Silence is Golden

Icy weather in remission, it was time to switch back to my beloved fixed. I’d also received this rather nice Fizi’k Vento Solocush tacky handlebar tape, and a Tioga city slicker (700x32c) tyre. The Fizi’k Vento Solocush Tacky handlebar tape, is reminiscent of other tacky, polymer based tapes. Including Lizard Skins DSP bar tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/lizard-skins-dsp.

I wasn’t expecting the additional .2mm density to have much impact, especially when dressing the bars. However, it required a firm, consistent approach to achieve aesthetically pleasing results. In common with similar tapes, it was very tolerant of being rewound, which was welcomed.

These sorts of finishes require more delicate cleansing (no harsh chemicals, or brushes for that matter). Otherwise, you’ll strip the non-slip layer. I was also surprised by how readily minor traces of dirt/oil and grease transferred. So, best to wear/change examination gloves, if new tape coincides with more generic servicing/repair.  

Plenty of additional incentive to get out along the lanes. However, I have noticed a palpable and pronounced surge in aggression-across the board. 

Observation and first-hand experience, on two wheels and four, leads me to hypothesise people are increasingly angry and entitled. This leads to an emotionally immature, and extremely dangerous “might is right” mindset. Rather than considered, cooperative and intelligent approach to road use.

I have often wondered whether this has any connection to a wider sense of societal angst and popularist politics. Popularism can be defined in a multitude of ways. For me, it describes a knee jerk, simplistic, emotional responses to complex issues. 

Popularist ideologies appeal to those, who know nothing about the world, are disinterested in exploring possibilities and simply want these prejudices validated.

Talking of prejudices, while in the midlands, collecting my wheel, from John Moss, I suddenly got thinking about my Univega’s mysterious (phantom) creak. Bottom bracket replacement sounded like a reasonable starting point.

Then I got to thinking along other lines. Firstly, the idea that the left-hand crank might be the culprit. Perhaps the alloy taper had warped slightly, preventing it from staying snug on the arm. This prompted one of those infamous, late evening trawls of the online auction sites, searching for a suitable replacement crankset, at the right price…

Having placed a couple of (mercifully) unsuccessful bids, I then reflected upon recent changes. Pedals being the only component switches. So, I reverted to the venerable Ritchey patterns, gave the crank bolts another quick check, then headed out for another twenty-mile blast.  Smooth, progressive silence

This appears to have cured the problem, so, being a perpetual fettler, I am, I’ve swapped to these Wellgo RC713, which offer excellent ground clearance and surprising amounts of support, even on longer outings. However, there’s no doubting double sided designs have a slight edge, at the traffic light grand prix.  

I was tempted to swap to a rather nice set of single sided Time. However, these would require swapping over to the time cleats. Sticking with SPD means I can alternate between fixed gear ‘crosser and Univega, without having to consider footwear choices.

Back on the fixed, I was enjoying some headspace along the lanes, when a mile from home, a slow rear puncture struck. I was able to creep the final half mile, on 35psi. The Gods had decided it was time to instate the Halo track HG wheel, built by John Moss. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/love-resurrection-john-moss-s-tandem 

Now, there’s a lot to be said about this hub. One side is threaded for a conventional track sprocket and lock-ring. Bearing quality and weather sealing are also very high, well suited to the real world. In this instance, hollow Cro-moly axles turn on super smooth, Japanese bearings.

Refined and very reliable but nothing out of the ordinary… However, the other features an HG cassette type body, designed for Halo’s dedicated 7mm sprockets. These slot on the splines and are locked in situ, using a traditional Shimano type tool. No need for chain whips and primal grunting.

Yes, traditional HG sprockets may fit…

However, they will wear through the splines. You have been warned. It will accept sprockets between 12 and 20 teeth. Caters for pancake flat, hillier regions, or indeed, trail duty too.

The other significant feature is the ability to get chainline absolutely bang-on (between 41 and 52mm). This is particularly significant on conversions, which have generally required bevelled sprockets to compensate.  

I gauged spacing by studying that of the Aerorage wheel. Panned out exactly as I’d hoped. Sliding the 15tooth sprocket home, I added a moderate lick of grease to the lock-ring.

