Star Fangled Nuts & More Aheadset Doings

I decided it was time to inspect the Holdsworth’s Saturn Aheadset, apply some fresh grease to the lower race, and tackle the compression wedge. I reckoned this wasn’t doing its job, permitting slow but steady play in the bearings.  Ultimately, switching to a Star Fangled Nut proved the way forward, since I had a 1inch in stock and the press tool.  

Time to review the stack of spacers too.  

Again, I had just the right number of silver 1mm, 1-inch units, bought when I was experimenting with the Shimano Zee crankset. Having instated the Star Fangled Nut, everything came together beautifully.  

Lashings of Park PPL-1 Grease TESTED: PARK TOOL POLYLUBE 1000 LUBRICANT FOR BICYCLES (sevendaycyclist.com) were applied to the Woodman Saturn Aheadset’s needle roller bearings, I slid the fork back into the Holdsworth’s headtube, added the spacers, the shim and torus titanium stem. One final black spacer, then popped the stem cap in situ.  

During this phase, I noticed the Jagwire Pro Road Cable TEST: JAGWIRE PRO ROAD BRAKE KIT (sevendaycyclist.com) outer had seen better days, so I switched that for a TRP outer, taking that opportunity to move the Tektro lever a few milimtres. Preload set, I reintroduced the front wheel, turned the bars and, brake engaged, tested for play...A fraction too snug, easily fixed by slackening the preload 1/8th of a turn. 

Bars aligned, I torqued the stem bolts to 6nms, pumped the brake lever a few times to check the Miche dual pivot calipers were engaging, and resetting-job done. Tyres inflated, fresh chain lube (Momum MIC Dry Lube, in case you were curious), a light waxing and fully prepped for a Sunday morning blast. Earlier in the week, it had been torrentially wet, so given the favourable forecast, I had been gagging to get out on my pared-to-the-essentials' sunny days’ plaything.  

Having let rip for 90 minutes, or so, immersed in the machine’s responsive, playful and yet dependable handling, I returned and decided it was time for another game of musical pedals. I switched the Shimano XT from fixed gear winter trainer, to Ursula, ED500 to fixed gear winter/trainer.   

It also coincided with an uncharacteristic and decidedly unsettling inability to disengage from the right-hand XT at the close of our last ride. The source of this potential embarrassment, a (very) loose cleat. Easily sorted, but I digress... 

Nothing to do with me being contrary, rather I needed to see how well the ED500 would fare in terms of ground clearance, on the fixed. 

Essentially a cyclocross bike with track ends and spacing, the bottom bracket is relatively tall, and I’ve had no grounding issues with 175mm cranks, in the past. The Genetic Tibia GENETIC TIBIA TRACK CRANKS & RING | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) are 172mm long, so wasn’t expecting any issues when it comes to more aggressive cornering. Appearances can be deceptive since the overall width isn’t radically different.  

However, I suspected there may be greater potential for clipping the ED500 on a particular tight corner-roundabouts being cases in point. In the real world and the last 100 miles or so, pairing the ED500 and fixed has been remarkably harmonious, dare I say inspired and not what I was expecting. Hmm, think they’ll stay.   

I’m also warming to these 360 Merino High Calf Socks. These, as their name implies, are a long waterproof breathable sock comprising of a merino outer a waterproof mid layer and a terry layer next to the skin.  

These aren’t cycling-specific and a little thicker than some but seem a great pairing with wider, mtb/gravel shoes, including these Shimano MT701 or the FLR Rexton Touring/Trail Shoe FLR REXSTON ACTIVE TOURING/TRAIL SHOE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) I’d witched to these following rains of biblical proportions, which was great for the garden, but meant very wet feet, wearing more traditional cycling socks-even with the Shimano MT701.

  

The 360 are proving incredibly comfortable, even in warmer conditions. They’re only intended to be washed by hand, which may be a deal-breaker for some. Mine accidentally found themselves doing a Tour De Samsung but thankfully have emerged unscathed-definitely luck, not judgement. Steve was also very taken with their blue ankle socks 360DRY BLUE ANKLE SOCKS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) I’ve been quite taken with this Funkier Mirano Pro Short Sleeve Jersey Funkier Mirano Gents Short Sleeve Jersey | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

 

Star Fangled Shenanigans & Pre Winter Prep

For one reason, or another, I’ve been considering my Holdsworth’s Saturn Headset. A bulletproof design and so glad I chose it. However, I’m not convinced the expander wedge is the best marriage with a metal steerer. A Gusset Headlock system is a non-starter, given I’m running a Miche dual-pivot stopper up front, so enter the humble Star Fangled Nut...  

