I long ago switched off from
tired cliché’s about life being what we make it (primarily since it’s a blanket
statement and life is far more nuanced). Afterall, if this simple rhetoric were
true, the hardest working people would have the biggest rewards…
This also the season for boiler
bother and I found myself needing to tweak our Grant combi to bring heating and
hot water back on track. Well, I had to clean the fixed seemingly every other ride,
courtesy of wet, greasy and increasingly cold conditions…Much as we’d expect
from later November onward.
This environment also consumes
things like brake pads and chains with consummate, dare we say frightening
ease, so I decided it was time to stock up on some more pads, chains and the
odd tube and batteries before Christmas. They’re bound to reach retirement while
the shops are shut.
Wheels and tyres are also taxed,
since wet, freezing conditions contributes to road erosion potholes, sharps and
other nasties are more readily worked in as we ride. For this reason, I err
towards reliability and overbuild on working, mountain and winter bike
wheelsets. I want to enjoy the ride with
nominal mechanical issues and in due course, stay temperate. I’m very fond of Muffin’s Continental Contact
Plus and Vittoria Adventure tech paring and given the risk of icy conditions,
the Schwalbe Marathon Winter spikes stay on Denise’s hoops.
It should be obvious that this is
not a substitute for regular cleaning, inspection and maintenance.
I’ve added a cable tie to the
Sidi Algor’s zipper tags, which has made drawing the zipper fully home
significantly quicker and easier. I’ve also needed to adjust the rear Zefal G50
Gravel guard slightly-just a question of slackening the two 5mm Allen screws, moving
the guard slightly and snugging down-2.5nm (or bottle cage screw territory).
Talking of bottle cages, I also decided to switch the bottle cages again and
like the red on teal contrast.
After 330 miles, (260 on the fixed) the
Muc-Off C3 Ceramic All Weather Lube was still doing its thing, albeit a bit
filmy. I’ve given side plates a wipe with a rag dipped in solvent and topped up,
leaving it curing overnight, rather than the four hours cited. I was also pleasantly surprised by how little
gunge clung to the derailleur jockey wheels.
For more intense drivetrain cleaning, I’m a big fan of brushes, less so chain baths, which can work very effectively but are fiddly. Besides, chances are, especially during winter, you’ll need to clean the rings and cassette too. Aside from the obvious need to remove congealed lube and potential contaminant, a lot of lubes can react badly with each other, if there are traces left behind. I'm quite impressed by this Oxford Chain Brush Pro Oxford Chain Brush Pro | cycling-not-racing
The Castelli Competizione Castelli
Competizione Men’s Bib Tights | cycling-not-racing bib tights have become
an unexpected default given the changing conditions and fluctuating
temperatures. They’re best in cool, dry contexts, although there’s similarly
priced competitors offering a DWR (Durable Water Repelling) coating, which can
extend comfort on wetter rides. I did add a wash-in product, while washing some
Gore Tex and this has extended the time I’ve remained dry, so that’s also an
option.
It's also worth saying that not
all permanent DWR coatings are particularly effective. I also prefer highly
water resistant, breathable garments, those that might allow some moisture
through, yet wick quickly. Back in the late 1980s, I used to be happy enough
with waist tights, but bibs are definitely the way forward, offering seamless
comfort and protection to the vital organs.
No issues of chill getting in,
should a jersey, or base layer gather slightly while you’re hunkered low on the
drops, battling those gusty winds. There have come and gone in the last couple
of weeks, reaching 60kmh at certain, exposed points.
I love booties during the winter
months, although they can feel a little cumbersome around the ankles and
cadence slightly remote, less so with the Shimano MW702 Shimano
MW7 (MW702) Gore Tex MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing slightly more so with
the Sidi Algor. This is quickly forgotten in the saddle and while the Algor
have some quirks, I appreciate their water resistance, grip and temperate inner
climate. The soles are also stiffer than their rating might imply, without
compromising the ability to walk gracefully. Staying with winter clothing,
Steve has been impressed by Castelli’s Estremo Gloves Castelli Estremo
Gloves | cycling-not-racing
