T handle is made from high quality nickel plated, heat treated chrome vanadium steel.

Supplied with 7 contemporary bits 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and Torx, it’s also fully compatible with any standard ¼ bit, which is a refreshing change. These are held securely within the ends using neodymium magnets and there’s a handy pouch to keep everything in. No excuse for losing anything, unless the cat decides to sweep them from the workbench and to the least accessible point!

 

While my initial rummage through the spares drawer for off cuts of track chain might’ve seemed in vain, the arrival of some titanium polishes and the Univega’s recent post upgrade has stirred an unexpected revival.

The Ilpompino’s otherwise excellent perch has been substituted for this Brooks Colt pattern with titanium rails. A lick of nourishing food to the Australian cowhide and it coordinates beautifully with the equally pleasing Bobbin wrap https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/bobbin-leather-bar-tape.

 

This sits atop the super refined Thudbuster St for now…I’ve given the Ti bottle cage a quick polish, replaced the high volume Lezyne micro floor drive for its high pressure sibling. Right, that’s me done for now. Wonder how that clump of dried earth got lodged in its right hand issi pedal….