Mid-range Power & Medium Cage Musings

 

After some deliberation, I happened upon a medium cage 10 speed Tiagra rear mech at a very favourable price, so indulged on the basis it would come in handy. Whether Ursula’s existing and long serving Tiagra turned sloppy, or I fancied running a 32 tooth rea sprocket for some additional winching prowess, when towing a trailer, or heavily laden panniers. Of course, it arrived and needing a break from the screen, I elected to switch things around. A simple job. I’d not touched the short cage mech save for minor adjustments, cable replacement and cleaning since Ursua’s refurbishment two years ago. The frame mounting bolt proved a little arthritic, so I squirted some MO94 and allowed it to seep in a few seconds.

 The last thig I wanted was to risk the frame thread’s integrity. The bolt released easily and I was pleasantly surprised to find some Oxford Mint Assembly Grease Oxford Mint Assembly Grease | cycling-not-racing clinging to the threads, but another reminder about regreasing at least annually. I reached for the Zefal Pro ii Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing this time round, which I’ve found a very durable, corrosion resistant default.  

Cable connected, chain fitted, everything seemed to be moving up and down the block snappily enough while Ursula was held by the Topeak Flashstand e Up  Topeak Flashstand eUp | cycling-not-racing . Proof of the pudding is in the riding, so I hopped indoors for some food and headed out an hour later. Much the same story for 10 miles and then some clicky hesitation. I initially thought this might be a b screw tweak, something I’d tackle upon my return…

Upon powering away from a concealed junction, I was serenaded by a loud ping and loss of power transfer. Inconvenient, but an easy fix, provided you’ve some spare links and a magic link connecting pin. Oh, and a chain tool. In this instance that belonging to my beloved Topeak Alien ii. Five minutes later and we were homeward bound, harmony restored.

Another mixed terrain ride the following morning confirmed this. Rains- heavy showery interludes struck and though I’d left out sans micro jacket, the cooling precipitation felt delightful after several weeks of sustained intense heat and drought. It also presented the perfect opportunity to see how hydrophobic the Leatt glasses and shoes were.   I also treated the long-serving short cage Tiagra mech to a seriously deep clean. It wasn’t obviously mucky.

A liberal blast of Muc-Off Chain Wax Cleaner Muc-Off Chain Wax Cleaner 500ml | cycling-not-racing quickly flushed out embedded wax from the derailleur's inner sanctum and jockey wheels, resulting in a shallow, oily pool, which was strangely satisfying. I'd treated the mech’s inner sanctum to a further stiff brush tickling for optimal effect. Rinsed, dried and a shot of MO94 Muc-Off MO94 Multi Use Spray | cycling-not-racing later, inspection revealed the mech was mobile and slop free, so was popped in the drivetrain spares box.

I'd been experiencing some intermittent disc tickling (as distinct from rub) at the rear and had reached the conclusion it was down to friction, specifically attributable to the galvanised steel cable that was used since it was "in stock". Some further wandering around the web suggests the 287's design is another contributory factor. I've had no problems up front, although the cable run is much cleaner and I'm running a pre-lubed premium grade stainless inner wire.

I noted a little additional stretch at the cable, so pulled it through, and dialled the lever's 2mm nipple screw down to ensure complete release, theoretically eliminating drag. I'd also ordered some replacement stainless inner wires, since they're a workshop staple. Chances are, I'd be wanting to upgrade the galvanised stand-in due course, certainly before winter.

An easy fix and a metaphor for wider life. Sometimes things are a work in progress. Take a break but persevere until you're speaking their language and have them sussed. Little breakthroughs can be incredibly satisfying. 

Continuing the sticky theme, the sprung mount assembly on the Yak homage had gummed up, meaning they weren't closing on the skewer hitch. Something that caught me by surprise on our second laden outing. Just a question of easing them closed, then giving the sprung components a liberal blast of MO94 upon returning home.

Snappier engagement and secure tenure sorted, I could let rip and cruise in confidence, although I was considering making a shim from old butyl for the skewer hitch to provide a more tenacious, vibration- busting connection. With Denise's KMC chain registering north of.5, I decided to replace and fit the medium cage Tiagra mech- another straightforward twenty-minute job.

