Shot Bearings & Long Walks Home

 

 

No sooner had I got everything as I'd wanted, the SP PD8 HALO CLASSIC RIM & SHUTTER PRECISION DYNOHUB DISC WHEEL BUILD dynohub bearings got the grumbles- I couldn't christen the sound mid ride but having gently spun the wheel on my return, some grumbling and play was tangible. I love the SP units in terms of value and performance, but the need for factory rebuilds every few years (typically 20,000 miles) is inconvenient, especially since it means tearing the wheel apart. I've decided I'll switch the Ryde/ Nexus wheel from Denise longer term and get a Shimano Ultegra built into another Ryde Sputnik hoop. For now, I’ve fitted the Halo/SL9 HALO EVURA & SHUTTER PRECISION SL9 DYNOHUB BUILD pairing to Muffin, so all good.  

A straightforward job, until I discovered my Cyclo Cassette remover had gone AWOL. I wasted no time in ordering a replacement, but knew the Cyclo tool couldn’t be far away. True to form, it emerged the following evening, but by then, I’d also ordered a pattern replacement. However, being as these things are inexpensive, it’ll come in handy-I’ll store it safely away in my cantilever toolbox.

Otherwise, Muffin and I are bonding very nicely. The bigger head and down tubes seem to offer greater stiffness and improved power when accelerating and indeed, climbing, without trading any of steel’s trademark compliant zing. Warmer days and lighter evenings have allowed me to enjoy a different riding pattern, dare I say perspective, not only when it comes to testing products but winding down from the wider world, contemplating and compartmentalising other things.

A quick 15 miles confirmed all was sorted and another thing off my list. It also presented an opportunity to get some miles in on Denise with the Leatt SPD pedals. At least this was the idea. 10 miles into our first outing, I succumbed to another rear flat and the spare tubes also blew their last-weakened seams, in case you were curious.  Looking closely, I concluded that the rim tape was beginning to slip, this exposing the spoke head, causing a pinch flat. There were two by the point I’d concluded the rim tape was to blame. I decided to go for tubeless rim tape, since I’d gone this route before with Ursula, following a spate of flats.

Being thicker and adhesive, there’s little chance of a spoke-induced hiss. While awaiting delivery, I decided I needed to switch bars and replace a cable. I was due to give the stem bolts a re-greasing, but before I knew it, had switched Denise to the WTB Mountain Road Drop Bar. This also necessitated a longer outer housing for the front brake, and I also noted some fraying of the inner wire, so replaced while I wasn’t going to be using the bike. Though I’d expected the Wolf Tooth Supple Bar Tape to be sufficiently long, the WTB drops have more flare than the Soma they replace, so a slight gamble. One that paid off on this occasion.      

As a side note, the Leatt are Shimano compatible, although the entry and release lacked the same finesse with the XT and M540, which came as a slight culture shock at the close of our first outing aboard Muffin. Continuing the gravel narrative, I've been sent these full finger Lomo Mountain bike gloves, which are available in two colourways and, in the tradition of Lomo, appears phenomenally good value for money.    

 

Rides have always helped when it comes to reflection and putting issues into perspective.  The sense of leaving everything behind. Exam stress, broken relationships, crap jobs, difficult housemates, relationships etc. Richard Ballantine reflected on this construct within his books- difficult people, neighbours and anything else that impairs one’s sense of equilibrium and well-being.

I’m very adept at dealing with difficult people and situations professionally but will not invite anyone into my world who doesn’t bring a sense of positive, genuine peace.  I’ve always been a gang of one. I certainly don’t shun people, but I don’t collect them, suffer fools gladly, nor am I prepared to go through the motions to fit in. Despite this, I was surprisingly “put out” at being blanked by a man who rides a carbon fibre Bianchi in these parts. I don’t expect much- a simple nod in acknowledgement-from one human to another…Go figure.     

Warmth & Waxes

 250 miles in, and I’m warming to the Momum Mic Wax. Several things have stood out. Waxes tend to be less temperature stable than other lubricants but ours is still running very clean. I’m told its best described as a Tribolubricant.  

It contains natural waxes that come from the palm Copernicia and offers high resistance to wear and has a melting point at 85 degrees c. The latter is much higher than traditional waxes, which tend to assume a mushy state and would account for the Momum’s cleanliness thus far.  

Presently we’re experiencing temperatures around 70 degrees, so perhaps not surprising but certainly reassuring.  The blend penetrates deep within the chain’s inner sanctum, so the transmission feels refined, while shifting remains snappy and crisp. No thunderstorms to date, but plenty of wet roads, which are failing to make tangible impression on its integrity.  

