Heavy Duty

The present lockdown is presenting considerable challenges for everyone. Stoicism, riding and creativity are my coping mechanisms. Broadband and similar connectivity are also creaking under the strain, presumably as there’s unprecedented demand. In my case, I'm also at the very end of this line. 

Experiences with standard (and otherwise very serviceable) track chains, such as this SRAM PC1 have led me to conclude that beefy ½ link track types are the best fits for me and my fixed gear builds. Models such as the PC1 and this Passport Elements Anti Rust Chain https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/passport-elements-single-speed-chai  are pretty good choices for bikes with single speed freewheels but fixed transmissions are subjected to greater stresses. 

Traditionally half-link chains were aimed at riders of conversions (i.e. geared framesets that have been converted to fixed gear use), where getting chain tension/length just right can be particularly tricky. There’s a lot of conflicting debate regarding their benefits and indeed, otherwise.   

I’ve switched to this KMC Kool HL710. White isn’t the most obvious colour choice but neutral enough and going for the proverbial song.  Before its arrival, I discovered my fixed gear winter/trainer’s rear Schwalbe Marathon GT decidedly flaccid.  

A flat, though thankfully fixable. However, the GT’s casing was starting to wear a little flat in places, so I took the opportunity and swapped it for this Vee Tire Co Zilent. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/vee-tire-co-zilent-tyre . 

This one is a 35mm section, though seems fractionally narrower than the Schwalbe, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing either-gives a little more breathing space within the chainstays. The Zilent are a similar breed of tyre. One aimed at e-bikes and commuters.  

In common with the Schwalbe a two-layer puncture repelling armour. Works to the same capillary principle, pushing sharps out, before they can nick the tube. Operating pressures are a little lower, ranging from 35-65psi, whereas the Schwalbe Marathon GT go to 85 psi, the 42mm Zilent has a range between 45 and 80 psi).  

The Zilent2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/vee-tire-co-zilent-mark-2-tyres was devised upon discovering people were using the original Zilent for long-haul touring-something they wasn’t intended for and resulted in sidewall failures.  Up front I substituted the sprightly and compliant Soma Fabrications Shikoro https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/s  for the Continental Contact plus.    

I’ve gone for the 37mm- gives a little extra clearance upfront (not that it’s ever been an issue with the 42mm). The 37mm Contact Plus run between 65 and 85psi, whereas the Shikoro range between 35 and 90psi. 

Sure, the Contact Plus are a very different tyre, compared with the Shikoro. Closer to the Vee Tie Co Zilent, in fact, which should make for a very reliable, reciprocal mix. 

Despite the country being on “Lockdown” I’d be surprised if the police have the resources to enforce, beyond densely populated towns and cities. I’ve noticed a pronounced spike in the amount of fly-tipping. Discarded (broken) beer bottles also seem more prevalent and would also explain my switch. 

Shipping the Contact aboard the front Halo Evura https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-evura-shutter-precision-sl9-dy hoop proved unexpectedly challenging though. It claimed two basic resin levers and almost sent a very nice Pedros’ over a 6foot fence. In the end, this VAR won the battle. Suffice to say, I’ve stashed that in the Carradry, in case I should flat by the roadside.  

Not been an issue with these, or their 42mm counterparts to date, although it’s worth noting that, no matter how rugged your rubber, tubes can fail at the valve heads. So always advisable to pack a spare or two, decent tyre levers and of course, a pump. I carry two mini pumps, and three tubes just in case.  

Overkill in some respects. However, one tube may get another stricken rider home and they consume nominal space in the SQR tour and Carradry bags. Oh, staying with tyres and inflation, Steve’s been quite impressed with this Zefal Profil Max FP60 Z-Turn Pump https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-profil-max-fp60-z-turn-pump 

This lovely CNC machined ring arrived from Raval. Made from CNC machined stainless steel, the climb down from 42 to 38 teeth gives a range between 34 and 89 inches. True, I sacrifice a little top end but gain a bit more mid-range, which is arguably more practical/efficient, given the bike’s design brief.  

Oval rings are to some an unusual, arguably controversial concept that comes in and out of vogue. Shimano Bio-Pace was the one most remember but several brands, including Stronglight (Bio strong) and Suntour (Oval tech), joined the bandwagon. However, oval rings have been making a quiet but steady return since 2014. I’m looking forward to racking up the miles on ours.  

No, not nostalgia talking (although it was popular during those halcyon days where I discretely read the cycling press and ogled high-end bikes, from my desk, while world-weary teachers feigned interest in us and in some cases, the curriculum being taught).    