Snugged tight, I mounted Schwalbe rim tape and their 35mm Marathon GT tyre. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres  I wanted something super dependable but relatively sprightly. The GT roll a lot faster, and smoother than their weight and profiles suggest. Looks like a great package and one I can’t wait to get testing!

Phantom Squeaks & SQR

There’s a natural rhythm  to our machines, and we quickly cultivate an ear for anything different. You know the ones. Intermittent clicks, squeaks, rattles that induce in-the-saddle diagnostics. 

Dancing on the pedals, while climbing to rule out a poorly pedal, grumbling bottom bracket, loose crank…No, Hmmm, hope that’s not the free/hub…Stop, waggle, probe. Nothing… UN55 bottom bracket seemed fine, bars snug, ditto mudguard hardware. 

Every few rotations of the crank, came a dull, faint clicking. Loose seat post clamp? Subtle bouncing on the saddle, dismissed this idea. Coasting suggested the Deore hub wasn’t heading for oblivion, either-mercifully. 

Final climb reduced potential culprits to pedal, or crank. Sure enough, introducing my workshop length 8mm into the left-hand arm, revealed the bolt was a little loose-hence the creak. I was four complete turns before it wound drum tight. 

This also prompted a quick tweak of cockpit, saddle and mudguard fasteners. Oh, and a pedal swap for good measure. Celebrations proved a little previous. The following day, we were battling high winds, when click, click…Bong! Yep, the ultra-reliable UN55 cartridge bottom bracket, had finally got the grumbles.   

Ironically enough, this Cyclo 20 function multi tool arrived, shortly after. There’s a temptation to suggest more is better, when it comes to functions. However, usability is another big factor, especially when tackling adjustments/repairs by the road and trail side. 

These feature long tool bits, great for torque and/or stubborn fasteners, there’s a chain tool, and integral tyre lever, should you forget to pack one. 

I’m pleased to note this features a 15mm wrench, for solid axles. However, sometimes, smaller S shaped keys are more convenient for tighter spaces. Including mudguard bridge bolts, saddle clamp fasteners etc. 

Once upon a time, panniers were my default for day rides, touring, commuting and indeed, tag along tugging. In the latter contexts, the attraction is obvious. Tools, spare tubes, spare clothes, cakes, big “F*ck off” lock. Bananas, cake and other snacks are easily carried.

Room for extra clothes, should temperature and weather generally change, one way, or the other. Oh, and I could always swing by the supermarket and collect some basics, en route home. 

Not everyone wants to be encumbered by a rack and I’ve become a real fan of Carradice’s SQR system which allows compatible luggage to be whipped on/off. A ten-kilo maximum payload is great for day rides, Audax, commuting and possibly, weekend touring. 

I’ve run their cotton duck SQR tour, on and off, for 18 years. So, I was delighted to receive their Carradry SQR bag. This is an expandable system (14-18.5 litres), which on paper, should rival a small/medium sized pannier.  

One of the main advantages to this system, over a pannier, when commuting in congested traffic, is the ability to sneak through gaps more readily. Messenger bags, rucksacks and similar rider-mounted luggage can be a serious boon. Especially for hauling laptops, folders and similar valuables/delicates and for short distances. However, I prefer bikes to do the carrying. 

While the mighty Cotton Duck is certainly waterproof, it’s a little trickier to wipe clean (even though the undersides feature a protective laminate, to protect the base from mucky water). The sonically welded fabric, only requires a damp-cloth onceover. The other thing I love about the SQR system is its rigidity. 

Climb out of the saddle and it doesn’t bob around like the proverbial playful Lab.  The one problem with this system, in my experience is its incompatible with post mounted trailer/tagalong. 

Although frankly, I’d always opt for a chainstay mounted hitch, their lower centre of gravity has much less impact upon the bike’s handling. 

About posts; I’d only tether anything of this genre, to metal models. Oh, and you also need a healthy amount of seat post showing, for the SQR hitch. I’ve had to move this Lightrider PHASE light to the seatstay https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/lightrider-phase-rear-light

Wedge packs, such as this Axiom Grand Fondo are my limit, for carbon composites. Afterall, there’s a reason why we use gripper pastes and lower torque, when fitting.  Right, apparently John’s finished the Halo wheel build, so I'm off to have a look...