Will be interesting to see how many miles I get from a single application...I’m also wondering how well it serves on cleat mechanisms and other metal to metal interfaces.  No sooner had this thought entered my head, Madison Cycles (Shimano’s UK importer) sent me two sets of pedals. Shimano PDM8100 (XT by another name) which almost require no introduction and these PD ED500, which are a slightly more intriguing design.  

Featuring generously proportioned aluminium alloy bodies, these are dual-sided for easy entry, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn, have cartridge bearings. Cro-moly axles aren’t the lightest options but should be ultra-dependable.  Shimano seems reticent to pigeon-hole them but suggest they’re perfect for road touring. Given those strong axles and sealed bearings, I’d wager they’re a good bet for mixed-terrain touring, gravel and indeed commuting, too.  Time and miles will tell...

A bit like these SH-MT701GX shoes, which are built for “all weather mountain touring, bike packing or commuting”. They feature synthetic leather uppers, a Gore Tex  breathable, waterproof liner for dry feet, a Boa L6 dial, for quick and precise adjustment, a toe cap for additional protection and a chunky sole for comfort on and off the bike. 

About soles and stiffness, these are 4 on Shimano’s off-road scale, which goes all the way to 11. Road, to 12 but while I’m fond of mixing things up, I’ve never gone the Look ARC, or KEO route when venturing beyond asphalt. Did run these on Ursula during periods of extended road riding. Primarily since I was curious, and the confused double takes from some road riders always amused me.  

Gravel is arguably an offshoot and “logical evolution” of cyclo cross and mountain biking and to some extent a genre with obvious appeal to yours truly- drop bars, knobbly tyres, wide ratio gearing and the ability to escape the seemingly ever maddening crowd.  

I’m less of a pioneer than I’d like to think, judging by the wealth of photos depicting mountain bikes ridden in competitive contexts, with drop bars. John Tomac was famous for it, during the late 80’s Ross Schafer, too.  However, go further back in the days of quill stems and 25.4 diameters, it wasn’t just Specialized and Muddy Fox who were colluding in this sorcery.  

The Vittoria Evolution Road Bike Tyres are also proving very competent on wet, greasy roads. Particularly welcome since it had been a few weeks since any tangible rain. This means diesel, oil and other slippery contaminant gets flushed from verges and into the road’s surface.  

The next obvious move was to take a detour and see how they’d behave along some varied bridle path. Spoiler alert, if you want to hoss along at warp speed, or tour primarily unmade roads, I’d suggest spending a good bit more and looking toward Schwalbe Marathon Mondial Double Defense TEST & REVIEW: SCHWALBE MARATHON MONDIAL TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com)   

That said, the Evolution are still quite agile and relatively composed in these contexts to around 17mph. Spirited enough to give a sense of freedom, or to engage young protégé's cruising behind in their trailers or contributing on tagalongs. Still miss Vittoria’s Randonneur Trail though... 

Dawns have become sufficiently balmy that I’ve switched from my default 3/4lengths to these Funkier Bib shorts, which have a decent pad and some nice features.  

I initially found the Lycra a little slippery atop traditional leather saddles, such as the Spa Cycles Aire Titanium and Cycles Berthoud Solour CYCLES BERTHOUD SOULOR LEATHER SADDLE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). However, no annoying, power-robbing surf. Moot point with the Teenage Dream’s long-serving and seemingly discontinued Selle SMP Strike Plus.   

Fine Tuning, Neurosis & Touch Ups

 November nearing its swansong and its remaining unexpectedly mild (save for a few, very cold starts). Strange then, that I should switch to the FLR Defender Winter Booties. However, UK winters err on the wet, rather than bitterly cold and I also want to see how they regulate temperature in milder weather. Before I went into temporary exile, I collected some packet fresh consumables, including these Look Cleats.

Marked “Easy Release”; these follow the Shimano SPD pattern and came with the Look Geo Trekking Pedals I was testing this time in 2019. Since the Shimano and Wellgo bolted to my shoes were fully compatible, I had put the Look on ice. In my experience, even the more basic patterns return a decent mileage. However, they tend to expire at the least convenient moments, especially in winter.

I introduced these with the Zefal Extra Wet Nano Ceramic Chain Lube. Grease is more stoical but heavier duty wet lubes make convenient and passable substitutes. Just remember to strip and re-lubricate more frequently-at least every three months. Otherwise, you’ll be reaching for penetrant sprays, or resorting to more extreme measures, such as drilling them out…

The thicker soles common to this genre of boot may mean raising the saddle a few millimetres to compensate. I chose to perform this move post-ride and the binder bolt chose that precise moment to expire. Being specific, it seems the collar’s aluminium thread had stripped its threads at a crucial point.

