Slower Dawns & New Seasons Lights

 

 

Dawn is taking longer; the leaves are beginning to fall and clump by the roadsides now. Slowly, but surely. I took the opportunity to strip and re-grease some components using the Mint Assembly Grease-Denise's pedal threads were obvious candidates, since I also wanted to see how effective the Park SS-15 was at shifting pedals.  

The right side came adrift effortlessly, but for some reason, the left Shimano PED ED 500 Shimano PD ED 500 Pedals | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) proved quite arthritic. Not to the point where I’d needed to resort to my lofty Lezyne, or indeed, penetrant spray but unexpectedly stiff, nonetheless.  

A moderate helping was also given to cleat hardware, since, if forecasts were to be believed, I might be reaching for the MW7 booties more often than expected. I’ve finished testing mitts and so switched to Madison Flux Waterproof Trail Gloves.  

Available in four colours and made from a Polyester Polyamide (53% Recycled) 20% Polyurethane mix they’re marketed as a model for changeable seasons. Madison says autumn to winter but I’m thinking the cooler end of Spring too, evidenced by the mid length and relatively shallow cuffs. These are elasticated, rather than Velcro for quick, faff free donning.  

The backs are waterproof, reinforced with taped internal seams. Internally there’s a Roubaix type fleece lining for when the temperatures and tanking but with very modest bulk, which coupled with the silicone detailing promises to optimise connection with the bars.  

Oh, and the thumb and forefingers are touch screen friendly, eliminating the frustrating need to remove them to make a call, or engage with bar mounted tech. As I’ve remarked on several occasions, I have mixed experiences with ulnar defending palms and sometimes a flat profile is the best fit. It’s a bit early to comment but our introduction is a pleasant one.     

Wet, gloopy lanes had also consumed the NZero Dry Wax Lubricant, Nzero Dry Wax Lubricant | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) so I reverted to the Wolf Tooth WT-1 All Conditions Chain LubeWolf Tooth WT-1 All Conditions Chain Lub | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) which has proven clean and stoical, yet not stodgy, or grime seductive. 

Continuing the seasonal theme, we’ve been sent these Ravemen lights. High power dynamos are my go-to's for general winter riding but I’m also a fan of potent rechargeable systems. Aside from master blasters with external battery packs, such as the XR6000 Ravemen XR6000 Front Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), and Sigma Sport’s long serving Buster HL 2000 SIGMA SPORT BUSTER HL 2000 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) which are great for trail duties  Ravemen’s LR range has also impressed with their quality of output. The lens projects a combination of spot and flood yet is designed so it *won’t dazzle oncoming traffic. They seem much brighter than the numbers alone would suggest. The LR500S RAVEMEN LR500S FRONT LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is a case in point.  

Sure, I’d prefer one of its bigger siblings for regular riding along unlit lanes, but I have been able to tackle these at 17mph on a relatively clear night. This time, I’ve received the LR1000 and TR100 units to see how they compare with the LR1600 Ravemen LR1600 Front Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and TR200 Ravemen TR200 Rear Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) .  

1300 lumens are my benchmark for the backroads but even though I default to dynamos, especially on the fixed gear winter/trainer, I always carry a second light in case I need to tackle a flat, or similar roadside mechanical miles from home.  Otherwise, I tend to run them as companions and in flashing modes. Some models, including the LR1600 have sensored technology, which alters the output to suit conditions and ultimately, optimises battery life.   

Compact high-power models with integral batteries tend to have short run times in the higher modes, which is a consideration if you’re doing a lot of night riding and along unlit roads.  Hedge clipping season coupled with wet, mucky roads has announced puncture season. I’ve had two in the space of two rides. Mercifully, one struck just as I’d returned home, the second 5 miles away.  

I was very grateful for the Muc Off Air Mach pump. Very intuitive and relatively efficient by genre standards, even on higher volume tyres. Admittedly, these days, the CycPlus AS2 Pro Max EPump CycPlus AS2 Pro Max E.Pump | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is my go-to but I’d never go without a reliable backup. Thankfully, a single tyre lever was all I needed to coax the WTBV Nano off the rim-I'd been a little remiss and this served as a reminder to pack some more.  

Timely Turnaround

 

Winston Vaz was able to start Ursula’s minor repairs and modernisation quicker than I was expecting. Transpired he was awaiting some components for a custom build, so unable to continue with this, he turned his attentions to Ursula. Having given the frame thorough inspection, he confirmed my suspicions about some hairline damage. This was around the seat collar but easily arrested by brazing a subtle reinforcing gusset. Another key point was retrofitting a rear disc brake mount and a brace. Disc brakes place greater strain, so some reinforcement is advisable, especially frames of this era.  

