New Cassette Then...

  

Look through any forum on the internet, raise the topic with any group of riders and you will get a bewildering array of opinion when it comes to drivetrain life. Much will depend upon how meticulous your maintenance is, riding context and to some extent, rider weight/riding style. Mountain biking/gravel, rough stuff touring and winter are going to chew through chains and cassettes at a much faster rate than those belonging to best bikes brought out on sunny days.  

Rule of thumb and with generally good maintenance (Clean chains, lightly lubed and replaced at.75 wear) I get through three chains to every cassette.  

Shifting had suddenly gone off-phantom stuff, so hustling along the backroads at 5am, I reasoned cable stretch the most obvious culprit, so I tweaked the barrel adjuster. Seemed better for a while but still phantom shifting under load. Chain was well within acceptable tolerances, but closer inspection of the cassette suggested this was the culprit. In fairness, it’s been chugging along since May 2019, so didn’t owe me anything.  

A rummage through the transmission box revealed two new chains but only a part worn 9spd cassette, which was of no use, so consigned to the bin, along with its 10speed counterpart. It makes good sense to buy chains, cassettes and other consumables in multiples-two of each, so there’s no dramas when the bike shop’s shut.  

Particularly when they’re cheap...While the global supply shortage seems to have eased slightly, getting hold of things, especially at the right price is still proving trickier than before. I went for another Tiagra since these seem to strike the best balance between performance and economy. I’ve never liked Shimano chains, so KMC, SRAM etc are my defaults. 12-28 is pretty much ideal, given the build’s brief.   

On the plus side, the replacement arrived within 24hours, which was totally unexpected. These Muc-Off mechanics gloves had arrived just an hour before. On went the cassette! I also discovered the Univega’s front Continental Contact Speed reflex was pancake flat, courtesy of an easily spotted flint embedded in the shoulder.  

Not a nasty cut, but one that needed filling with superglue, nonetheless. At present they are wearing at the expected rate and across the centre strip Tube switched; job done. An ideal opportunity to polish the frameset, check and clean the brake pads, clean the rim side walls with a medium stiff brush etc.    

The chain was still in very good health, so I’ve stuck with it for time being. Judging by the analogue gauge, at present rate, I should get another five hundred miles, (3 weeks or so) from it, then I’ll consign it to the bin and so the cycle will continue.  

I’d got past the 500miles on a single application of the Muc-Off –50 chain lube, which does transfer quite easily to hands but less readily than many wet lubes I’ve used in the past. No worse than Weldtite TF2 Performance All Weather Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-performance-all-weathe , which is a comparator in terms of viscosity and operating range (also reckoned very good in freezing temperatures). I’ve also grown fond of the Ravemen TR50 Rechargeable Rear Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ravemen-tr50-rear-light      

The ongoing pandemic and localised lockdowns has made travel and touring a more considered affair. Cicerone’s guide to riding Hadrian's cycleway could provide useful inspiration https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cycling-hadrian-s-cycleway  

 

If It Ain't Broke Fettle It Anyway

  

It may come as little surprise that I am fighting every urge to perform another bar switch... Swapping the Soma Condor for its successor, the Condor 2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars . Rationally, I know the Univega’s setup is bang on, yet still I feel compelled. I’ve swapped back to these long serving, dual sided XLC pedals though.

Build quality seems better than many SPD homages I’ve owned; or tested over the past twenty-five years. The white powder coated finish is particularly hardy, showing surprisingly few battle scars, several years down the line.  

Flipping and clipping with the otherwise likeable single-sided Wellgo (say at Junctions) had become uncharacteristically faffy. It also proved an ideal opportunity, to test the Soma Woodie 20 function multi tool’s 8mm cap.

I’ve never been a fan of the cap type that fit atop the 5 or 6mm key. Most fit fine and do the job. On the flip side, they are easily lost to the lawn, or undergrowth. Torque was better than I was expecting, given the relatively stubby 6mm host. liberally greased threads certainly help.  

