Magnetic attractions

So, having discovered a traditional cage was going to be a non-starter, even a side entry model, I rummaged through one of my recently reorganised fasteners drawers and reclaiming the Fidlock mount. Thinking their smaller bottle might be in order, though.   

Then of course, there’s the Free Parable Gorilla Cage, which can be mounted on a variety of places around the frame-including the fork blades (stanctions if you are running suspension) via the Gorillia grip, if you don’t have bosses. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/free-parable-gorilla-clip-and-cage Though better suited to light, bulky items, such as a bivi, I’ve hauled 1.2 kilos of hobby sized Argon/Co2 welding gas bottle.  

Pretty much the top end of the composite’s carrying capacity but impressive nonetheless, especially given it’s a good bight lighter than the 1.5 PET cage types, including the venerable BBB Fuel tank https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/bbb-fuel-tank-xl-bottle-cage. These are super convenient for touring, gravel and everyday riding, since you can slot in those impulsive rest stop purchases, or indeed a favourite tipple en route home, without consuming valuable luggage space. 

I’ve been impressed by the enduring qualities of the True Tension Tungsten All Weather Lube. Aside from cleanliness, it's tenacious and durable, especially compared with other waxy formulas. Damp conditions and puddles haven’t taxed it, but heavier rainfall and waterlogged roads will eventually lick the lion’s share, requiring a quick top-up. Zefal Bio Degreaser was employed for stripping duties and this too seems quite capable-at least by stock standards.  

True, an aerosol-based solvent spray will blast a scabby chain and cassette clean, piranha fashion. The bio degreaser needs agitating with a brush to stimulate this process, but aside from being more economical, its kinder to surfaces and can be blended (200ml product 800ml water) to make an effective bike wash.  

Concentrates are arguably better choices for workshop duties, or if you’ve a big fleet of bikes but as “off the shelf” formulas go, it seems to strike a decent balance between stripping prowess, without doing nasty things to finishes, seals and other rubberised components. That said; I’ve always rinsed thoroughly with clean water.  

I’ve switched to the Tru Tension Bannaslip Tungsten Wet Lube on the Univega and have the fixed to Muc-Off Wet Weather Ceramic Lube. Its described as a “Propriety ceramic formulation containing integral Boron Nitride compounds in wet and harsh conditions.  

They also recommend it for the higher torque loads of an e-bike, so should be a good option for a fixed drivetrain too.  Will be interesting to see how much, real-world difference the Tru Tension’s Tungsten component makes (or otherwise) long-term to chain life and performance.   

 

This also presented the ideal opportunity to adjust the chain tension slightly. Kenda Kwick Roller tyres are still swift and dependable, which is reassuring, although the only potential weak spot is the 5mm thick belt. This only covers the centre strip, not bead to bead, so hedge clipping season will be the real test... 

I’ve replaced the CR2032 cell in the Cat-Eye Quick computer sensor, with a quick lick of Vaseline. Premium grade cells are reckoned to last over 6,000miles. I’ll be very surprised if the pound shop special manages half that, but head unit and sensor are chatting away just fine for now and the Giles Berthoud Soulor saddle just continues to get better, week upon week.  

I won’t be feeding the hide at least until September’s close. Giles Berthoud recommends applying their food every six months. I’ve deviated from the script during the moulding phase but will adhere to this guidance now onward. 

I’ll end this entry with my long-term review of Passport Crochet Back Cycling Mitts https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/two-year-report-passport-cycling-mi        

On a Budget

Now there’s a phrase that pretty much embodies the times we live in and I’m going to stick with its positive, as opposed to negative connotations. A childhood friend has recently fancied dipping his toe into the road bike pond and invested in this cheap but very cheerful shop branded model. Plain gauge 7005 series TIG welded aluminium frames with hi-tensile steel forks aren’t going to set anyone’s Lycra ablaze and don’t merit wholesale upgrading. However, dressed in a pleasant starter groupset give a taste of spirited riding, plenty of smiles per mile and can be relegated to a serviceable winter/trainer when the time comes thanks to sensible clearances (700x25 inc fenders).

The only obvious low-point are the resin Shimano 600 pattern copies with ultra agricultural bearings but he plans to substitute these for double sided SPDs at the earliest opportunity. Bonding with one’s bike is a crucial part of riding and subsequent days have seen the introduction of bottle cages, mini pumps, wedge pack and a seat collar cosy crafted from off cut of redundant MTB inner tube. This will prevent dirt and ingress thrown up by the rear wheel entering the seat-tube and causing corrosive havoc, although fenders are likely to follow as fall advances. It’s nice to see a newbies develop as the bug bites that little bit deeper with every turn of the cranks so we’ll pop back and forth to sneak a peek at their blossoming relationship.
Leaving dry cells dormant inside nearly destroyed this brilliant budget One23 blinky. Mercifully genocide was narrowly avoided with some contact surgery, replacement cells and cursory lick of Vaseline. The Good folk at Moore Large (http://www.todayscyclist.co.uk/) have sent me One23’s three-mode Intense bright 1 front lamp. Closer inspection suggests it’s markedly similar to RSP Steradian- by no means a bad thing, neither is the collimator lens which is increasingly approaching industry standard these days. First impressions suggest peripheral illumination is among the best of this genre but some serious late night testing will give a better flavour of it’s capabilities. Curiously we’ve been promised a bitter winter here in the UK and “snow” (as distinct from that familiar to the populations of Scandinavia and North America) could be knocking at our doors come October. Heeding this warning and while opportunity presented itself, I’ve applied a liberal helping of Waxoyl to the KA chassis and inside ferrous framesets. BRRRRR!
My classic road bike has just turned twenty-one and I’m looking to complete the makeover with some good quality vinyl lettering and a set of Crud Racer II full-length fenders. Think it’s time those Magnesium bodied Genetic keo patterns made a return too…
Talking of retro, this Rossin frameset dating from the late 1980s arrived at Maldon Shot blasting &Powder coating ready for a makeover. Built from Columbus Gara, a thicker walled, lower end Cro-moly marketed at the touring and training fraternities and dripping in period chrome detailing (Ironic since the Italian tube maker forbid electroplating) it presents a wealth of potential headaches since the shiny stuff doesn’t magically end and paint commence


Enamellers typically employ acid etch primers to forge good union but the slippery electroplating eventually wins. Slight fading and inevitable chipping aside, this had been well loved and everything was basically sound. To avoid pitting, Graham mummified the chainstays and lower fork legs in electrical tape before passing the frameset inside the smaller blast cabinet. This uses less aggressive aluminium oxides to remove the enamel while providing a decent key for the chrome/paint overlap. Fifteen minutes later, it emerged clean and ready to receive zinc chromate and subsequent colour coats. Timeless gloss black, although hardly flamboyant is classy, affordable and extremely practical nonetheless. Here’s to another twenty-three years faithful service…