The balance of blame lies solely at my door-overtightened due to neurosis and forgoing a torque wrench. Thank heavens for the internet and next day delivery.

Given this incurred a £4 charge, I decided to buy two of these Brand X (one as a spare, just in case. I also have a blue Salsa lip-lock in storage). Muc Off Mechanics Gloves MUC-OFF MECHANICS GLOVES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) donned, I gave the frame’s seat tube a quick blast of maintenance spray, gently splayed the clamp and eased it in situ.

The former added some slip, thus reducing the risk of scratched paintwork. Treated the post to a quick lick of Muc-Off Bio Grease TESTED : MUC-OFF BIO GREASE (sevendaycyclist.com)  since I was there, reinstated everything and snugged the collar bolt tight, resisting any neurotic urges.

Though the Univega’s Interpon 601 powder coat cream finish After The Gritters Went Home | Seven Day Cyclist is incredibly tough and well applied, it’s not completely bullet-proof (no finish is) and there are a couple of small chips.

One along the chainstay and another on the right-hand seat stay. My initial drift was towards Revel/Humbrol type hobby enamels but these looked to be a shade or two out, which is no use. I’d be better off applying a primer coat to protect the metal and waiting for the right match. As I was wandering around the web for something else, a 30ml RAL9001 cream bottle turned up at a very keen price, so I wasted no time in buying.  

Curing times are cited as being 2hours between coats. Two or three thin coats are always better than a single, thick one. Wherever possibly, leave these overnight and then add subsequent coats the next day. Ideally, leave a further 24hours. In short, best done during a time when that bike is enjoying some well-deserved rest.

Elsewhere, the Zefal Z Adventure Z5 continues to impress with its blend of rugged, motion free tenure and simple, sturdy mounting. Steve’s also been impressed with the BTR Water Resistant Handlebar Bag BTR WATER RESISTANT HANDLEBAR BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

I’ll close this entry with some photos of my thankfully, temporary exile…Better organise some bike storage for my new permanent home, before demand spikes and delivery times extend, given the seasonal rush.    

November nearing its swansong and its remaining unexpectedly mild (save for a few, very cold starts). Strange then, that I should switch to the FLR Defender Winter Booties. However, UK winters err on the wet, rather than bitterly cold and I also want to see how they regulate temperature in milder weather. Before I went into temporary exile, I collected some packet fresh consumables, including these Look Cleats.

Marked “Easy Release”; these follow the Shimano SPD pattern and came with the Look Geo Trekking Pedals I was testing this time in 2019. Since the Shimano and Wellgo bolted to my shoes were fully compatible, I had put the Look on ice. In my experience, even the more basic patterns return a decent mileage. However, they tend to expire at the least convenient moments, especially in winter.

I introduced these with the Zefal Extra Wet Nano Ceramic Chain Lube. Grease is more stoical but heavier duty wet lubes make convenient and passable substitutes. Just remember to strip and re-lubricate more frequently-at least every three months. Otherwise, you’ll be reaching for penetrant sprays, or resorting to more extreme measures, such as drilling them out…

The thicker soles common to this genre of boot may mean raising the saddle a few millimetres to compensate. I chose to perform this move post-ride and the binder bolt chose that precise moment to expire. Being specific, it seems the collar’s aluminium thread had stripped its threads at a crucial point.

The balance of blame lies solely at my door-overtightened due to neurosis and forgoing a torque wrench. Thank heavens for the internet and next day delivery.

Given this incurred a £4 charge, I decided to buy two of these Brand X (one as a spare, just in case. I also have a blue Salsa lip-lock in storage). Muc Off Mechanics Gloves MUC-OFF MECHANICS GLOVES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) donned, I gave the frame’s seat tube a quick blast of maintenance spray, gently splayed the clamp and eased it in situ.

The former added some slip, thus reducing the risk of scratched paintwork. Treated the post to a quick lick of Muc-Off Bio Grease TESTED : MUC-OFF BIO GREASE (sevendaycyclist.com)  since I was there, reinstated everything and snugged the collar bolt tight, resisting any neurotic urges.

Though the Univega’s Interpon 601 powder coat cream finish After The Gritters Went Home | Seven Day Cyclist is incredibly tough and well applied, it’s not completely bullet-proof (no finish is) and there are a couple of small chips.

One along the chainstay and another on the right-hand seat stay. My initial drift was towards Revel/Humbrol type hobby enamels but these looked to be a shade or two out, which is no use. I’d be better off applying a primer coat to protect the metal and waiting for the right match. As I was wandering around the web for something else, a 30ml RAL9001 cream bottle turned up at a very keen price, so I wasted no time in buying.  

