Missing Links & Magic Numbers

Though I’d never say “I can’t do maths” it isn’t my strong suit either and my experience of the school curriculum certainly didn’t help. Anyhow, last week’s quick chain checker intuition revealed Ursula’s was past .7, so time for switching. Out came the 106 link KMC and I was delighted my educated “guestimate” proved exacting.  

Straight up and down the block without undue pull on the short arm Tiagra mech, no sag when dropped on the 22 ring. Confirmed on the following mixed terrain meanders. The work stand is a good gauge, but the real world can throw curved balls.  

I also took this opportunity to replace Ursula’s rear staddle wire- a precaution but cable failures can be nasty- easily and cheaply avoided. Up front, I’ll stick with the TRP Spyre SLC caliper's Shimano pads- get my money’s worth in the wet, gritty conditions, then switch to the Disco Brakes’ semi-metallic Disco Disc Brake Pads and Wavey Rotors | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) .  

Cleats are another small but easily neglected staple. I had a quick check of mine and decided I’d switch to some eXotic Cycles Shimano Compatible SPD Cleats. I’ve long admitted to having a “thing” for pattern products, which started with pedals and has spread to other components, sometimes accessories, too.   

Exhausted KMC binned, I promptly ordered two pre-cut 106 KMC from the supplier, while opportunity and keen pricing presented. A few spare magic links also come in handy- two on the bike, two at home. In practice, two would do and aside from cleaning, lubricating, and replacing chains, I’ve concluded 10 and 11 speeds are best cut once and left alone.

  

This proved an ideal opportunity to inspect the Topeak Hide n’ Tool for signs of corrosion. I was expecting a faint orange taint, but a combination of hardy electroplating and the expander wedge system keeps the grot at bay. Waterlogged lanes and greasy roads were plentiful, so reassuring. I had however managed to “lose” the Hide n’ Tool’s chain spreader but this was reclaimed when tipping Ursula to the side.  

Note to self, add a lick of middleweight (blue) thread lock to subvert this. Talking Topeak, mounted low on Ursula’s seat stay, the Redlite Aero USB Rear Light 30cd is also impressing with its blend of long run times, output, and weatherproofing. Meeting IPX4, I’ve not willfully immersed it (that should be a given) though the odd, unavoidable douching from calve high water hasn’t raised any concerns.  

Waterproof socks have meant the Shimano RX6 Shimano SH RX600 Gravel Cycling Shoes | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) have remained practical and moreover, comfortable. I’ve been pairing the Castelli Perfetto RDS Gloves with some faithful and long serving Gore Tex over-mitts (although the latter’s grippy palms chose this ride to disintegrate).  Then of course, water resistant caps are another welcome addition- ideally a breathable model.  Showers Pass Elite SHOWERS PASS ELITE CYCLING CAP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) being a firm favourite of mine- great wind and rain cheating peak too, so great beneath a road-biased lid.   

The Perfetto RDS seem to hold back light to moderate rain for around an hour- if it's looking rougher, or I’m out for longer, then I’ll reach for the over-mitts.  In terms of socks, I’m disappointed Muc Off decided to phase theirs out-arguably the best fit with sportier shoes and boots.  

That said; I’ve had good experiences with  DexShell Pro Visibility Cycling Socks DEXSHELL PRO VISIBILTY CYCLING SOCKS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and The Gecko Wear Ankle Length Waterproof Cycling Socks Classic GECKO ANKLE LENGTH WATERPROOF SOCKS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Coinciding with chain replacement and Storm Babet’s rude arrival, I’ve reached for the  Weldtite Bike Cleaner concentrate and Zefal Extra Wet Nano Ceramic Chain Lube  ZEFAL EXTRA WET NANO CERAMIC CHAIN LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) to avoid wash off, although I’ll admit to not being overly keen on PTFE as an additive. It’s not the kindest to the planet, aquatic life, and people alike... I also gave the old girl a quick wash, since I was there and finished with a quick post-wash silicone protectant. I was short on time and this Motoverde blend is designed to be applied on damp surfaces.  

Torrential rains have also seen me considering switching to the Carradice Carradry SQR bag CARRADICE CARRADRY SQR BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)- especially since I’ve ditched the full-length chrome plastics. It also means I can post cards, letters etc mid ride without fear of them getting soggy.  I also have the Carradice SQR Super C Tour, bought in November 2001 and save for some characterful, “lived in” patina, going strong 22 years hence.  