Decided to clean and strip the Univega’s drivetrain. Nothing exotic this time, a rag dipped in white spirit remains a very efficient exorcist. I reached for Zefal Wet Pro Lube, primarily, because I wanted a ride that evening, so needed something “drizzle n’ go”. Pro wet is best described as a middleweight blend.

In terms of tenacity, I strongly suspect it won’t rival the hell n’ high water favourites (including Weldtite TF2 Extreme Wet, or Finish Line Cross Country Wet lubes). That said; its less syrupy than the former, yet stocky enough for protecting electroplated fasteners from taint and tarnish.

Staying with Zefal, a moment, the French brand has also sent us their Pulse Z2 side-entry cage. A composite side entry model, its designed to be switched round, to suit the rider’s dominant hand.

Side entry cages are also intended to overcome the problem of carrying two trade size bottles in a small main triangle. On this occasion, ours has replaced the Vel, which succumbed to sudden and unexpected fatigue. A lost cause. Even Theromoworx Whitemorph couldn’t fix, or modify satisfactorily https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/thermoworx-whiemorph  The Zefal Pulse Z2 composites do feel much sturdier, so we’ll see how it fares, in the coming weeks and months.

According to the tabloid press, the UK is due to get another bitterly cold winter. The coldest for 30 years, according to some sources. These lubes and the Schwalbe Winter Spike tyres are on standby, just in case. Meantime, the Univega will sport its Schwalbe Marathon Mondial Double Defense tyres https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-mondial-tyres  . Unless other testing options present, or disaster strikes, my fixed gear winter/trainer will retain its Tioga City Slicker and Schwalbe Marathon GT pairing https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres   . Both are very dependable and handle very nicely, even when the roads are paved with a slimy cocktail of derv and bovine dung.

Dusk officially starts at 1900hrs and Sun rise 7.15, so lighting is also becoming a major focus. K-Lite Bikepacker Ultra systems aside, I’ve just received Knog Cobber Mid Rear light. Middle child of the Cobber family, it’s reckoned to produce a 330degree arc, and 170 lumens, top whack. I’ve mounted ours to seat-stays by using the Cobber’s aero seat post bracket.

120 miles, and four rides in, its too early to reflect on run times but in terms of output, the mid should suit most people’s needs, even tag-alongs. Would be tempted to plump for the big Cobber, on a low-slung touring trailer, like my Yak homage. Maybe I’m just being over cautious…Let’s see what the following weeks bring.    

I’m also switching over to heavier duty threads. Now conditions are recognisably autumnal, I’ve defaulted to middleweight  layers, jerseys (including this Prendas Cyclismo Paris Bordeaux https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/prendas-ciclismo-long-sleeve-jersey . ¾ length bib longs strike the best balance still.

Ample protection to the knees and vital organs, yet still temperate around 15 degrees. Primal Dawn Bib Knickers remain firm favourites https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/primal-dawn-men-s-bib-knickers  

Oxford Bright 4.0 Waterproof Cycle gloves have also been resurrected. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-1 These are another bridge garment. Not waterproof, in the impervious sense but they offer decent defence against moderate rain and chill. Last but certainly not least, I’ve been putting these Follow Hollow Performance Alpaca Socks. 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/briandavis/performance-alpaca-socks  

80% baby alpaca yarn, 15% nylon and 5% spandex, they’re made in the USA and I’ve been suitably impressed by their performance. Several weeks and hundreds of miles later, I’m forming the opinion they have an edge on Merino when it comes to temperature control and moisture management. Stay tuned for the full review.

Lock-rings are Like Busses....

I’d been waiting ten days for one, then, in alignment with Murphy’s law, two arrived-a day apart. Some of you will be thinking hmm, couldn’t you just use a cassette lock-ring, after all they tighten using the same tool? Yup; got curious and took that route, with one from a 12tooth cassette but can confirm incompatibility.

No matter, a lick of Park PL1 grease, nipped 40nms tight, wheels were swapped, and testing of the Halo/ShutterPrecision SL9 commenced.

