Pedals, Rubber & Massage

 

A few rides over the Easter holiday weekend prompted me to switch things around again. I decided the Time Atac Aluminium should be ported over to Ursula and The Teenage Dream 1991 ROAD BIKE REVAMP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) should sport these single-sided Shimano A520. The 520 are a Tiagra grade “aerodynamic” road pedal, introduced in 2005 and in my view, a decent choice for training, touring and other road contexts. Situations where you might want to walk (rather than hobble) off the bike.  

The silver finish still looks good, cartridge bearings seem in rude health, 9 years down the line, so I thought, why not? They haven’t done much for 5 years, having last made an appearance on the Teenage Dream back in 2016. In some respects, the Wellgo RC713 would’ve been the most obvious switch, given their smaller surface area, but I felt some added support was called for.  

Ursula sported their broader platformed 530 counterparts during 2017.  

This change also saw a switch to something racier than the otherwise excellent FLR Rexton Active Touring/Trail Shoe FLR REXSTON ACTIVE TOURING/TRAIL SHOE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). I’ve reverted to the stiffer-soled Quoc Pham Tourer, which might show some slight patina, given nine year’s regular use but are otherwise, in excellent condition. Despite the tourer tag, they also lend themselves to road and indeed, light trail duties very effectively too, thanks to the relatively aggressive sole.  

Given the Teenager Dream is essentially a spring/summer plaything, I can’t see the Regina freewheel wearing out anytime soon. Nonetheless, I had a look around, to see what was available, without a vintage price tag. Bankrupt stock seems the obvious avenue to pursue, so I’ll keep an eye out.  

However, can’t see myself picking up a Regina unit, a sun race is more likely, especially given supply chain hassles and wait times. Even the basic Shimano are getting heady price tags. 

I’m fond of the Schwalbe Lugano tyre-not the fastest, but dependable. However, I was seeking something friskier. Madison Cycles were gracious enough to send me these 700x28mm Vittoria Rubino Pro Control and these Vittoria Evolution (26x1.9) for Ursula. Both are designed for adverse conditions.  

The Rubino Pro Control are designed to resist cuts and similar damage, while a puncture repelling belt promises to keep thorns, glass and other sharps from creating mischief. The Evolution caught my eye, since they promise to deliver for those riders who want to escape city limits. Though slightly different beasts, I’m keen to see how they compare with the Vittoria Randonneur Trail VITTORIA RANDONNEUR TRAIL TYRES LONG TERM TEST (sevendaycyclist.com). A model I loved but are no longer produced. 

 

 

So then, massage. For some years, I had wanted to become a qualified masseuse. The reasons were varied, but in essence, because I am interested in the subject and of course, the mental and physical well-being massage can bring. It is also another marketable skill. I had intended to undertake post-divorce but finding a suitable, qualification-based course that wasn’t attached to beauty therapy (not that I have anything against the latter). Then of course, a pandemic crept in. I also benefit from being realigned by a qualified osteopath, following a series of deeply unpleasant crashes in my mid-late twenties. Context established; massage guns could prove a useful investment.     

Massage guns are great for post-ride recovery and indeed, more generic relaxation. Prices will vary, dependent upon specification. Higher stall forces, meaning the amount of pressure that can be applied, before the motor cuts out, is desirable, although particular for those with say, a “sprinter's physique”.  

Similarly, the gun also needs to give deep relief to the muscles, rather than simply vibrating and skimming across the skin’s surface. Heavier-built riders should look towards something with a 16mm stroke rate, whereas I’ve found this Rempho R3 and its 10mm stroke rate perfectly adequate for my needs.  

Decibel level is another consideration, especially if you live with, or near others and don’t want introspection. The Rempho R3 puts out 40-45 decibels, which is relatively discrete.  Those with greater muscle mass may find something like this Bang Percussive Therapy Massager BANG PERCUSSIVE MASSAGER | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) a better investment.   

