Stopping, Hauling, Stems & Stubborn Rubber

 

Having tamed the rogue rear stopper and rack/trailer compatibility, I decided it was time to switch the rear Specialized Crossroads EX for the Nutrak Vee Swift Frenzy for the full experience. Again, I was so grateful for the Cyclo Advanced Tyre Fitting and Removal Tool, since they've proven a very stubborn fit from the packet.

Unclear at this stage whether they'll relax any with time and use. I should point out I was able to mount them to The Ryde Sputnik, but not the Mavic X17, although this also presented an opportunity to tweak the Ryde’s Shimano XT hub bearings- I’d set them a little tight during the last overhaul and hadn’t made time to correct this until now. On went a fresh 12-28 cassette, since I was there, for super convenient exchanges.

It will be a few months before I can arrive at any definite conclusions in any case, especially when it comes to their prowess in wet, muddy conditions. Nonetheless, thus far they're proving quite frisky and grippy across a multitude of surfaces. No cuts, or flats as yet, but all things being equal, I wouldn't expect so for at least a few hundred miles.

On the subject of durability, I was surprised to discover The Genetic Hi Grip Handlebar Tape Genetic Hi-Grip Handlebar Tape | cycling-not-racing had expired, or rather the EVA backing had separated from the top layer. Thankfully, I had silicones and others "in stock". I ultimately reached for this Selcoff, which looks and feels very similar to the Genetic.

I’d also decided to make a new shim for Denise’s Exposure Revo Dynamo Lamp mount- the old butyl bodge was looking a little tired and I’d found a better candidate while hunting some fasteners. Pruned and snugged to the recommended 3nm-one of those simple, yet strangely satisfying serendipitous jobs.    

The continued drought conditions also mean I've not been able to test the waterproof properties of this Lomo carry sack, which I'd been sent to pair with my Yak homage. The original carry bag, though made of a waterproof fabric, has stitched seams without welding or taping. Consequently, rain will always find its way inside-not ideal on a supermarket run, let alone a week’s tour.

 Staying with trailers a moment, I found an old front mudguard (fender to those of you in the US and Canada) and modified it slightly before securing via the trailer bed’s quick release and a couple of zip ties.  The M Part Ridge Rack is doing its thing competently and without fanfare-much as I’d expected.

I cited some issues with the design’s proportionately shorter arms, and I’d like to see a revision, but if your frame(s) didn’t have the full four-point mounts, there are neat alternatives to the humble and generally effective P-clips. Now, Ursula’s frame threads are in good shape thirty years down the line. 

However, if your chosen frame is otherwise good (maybe you had it refinished a couple of years back, but carrier threads are a bit weary), a seat clamp with rack mounts, such as this M Part could prove an inexpensive, reliable way forward. The other possible option is to have the threads repaired using a heli-oil kit. Personally, this could be tricky, since there's not a lot of metal here. I’d leave that to an experienced shop mechanic or framebuilder. Especially if you weren’t familiar and comfortable with tapping threads.

Thoughts have also returned to Ursula’s stem. The existing unit is functional, proves the 45-degree angle was correct in practice. However, it's also a little crude.

While indulging in some reader's rides type porn, I happened upon Velo Orange's Happy Stem, which is 45 degrees, available in silver or black and 90, or 110mm lengths. I'd be needing the 90mm, wanting the black and being want, rather than need, I'll defer gratification, shift some unwanted stuff on eBay and reflect accordingly. 

Otherwise, I'm very happy with the series of subtle revisions made over the past few months. I’ve experienced shoulder discomfort or many years. This was largely rectified through a bike fit back in 2008, which determined that my legs are of identical length, but my right femur is longer, creating an imbalance. Insoles certainly helped, but, like most of us, I’ve had the odd, sometimes brutal encounter with terra firma over the past forty years...

As my late father remarked, albeit in the context of motorcycling, it doesn’t matter how good a rider you are, or think you are, you will always come off. My left shoulder has communicated its frustration and disdain from time to time, requiring time on a therapists' table to rectify. Mercifully, not too frequently, nor is it indicative of a degenerative condition. Something that had crossed my mind, some years ago, since my late father struggled with fibromyalgia in the last years of his life.

Some people would suggest that regret is pointless. A standpoint I understand, since we cannot change the past, but we can change our relationship to it and not repeat the mistakes that led us to that point. On the plus side, I read people and situations very accurately and navigate accordingly,

Anecdotally, I have also noted an increase in people seemingly unable to listen and look beyond a dogmatic prejudice, or similar set of inaccurate assumptions. There have been many times in my life (on two wheels and elsewhere) where had I assumed, I would’ve been dead or left with life changing injuries.  That young woman walking along a dirt road…Is she in the third trimester of pregnancy, or is she packed with plastic explosive…       

I’ll close on a happier note with Steve’s review of POC’s Cadence Jersey  POC Cadence Jersey Mens' | cycling-not-racing  and Leatt’s Therma Flow Hoodie 3.0 Leatt MTB ThermaFlow Hoodie 3.0 | cycling-not-racing

 

 

Progress & Priorities

 

On some levels and to some extent, everything in life is a work in progress. That out of the way, I was still being taunted by the intermittent brake tickling and concluded everything was otherwise correctly aligned...Perhaps the outer housing from lever to first cable stop was fractionally too short... 