We also agreed on adding another cable guide for a good, clean cable run. There’s a reason skilled people say something and when I sense concern, or a desire to do something a certain way, I take heed. Winston seemed relieved that I wasn’t looking to cut corners. Doing so is false economy. These additions were straightforward, and Ursula was otherwise structurally sound.  

I suspected everything else was fine but asked Winston to check the threads and perform simple/minor repair without further reference to me. The following week, Ursula was ready for the blast cabinet. I’d been asked for a choice of three colours in case his powder coater didn’t have my first choice. This time round, it was squirrel grey (RAL 7000) Pale Green (RAL6027 seen here on this Dave Russell) and finally, Traffic Red (RAL3020).  

I wanted a tasteful, subtle colour that was also easily re-touched, should need arise. Winston called and said his finisher only had RAL7000 in a matt effect. Mario could apply a clear lacquer stove topcoat, which would be an acceptable solution, but a gloss powder coat was my preferred route. Therefore, I requested the next closest shade of grey.  

I continued to organise Ursula’s components and having spotted a new Stronglight aheadset at very tempting price, from a genuine source, indulged. Sure, I’ll keep the existing unit, possibly for spares but a good two years down the line, I’ll start afresh, rather than find myself stripping and replacing components a few months hence.  

Fearing I might’ve mislaid the STX front mech’s clamp bolt, I nipped over to Mick Madgett and bought a compatible fastener for the princely sum of a pound. Mick said 50p, but frankly, a good bike shop is worth their weight in gold, and I don’t mind pitching in a little more for their support.  

The nights were beginning to draw in very slightly and I’ve been getting as many miles in as possible with both pairs of Cycology Gloves, although the 8 days in particular, since summer is slowly announcing its subtle swansong. I’ve been impressed by the palm’s grip and the padding’s ability to diffuse vibration and generally provide comfort over longer distances.  

I’d also received these Madison Flux Performance Mitts and their Flux Waterproof trail Gloves. Staying with the waterproof theme, I’d also expressed an interest in testing Shimano MW7 booties to see how much better they’d perform, compared with the very competent MW5 I’d tested last winter Shimano MW501 Dry Shield SPD MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)   

Elsewhere, having mounted the Magicshine EVO 1700, I began contemplating moving the Exposure Revo dynamo lamp beneath the bars for sleeker effect. Doing so wouldn’t affect the beam pattern and moreover, dazzle other road users, but may preclude some designs, or sizes of bar bag.  

Talking of bar bags, here’s Steve’s review of this Oxford T8 Handlebar bag & QR BracketOxford T8 Handlebar Bag and QR Bracket | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  I unplugged the cable and reached for the 4mm Allen key and switched everything round, torquing down to 3nm. Much happier with the aesthetic, although I’m now left with some added cable. Not an issue per se, not easily snagged, but I may prune a little when time allows.  

I like dedicated, fixed gear tools. Nothing worse than flatting in the arse end of nowhere, only to find you’ve not got a 15mm to tackle the track nuts. I used to carry a box/dumbbell spanner in the tool bag for tackling solid axles and other old school fasteners. They’d certainly get me out of a jam and were nicer to use than the pressed “giveaway” models (so called as they were given away with new bikes, Raleigh in particular).  

I remain very fond of the Pedro's Trixie, a 7-function design hailing from 2009. Mine has a matt black finish but I see black and silver chrome have joined the lineup.  At 18.7cm long and 5mm thick, there’s enough oomph and knuckle clearance. The latest version features 4 and 5mm hex, 8,9, 10 and 15mm box wrenches, lock ring spanner and bottle opener.  

For all its charms, I’d still be carrying another folding multi-tool for tackling recessed Allen and Torx fasteners. Same goes for this similarly well engineered Park SS-15. Tipping the scales at 159g, the SS prefix denotes single speed and the 15, 15mm. On the face of things, the Park is less comprehensive, but it also features an open 15mm end for pedals, a bottle opener and a tyre lever.  

It’s also quite a bit cheaper (£20.99 rrp against £34.99) which means there’s money for a budget multi-tool and basic resin tyre levers to go with the Park. Aside from 15mm single speed and fixed builds, the Park is also compatible with Alfine. There’s some suggestion the Park is designed with workshop and roadside duties in mind. I really appreciate the Pedro’s for roadside rescues but prefer to use a longer handled design for workshop duties. Time and testing will tell whether the Park will become my go-to...Concluding with tooling, here’s my review of the Finish Line Grunge Brush Solo Finish Line Grunge Brush Solo | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)