Curing times are cited as being 2hours between coats. Two or three thin coats are always better than a single, thick one. Wherever possibly, leave these overnight and then add subsequent coats the next day. Ideally, leave a further 24hours. In short, best done during a time when that bike is enjoying some well-deserved rest.

Elsewhere, the Zefal Z Adventure Z5 continues to impress with its blend of rugged, motion free tenure and simple, sturdy mounting. Steve’s also been impressed with the BTR Water Resistant Handlebar Bag BTR WATER RESISTANT HANDLEBAR BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

I’ll close this entry with some photos of my thankfully, temporary exile…Better organise some bike storage for my new permanent home, before demand spikes and delivery times extend, given the seasonal rush.    

 

Weathering Storms

 I continue to carefully work through and rationalise the spares bins, taking stock of what’s still relevant/required and what can be released. Much of this boils down to contact points. For example, I ride exclusively with recessed SPD/pattern and Time ATAC systems. No sense in clinging on to Keo patterns.  

Nothing wrong with them per se.  Rather, I prefer the convenience of being able to walk (rather than the undignified hobble) without chewing the composite cleat, or gouging holes in expensive linoleum. 

With that in mind, I’ve just taken delivery of these rather fetching Wellgo M)94B 9/16 SPD Shimano Cleat Compatible Sealed Bearing Pedals.  These are the silver versions, which should also keep their looks longer than a black, or similarly painted counterpart. Some painted finishes tire quicker than others. 

Powder-coated versions, including these XLC can prove very hardy, others can flake away, with repeated entry/exit. Much of this boils down to price I.e. quality of powder coating and process I.e. properly blasted bodies given a high-quality zinc-rich primer coat fare best. 

Saddles are another component that can require re-homing. 

Older/cheaper models can go, higher-end/genuinely compatible models, stay. Switching to the Pro Turnix has proven a wise decision. More supportive than the Stealth, 2g heavier than the otherwise very agreeable and cheaper BBB Echelon. However, the Turnix offers plenty of support, without any loss in pedaling efficiency.      

Flooding and similar life-changing destruction has been a theme in some parts of the UK. Here, though blustery, winds have ranged between 27 and 40 mph. The former proving passable, albeit still challenging riding conditions.  

Save for some very cold nights, there’s no hint of the snow, assured by the “red top” tabloid press for several months now. Spiked tyres have remained slumbering in storage.   

I have a love/hate relationship with waterproof socks. The truly impervious TPU lined versions are genuinely impervious-right to the cuff-line.  

However, they also tend to become unpleasantly clammy. Boiled in the bag feet, leading in some instances to athletes’ foot and similar infections. Fabrics which aren’t completely waterproof but highly water-resistant and fast-wicking are my preference. For these reasons, the Oxford Products Ox Sox https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-ox-socks  have proved extremely agreeable.  

They’re not cycling-specific, which isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, it adds to their versatility in many respects. However, more traditional touring shoes and MTB booties are as snug as you’ll find compatible.  

The relentlessly wet conditions require more frequent maintenance. I’m still running the White Lightning Extreme Wet lube and I’m past the 300mile marker on a single helping, with little sign of it relenting. Hardly prodigious perhaps, 400+isn’t uncommon from a stodgy wet formula.  

Motor and chainsaw oils are surprisingly effective and extremely cheap. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cheap-as-chips-chain-lubes provided of course, you’re very vigilant when it comes to cleanliness. i.e. wiping the side plates, rings, derailleur cages at least weekly. Otherwise, that sludgy grinding paste will consume chains and other drivetrain components at a rapid rate. Its reckoned 10spd chains should be retired by the time wear registers .6, 11 speed at .5.  

Chain checking tools are sensible investments (although wear can be accurately assessed using a very accurate ruler). Basic chain checkers can be had for £3, or less. More sophisticated digital fare carries a commensurate price tag but their improved accuracy may recoup monies longer-term i.e. not retiring chains just in time-not too early, or too late.  

Theoretically extending the longevity of more expensive components. During my rationalization, I uncovered this electroplated BBB model. One that I’d had since 2007 but that had been AWOL for a few years. It had fallen from the tool board and beneath the chest freezer.  

Arguably the simplest of this breed, it has a couple of unique features. See the two cutouts? One is designed to remove valve cores, the other is a 5,6 and 8mm box spanner. Not the most useful functions on a contemporary build perhaps but better than dead space.   

Anyhow, the chain function is incredibly simple to use. Place between a designated length of chain, if the teeth sink into the links-low enough that it sits horizontal, the chain is shot. My Univega’s Sram is showing moderate signs of wear but not pensionable just yet. A few hundred miles-three weeks at the current rate before I switch to an FSA I have in stock.