Boosting my Fibre Intake

 No, I’ve not upped my six Weetabix breakfast habit, rather carbon fibre/composites. As I’ve said before, beyond a certain time, an idea can become the only idea. In this instance, we’re talking carbon fibre cranks that a well-known online auction site’s algorithm reasoned I would be seduced by.  

Sensibly priced, 172.5mm long, and square taper, they’re clearly made in the Far East, which in some respects goes against the European narrative. I can always switch to either of the Campagnolo cranks and the rings too. Besides, they were from a reputable, long-established, Yorkshire-based supplier.  

Talking rings, I decided the OEM 53/39 pair were best consigned to the spares/bin. Worn rings aren’t going to do anything for shifting, or drivetrain health.  Chain ring bolts proved a little arthritic and stubborn- I'd toyed with the idea of introducing some penetrant spray, but a longer 5mm Allen key broke them free.  

Traditionally, I’ve always mounted rings with grease to get them nice, snug and weatherproof. Marine greases being my specific default, although I’ve also been known to employ those fortified with our old friend/foe, PTFE. In a pinch, a syrupy wet chain lube, or 10w/40 motor oil will suffice. Lithium types are durable but best avoided unless bolts and rings are of the same material. 

I’d no intention of re-using them but kept them by, since you never know...This presented ideal opportunity to thoroughly clean and inspect the arms and spider. These were in great shape. I gave both a quick waxing and placed some Zefal Skin Armor ZEFAL SKIN ARMOR ROLL | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  on the arms where there had been some faint misting in the lacquer-heel marks. Prevention is always better than cure and now was the time.  

I had this nice, shop soiled 53tooth Middleburn ring. So began the hunt for a suitable 36, 38, or indeed, 39 tooth inner. I thought I’d struck gold, rifling through one of the spares boxes but it turned out to be 130bcd. Then along came this NOS 42tooth 10speed Campagnolo Record. Bankrupt stock, so very keenly priced. 42 sounds a bit old school, dare I say passe’ but being as I’ve gone the 14-24 route at the rear, I’ll probably get more use out of a 42, rather than 39. Decision made.  

I’ve reached for Peaty’s Bicycle Assembly Grease PEATY'S BICYCLE ASSEMBLY GREASE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), since it’s a good all-rounder with decent staying prowess. I had contemplated using thread lock but though I’ve needed to snug chain ring bolts every so often, in 37 years, I’ve never had some slacken to that extent. As a rough and ready, Cro-moly bolts should be tightened between 12 and 14nm, aluminium alloys 8-9.  

I’d been experiencing some discomfort with Ursula’s Respiro saddle, so decided I’d switch back to the Selle San Marco Concor Super Corsa. This also revealed the saddle was slightly misaligned, doubtless explaining the original discomfort. Either way, the Super Corsa provides a little extra support. I whizzed the carbon-railed Selle Italia Turbomatic Gel Flow Team atop the fixed gear winter/trainer’s inline Genetic SyngenicTEST & REVIEW: GENETIC SYNGENIC SEATPOST (sevendaycyclist.com) post, raised it by a few millimetres and saved 63g into the bargain. I also noticed the rear cradle bolt had slackened a little, which may account for a slightly disconcerting and intermittent phantom creak that snuck in a week previously.  

 

While I was there. I decided now was the time to switch the KMC S1 for the brands’ Z1.  I’d toyed with leaving the S1 in situ, changing when the present helping of ultra-stoical Motoverde PTFE Chain Lube Motoverde PTFE Chain Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) needed replenishment. The Motoverde PTFE Chain Lube is not of the “top up” type, rather requires stripping “dinner plate” clean before a new application. It was a post-ride switch, and the weather was turning a little bandit, so I dismissed the Z1’s factory lube with a rag dipped in white spirit, rather than something potent but requiring cold water rinsing.  

I also noticed some premature wear with the Stronglight headset, which I attribute to a rogue unit, bought online from an unknown supplier, rather than from a regular, reputable one. Mutters something about all that glitters, false economy etc. I’ve gone for an FSA Orbit MX, also with cartridge bearings, rather than another Stronglight. I’d run an Orbit with bottom race cartridge bearing and caged balls up top, trouble-free for several years, so I’m hoping it’ll be a similar story. While I await its arrival, I’ll end here with a book review  The Road Book 1989 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)   

 

Headsets & Heart Warming Stories

The arrival of this crown race removal tool prompted transplant surgery on the Univega. Aside from adding a second spacer and longer headlock bolt, everything slotted together with minimal faff.

Weighing a very reasonable 118g (by my scales) Stronglight O light LX alloy Aheadset is nicely machined from 7075 aluminium. Annular contact bearings are another definite plus, vastly superior to standard balls. Deliciously slick, these are popular with touring, tandem and trike builds given their large contact area and load bearing properties.

Irrespective of genre, lower races suffer most and pitting can occur alarmingly quickly with traditional balls, especially those of more humble origin. By the same token, rubbishing these is utter nonsense-high end models last years with regular servicing, stiff greases and 25 grade balls.

Contact lip seals should shut the door to moisture and similar ingress between overhauls and a two year warrantee bodes extremely well. Those of a belt n’ braces persuasion might want to slip a rubber “boot” made from a section of old mountain bike butyl, secured with colour coordinated cable tie. 

I may go this route come inspection time but it’s less of a concern on bikes wearing full length mudguards (fenders to our friends in the states).Ours was treated to a hearty helping of Muc-off bio grease, which consists of “naturally derived lubricants, anti- corrosion agents, friction modifiers, viscosity controllers and stabilisers”.

Hmm, well colour and consistency are reminiscent of premium grade strawberry jam, lubricant properties seem favourable and it should be kinder to seals, skin and rubberised components than petrochemicals. I’ll take a peek come March to see how it compares with Teflon, Lithium and Ceramic blends.    

Talking of kindness, the curious, yet previously agreeable SR Becoz has mysteriously started encouraging Lycra to gather intrusively-Nora Batty fashion. I initially thought it attributable to old, saggy shorts/3/4lengths but the song remained consistent with new pairs.

Uncomfortable, not to mention aesthetically unflattering, I originally substituted the Becoz for the marques’ sportier Lookin; then remembered this superb Turbomatic gel flow team perch snoozing in a drawer. As its name suggests, this is the late 90s classic reinvented with a wealth of contemporary twists.

These include carbon fibre rails, cutaway, variable density memory foam padding, gel inserts and a very sturdy Lorica (faux leather) cover. 230g is seriously impressive too and shaves a welcome 320g from the portly tourer. Seventy miles hence and levels of support seem perfect.

Bereavements tend to focus the mind-what is genuinely important in life and death’s inevitability. Sorrow and mourning are the most obvious sentiments but funerals should also celebrate someone’s life.

I only met Mr Alturo Gandolfi on one occasion but despite advancing years and ill health, he was one of those genuinely remarkable people who leave a lasting, positive impression. Like scores of young men, he served in North Africa during World War II in various capacities.

Badly injured and left for dead, he was subsequently transferred to the UK as a prisoner of war. Soon afterward, while chatting with a friend in the street, a young woman caught his eye.

Bound for Italy and speaking no English, he vowed to return and marry “That girl”. He did and I’ve seen some beautifully preserved photographs of those formative days, which became a happy 66year marriage.

Ending on a completely different note, I’ve a selection of handlebar coverings and do-all touring bikes to harvest for group testing in “Seven Day Cyclist” magazine. Hopefully, their arrival will coincide with challenging weather conditions.