I'd had plenty of compression-less outer and had earmarked inner cable replacement, so an obvious thing to rule out and a simple fix. Something that came to mind during that meditative mid- ride phase.  

I've also been contemplating the rack and trailer compatibility conundrum.

One potential solution was to fit an adaptor that would raise the racks' legs, providing the necessary clearance without compromising the rack's payload. Now, I'm talking a high quality, properly machined stainless/6061 aluminium alloy, not the sort made from cheese. However, closer inspection of the Topeak’s “foot” revealed this a non-starter. Some folks recounted shaving metal from the foot with their trusty Dremel…Nope, not for me. Besides, braking was my primary focus-this needed to be right before we're tethering trailers.

The solution came courtesy of Madison cycles and a M Part Ridge rack. Weighing 624g, it's a single tier design loosely reminiscent of Blackburn's MTN. One that served me well until its demise while riding through Forest Gate (E7) late summer 1999. Credit to Blackburn, they honoured their lifetime warrantee and I received a replacement. The Ridge is made from 10mm 6061 aluminium rod, comes complete with a no quibble 5-year warrantee and a respectable 25kilo maximum payload.

Designed for disc brakes, it employs adjustable legs and oodles of calliper clearance without the "feet" which preclude trailer fitment. There's a solid top plate doubling as a mudguard for easy porting of rack bags and loose stuff captured by a cargo net. Stainless steel fasteners are another nice, corrosion-resistant touch. However, I found the arms too short for Ursula, preventing it sitting level, so switched them for the  Topeak's. 

Single tier models can make pairing of panniers and trunk bags less convenient than their two-tier counterparts and means weight is also positioned a little higher. All things being equal and in the everyday sense, I've never had any major issues lugging 20-litre panniers with Blackburn and homages.     

One of the most faithful homages to the Blackburn MTN was produced by Bor Yeuh. I bought one over thirty years ago for £15 and it was very much bombproof and surprisingly well-finished. There’s an argument for using threadlock on fasteners, rather than grease-especially ahead of a tour. In these contexts, I’ve always carried a few spare nuts and bolts, should one make a bid for freedom. However, I didn’t have any medium strength threadlock to hand, so added a coating of Zefal Pro ii Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing, which should keep the elements out.

 These and other little fasteners are easily overlooked until you want to remove or adjust something. In a pinch, heavyweight wet lubes, or 10w/40 motor oil make passable grease substitutes, and I’ve found fasteners mobile a few months down the line. Nonetheless, for daily drivers and other mile munchers, re-greasing every six months or so remains best practice.  If in doubt, apply a quick squirt of MO94 Muc-Off MO94 Multi Use Spray | cycling-not-racing, GT85 GT85 ALL PURPOSE LUBRICANT, or similar maintenance spray (allowing it thirty seconds or so to penetrate) before introducing an Allen key-your frame threads will thank you.

 While rooting around in the spares boxes, I uncovered a set of solid axle mounts for the trailer. I’d acquired some along with the sprung hitch spares some years back. At that time, I’d been toying with Alfine and similar interplanetary (hub) transmissions. This never came to fruition. On a few occasions, I’ve tethered trailer and V2 fixed, primarily as part of wider product testing. Otherwise, gearing in the mid to high 70s isn’t synonymous with trailer tugging. However, 63inches might prove a better fit, should need arise.  

Using the Specialized Crossroads EX as a "control", I've done 250 miles with the Nutrak and found them grippy and relatively responsive, especially coming from 2.2-2.3-inch cross country rubber. Average speed across metalled road is 17mph against 14.5 with the Continental and CST Patrol in comparable conditions.  Even inflated to their maximum (65psi) they've felt supple and compliant without any trace of skittishness.

I'm experimenting with pressures and am forming the opinion that 50-55psi is the sweet spot for my tastes, but time, mileage and testing may say different. I'll be interested to see how they cope in gloopy mud, which may be a while off yet, given the long, hot and distinctly dry summer. My supposition is their narrower profiles, and tread pattern will crave through without clogging or causing mischief around the chainstays. 

From a personal perspective, I was delighted to find a 26x1.9 gravel tyre, alongside 700c and 650b, although I was curious as to whether Nutrak were seeking to tap into the quiet trend for mountain bike to gravel conversions. Something I raised with Madison when discussing the specifications.

 Now, they are intended as a tubeless setup, which is another nice touch for those running a conversion. They also proved a very tight fit, which is very welcome on a tubeless system, but calls for a decent tyre lever. This was particularly so when running them with a butyl tube- even aboard a very conventional cross-country rim. I was relieved to find my trusty Cyclo Advanced Tyre Removal and Fitting Tool worked its magic, saving considerable time, effort, blisters and agricultural language.  I am very particular about lending tools and there are some I will flat out refuse to let out of my sight. Said tyre wand falls firmly into this category, along with a Czech made headset press.     

