I found myself switching this
Topeak Road Master Blaster Topeak
Road Master Blaster Frame Pump | cycling-not-racing over from Muffin to
Ursula. Though on paper, I’d be surprised that it would fit the 17.5-inch
frameset, but it’s worth remembering that mid to late nineties cross country
mountain bike framesets had long top tubes for a more stretched, aggressive
stance. In this instance 21.3 inches, which proved bespoke for the pump.
Proof of said security was off
road and during our first outing, I wasted no time in taking a left turn and letting
rip along two miles of leafy bridlepath. I was also keen to see how the Sidi
Algor performed off road. Formative impressions are positive, and I was
pleasantly surprised to find them temperate in milder conditions-13 degrees.
Nonetheless, there’s plenty of miles to come on and sans asphalt_ I’ll reserve
judgment until December, possibly the New Year.
As for the pump’s tenure? Rock
steady. Inner tube wrapped around the top tube undoubtedly provides some
additional grip, but the pressure fit is perfect, holding the pump steady,
while still allowing ready, convenient access when required. Less delightful
was discovering the right Microshift bar end shifter had turned belligerent and
wouldn’t shift. Now, bar end shifters main selling point is their rugged simplicity and
the ability to switch them to friction mode.
The latter forgotten while I was
traversing roads carpeted in thick, slimy agricultural mud and reflecting on
the speed some vehicles were doing through it-with some palpable loss of
traction. Upon returning from my 90-minute
mixed terrain jolly, I decided to switch the lever for a spare and fresh cable.
Doing so quickly restored the comforting click and sweep of the chain across
the cassette.
Minor tweaks made, cable
liberally lubed with some Muc Off MO94 Muc-Off
MO94 Multi Use Spray | cycling-not-racing , I pruned the inner cable,
superglued the end and popped Ursula away. I wasn’t surprised to find everything behaved
on the workstand, but some phantom shifts when climbing during our first mixed
terrain outing meant stopping and dialling some tension from the rear mech’s
barrel adjuster.
Sorted in thirty seconds, one of
those easy fixes and no issues since. Whoosh!
The child like inner joy as I weaved through the leafy carpets and soft, though
not too boggy mud was a welcome relief from some complex monotony that had been
all too prevalent within my wider world. Perspective, too.
Richard Ballantin’s observations
(p 17 Richard’s New Bicycle Book (Oxford Illustrated Press October 1988) “At a
deeper level, how you ride reflects your feelings and thoughts. You are with
yourself.” Social media can give the impression of
connectivity and indeed, personal significance, but the reality is
individually, we are all very insignificant. I have also noted a pronounced
rise in anti-intellectualism, a lack of desire to learn and a climate where the
loudest voices, no matter how ill-informed get most attention. Contrary to
popularist sentiment, we do need experts, we need expertise. This knowledge and
understanding does not happen by osmosis, it takes years to cultivate,
regardless of trade, or profession. The
appeal and indeed, success of populist leaders is emotional, not based on facts.
The feeling, a false sense of
empathy is what mobilises people and without any introspection, or critical
introspection. The pied piper then leads them along the desired path, and we’re
back down those alleys which caused so much destruction-economic, social and
political.
The same games and tunes are
played, but just through different mediums-although some would argue regulated
media outlets have become complicit megaphones. I listen closely to these things
but will never engage, either with those who follow the rhetoric, or those espousing
it.
Many of those following the
rhetoric and depending upon state benefits may regret their subscription, since
these populists have already made it very clear they will greatly reduce public
spending and welfare benefits will be top of the list.
In all probability, these people
will continue following the rhetoric and will blame and quite likely physically
attack others. They already do- housing officers, social workers, nurses,
administrators to name a few who are “fair game” for their frustration. I’ve
experienced it first hand, so know how it plays out. I’ve had some people come
and boast they knew how to tender various services, only to demonstrate a
complete, some might say, breathtaking ignorance of the tendering process and
service level agreements.
Several months down the line, I
will say I’m very impressed by Zefal Pro II Grease’s performance and staying
prowess. It’s certainly surpassed my expectations of budget greases, especially
those employing lithium.
Plenty remains on contact points,
threaded components, headset and pedal bearings, Hollowtech II axles and cleat
fasteners. No hint of galvanic corrosion, or other nastiness. In fairness, these months have varied between very
hot and uncharacteristically mild- 17 degrees has not been unusual in the early
part of November. Plenty of opportunity to test the Castelli Do Di Ci
https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/castelli-do-di-ci-jacket
Lithium based preps aren’t ideal
for all jobs, but for general assembly jobs and bearing packing, there’s much
to like here. I took this opportunity to introduce the 17tooth Arundel fixed
sprocket to Muffin’s hub, switching the 16tooth to the other side. Staying with
lubes, I retired Denise’s KMC X10 chain, since opportunity presented, which
also coincided with the arrival of this Muc-Off C3 All Weather Ceramic, so it
will be interesting to see how this compares to its entry level counterpart I
reviewed a while back. Muc-Off
All Weather Chain Lube | cycling-not-racing
I’ve also reached my conclusions regarding the Sigma Buster 1600 &
RL150 lights, which have a lot to offer, although some niggles and limitations,
too Sigma
Buster 1600 & RL150 Light Set | cycling-not-racing
