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.     

Hubs & Helping Hands

 

Madison sent me this Shimano Nexus DH UR 700 3D Dynohub, which at 544g (including skewer) is 68g lighter than the venerable Alfine but 145g heavier than the Shutter Precision SD8 SHUTTER PRECISION SD8 HUB DYNAMO | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and noticeably weightier than the SL9. Experience suggests, used year-round I will return between 20,000 and 25,000miles (about 40233.6 km) from the Shutter Precision hubs before their bearings get the grumbles and they need returning to the factory.  

They certainly won’t owe anything by this point and chances are, running a rim brake, rim sidewalls may also be due their pensions. However, disc brakes extend the life of rim sidewalls considerably and the need to tear down a wheel to service the hub is more frustrating.  

Fond of the SP units, I’m wondering if the contact, rather than labyrinth seals used in Shimano units are the culprits. I left it and a 700c Ryde Sputnik rim with Mick Madgett. The Sputnik is a tough touring rim, which may be overkill for my needs in many regards, I prefer a little overbuild, especially on bikes in daily, winter or gravel service.   

This Shimano Nexus follows the contemporary 6v3watt spec. An aluminium coil structure saves weight. Cup and cone bearing races are treated with Borozon for mirror finished bearing races. A notable improvement over the loveable Alfine and Shutter Precision are the labyrinth seals and internal grease seals.  

These better lock out the elements and the grease in. The nicely machined aluminium hub shell continues this narrative and has a double anodised finish that, if the UN71 is any gauge, should keep its looks and the shell free of corrosion for many years. Provided of course, you periodically give it a good clean, especially during winter where road salt can even chomp through anodising. I’ve whipped a WTB Nano aboard and will get some miles in aboard Denise and will probably switch to my fixed gear winter trainer, as the days become darker and wetter.    

I’m still being sent some nice summer kit. Most notably, this Madison Roam Men’s Short Sleeve Jersey. My experience of the Roam range is generally very positive. It’s what I’d call a crossover range, making easy transition between road, touring and gravel cum trail duties. Their cargo bib shortsMadison Roam Men's Cargo Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), gloves Madison Roam Gloves | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and 2.5layer jacketMadison Roam 2.5 Layer Waterproof Jacket | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  . 

The jersey follows this narrative. Available in moss green, or lake blue, there are three large open top rear pockets, a zippered end terrace for cash, keys and other small valuables coupled with a mesh “dump” pocket, which I’m told is for bunging rogue bits n’ bobs mid ride. Made from 85%polyester 15% polyamide it also features a mesh channel between the shoulder blades to encourage rapid moisture transfer. A decent size zipper tag continues the easy climate control narrative, silicone zippers ensure it doesn’t gather and ride up-especially hunkered down on the drops with bigger loads en tow.  

Oxford has also sent me their Mint Assembly Grease. It’s actually a multi-purpose formula for slow speed applications, headset, hub and other bearings being obvious candidates. However, it's also safe to apply on threads and stanchions. I wasn’t surprised to learn it's carbon safe, although obviously, employ gripper pastes, never grease carbon components.  

There is also a lithium component for durability. I’m not the biggest fan of old-fashioned lithium greases, since they’re not kind to modern composites and rubberised components- seals and suspension being prime examples. Now, the Minty Assembly Grease isn’t a lithium prep but does have a lithium part for durability. With autumn and winter around the corner, it will be interesting to see how well it fares against washout.  

Staying with the washing theme, Denise was filthy after a week or so spent traversing wet, mucky lanes. This impacted grime coincided with the arrival of this Green Oil Massive Brush. It is HUGE and features a wooden handle and biodegradable bristle plot.  Time for a sudsy bucket deep clean...  

Unlike their Standard Bike Brush (which is best for wheels, spokes, cranks and pedals) the bristles are designed for tackling the entire bike. Formative impressions suggest the bristles are soft enough for painted, plated and lacquered surfaces. I’m certainly warming to it, but as usual intensive workshop use will reveal more. I was pleasantly surprised to find Denise’s KMC chain still hovering below the .5 mark. I may well get another month before it collects its pension.     