Both have an impressive 10-kilo payload but in extreme conditions, the Carradry’s welded seams and zippered side pockets have a definite edge. Lining the SQR Tour with a dry sac (bin bag, in a pinch) largely eliminates incremental creep but the side pockets’ design means small items can escape, given the right circumstances- think packets of spare links/fasteners, the odd slender composite tyre lever etc.  Oh, and while I love the SQR system, it's one for metal posts only- no issues with suspension models, including the Kinekt 2.1, or indeed, Cane Creek Thudbuster.  Right, I'll close with another lighting link. Steve's review of the Exposure Race Mk17 2600lumens Front Light Exposure Race Mk17 2600 Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)    

Navigating The Maddening Crowd

With lockdown long since imploding and societal angst seemingly accelerating several notches, I’ve resumed a state of hyper-vigilance on the roads-on two wheels and four. No sooner had the old Scott shoes imploded and I switched to the legendary Quoc Pham Tourer, my kettle followed suit.

  

Thankfully, I found a passable spare, while waiting for this red replacement to materialise.. Bob Elliot & Co graciously sent me some of their own brand tooling and these FLR Rexston Active Touring Trail shoes.  

The latter are a wallet-friendly design with a seemingly rugged synthetic upper with lace and a Velcro closure to keep the former neatly tamed and out of the transmission. Glossy synthetic uppers should prove easier to clean and are a much better bet than Cordura Nylon types traditionally used on street-styled trainer types.  

Mesh vents will hopefully permit a cooling free flow of air. The sole is reinforced nylon- what 

I’d expect from a trail/tour type model and moreover, this price point. Formative impressions suggest they’ve less rigidity than the Quoc Pham, but it will be interesting to see how they’ll compare with these Triban, in terms of power transfer.  

They’ll be my default, riding the Univega, the Quoc Pham, on the fixed. I’ve added a fresh set of cleats too since the only free set were Wellgo, which now seem incompatible with contemporary Shimano (although Shimano work just fine with Wellgo).  Here’s an overview, if you’re new to riding and considering going clipless https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/stepping-in-a-guide-to-going-cliple    

Was rather surprised to discover the Univega’s rear Continental Contact Reflex Tyre pancake flat. Whipping the tune out revealed a very tiny puncture wound. Nowhere near the valve, or seam, so easily patched and back in the wedge pack.  

I took this opportunity to clean the bikes’ rear triangle, using the Tru Tension Cycle Snow Foam, nip the mudguard’s chainstay bridge bolt tight and feed some Muc Off tyre sealant inside the tube. This also served to cement just how clean the Tru Tension Banana slip Tungsten All Weather Lube is to touch.  

Yes, its tacky but there’s been no annoying transfer to hands and consequently everything they encounter.   Its wet counterpart also continues to impress me on the friction and cleanliness fronts Now, long term life with the Acros Silicone Bar Wrap is also very favourable and the wrap seems very durable.  

However, the matt, embossed texture means that grimy patina, say following some fettling and indeed a roadside mechanical. It responds very well to machine washing but that’s not always convenient, let alone desirable. Sudsy bucket solutions and medium-stiff brushes will dismiss the worst of oily petrochemical spatter but still looks jaded. Enter the Tru Tension Monkey Juice Gel Bike Cleaner.  

Aside from the slightly synthetic banana odour and colour, the gel is designed to cling to the surface, thus giving the chemicals longer to break the grime down, on a molecular level. 3minute recommended standing times are also longer than the blow n’ go blends, although not unheard of. Thus far, given a medium-stiff bristle tickling, two minutes in, dirt and grime fell away, come the first warm water rinse.          

Elsewhere I’ve had to employ some lateral thought and these Topeak gizmos to attach this rather fetching Apidura Racing Bolt-On Top Tube Pack. One of my minor bugbears with traditional top tube/frame bags, is their tendency to rotate and leave “tan lines” in the lacquer/paintwork. Bolting to the frame is the obvious means of swerving this issue. However, my fixed gear winter/trainer (nor any of my fleet, for that matter) isn’t blessed with this feature...

  

Therefore, after a few minutes lateral thought I decided a modern composite band on interface would subvert this issue. Hence, I opted for another set of the Topeak Versa mount, which will comfortably handle the payloads involved.