Tyre Switched & Hubs Revisited

 

 With the leaves and rain beginning to fall, creating their unique mulch, I decided to switch Denise from the Continental Terra Competition Trail The Continental Terra Competition Trail | cycling-not-racing to the Maxxis Rambler Maxxis Rambler Tubeless Ready Tyres | cycling-not-racing and Ravager Maxxis Ravager TR Tyres | cycling-not-racing, simply because I could. The other thing prompting this switch was a desire to run the Shutter Precision SL9 hoop, giving me time to strip and replace the Ultegra's bearings. I'd previously opened the hub and decided to re-pack with fresh grease as an interim measure but felt a deeper dive was in order. Afterall, that's what spare wheels are for...

Mercifully, it all went very smoothly, with a little help from two 17mm spanners, a magnetic bit, some clean rag, solvent and fresh ball bearings. Races seem fine-no pitting or similar woes. Given time was pressing and light was fading, I went for the Zefal Pro ii grease Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing . It was plugged into my finish line grease gun, so quick and convenient to deliver. Besides, its seemingly very durable, which is another crucial factor. For the time being, I’ll run the Evura/SL9  HALO EVURA & SHUTTER PRECISION SL9 DYNOHUB BUILD and enjoy the welcome tag team of lower weight and resistance.

I was initially convinced the Dh-3n71 would be 9 bearings per side, but counted 10 and replaced ten, before having the creeping suspicion there should be 11- not that I could see a means of packing 11 3/16" into the races. Having checked the manual, I was relieved to have ten confirmed. On the subject of bearings, while new budget balls are better than worn high grade balls, I've genuine Shimano, rather than risking something lower grade that will wear faster and besides, at £2.99 for 20, there's no financial incentive to do otherwise.   

Someone waved an XT crankset under my nose for less than £100 and the sensual sweet temptress from the upgrade dimension was definitely whispering in my ear. However, the voice of reason and fiscal prudence spoke louder. Undeniably tempting, the existing Deore setups feature steel rings, which are-all things being equal, more durable. Significant on bikes ridden year-round, in all weathers. Money that could be better spent on chains, cassettes and other consumables. 

30^th October marked the 40^th anniversary of me collecting my first Holdsworthy Claud Butler - a pivotal point in my life generally and cycling journey, specifically. Cycling has been one of the few constants throughout my life, which has had many changes and deviations from my anticipated scripts and trajectories.  Testing and fun aside, I reflect a lot on life and process all manner of stuff in the saddle. Thoughts and matters that can be worked through, processed and left out on the road. 

The present situation in France where legitimate protest is being hijacked by those with no interest in improving conditions in education, hell bent on destroying buildings and infrastructure. Some I suspect funded by foreign money, some fuelled by mindless violence and some seeing an opportunity to build a social media presence. One that in turn leveraged to make money. This aside, how is destruction of this kind, which will take years to rebuild and paid for through taxation-assuming sufficient monies can be raised going to profit anyone…

Ravemen have sent us some nice lights including this UR1700 front light and CL200 Rear. I was curious to see how the UR1700 compared with Magicshine’s EVO 1700 Magicshine Evo 1700 Underneath Light | cycling-not-racing  and Gaciron Cetus Gaciron Cetus 1700 Underneath Bike Light | cycling-not-racing. The UR 1700 produces a maximum of 1700lumens and eight modes across high and low beam. Three steady-200,400 and 800lumens. Two flashing modes-a 400lumen pulse flash and 100lumen eco flash and of course, the 1700lumen high beam. On paper at least, this caters for most riding environments.

Given this setup and the hi/lo beam configuration, the remote isn’t an optimal extra, rather like a car’s, it will dazzle oncoming traffic, if you don’t dip. The flashing modes are also located in the low mode. These are easily located with the remote but a faff, using the light’s main switch.  

The CL200 is the biggest in the range with six modes, a stop-start sleep mode and a braking function. In terms of flashing, we have a 200-lumen warning flash, 100lumen rapid flash, 3 lumen slow flash. Steady translates as 20, 10 and 5 lumens. Ravemen claim a maximum run time of 160hours, fully charged.  The lens projects a 300-degree arc of light, which theoretically prevents any stealth moments-say when negotiating roundabouts. IPX6 weather resistance is now the norm and bodes well for longevity, ditto the 1 metre drop resistance.    

This CL series also uses the same quarter turn mount, which looks similar to that employed by Magicshine and others but having experimented, I can confirm the pattern is different, so not interchangeable. However, second/replacements start at £4.99. The saddle rail mount isn't proving a universal fit. (Not that others are). That said; it is very secure.

