Sweet Spots, Holy Grails & More Spuds

 

 Aside from reducing the chain tension very slightly before setting out, Muffin’s gearing is perfect for my needs.  Providing the desired additional torque on the climbs without my legs going into overdrive on the descents.

I also needed to tweak the headset bearings slightly, having detected some play when engaging the front brake. An easy, two-minute fix- slacken the pinch bolts, snug the pre-load a fraction, test by rocking back and forth with the front brake engaged, then snug the pinch bolts to 5nm.  Having been somewhat underwhelmed by the Gaciron Xiaoman 1000’s handlebar mount, I discovered that belonging to the Ravemen LR1600 Ravemen LR1600 Front Light | cycling-not-racing was compatible and popped that in situ for a few rides.

This proved a great union, but I subsequently replaced it with this auction site stem face special, meaning I could switch to the Xiaoman’s Go-Pro pattern under bar mount. Talking of lights, here’s my long-term test of the Zefal Supervision FL 1500 Front Light Zefal Supervision FL1500 front light | cycling-not-racing.  

 Modulation and feel from the Vevo V lever is smooth, progressive and basically I'd had everything dialled in to my taste. Well, it gave rise to some further tweaks. I’d added some off cuts of Cinelli Cork Wrap to the Genetic Neuron GENETIC NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing since I had some left and it was neater than the scraps of old butyl. This was employed to prevent slight, very gradual movement of the K-Lite Ultra Low Drag Dynamo Light K-LITE ULTRA LOW DRAG DYNAMO LIGHT | cycling-not-racing

Formative impressions of the Genetic Hi-Grip bar tape are similarly favourable, although the finishing strips have been creeping undone and will likely be substituted for decent quality electrical tape.  Having amassed some proper miles with Muffin's new bars and levers, I've concluded the switch was definitely inspired.

The shallower drop allows me to spend more time hunkered low, rather than cruising on the hoods (which is also a very comfortable stance). 44cm width continues this narrative, although tis came as a slightly greater surprise, given I default to 46cm. Being a tarmac-biased build, aerodynamics are subtly improved and I don't require the same degree of leverage beneficial on a gravel or drop bar mountain bike. 

Fairweather conditions put much less strain on components, so I switched Muffin to its other dynohub wheel, shod with the 42mm section Maxxis Roamer TESTED: MAXXIS ROAMER TYRES for some additional speed and compliance. There’s only 80g separating the Roamer and Vittoria Adventure Tech.

Both are cheap but crucially very cheerful. The Vittoria Adventure Tech are available in 700x 38, 35 and 32mm sections features a beefy 5mm puncture repelling belt, which inspires confidence during the darker months, and ride quality is better than 33tpi casings would suggest. Wear has been nominal too, continuing the stout narrative, meaning they’re a good choice for commuting and weekend touring.

The Roamer employs a Kevlar breaker strip along the centre. Consequently, puncture resistance is good, rather than great, which is why they’re my fair-weather choice. Again, there’s scope for exploring light, hardpack and lightweight, weekend touring but the Roamer’s 60tpi casings provide a more engaging, compliant ride.  

There are some components that I may not use very frequently but will never part with. Design classics and sentiment being the obvious attachments. These Shimano SPD from 1990 being prime examples. I’d stripped and serviced last year and found the internals in remarkably good shape.

Back then, I repacked them with Juice Lubes Bearing Juice, which is a synthetic blend with a putty-like consistency intended specifically for bearings.  I’ve used it to particularly good effect in hubs and headsets. Opening the mighty first-generation Spuds revealed a decent amount clinging to the bearings and axles. Simple Pedal Overhaul | cycling-not-racing

However, since I’d come this far, I decided I’d give them a deep clean using Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner | cycling-not-racing before repacking them with Zefal Pro II Grease Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing  . Pedals are nice things to work on, since you can sit at a bench and methodically clean, inspect, adjust and replace bearings etc as required.

There are a few schools of thought when it comes to clipless and fixed gear. I've used everything from the old "Lego-type" Look, through to Time ATAC, although have typically stuck with dual sided Shimano and Welgo, since they're inexpensive and very straightforward to service.

Single sided road designs, such as these Wellgo and indeed, Shimano Ultegra are quite pleasant and when packed with stiff grease, tend to align upright, ready for easy entry, say at the lights. Fine, if you're doing long, steady miles, or racing TTs, but lack a dual sided model's convenience-especially in stop-go traffic.

