Up n’ Down. Like the Weather

 

 

The ice took longer to materialise but a loss of traction while grinding up a climb on the fixed signalled spikes. It was the rear tyre, not the front thankfully and being fixed, the added feedback meant I could reclaim control without going rubber-up or filling my bib longs.  I’d reached for the fixed since Ursula’s rear Ice Spiker Pro was mysteriously flaccid. Something I traced to a pinched tube. Easily sorted- swap to a fresh tube and patch the pin prick.  

Then order a few fresh tubes...I'd seen some Bontrager going for £3 apiece, so swooped and bought 4. I’d also broken the last of my long-handled Lifeline tyre levers. Before we get too critical, after a decade or so’s faithful service, they hardly owed me anything. The ice relented within a matter of days, roads reverting to a wet, mulchy state, so I switched back to the fixed.  

Third outing and I was surprised to find the CST Expedium 6 CST Xpedium Tyres | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) succumbed to something sharp. Thankfully a tiny pinprick meant it was a very slow flat and only became tangible when I’d returned.  Cue a switch to the Halo Aerotrack wheel (also shod with a CST Expedium), a tube switch for the Mavic/Halo and a patch for the wounded tube. Off the list, no time the present and all that...Glad I replenished my supply of vulcanising solution and patches.  Cue a sudden interest in these Pirelli Angel DT Urban.   

These, as the name implies are intended to withstand the cut n’ thrust of urban riding. There is a wealth of sizes but given the fixed’s clearances, I’ve gone for the 32mm. Then of course, I was intrigued by how well the 5mm Hyperbelt would fare against flats, compared to that of the Kenda Kwick Journey KS Plus KENDA KWICK JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  not forgetting the CST. I decided I'd switch the fixed over to its Halo White Line/ Shutter Precision PD8 wheel HALO CLASSIC RIM & SHUTTER PRECISION DYNOHUB DISC WHEEL BUILD (sevendaycyclist.com) and give the SL9 a break 

I was even more surprised to discover the Halo Spin Doctor’s hub- freehub mechanism getting the grumbles. It had lost the familiar “tick” and was, well, not freewheeling properly. I initially thought a gummed up rear mech might be the culprit but despite some gloopy mulch, it was performing normally...One thing led to another, and I found myself stripping the Ryde/XT hub, repacking the latter with some Juice Lubes Bearing Juice.  

Aside from being tenacious, it holds bearings securely in the races- no issues with them falling out when sliding the axle through. I decided, given deadlines and similarly pressing stuff, to hand the Spin Doctor over to Mick Madgett and have him tweak the spoke tension, while it's there. Everything seemed in good health otherwise.

Presented an opportunity to give Ursula another deep clean-paying particular attention to the mechs, which are right in filth’s firing line. Having tickled these, chain and cassette clean, I replenished the Silca Secret Formula Chain Lube, which continues to impress with its silence, low friction and cleanliness.   

These Shimano MW501 mtb booties also arrived bang on cue, along with Madison Roam 2.5 Layer Waterproof Jacket. In some respects, it's along similar lines to the Showers Pass Elements Jacket SHOWERS PASS MEN'S ELEMENTS JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

Both have a more relaxed (but not baggy) cut, several pockets and hoods.  It’s priced closer to that of Oxford Venture OXFORD VENTURE JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and that’s reflected in the fact the Showers Pass has waterproofing and breathability ratings of 15000. The Oxford and Madison are 10,000 apiece. These features, coupled with subtle colours lend them to general outdoor wear, too.  

Ours was Dark Olive, continuing this narrative but black, or Chili red are the alternatives. Back to the booties.  I’ve always had a soft spot for mtb models during the darker months, even on a road bike. I’ve occasionally been tempted by road-specific versions, but the stiffer soles and exposed cleats lack the same convenience, dare I say security when dabbing a foot down, or walking short distances. Retro-reflective panelling is another nice, if unexpected touch on an mtb design and incredibly effective, too.  