A quick wander round the online auction sites unearthed a one-inch example for a couple of quid. I acquired a Park SFN setting tool at a very competitive price. Even used infrequently, more convenient than a trip to a local, respected bike mechanic-since the urge to get these jobs done, often strikes when the shop’s shut.  

The right tool will always recoup its investment by not knackering the host component(s). That said; if you don’t know what you are doing, go see an experienced, friendly bike shop/mechanic who does. Saves a lot of time and money. Talking of which, these days I tend to be far more robust in my accounting/budgeting when it comes to builds/modifications.  

Not just cycling projects either. Calculate the exact cost and benefits of things and then go ahead, if its cost-effective and to some extent future-proof. However, staying with cycling...Buying the best components for that job doesn’t mean investing in a top-flight groupset for a winter/commuter but rather, the right components and specification for the role required.  

When it comes to working/winter bikes, they need to be reliable, yet still engaging to ride. Tyres, wheels, bearings all get a hard time. Good quality (full length, where possible) mudguards (fenders) make a huge difference to rider comfort and protects the machine from nasty, wet, salty stuff.  

Headsets, seatposts and bottom brackets will thank you. Rule of thumb, worth stripping headsets, hubs and contact points and packing them with fresh grease. Adding a boot made from Winter/working bikes tend to get less maintenance, so take this opportunity to replace cables. Check brake pads, chains and cassettes. Replace if looking jaded and finish with some fresh bar tape.   

There’s an argument for cheaper consumables, since they will need replacing more frequently during winter. Chains and cassettes are the most obvious candidates but if you’re going to replace things seasonally, same could apply to bar tapes. The BBB BHT14 Flexribbon is a good, wallet-friendly option in my experience https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/bbb-bht-14-flexribbon-gel-bar-tape  

Long mudflaps amplify the protection (and will protect other riders from spray. Not that we should be riding in groups, given the present climate (which the UK government seems bewilderingly incapable of addressing in a coherent, informed manner).  

My preference is for high-quality chrome plastics. Wood are also rather nice options and hammered aluminium look very pretty, but the latter’s weight and slight rattle have always been a deterrent for me, personally.  My Univega’s SKS Bluemells Shiny Mudguards https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sks-blumels-shiny-mudguards  are still in seriously rude health almost a year down the line.  

The RAW mudflaps https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/raw-prismatic  also continue to deliver, in every respect and are available in a wealth of different designs and colourways. I’ve put another 450 miles on the Continental Contact Speed Reflex tyres https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact-speed-reflex-ty , which are showing minor signs of wear but still generally reliable, while providing a magic carpet ride. 

Those running tubes, looking for puncture preventative sealant product may be interested in Muc-Off Inner Tube Sealant https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-inner-tube-sealant  Those wanting a bomb-proof mid-section 700c may find Schwalbe Marathon Tour a good bet. In addition to 700c, they’re also available in 26x2.0 and 26x1.75  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-plus-tour-tyres   

Not surprised to discover the Tru Tension All Conditions lube on its first application since replacing the KMC chain. Conditions (save for some rainy, misty mornings) have been very dry-statistics suggest it’s the UK’s warmest September on record.  

Unlike traditional wax formulas, it doesn’t require hours to cure and doesn’t melt in the heat, so remains dry to touch, minimising transfer to hands and clothing-especially if you’ve needed to tackle a puncture. A quick dab also keeps shifters, cables etc happy, although I still prefer maintenance sprays on these, primarily since the Tru Tension is a bit pricey for generic lubing, in my opinion.   

No sooner had I typed this, the temperature has plummeted to 7 degrees and I’m now donning middleweight bib tights, middleweight, 2.5-layer training jackets, full-lerngth gloves and waterproof socks! Sticking with these FLR Rexston, which continue to impress me as all-rounders https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/flr-rexston-active-touring-trail-sh