Size was the SV9’s initial draw. I was curious to see how it compared to the SV8. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-rim-and-shutter-dynohub-disc-b  Some Audax and winter roadies were impressed with the SV8’s output. Several commented they would want something sleeker than this and other, more traditional dynohubs.

According to the Shutter Precision blurb, the SL9 is an improvement on its predecessors, achieving similar output and lower resistance in a more compact package.

A moot point with smaller wheels, its been suggested there may be some loss of output on 700c builds, depending on other factors, such as lamp output/quality. I’m yet to notice any drop thus far but we’ll see what presents in the next 400 miles or so. 

In other respects, the wheel arrived true and very well tensioned, with no hint of pinging, or similarly disconcerting sounds, associated with bedding-in.

Stark contrast to the Teenage Dream’s Mavic Ma2/Campagnolo Athena wheelset, bought mail order, back in 1991. Right from the first few pedal strokes, those stainless spokes were pinging n’ popping for the first five miles. I let them bed in for a week, or so, then headed to my local wheel builder, for a quick tune up.

Admittedly, said machine doesn’t do massive mileages, at least compared with my Univega and working fixed. However, 27 years hence, they’re still serving me well enough, so can’t’ve been too badly built!

Back to the SP, I will alternate between the Trelock https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/trelock-ls960i-dynamo-front-light  and Exposure Revo (MK1) lamps, see how the hub behaves over the coming month, 400 miles. With autumn’s silent, incremental creep, I’m working through summer kit, treating the KA’s chassis and underside with home brewed Waxoyl and contemplating the winter riding wardrobe.

The working bikes chains are presently dressed in this Weldtite TF2 advanced ceramic chain wax. Now, there will be some of you, who will say wax lubes can be made for literally pennies, at home using a mix of candle wax, Xylene and other solvents. True and I’ve been very impressed by this backyard alchemy.

However, these are very volatile and could very well result in a major, life changing explosion. DISCLAIMER: ANY BACKYARD ALCHEMY IS PERFORMED ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

If price is your sole motivator, buy five litres of basic 15w/40 motor oil and apply half a capful to your chain(s) wipe away the excess fastidiously and clean contaminant from the side plates, on a weekly basis. Cleanliness, low maintenance and indeed, low friction are the main draws of wax lubes.

With the traditional/emulsion types, contaminant became embedded and then flaked away, leaving a thin layer of lubricant behind. Fine in dry, dusty conditions, they were easily dismissed come the first hint of a shower.  

More recent, sophisticated formulas tend to run cleaner in the first instance and are becoming increasingly durable. So far, I’ve done 250miles on the first helping, in changeable, although primarily dry conditions.

I am expecting it to cruise past the 400mile marker, without relenting. Cleanliness, is closer to Smoove Universal Chain Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/smoove-universal-chain-lube-summer-  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tf2    rather than its TF2 counterpart. There is some modest contaminant and a 10hour curing period won’t suit everyone, but on the plus side, it seems more resilient.  

I’m naturally intrigued as to its longevity during precipitation and general seasonal dampness. Given forecasters are promising an Indian Summer, it may well be in evidence several weeks down the line.

Suddenly September

 

September has arrived, with different, though very positive energy. Some people feel a sense of sadness, as the leaves turn auburn but for me, it’s always been a time of optimism. From a journalist’s perspective, it’s time for trade shows and exciting new kit.

Testing takes on a new dimension too. The weather is still temperate and relatively kind to components, yet changeable enough to keep things interesting. Longer, steady night rides, or the usual routes take on a new character, with changing light and temperature. That said; conditions still permit lightweight, friction busting, dirt phobic chain lubes. Since we’re on the subject, the Weldtite TF2 Ultra dry wax is holding up pretty well and as I’d expect, running very clean.

There’s no such thing as the wrong weather, rather it’s the wrong kit.

Twenty years ago, high power rechargeable lights commended £200. No longer does this mean a heavy lead acid battery that consumed a bottle cage. A 900 lumen compact torch light, such as this Xeccon spear costs less than £60 and in the highest setting, will still run for 90minutes from a fully juiced 2600amh, replaceable cell.