Weathering Storms

 I continue to carefully work through and rationalise the spares bins, taking stock of what’s still relevant/required and what can be released. Much of this boils down to contact points. For example, I ride exclusively with recessed SPD/pattern and Time ATAC systems. No sense in clinging on to Keo patterns.  

Nothing wrong with them per se.  Rather, I prefer the convenience of being able to walk (rather than the undignified hobble) without chewing the composite cleat, or gouging holes in expensive linoleum. 

With that in mind, I’ve just taken delivery of these rather fetching Wellgo M)94B 9/16 SPD Shimano Cleat Compatible Sealed Bearing Pedals.  These are the silver versions, which should also keep their looks longer than a black, or similarly painted counterpart. Some painted finishes tire quicker than others. 

Powder-coated versions, including these XLC can prove very hardy, others can flake away, with repeated entry/exit. Much of this boils down to price I.e. quality of powder coating and process I.e. properly blasted bodies given a high-quality zinc-rich primer coat fare best. 

Saddles are another component that can require re-homing. 

Older/cheaper models can go, higher-end/genuinely compatible models, stay. Switching to the Pro Turnix has proven a wise decision. More supportive than the Stealth, 2g heavier than the otherwise very agreeable and cheaper BBB Echelon. However, the Turnix offers plenty of support, without any loss in pedaling efficiency.      

Flooding and similar life-changing destruction has been a theme in some parts of the UK. Here, though blustery, winds have ranged between 27 and 40 mph. The former proving passable, albeit still challenging riding conditions.  

Save for some very cold nights, there’s no hint of the snow, assured by the “red top” tabloid press for several months now. Spiked tyres have remained slumbering in storage.   

I have a love/hate relationship with waterproof socks. The truly impervious TPU lined versions are genuinely impervious-right to the cuff-line.  

However, they also tend to become unpleasantly clammy. Boiled in the bag feet, leading in some instances to athletes’ foot and similar infections. Fabrics which aren’t completely waterproof but highly water-resistant and fast-wicking are my preference. For these reasons, the Oxford Products Ox Sox https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-ox-socks  have proved extremely agreeable.  

They’re not cycling-specific, which isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, it adds to their versatility in many respects. However, more traditional touring shoes and MTB booties are as snug as you’ll find compatible.  

The relentlessly wet conditions require more frequent maintenance. I’m still running the White Lightning Extreme Wet lube and I’m past the 300mile marker on a single helping, with little sign of it relenting. Hardly prodigious perhaps, 400+isn’t uncommon from a stodgy wet formula.  

Motor and chainsaw oils are surprisingly effective and extremely cheap. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cheap-as-chips-chain-lubes provided of course, you’re very vigilant when it comes to cleanliness. i.e. wiping the side plates, rings, derailleur cages at least weekly. Otherwise, that sludgy grinding paste will consume chains and other drivetrain components at a rapid rate. Its reckoned 10spd chains should be retired by the time wear registers .6, 11 speed at .5.  

Chain checking tools are sensible investments (although wear can be accurately assessed using a very accurate ruler). Basic chain checkers can be had for £3, or less. More sophisticated digital fare carries a commensurate price tag but their improved accuracy may recoup monies longer-term i.e. not retiring chains just in time-not too early, or too late.  

Theoretically extending the longevity of more expensive components. During my rationalization, I uncovered this electroplated BBB model. One that I’d had since 2007 but that had been AWOL for a few years. It had fallen from the tool board and beneath the chest freezer.  

Arguably the simplest of this breed, it has a couple of unique features. See the two cutouts? One is designed to remove valve cores, the other is a 5,6 and 8mm box spanner. Not the most useful functions on a contemporary build perhaps but better than dead space.   

Anyhow, the chain function is incredibly simple to use. Place between a designated length of chain, if the teeth sink into the links-low enough that it sits horizontal, the chain is shot. My Univega’s Sram is showing moderate signs of wear but not pensionable just yet. A few hundred miles-three weeks at the current rate before I switch to an FSA I have in stock.