Right, I’ll close here with my review of the Magicshine EVO1700 Underneath Mounted Bike Light Magicshine Evo 1700 Underneath Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

 

Boiled Bearings & Brake Lights

 I’d been concerned about the Halo Evaura/SP SL9 HALO EVURA & SHUTTER PRECISION SL9 DYNOHUB BUILD (sevendaycyclist.com) hoop- there's been some disc rub and I initially believed this attributable to a slight loss of truth- either the rim or less likely, the Swiss Stop Catalyst Disc Rotor Swiss Stop Catalyst Disc Rotor | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). I’d ruled out the other possibility-broken axle, or skewer. The latter sheared unexpectedly but thankfully, while I was inspecting things from the comfort of home, not ten miles out.  

A trip to Mick Madgett confirmed the SL9’s bearings were cooked. Hub issues had crossed my mind-I’d done approximately 20,000miles and four winters, so not wholly unexpected. Its PD8 cousin HALO CLASSIC RIM & SHUTTER PRECISION DYNOHUB DISC WHEEL BUILD (sevendaycyclist.com) needed overhaul last year, which wasn’t an overly complex, or fraught process. Send it off to Ison Distribution (Their UK importer) pay a small fee and it’ll come back from the factory, serviced and ready to be built into a wheel. 

 

Continuing the lighting theme, I’ve been forming stronger opinions regarding the Kranx Strix 100 and Ravemen TR500 rear lights. The former has surprised, impressed me with its output and presence, across the board. I’d be happiest running it on a best bike-for extended late summer/early autumn evening outings where you need a decent light to get home with. Or as a backing singer to a dynamo/main light during winter. 

 

The TR500 is highly effective and incredibly powerful, though still practical for suburban and town riding in the lower settings. Run times are surprisingly good too, although it does require 5 hrs 45 minutes to fully re/charge. The trick of course, is to charge often.  

Not only for convenience but because it ensures lithium-Ion cells reach their suggested service life. It also features a brake sensor, which its TR300 sibling does not. “Brake” sensors or brake functions are useful but probably best explained/thought of, as slowing sensors.

  

For example, a car or motorcycle brake light engages when the lever, or brake pedal is engaged, which in turn, causes other components to physically engage, switching the light on and off. However, those featured on bicycle lights employ a sensor, which calculates/estimates deceleration. Therefore, it’s likely that they will engage more often, which can affect run times.  

Designs have improved somewhat in recent years- in terms of sensitivity, so you’re not engaging the “brake” light at the slightest loss of momentum on a climb. I’m still very fond of the Xeccon Mars 60 COB Rear Light TESTED: XECCON MARS 60 COB REAR LIGHT (sevendaycyclist.com), which can run in “brake light” only mode. Again, it’s a little on the sensitive side but the large surface area and slightly translucent casing means it’s a good bet for tagalongs/trailers, or as a sleek single, post-mounted light.  

Those on the Ravemen TR500, and Magicshine SeeMee 150 and 200 are easily disengaged, which is thoughtful. Ravemen CLO6 RAVEMEN CL06 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) follows this less prescriptive narrative and employs a sensor that picks up approaching vehicle headlamps, intensifying the output accordingly.  

After a period of drought, the rains have come and its welcome on many levels. Wet, greasy and challenging conditions are perfect for evaluating products. Tyres, brakes, chain lubes or clothing are just a few examples. The Specialized Road Sport are continuing to put a grin on my face, although aren’t quite as sprightly as the CST Czar, or Vittoria Rubino Pro but do seem consistently good-even along waterlogged roads.  

Would be interesting to see how their more expensive Road Elite stablemates compare. Interestingly the latter only feature a centre-breaker strip, not one that runs bead to bead. Traditionally this has meant a lighter, faster tyre but on paper at least, more vulnerable to flats, especially during winter. Winter also means more component chewing filth and caustic grot.  

This coupled with shorter days demands a more efficient approach to cleaning and general maintenance WINTER WONDERLAND ONE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) Bike washes, though not essential can be very helpful when time is short and grime stubborn. Steve’s been putting this Motorex Bike Clean Motorex Bike Clean | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) through its paces and seems quite impressed.