At the other extreme, there’s a town friendly, cell sipping 230 lumen mode, reckoned to deliver 6hrs 30 minutes from a full charge. I haven’t verified this, or the claims of 35 hours in strobe. Now, I’m fully aware that auction site specials, capable of twice this output (on paper) fuelled by relatively small lithium ion battery packs, can be had for £20.

Sure, they’re bright but the quality of output isn’t necessarily that good, thanks to basic lens and reflector. Similarly, although many are offering a 500lumen and strobe settings, the former is still overkill for suburban contexts. Again, being someone who does a lot of miles along pitch black lanes, I’m intrigued by those boasting big numbers.

I was particularly impressed last year, by Moon meteor storm pro https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/moon-meteor-storm-pro-front-light The Xeccon spear is very reminiscent of Moon LX760 that we also tested in Seven Day Cyclist last autumn. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/moon-lx760-front-light  It uses the same Cree XM2 diode and follows a similar shape. However, they are two very distinct lights.

Some folks suggest this genre have off road potential. In the sense of a quick forest or tow path short cut, perhaps. However, the hybrid spot and floods beam is best for asphalt. Stay tuned to Seven Day Cyclist www.sevendaycyclist.com for a full and conclusive response. Elsewhere, at the other end, I’ve been warming to the Xeccon Mars 60.

It’s termed a smart light and you’d be forgiven for thinking it was 60 lumens. There’s truth in both statements but it’s a bit more complex. Smart refers to the “Braking” function.

Regardless, which of the five modes you’ve chosen, it detects motion. Slowing down defaults to the 60lumen, steady mode, which is very intense at close quarters. Outside of that, 40 lumens is tops and more than sufficient for open roads. 20, or erven 10 is more appropriate for town, especially given the braking default I’ve just mentioned.

Elsewhere, September/October are prime times for bike prep. Give frames and components a decent helping of high quality wax preserve, ditto shoes, saddles. There’s been sufficient precipitation, the odd storm too, giving me the opportunity to see just how effective the Crankalicious leather lacquer and crisp frame hybrid frame wax are.

Both are convenient, dare I say, nice to apply. Crisp is reckoned to last 4months between applications. That’s true of many formulas-perfect when bikes are being put into seasonal hibernation, or during less taxing riding conditions, so I’m looking forward to seeing just how it holds up. 

Metal frames also benefit from a moderate helping of internal, oil based preserve. Commercially available aerosols are convenient and for the most part, very effective. They are cheap to manufacture and recipes vary.

Mine, developed over the past twenty three years; is made from old/job lot candles, solvent and semi synthetic motor oil. A small quantity poured inside the seat tube, distributed evenly around the frame’s inner sanctum should be sufficient.

Adding more solvent will achieve a spray able consistency but since I also use it to preserve my mk1 KA’s chassis and underside, the brush-on blend goes further, creates less clean up and ultimately, suits my purposes best.

Bearing in mind, these can also seal moisture in (the last thing you want) they should only be applied while the days are relatively temperate and arid. DISCLAIMER Such “metal medicine” is made and used entirely at your own risk. I will not be held responsible for any accident/damage however caused. If in doubt, buy commercially available products and seek professional advice.

Carbon composites don’t corrode, or deteriorate in the same fashion but they are very effective conductors. Bottom bracket sleeves, derailleur hangers and other areas are typically aluminium alloy.

Aside from treating painted and lacquered surfaces to decent quality waxes, strip the headset, bottom bracket, derailleur and skewers. Treat these to a stout, high quality ceramic/polymer grease to prevent galvanic corrosion (seizure of different metals) and other unnecessary misery later on.  

Petrochemicals aren’t kind to rubberised seals, or suspension linkages either. I’ve found a drop of Green Oil slip https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/green-oil-slip-eco-lubricant https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/green-oil-eco-spray-lube, or their eco-spray lube, perfect for small bushings/similar components.  On that note, I’m off to prepare for a trade show and put some more lights through their paces.