A few weeks back, I established the Soma
Condor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma
swap was the icing on my Univega’s cake.
No change in several hundred miles, since. However, the reclaimed Lizard Skins
DSP bar tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/lizard-skins-dsp
was beginning to look slightly tired in
places. Time was when a cable change meant the bar wrap (especially budget) was
also bin fodder. Most bar tapes seem tolerant
of being re/wound, even after they’ve weathered a bit.
Shot peened or sand blasted handlebars also seem to
assist adhesion. However, the former process is generally employed to subvert
potential stress fractures. The progressive availability of naturally sticky
silicone wraps, including the Acros Silicone Wrap Handlebar Tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/acros-silicone-wrap-handlebar-tape?03991cc70fae5915&1a5858d9151d7237&455dde74ef8b80c5&4f3abceb41656d72&632cba28282213
and Genetic https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-silicone-bar-wrap
are easily rewound and reapplied
following cable changes and are otherwise durable, too.
As an anecdotal average, I seem to get three cable
changes from a mid to upper end adhesive backed bar tape. Around three thousand
miles before the material begins looking jaded; loses its specialist properties;
or shows more serious signs of fatigue. Leather is more durable (and usually
with a consummate price tag).
With periodic use of hide food (which keeps the
leather nourished and supple) I’ve had three years and six cable changes before
contemplating replacement. Obviously not an option for vegan riders and often slippery
to start with. Silicone and sophisticated polymer wrap also requires more care
when cleaning.
Strong solvents and stiff brushes with often strip their
coatings, or age them prematurely. I’ve found this Oxford Tyre Scrub https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-products-tyre-scrub
and Duck Smart The Black Stuff Chain Cleaner an excellent combination, for lifting ingrained grime. That said; we are talking
a gentle, sustained pressure here.
Extra UK www.extrauk.co.uk have kindly sent me this Fizik Vento Microtex
Tacky Tape to test. According to Fizik, the Vento family are “Race bred tapes
for ultimate control and reduced weight”. Apparently “The tacky film surface
with raised texture facilitates grip in every condition”.
Its 2mm (compared with the Lizard Skins DSP’s
2.5mm) so the comparison will be interesting. Fizik also suggest the smaller
density benefits riders with smaller hands. I have long willowy digits, so the latter
benefit may be lost on me. However, on paper it’s a tangible benefit.
There’s a definite knack to achieving graceful
flowing lines. Bind carefully, patiently and when free of distraction. Unless
of course, you’re a pro mechanic. Now pedants will say black and white are
shades, not colours.
I wasn’t sure whether the white would blend
successfully with the Univega’s cream and black two-tone theme. However, by my
reckoning, with the SPD pedals, Orp smart horn https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/orp-smart-horn and mudguard detailing, it works a treat. Some
minor points aside, I’ve also reached my conclusions regarding the Prendas Ciclismo
Lisboa Waterproof Cycling Cap https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/prendas-ciclismo-lisboa-waterproof-
Continuing this waste not, want not narrative, I’ve
decided to run the Weldtite TF2 All Weather Performance Lubricant for the time being, see how
many miles I can accumulate, before switching to the Juice Lubes Ceramic. The former is a mix of ISO oils, additives and PTFE, which keeps
friction remarkably low.
Presumably it’s the additives keeping it stable in
all temperatures. A Canadian rider reckons it’s the first lube he’s used,
capable of remaining effective at minus 32 degrees. Viscosity also lends it
very nicely to cleat/locking mechanisms, as a corrosion inhibitor for
electroplated fasteners and even frame-ends.
PTFE is both friend and foe. The ubiquitous
slippery compound is dirt cheap and very effective, in the friction busting
stakes. Its also relatively toxic, hence I minimise my own exposure. Latex
examination gloves are donned when applying greases and often when stripping
lubes. Where possible, I avoid using PTFE based chain lubes in contexts where
I’m riding close to rivers and similar waterways.
Lighting permitting, I’ve always found myself
riding faster at night and I’ve concluded it’s psychological. Gradients become
smaller because you cannot perceive their size, in the same fashion you would,
during daylight. Focus is upon maintaining a decent tempo. Dark roads also
inspire a more reflective mood.
A means of processing complex thoughts and ideas. I
usually return from a ride feeling energised and with a new sense of
perspective. Copy I’ve been struggling with, often seems to write itself. I
have recently been coming to terms with my elderly farm cat’s demise. Kidney
and cardiovascular failure forced the issue. All we can ask for is a fulfilling life and a
merciful end. He had both.
I’m also an introvert. A much maligned and
misunderstood personality type. Contrary to popular misconception, introverts
are not shy, or socially awkward. People intrigue me and I consider myself
adept at reading people and their motivations. Engaged, loquacious and
emotionally intelligent, in professional contexts, I also need time to retreat
and recharge. Long steady night rides are an obvious conduit.