I've also run nickel-plated Exustar pedals- Look (Keo) pattern one side, SPD the other. Designed primarily for spinning/similar duties, they meant I never let the house with the "wrong" shoes, so an obvious choice for a trainer, or daily driver. However, there's some trade-off weight-wise given the steel, rather than alloy bodies.

They resisted corrosion pretty well too-waxed periodically, coupled with shots of maintenance spray to the mechanisms, which also gave the bodies a light, protective coating. Wellgo MO94B WELLGO MO94B SPD PEDALS | cycling-not-racing have proven very solid alternative to Shimano M520 thanks to the rugged silver finish and buttery smooth cartridge bearings. 

The WPD 823 are cheaper still and a good budget alternative-£30 but I've seen the version with loose ball bearings for £15 including cleats-new. Access to the bearings is via a simple press fit cover, which is convenient. These were a little squeaky, the grease looking closer to recycled chip fat. Subsequently, I’ve packed them with Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing

Fast Fifty

 I’ve crossed over into five-decade county and it’s been a cause for much reflection. 37 years since I took delivery of a Holdsworthy Claud Butler I’d been lusting after for a summer-I'd go and “visit” it every weekend that summer. My parents had a colleague who was in his early 60s but could’ve passed for late 30s. A lifelong racing cyclist, he’d often commute to work and then do a “fast fifty” on the route home. Several scoffed at this, until one sceptic happened to follow him and his curly stay Hetchins Hetchins Cycles (classiclightweights.co.uk) in their car.  

There are a lot of myths surrounding the Hetchins curly stays and ornate lugwork, some suggesting the curly stays would spring out and become a structurally sound straight tubed frameset following an impact...The real reasoning for those swoopy stays and fancy lugs was to subvert advertising rules of the post-war period.  

Now, I’m the first to admit they’re beautiful, masterpieces, even but while I admire them, they’re a just that bit too flamboyant for my tastes. Those lugs and other detailing also add a few grams over a more traditional frameset- if that’s important to you. Concepts and standardisation come and go. My frames are older, for starters- the youngest being from 2005, so sport uniform 1& 1/8th, rather than tapered head tubes and therefore, forks.  

The main argument in favour of tapered head tubes (1/18th top, 1.5 bottom) is that a wider fork steerer result in a more responsive, engaging ride without feeling unduly harsh. It also allows a larger downtube, improving rigidity and therefore, on paper at least, efficiency. Now, trend has been for internal cable routing, which seems to be encouraging a shift back to uniform, or strait steerers, albeit larger diameter. Frames with tapered head tubes can run “standard” straight 1/18th forks using a crown race reducer, so not overly problematic.  

Sadly, although not unexpectedly I’m noticing an increase in insolvencies within the UK’s small cycle industry, which is worrying and saddening in equal measure. Much of this seems attributable to Brexit and related trading issues-something that was inevitable to anyone with a basic understanding of economics and to a lesser extent, international trade.  

The less money in people’s pockets, the less taxation there is to fund everyday services, less disposable incomes mean other industries also suffer and so the cycle continues. Hopefully, favourable rescue packages can be secured. Rides allow me to reflect and unload and the dark’s perfect for this kind of processing.  

Back to tech talk, it’s no secret that I love winter booties for warm, dry feet. My preference has always been for mtb versions, if for no other reason than recessed cleats. The ability to walk, rather than hobble is infinitely preferable, especially during winter when roads are wet, greasy and often icy.  

Then of course, I default to SPD pedals and like riding off-road. I recall a small minority of riders in the late 80’s using LOOK pedal systems on the trails but despite my quirks, not an avenue I took.   

I’ve run the FLR Defender FLR DEFENDER MTB DRY BOOT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) for three seasons, through snow, ice, bitter cold and sometimes high water. For a budget model, they perform well but though the design’s wraparound Velcro closure is convenient-especially in winter weight gloves and has relaxed over time, the cut means it can lift allowing water and snow to creep inside. I’ve returned to them, with the advent of storm Babet and was curious whether their bulk might catch on the Topeak Hide n’ Tool.  