Staying with Magicshine a moment, while testing the Ray3000 Endurance Bike Light With ANT+ Magicshine Ray 3000 ANT+ | cycling-not-racing, I resurrected a Ray 2600 from 2001. I’d whipped it aboard Ursula’s bars and was running it as backing singer to the K-Lite Bike Packer Pro V2 K LITE BIKEPACKER PRO V2 FRONT LIGHT | cycling-not-racing/daytime running light. Unlike some, the Ray2600 employs a wired remote and curiosity saw me rummaging through the remotes drawer. I unearthed another USB-C remote, plugged it into the port. My hunch it would work proved correct, so an alternative, should the OEM unit prove a little short for wider drops. Either way, I tether these inboard on the hoods for convenience and protection from everyday knocks, not to mention a spill.  I’ve also resurrected these Salice Glasses Salice 026 RW Glasses | cycling-not-racing since they offer an amber lens to boost vision, regulating light and mood in dull, overcast conditions.  I'll close here with my review of the Magicshine Seemee400 ANT+The Magicshine Seemee 400 ANT+ | cycling-not-racing 

Hubs & Helping Hands

 

Madison sent me this Shimano Nexus DH UR 700 3D Dynohub, which at 544g (including skewer) is 68g lighter than the venerable Alfine but 145g heavier than the Shutter Precision SD8 SHUTTER PRECISION SD8 HUB DYNAMO | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and noticeably weightier than the SL9. Experience suggests, used year-round I will return between 20,000 and 25,000miles (about 40233.6 km) from the Shutter Precision hubs before their bearings get the grumbles and they need returning to the factory.  

They certainly won’t owe anything by this point and chances are, running a rim brake, rim sidewalls may also be due their pensions. However, disc brakes extend the life of rim sidewalls considerably and the need to tear down a wheel to service the hub is more frustrating.  

Fond of the SP units, I’m wondering if the contact, rather than labyrinth seals used in Shimano units are the culprits. I left it and a 700c Ryde Sputnik rim with Mick Madgett. The Sputnik is a tough touring rim, which may be overkill for my needs in many regards, I prefer a little overbuild, especially on bikes in daily, winter or gravel service.   

This Shimano Nexus follows the contemporary 6v3watt spec. An aluminium coil structure saves weight. Cup and cone bearing races are treated with Borozon for mirror finished bearing races. A notable improvement over the loveable Alfine and Shutter Precision are the labyrinth seals and internal grease seals.  

These better lock out the elements and the grease in. The nicely machined aluminium hub shell continues this narrative and has a double anodised finish that, if the UN71 is any gauge, should keep its looks and the shell free of corrosion for many years. Provided of course, you periodically give it a good clean, especially during winter where road salt can even chomp through anodising. I’ve whipped a WTB Nano aboard and will get some miles in aboard Denise and will probably switch to my fixed gear winter trainer, as the days become darker and wetter.    

I’m still being sent some nice summer kit. Most notably, this Madison Roam Men’s Short Sleeve Jersey. My experience of the Roam range is generally very positive. It’s what I’d call a crossover range, making easy transition between road, touring and gravel cum trail duties. Their cargo bib shortsMadison Roam Men's Cargo Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), gloves Madison Roam Gloves | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and 2.5layer jacketMadison Roam 2.5 Layer Waterproof Jacket | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  . 

The jersey follows this narrative. Available in moss green, or lake blue, there are three large open top rear pockets, a zippered end terrace for cash, keys and other small valuables coupled with a mesh “dump” pocket, which I’m told is for bunging rogue bits n’ bobs mid ride. Made from 85%polyester 15% polyamide it also features a mesh channel between the shoulder blades to encourage rapid moisture transfer. A decent size zipper tag continues the easy climate control narrative, silicone zippers ensure it doesn’t gather and ride up-especially hunkered down on the drops with bigger loads en tow.  

Oxford has also sent me their Mint Assembly Grease. It’s actually a multi-purpose formula for slow speed applications, headset, hub and other bearings being obvious candidates. However, it's also safe to apply on threads and stanchions. I wasn’t surprised to learn it's carbon safe, although obviously, employ gripper pastes, never grease carbon components.  

There is also a lithium component for durability. I’m not the biggest fan of old-fashioned lithium greases, since they’re not kind to modern composites and rubberised components- seals and suspension being prime examples. Now, the Minty Assembly Grease isn’t a lithium prep but does have a lithium part for durability. With autumn and winter around the corner, it will be interesting to see how well it fares against washout.  

Staying with the washing theme, Denise was filthy after a week or so spent traversing wet, mucky lanes. This impacted grime coincided with the arrival of this Green Oil Massive Brush. It is HUGE and features a wooden handle and biodegradable bristle plot.  Time for a sudsy bucket deep clean...  

Unlike their Standard Bike Brush (which is best for wheels, spokes, cranks and pedals) the bristles are designed for tackling the entire bike. Formative impressions suggest the bristles are soft enough for painted, plated and lacquered surfaces. I’m certainly warming to it, but as usual intensive workshop use will reveal more. I was pleasantly surprised to find Denise’s KMC chain still hovering below the .5 mark. I may well get another month before it collects its pension.     

Right, I’ll close here with my review of the Magicshine EVO1700 Underneath Mounted Bike Light Magicshine Evo 1700 Underneath Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)