Spring Cleaning & Phantom Squeaks...

Inspired by my last entry, I'm pleased to report, said charger is directly compatible with the NR150 which means there's much less traffic at my computer tower-trivial but strangely satisfying. By contrast bike theft is anything but and set to get worse as the economy plummets.

Timely then that this Pinhead security kit should arrive at my door. It's a very clever system that limits the need for a jailer's key fob, safeguarding expensive wheels and finishing kit from all but the most determined tealeaves. Working to the same principles as the common or garden Yale employed in external doors, each has it's own unique nine digit combination and matching key (Be sure to register this online before venturing out into the big wide world in case you should need a replacement!). Fashioned from stainless steel and tipping the scales at 200g per set, installation is simply a question of removing the existing skewers and slotting the Pinheads in place with the logo visible from the right hand side.

Drop some machine oil on the threads before slipping the washer and threaded nut finger tight. Using the key, torque everything down (between half and one and a half turns) giving components a quick tug to check purchase. Operationally, they're no slower than conventional cams so punctures/ generic servicing/adjustment is a moot point. Domed caps prevent tools gaining purchase and/or leverage and unlike chrome plated types, they're not foxed by powerful magnets.

Lightening the mood somewhat, Alan has laced the Rigida rim to the dynohub and to date I'm very impressed- there's markedly less resistance compared with the venerable Nexus it replaces. That said, it's one of those "close but no cigar" stories since I haven't procured the front lamp yet, although I happened upon my old Nexus switch so when it comes, I'll wire everything up and (hopefully) rejoice in the ability to generate my own light. That said, I won't be ditching the NR or helmet mounted systems since the lanes here are virtually pitch black and besides, even the most reliable can fail unexpectedly...

Integrated systems are not limited to the bike either judging by Bell's new Muni lid. Bell define it as an "Urban sports helmet"- it incorporates two very bright LED lights within the retension cradle, there's a mount for Blackburn's flea within the peak and our "Safety Yellow" model looks really rather fetching, proving that the word "commuter" needn't translate as "Oliver Cromwell Piss-pot". In mould construction coupled with its conformity to CE1078 and CSS are pretty much a given these days. Twenty-one vents with an insect net ensure a comfortable inner climate while the peak defends the eyes from sun, rain, sleet and ferocious foliage. Versatile, it features everything you'll need for urban duties while being practical for touring, mountain biking and general riding but I'll give it a good few weeks before arriving at any firm conclusions.

Self confessed polishing zealot, it will come as little surprise to discover Joshua has embraced bucket and brush and we've been pleasantly surprised by Muc Off's Silicone spray which goes on in a flash, locking in a lasting shine without enticing dirt. Sure, you'll collect traces following a wet ride but this wipes away effortlessly using kitchen paper or damp cloth. These qualities suggest it's the obvious preserve for seasonal playthings hibernating during the darker months-Watch this space... Being a leggy chap, we've raised his saddle a couple of inches and since we had the spanners out, added these rather fetching Crank Brothers Cobalt grips for greater refinement.Elsewhere, I have been driven to distraction by the onset of an infuriating squeak that seemed to reappear just as I thought I'd identified the culprit and brought him back into line. Stopping by the roadside, I discovered the Univega's twin bolt clamp bolts were fractionally loose so snugged them fully home with the corresponding 4mm Allen key... A mile or so later, just as we lined up for the descent... There it comes again(!) This time it was my uber long 8mm offering to the rescue, nudging the drive side crank arm tighter, at which point, the Crank brothers M17 was pressed into service, checking and tightening every bolt large and small from carrier to stem.

Satisfied of perfection, the serenity of silence was rudely interrupted.... Convinced it was the soles of my sport touring shoe chafing slightly against the nylon platforms of these otherwise Superb dual-purpose Time All Road, I resigned myself to putting a drop of oil on the mechanism upon reaching home. Closer inspection exonerated the mighty ATAC derived pedals and revealed a slightly sloppy cassette body- easily addressed with the mighty Cyclo tool. Having exorcised the demon, it was time to change the bar-wrap....