The latter’s been a moot point. I was also curious how the FLR would compare with Shimano’s price point rivals, the SH-MW501. These employ a water-repelling outer laying and plentiful retro-reflective technology, which bridges the gap between winter road and mountain biking duties. Beneath, big S has opted for a speed lace system, so it’ll be interesting to see whether this is a better, weather-cheating system.  

The rubberised outer sole is less aggressive than some and doesn’t have drillings for studs- the FLR Defender do. However, in practice, I’ve only found these necessary in the boggiest of conditions. The Shimano are yet to arrive but childlike anticipation aside, that’s not an issue-we're only just entering the wetter, colder season...I’ll close with Steve’s review of the Ergon IP Touring Solestar Insole Ergon IP Touring Solestar Insole | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  and my test of the Topeak Redlite Aero USB Rear Light Topeak Redlite Aero USB Rear Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Too Much Pressure

Despite the best efforts of Jacob Rees Mogg, SKS in Germany (those people responsible for arguably the finest full length, chrome plastic mudguards) were able to get this Air-X-Plorer Digi 10.1 Track Pump to my door in a matter of weeks.  

However, unless the UK rejoins the customs union shortly, this may not be so easy later down the line. Against this backdrop, I snapped up some SKS guards that were going seriously cheap (along with some other little sundries, while I was there and to justify the flat-fee postage).  It shouldn’t be inferred that Ursula’s SKS Blumels Shiny SKS BLUEMELS SHINY MUDGUARDS | cycling, but not ususally racing (sevendaycyclist.com) are in anything but rude health. However, at that price, I’d be a fool not to, and save ‘em for a rainy day.  

In a fit of pique, I decided to bolt some Shimano MT cleats to these Shimano touring shoes, which I resurrected after several years on the subs bench.  Why? Well, I was curious to see how far soles and other tech have come along in the last 12 years, or so. Multi Release Cleats (denoted by an M) are, as their name implies are designed to allow disengagement from multiple angles.  

Traditional models, such as Shimano SM- SH51 are designed to release ONLY when the heel is moved outward. The multiple release can disengage in any direction, including tugging upward. I’ve not had any issues with unwanted release when gently pulling up on the pedals-even with the pedal spring tension set to minimum. Newbies might sound the most obvious audience but aside from being generally convenient, riders with less strength in their legs, or joints would also reap benefits.  

I’m still loving the Oxford Venture Jacket OXFORD VENTURE JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)- its lightweight, easily packable and great for those morning’s where it may not be raining, but intermittent blustery winds have an edge to them.  However, I decided it was time to add a zipper tag to the breast pocket, for easier access.  Retrieving my superzoom compact camera was becoming an awkward fumble and wasn’t going to have a happy ending.   

Drier weather has meant more weekend miles on the Teenage Dream. The long bank holiday weekend was perfect for this and hiking the saddle height by those few milimetres was an inspired move. However, I had just switched to this Eclipse Road 25 Tube inner tube, when I discovered a disconcerting bulge in the Vee Tire Co Rain Runner Clincher Tyre. 

 

Closer inspection confirmed it needed pensioning off. Fortunately, I had another 25mm Freedom Thick Slick resting quietly in a corner, so performed the switch. Eclipse tube safely instated; I was suitably impressed by the speed and ease at which the SKS delivered 110psi (the Thick Slick’s maximum pressure).  

Staying with rubber, here’s my review of the Vittoria Evolution Road Bike Tyres Vittoria Evolution Road Bike Tyre | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). Both machines are running the Momum MIC Wax chain lube, which has held up surprisingly well by wax standards and along some very wet roads and yes, heavy rain, too. 440 mixed terrain, mixed weather miles before any telltale taint and tinkling.  

Incidentally, this can be replenished, without needing to strip the residual. Shake, drizzle in, leave to assume a glazed lacquer-like state, then scoot-off. On this basis, it’s looking a very viable choice for tourists (especially given there’s a 15ml option). Seems to be working rather well on cleat mechanisms too. 

Talking of scooting off, Steve’s been testing these 360 Dry Blue Ankle socks 360DRY BLUE ANKLE SOCKS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Though the two-wheeled fleet has a decent amount of waxy internal preserve sloshing around their inner sanctum, I like to have plenty lying around-especially to treat the KA and Micra underbody, so picked up a bargain candle, while doing the weekly Tour de Supermarche’ and ordered in two litres of solvent online, benefitting from the economies of scale.