Das ist es

 

Winter is hard on everything, even the best maintained and prepared bicycles, motorcycles, cars etc. demand more owner involvement. Following my undignified, but thankfully inexpensive encounter with sheet ice, I’ve stuck with Ursula and spikes. It was tempting to shod Denise with the Schwalbe Marathon Winter, but conditions were too icy for the 120 spikes.  

Sure, they’d offer a decent amount of grip in less challenging conditions but waterlogged roads that had turned to sheet ice will fox mid- point 240 spikes. Even with 362 spikes, I was incredibly focused along one particular descent, holding the right (front) lever tentatively to scrub off some speed and stabilise but I didn’t deviate from my line and was hyper vigilant, especially entering the left-hand bend. No issues, no bib short soiling, but I didn’t want another tangle with terra firma. Subsequent outings saw me take the longer, flatter route home.  

Having heard of my tumble and trashed tights, Saddleback graciously sent me these Castelli Espresso tights and jacket, which was very welcome, and I was deeply touched. I’d received and fitted the been giving the non-aero lever idea some thought and decided there was some merit in doing so, but restraint was key just now. Not least as someone felt themselves more entitled to my bank account than I. Thankfully my bank’s fraud team were quick to curtail this, but no-one thought to tell me, while I stood in line at the supermarket’s self-checkout.   

I’d decided if I was taking the non-aero lever route, I’d pop them on the WTB mtb drop bars and do a wholesale swap sometime, most likely coinciding with cable replacement. Otherwise, it’s just change for changes sake. 

While replacing Denise’s RL520 lever, I then discovered the derailleur inner wire had exploded into one massive fray, calling for replacement. Logic would suggest then was also the time to perform a switch. However, it was minus 2 and by the time I’d conducted lever surgery and redressed the bars, my fingers were rapidly losing sensation. Best to quit, while ahead rather than soldier on at that point.  

Milder temperatures saw this job completed in a matter of minutes the following day. The new brake inner wire had also stretched very slightly, but I’d noted the CX50 brake pads were running a little low, so I switched these, before pulling the inner wire through. Another illustration of winter being hard on components, so always best to keep a few in stock and coordinate replacement before they wear out.   

Ursula’s chain was looking thirsty, so I ultimately gave both bikes a deep, sudsy bucket clean, degreased Ursula’s drivetrain using the Finish Line Grunge Brush Solo Finish Line Grunge Brush Solo | cycling-not-racing, checked chain health-.25, which was a pleasant surprise and possibly due in part to the use of cleaner lubes-the Wolf Tooth WT-1 All Conditions LubeWolf Tooth WT-1 All Conditions Chain Lub | cycling-not-racing in particular. I’ve gone the Peaty’s Link Lube Premium All Weather PEATY'S LINK LUBE PREMIUM ALL WEATHER | cycling-not-racing.  

I’d switched to Ursula’s other XT wheel, having discovered the Ryde/XT had some play in the bearings, which I didn’t have time to tackle. A few days down the line and with some quiet time, I removed the cassette and tackled the cones. This is a very subtle adjustment and can be a little fiddly.  

I got things close and then whipped two 17mm spanners on the locknuts tightening them both simultaneously, thus ensuring both sides tension evenly, saving time and faff. A quick double check, then back went the cassette-another little job off the list. There was ample Oxford Mint Assembly Grease Oxford Mint Assembly Grease | cycling-not-racing clinging to the freehub splines, so no need to replenish.  I’ve been sent these Silca Gear Wipes, which seem a great workshop standby for all sorts of generic cleaning duties.  

£30 buys 110 wipes, which I’m told remove dirt, grease, oil and sweat from frames, components. There are two sides. One for polishing, the other for scrubbing. The polishing side is supposedly safe on frame finishes, including matts, which can be trickier customers to care for. The rougher side is for purging grease, oil and gunk from drivetrains and other areas of impacted grime-white bar wraps being prime candidates. Given the season, it’ll be very interesting to see how effective they are.    

I’d been tempted to pop out on the fixed since temperatures had thawed for successive days, but the mercury was sliding again, and my scabbed forearm and knee tempered such temptations. However, I’d reached my conclusions regarding the Topeak Uni Super Tourist 2.0 Non-Disc Rack  Topeak Uni SuperTourist 2.0 NonDisc Rack | cycling-not-racing 

 

Urges...The Digital Devil Made Me Do It

 

 

While engaged in an orgy of online Christmas shopping before prices, availability and other headaches start kicking in, a USE SUMO post snared my attention-New Old Stock, and the starting bid was £20.  