Trailing Behind but Following the Plot

 

No, I’ve not taken the recumbent trike route, I’m referring to my mighty Bob Yak homage. I acquired mine in 2008 and ultimately sold my genuine Yak in 2009. Main reason being I preferred the homage’s hitch mount, which seemed more secure and less faffy than the Yak’s. The homage's grey finish wasn't bad by factory standards, but the boys at Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating blasted and treated it to a chrome effect powder coat makeover back in 2019.

Single-wheel designs with swing arms track very nicely, so impact upon handling is minimal-although don’t forget its there-especially if you’re navigating rush hour town centre traffic.

Both designs employ bargain basement, but serviceable wheels. Replacing the OEM knobbly tyre for something better quality and road-centric also makes a huge difference in terms of handling and rolling resistance.

I also needed to check the pattern skewer purchased a few months back was a precise fit. Spoiler alert, it was. Much to my relief, the trailer’s spring mechanism mated perfectly. Patterns have improved considerably- cleats being prime examples. However, they can still prove a lottery in the “fit where they touch” sense.  Ursula usually does the tugging duties and handsomely. However, Denise is a little sprightlier and aside from testing the pattern skewer, I was keen to see whether my theoretically optimal gearing held up in practice.

55psi all round, everything securely attached, I headed out in search of some dung- I’d spotted bags of the garden elixir dotting the roadsides at various points on earlier rides. Didn’t want to make a special trip, rather combine collection with a longer meander. Big ring and middle of the 11-25 block provided sufficient torque for 17mph cruising and save for some additional weight and the odd bounce when crossing battle-scarred tarmac, I wasn’t conscious of the trailer. 

I should also point out that I’d applied some Juice Lubes Slick Juice to the swing arm bearings and also took this opportunity to apply some Zefal Pro ii Grease Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing to the wheel’s quick-release skewer.  I was never keen on the mudguard-same applied to those fitted to Bob Yak’s, so removed it. I’m wondering whether a zip-tie “Arse Saver” type might be the way forward. I know there’s a couple in the spares boxes…

Huge bag of equine dung spotted, grabbed and carefully settled into the trailer; I about turned and set off along the lanes.  For the most part, the 36x26 and 11-28 block provide a decent amount of torque. However, a lower bottom gear-30-32 sprocket would be good insurance for the knees and longer ascents. I’d noted a couple of medium cage Tiagra Mechs, so indulged, since prices were favourable.

 Oh, that reminds me, a parking brake of some description is always a good bet when pulling over to stop. Scrap inner tube isn’t glamourous but easily carried and very effective.  A rubber O-ring mount-typically found on lights, computers etc is a more discreet option for engaging a brake and holding the plot steady.   

I’d been getting some decent miles in with the Leatt Trail 6.0 Clip In shoes and have been pleasantly surprised by their blend of power transfer, walkability and breathability. However, they are a little hefty. While comparing their soles with some others loosely of the trail genre, I decided it was time to compare and contrast, so switched to these FLR MXT Vibram Trail Shoes    FLR MXT Vibram Trail Shoes | cycling-not-racing .

These are a narrower design with slightly stiffer soles, which translates as improved power transfer. Trail in this instance is closer to gravel and rough stuff touring rather than mountain biking ( That said; I’ve used them to good effect in the latter context). Continuing this narrative, the soles perform equally well on narrower pedal platforms, such as these Shimano XTShimano Deore XT PD-M8100 Pedals | cycling-not-racing  and Wellgo MO94B WELLGO MO94B SPD PEDALS | cycling-not-racing  and Leatt’s Endurance 6.0 Clip In Pedals Leatt Endurance 6.0 Clip in Pedals | cycling-not-racing.

The Leatt and similarly broad models with more compliant soles are arguably the best union with designs such as this M530 and PED ED500 Shimano PD ED 500 Pedals | cycling-not-racing  . Temperatures in the mid-thirties lead me to conclude the Leatt Trail 6.0 have an edge on the breathability and comfort front, but I’ve never felt unduly toasty in either. No hot-spots or similar discomfort, for that matter.

Elsewhere, I was surprised to discover that the Cyclo Advanced Tyre Removal Tool has ceased production. Definitely one of my favourites and all the more disappointing since I’ve lost the head on mine. However, Weldite had one doing something close to nothing, so graciously sent one my way. Just as well, since I found the Nutrak Swift Frenzy impossible to fit with traditional levers. By contrast, the Cyclo steamrollered them aboard effortlessly.

I’m running Specialized’s Crossroads EX at the rear as a control for now and will go this route for 150 miles or so. At 683g, they’re slightly lighter than the 2.25 section CST patrol but rolling resistance, especially on metalled road is palpably lower.  The tread pattern is very gravel-specific and reminiscent of WTB Nano TCS  WTB Nano TCS Tyre | cycling-not-racing, so it’ll be interesting to see how they cope across the board, particularly in muddy conditions...