 

Fluke & Fortune

I was doing a light swap, since the little Topeak Taillux 30 was begging for a charge, come the close of our ride. I switched to its 100lumen sibling TOPEAK TAILLUX 100 REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). While I was rooting around for the bigger Topeak, I noticed a Garmin type front mount belonging to a Magicshine light and suddenly had the notion that it might be a good cure for the rattly See Sense Beam+ mount.   

I was pleased to discover this sorted the issue (although See Sense and I were of the belief this was just a rogue mount). Silent and rattle-free. Sometimes it’s the little things that bring the biggest grins. However, rubber straps tend to require judicious force to get them rock steady on the bars.  

They may seem immobile at first but creep given a few miles, especially subjected to low level vibration. Washboard tarmac, rumble strips (the sort designed to reduce speed and therefore, calm traffic speed) being prime examples. I’m hoping this shim might be the way forward... 

This discovery coincided with the arrival of these Ergon BT Ortho Cell Pad Set. These are strips of 2.5mm thick foam padding designed to reduce discomfort from low-level vibration.

Unlike some “military grade” products, there’s no trade-off in terms of aesthetic.  

This is a definite plus, especially if you’re dressing the bars of a mile-munching classic with pencil thin steel tubing.

Ursula is arguably at the opposite end of this spectrum. The foam itself seems unaffected by cold, at least when fitted. Though fitting was hardly taxing, getting the strips to mould and sit nicely required gentle warming from a hairdryer.  

I suspect this was attributable to the air temperature (struggling to minus 2 and I suspect a non-issue when temperatures hit the low teens).  Thus far, the foam pads seem to offer some additional damping but it’s also worth noting that I’ve been wearing liner gloves beneath the Altura.  

 

 Seeing Sense Again.  

Mount aside, I’m endeared to the Beam+, its intelligent features and impressive run times. 400 icy, wintry miles down the line and I’m warming to the Muc Off All Weather Lube, which is staying put better than I’d expected, given the suggestion it might need reapplication in wet conditions. Contexts, which will find a chink, or fault in a product, sometimes with unwelcome ease. 

January marked the 24th year of me spotting Ursula in Bob’s window- frame and fork £125. Much has changed, much has been worn out and upgraded but the old girl remains true to my original vision.   

I’ve stuck with the 11-25 setup (Two Shimano Tiagra Cassettes), since these were heavily discounted and will switch to the similarly inexpensive 11-28, when the freshly fitted KMC chain wears out.

   

I’ve been so thankful for the Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro’s 360 spikes, which really inspire confidence across thick ice. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-ice-spiker-pro-tyres  The Schwalbe Winter Plus’ 240 are very dependable but the Ice Spiker Pro bite in contexts where I’ve felt a momentary pause from the 240. Not enough to cause problems, or anxiety. More a gentle nudge, which keeps my senses primed and speed in check- typically into the bends.  

Despite biblical warnings from some “newspapers” the bitterly cold snap passed, and I was able to switch back to the SP SD8 and XT wheels shod with the Maxxis Overdrive Excel. I needed to see how the freshly repacked hubs compared and to get some more miles in, with the Maxxis.  

Hubs are buttery smooth and silent.  The Overdrive Excel are brisk and engaging tyres with a bit more zing, though no loss of puncture resistance compared with some iconic favourites. Whether this puncture resistance will prove consistent, up until the point they’re worn out, remains to be seen.  

50-55psi seems optimal when it comes to speed, compliance and grip and phrases like trekking, or hybrid are a little open to interpretation. Personally, I’d say they’re more versatile than the semi-slicks many of us shod our tarmac bound mtbs with during the late 90s and early 2000s, but hardpack and unmade roads are the limits of their off-road capabilities. The maximum payloads are 90 kilos for the 26x2.0, which for someone of my 70-kilo build, gives scope for lightweight/weekend touring.  I'll hold off any firm conclusions for another 200 miles but I'm growing very attached to their quick, yet dependable personas