Sticky Fingers

A few weeks back, I established the Soma Condor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma  swap was the icing on my Univega’s cake. No change in several hundred miles, since. However, the reclaimed Lizard Skins DSP bar tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/lizard-skins-dsp  was beginning to look slightly tired in places. Time was when a cable change meant the bar wrap (especially budget) was also bin fodder. Most bar tapes seem tolerant of being re/wound, even after they’ve weathered a bit.

Shot peened or sand blasted handlebars also seem to assist adhesion. However, the former process is generally employed to subvert potential stress fractures. The progressive availability of naturally sticky silicone wraps, including the Acros Silicone Wrap Handlebar Tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/acros-silicone-wrap-handlebar-tape?03991cc70fae5915&1a5858d9151d7237&455dde74ef8b80c5&4f3abceb41656d72&632cba28282213  and Genetic https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-silicone-bar-wrap  are easily rewound and reapplied following cable changes and are otherwise durable, too.

As an anecdotal average, I seem to get three cable changes from a mid to upper end adhesive backed bar tape. Around three thousand miles before the material begins looking jaded; loses its specialist properties; or shows more serious signs of fatigue. Leather is more durable (and usually with a consummate price tag).

With periodic use of hide food (which keeps the leather nourished and supple) I’ve had three years and six cable changes before contemplating replacement. Obviously not an option for vegan riders and often slippery to start with. Silicone and sophisticated polymer wrap also requires more care when cleaning.

Strong solvents and stiff brushes with often strip their coatings, or age them prematurely. I’ve found this Oxford Tyre Scrub https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-products-tyre-scrub  and Duck Smart The Black Stuff Chain Cleaner an excellent combination, for lifting ingrained grime. That said; we are talking a gentle, sustained pressure here.

Extra UK www.extrauk.co.uk  have kindly sent me this Fizik Vento Microtex Tacky Tape to test. According to Fizik, the Vento family are “Race bred tapes for ultimate control and reduced weight”. Apparently “The tacky film surface with raised texture facilitates grip in every condition”.

Its 2mm (compared with the Lizard Skins DSP’s 2.5mm) so the comparison will be interesting. Fizik also suggest the smaller density benefits riders with smaller hands. I have long willowy digits, so the latter benefit may be lost on me. However, on paper it’s a tangible benefit.  

There’s a definite knack to achieving graceful flowing lines. Bind carefully, patiently and when free of distraction. Unless of course, you’re a pro mechanic. Now pedants will say black and white are shades, not colours. 

I wasn’t sure whether the white would blend successfully with the Univega’s cream and black two-tone theme. However, by my reckoning, with the SPD pedals, Orp smart horn https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/orp-smart-horn and mudguard detailing, it works a treat. Some minor points aside, I’ve also reached my conclusions regarding the Prendas Ciclismo  Lisboa Waterproof Cycling Cap https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/prendas-ciclismo-lisboa-waterproof-

Continuing this waste not, want not narrative, I’ve decided to run the Weldtite TF2 All Weather Performance Lubricant for the time being, see how many miles I can accumulate, before switching to the Juice Lubes Ceramic. The former is a mix of ISO oils, additives and PTFE, which keeps friction remarkably low.

Presumably it’s the additives keeping it stable in all temperatures. A Canadian rider reckons it’s the first lube he’s used, capable of remaining effective at minus 32 degrees. Viscosity also lends it very nicely to cleat/locking mechanisms, as a corrosion inhibitor for electroplated fasteners and even frame-ends.

PTFE is both friend and foe. The ubiquitous slippery compound is dirt cheap and very effective, in the friction busting stakes. Its also relatively toxic, hence I minimise my own exposure. Latex examination gloves are donned when applying greases and often when stripping lubes. Where possible, I avoid using PTFE based chain lubes in contexts where I’m riding close to rivers and similar waterways.   

Lighting permitting, I’ve always found myself riding faster at night and I’ve concluded it’s psychological. Gradients become smaller because you cannot perceive their size, in the same fashion you would, during daylight. Focus is upon maintaining a decent tempo. Dark roads also inspire a more reflective mood.

A means of processing complex thoughts and ideas. I usually return from a ride feeling energised and with a new sense of perspective. Copy I’ve been struggling with, often seems to write itself. I have recently been coming to terms with my elderly farm cat’s demise. Kidney and cardiovascular failure forced the issue.  All we can ask for is a fulfilling life and a merciful end. He had both.  

I’m also an introvert. A much maligned and misunderstood personality type. Contrary to popular misconception, introverts are not shy, or socially awkward. People intrigue me and I consider myself adept at reading people and their motivations. Engaged, loquacious and emotionally intelligent, in professional contexts, I also need time to retreat and recharge. Long steady night rides are an obvious conduit.