This was want, not need, so I wasn’t going to engage in a bidding war. Serendipity saw I was the only bidder, leaving me convinced it was meant to be mine. I had also been quick to check, while watching the auction, that I could acquire a suitable shim and at the right price. No room for “White Elephants”.  

Fortunately, these were still readily available, so £33 all told, including postage. I’d decided I’d go the 27.2 shim route and had earmarked it for the fixed gear winter/trainer, since I was happy with Ursula’s Kinekt 2.1 KINEKT 2.1 SUSPENSION SEAT POST | cycling-not-racing and Denise’s USE SX. I’m certainly not going the “boing” route with traditional pared to the essential's road build. The Sumo, in common with the SX and Redshift Sports has a preload tucked within the post, requiring removal to set, or adjust the degree of bounce but arguably a cleaner aesthetic.  

Given it had been in storage for some time, I suspected any grease had degraded to the point of being ineffectual, so took the opportunity to clean the spring and elastomer components and delivering some Peaty’s Speed Grease inside to lightly lubricate. I was tempted to go for the strawberry jam flavour of Muc-Off Bio Grease, but I’ve been impressed by how well the Peaty’s perked up the SX fitted to Denise.  

In common with the SX, I found the saddle cradle something of a faff and not something you’d want to approach in a rush, yet dependable enough. I’ve added a lick of Oxford Mint Assembly Grease to the fasteners before snugging everything tight with my torque wrench. 

I’ve switched the Ritchey WCS saddle from the Carbon Cycles eXotic Carbon Ti Seatpost Carbon Cycles eXotic Carbon Ti Sea | cycling-not-racing and left the Selle Royal Respiro Sport (281x143mm, in case anyone wondered) adorning the Cane Creek, should I feel the urge to switch things around again.   

While uncovering and fitting the Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Tyres | cycling-not-racing to Ursula’s Ryde XT and Ryde SP SD8 SHUTTER PRECISION SD8 HUB DYNAMO | cycling-not-racing wheels, I happened upon a pair of Schwalbe Marathon Winter Spikes 700x35c, which would comfortably fit Denise’s clearances should we suddenly get another “Beast from The East” or prolonged period of icy, slippery weather in the coming months.  

Chances are, I’d simply stick to Ursula for such a period, but it’s nice to have the option, especially if I’m testing kit, or just fancy taking Denise out. These were the base model with 120spikes, which still gives some definite bite. I also had some Continental Nordic Spike (120 spikes) which are another reliable choice but at 42mm, the absolute comfortable limit for Denise.    

Given a choice in these matters 35-37mm is my preference since you’ll need clearance for snow, slush and slurry. 120 spikes are at the lower end of the spectrum, 240 is my benchmark for snowier conditions and/or deeply impacted ice but 120 still offer dependable bite on slippery surfaces.  

Kenda Klondike is another long-standing studded choice. The 700x35c feature 30tpi casings and 100 studs, which again, are a better bet for when its icy, rather than snowy. There’s a 26x2.10 version with 252 spikes and a 26x2.35 with 400, which would be an interesting comparator to the Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Tyres | cycling-not-racing  There’s still a few helpings of WTB lube left, so I’m staying with it for now but will probably reach for the Peaty’ Link Lube Premium All Weather PEATY'S LINK LUBE PREMIUM ALL WEATHER | cycling-not-racing since I want chains fed something stoical, yet still relatively clean running.    

The roads remain very muddy and the trails less so, although I’ve stuck to the mighty Shimano MW7 booties, which continue to impress with their efficient power transfer, temperature management and water resistance. Shimano MW7 (MW702) Gore Tex MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing 

I’ve erred toward waterproof socks more often now the seasons changing and leaves carpet lanes and trails. I’m also increasingly endeared to the Gorewear C5 gloves. I’d experienced some unexpected discomfort in the left hand, but this tempered after 60 miles or so, suggesting the padding settles given a bit of time.  

A relief too, given the asking price. However, doing an impressive job of keeping vibration, chill and wet firmly locked out. Oh, but wait a moment, they’re not waterproof in the submersible sense, so if you’ve jettisoned a bottle and it’s landed in a stream, you’ll get a soggy hand retrieving it. Though not as nimble as some, for a deep winter glove, they’re surprisingly dextrous. I keep coming back to the old saying “No such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong kit”. On that note, here's Magicshine's Black Friday PromoBike Cycling Lights & Gears for Night Riding | Magicshine – Magicshine Lighting