On the cusp of 2026, I’ve been
reflecting on 2025. Many miles in the
saddle, there have been lots of subtle tweaks and changes across the board.
Ursula’s frame modifications have proved their worth. I’ve switched the rear
quick release for the electroplated trailer model. I’ve experienced some
occasional disc rub-easily addressed using some simple adjustments.
Thru axles are the best pairings
on the stiffness fronts, which may be a consideration for those taking the
modernisation route. Talking of which, many frame builders will shy away from
retrofitting disc mounts to older, thinner tubed framesets. By all means ask
them and to explain their reservations but (this goes for any other profession,
or trade) never try cajoling someone into doing something they are not
comfortable doing. There’s usually a very sound reasoning behind that
reticence.
Before concerning yourself with calliper
alignment and more involved diagnostics, start with some simple stuff. With the
bike set down, undo the quick release and check the wheel is properly set in
the dropouts and centred. Next, with the quick release open, pull the brake
lever fully home, while simultaneously closing the quick release.
Pump the lever ten times and roll
the bike or spin the wheel to test for any binding. I was happy with the Spyre SLC’s alignment, so
felt no need to meddle and on this occasion, all sorted. This had coincided
with yet another sudsy bucket clean, since Ursula needed it, after a week
belting along greasy, muddy lanes. I also wanted to strip what remained of the Weldtite All Weather
Lube Weldtite
All Weather Lube | cycling-not-racing and introduce some Muc Off C3 Ceramic
All Weather Chain Lube Muc-Off
C3 All Weather Chain Lube | cycling-not-racing- just fancied a change to be
honest.
Several months and many miles
down the line, the Leatt Endurance 6.0 Clip in Pedals Leatt
Endurance 6.0 Clip in Pedals | cycling-not-racing which are understated and just get on with the
job- no flex, creaking and while mud shedding doesn’t rival Time’s mighty ATAC,
they’ll shift boggy clay soil with reassuring ease.
Switching to the Ergon All Road
Core Comp SaddleErgon
SR All Road Core Comp Saddle Men | cycling-not-racing has proved music to
my derriere, and I’m pleased to report the right hand Microshift bar end
shifter is behaving properly, so all told, I’ve refined the contact points to
personal perfection. Long term use has me concluding CST Patrol CST Patrol
Folding EPS Tyres | cycling-not-racing are a better fit for me and my
riding style than the Continental Cross King Protection Black Chili Tyres Continental
Cross King Protection Black | cycling-not-racing
Phantom squeaks strike now and
again- can be something and nothing. Muffin’s creak wasn’t the D-riser 4 bars,
rather the Cane Creek dummy/stoker lever needing a quick turn of the 5mm Allen
key. I’ve had these for many years and found their ergonomics incredibly
comfortable for cruising and climbing. Obviously
tandems are their primary audience, but they make a lot of sense on a fixed
gear build, or indeed, a trike, or something similarly specialist employing a
2-in1, linked brake. I’m considering revisiting the 146mm wide Cycles Berthoud
Soulor CYCLES
BERTHOUD SOULOR LEATHER SADDLE | cycling-not-racing or The titanium railed Spa Cycles Aire for a
while. I’ve decided to whip the Aire
atop Muffin’s USE post, since I needed to strip and regrease some of the
hardware.
In fairness, there was a reasonably
stoical, thin layer of Oxford Mint Assembly Grease Oxford Mint
Assembly Grease | cycling-not-racing . However, prevention is always better
than cure and since I was switching saddles, then was the time. I’ve reached
for the Zefal Pro II Grease Zefal Pro II Grease
| cycling-not-racing
The Soulor is 7mm broader than
the Ergon SR All Road Saddle Ergon SR
All Road Men’s Saddle | cycling-not-racing and a bit heavier too. I’m
curious to see how good a fit it is with Muffin.
Dimensions wise, its identical to
the iconic 80’s Selle Italia Turbo, which I got along with just fine for
several years. I had two versions, the suede and a leather covered gel version
c. 1993-96. Staying with the late 80s, I had a Selle San Marco Concor Super
Corsa homage- wore the suede smooth and ultimately sold it to a fellow student
for £8 in 1994.
Winter is hard on stuff as I’m
always saying and cables are no exception. I wasn’t surprised to
discover a frayed inner still commanding Ursula’s front Suntour mech-one of
those routine jobs that saves a lot of hassle later down the line. Another illustration
of why its important to wash and inspect bikes regularly during the darker
months.
The muddy, slippery season has
also presented opportunity to put the Zefal G50 Gravel Mudguards to the test
and as I’d expected, they offer a decent amount of coverage-at least to the
rider, without fouling when things get gooey.
Longer term, I’m contemplating a hybrid setup
for Denise- leaving the rear G50 I situ and running a Mud Hugger Gravel Hugger
up front. We’ll see, this is more of an aesthetic, rather than performance
thing. The great thing about the G50 is their compatibility with cantilever
brakes, lending them to older ‘cross, hybrid and gravel builds. I like disc
brakes and for a wealth of applications, they’re great, but cantilevers and other
rim brakes still have genuine advantages and perform very well. Particularly with
higher end cables and pads.