I'd acquired a replacement spring kit with the trailer, just in case the original failed and replacements proved hard to come by. The only minor niggle I've got with the mighty Topeak Uni Super Tourist DX Topeak Uni Super Tourist DX Rack Disc | cycling-not-racing concerns their pronounced feet. These prevent me from tethering the Yak homage.

Now arguably most tourists would run either panniers, or trailer, but there are times, say when running errands, or collecting stuff when you'd want to pair the two. Since the frame only features a single eyelet, I can’t position the rack higher, thus providing suitable clearance. Hmm, I’ll reflect and consider my options.

I've also been putting in some decent miles with the Leatt ProClip 6.0 Trail Boa MTB Shoes. Soles strike a good balance of efficient power transfer and walkability- stiffer than the Shimano GTX. For the most part, I've paired them with a traditional cross-country spud, but wasn'’t surprised to find models with bigger surface areas the ideal marriage. I've gone for the dual side Shimano M530 and ED500, the latter being a road-biased touring design- very solid and supportive, albeit with a slight weight penalty. 

Mud clearance won't match that of a true cross country, or trail model, but still better than I'd expect. I've had no issues clipping in/out, provided things aren't too boggy. They're also a doddle to strip and service Simple Pedal Overhaul | cycling-not-racing 

Given twenty minutes along wet roads, I wasn't surprised to find some water had crept in through the Leatt's cleat drillings. Slightly damp soles with traditional merino blend socks, but there's scope for waterproof designs, including these Muc-Off, which have been firm favourites of mine and served me well through some decidedly wet, winter rides.  Staying with Leatt, I’ll close here with my review of their Ride Viz Pro Small Clear PhotochromicSunglasses The Leatt Ride Viz Pro Small Clear Photo | cycling-not-racing

       

 

Revisions, Replacements & Baggage

 

Changes for change's sake and indirectly “adding to the pile” is a temptation I fight hard. Anecdotally, I’m not the only one vulnerable to this urge…I’d acquired a Tiagra long-reach dual pivot brake calliper for the Holdsworth. It looked to offer superior rigidity and therefore, stopping prowess compared to a Tektro R38. It also meant I could complete the revamp in one run, should the XLC unit prove too short. I was also relieved to discover the steerers were identical lengths, so my measuring was reliable. This means there’s no call to prune the new steerer.   

 

One inch Star Fangled Nut unearthed, I pondered a small round file, rather than a drill and 8mm bit to widen the rear crown drilling so it will accept a recessed brake bolt.  

 

I reasoned it was quicker to go slow. You can always shave a little more off, you can’t put metal back. Impatience is perilous at this stage. I added a drop of Muc-Off Wet Lube MUC-OFF WET LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) to the bit and commenced at a moderate speed. A few minutes later and periodic checking, the recessed bolt slid in beautifully. Relieved, I fitted the Tiagra, which confirmed I needed a longer reach than the XLC. On a roll, I installed a new SFN and ended the session there, while I was ahead, psychologically and otherwise. Theoretically, it's just a matter of switching the crown race and removing a spacer or two. 

 

While on this search and rescue mission, I unearthed Topeak Alien ii multitool. 

  

One of the best pocket workshop models I’ve used and with functions, such as ring spanners missing from most contemporary multi tools. These also lock, for convenience and efficiency. The Passport CDW PASSPORT CDW MULTITOOL | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is a very charming homage. It’s joined the fixed gear winter/trainer’s Carradice Super C Rack Bag.  The long-serving Carradice is made from “Cotton duck” and, since it attaches via four Velcro straps, so arguably a universal, possibly future-proof fit. I’m a huge fan of Carradice luggage-the SQR range of bags, which are particularly good for day riding, if you didn’t want, or like racks and the host bike had a metal post.  

 

I have the Super C SQR Tour and the Carradry SQR bag. Both will manage a whopping 10 kilos, but the Carradry is the way forward, if you’re looking to venture off road since it's incredibly easy to wipe clean. Being suspended away from the bike, they’re a safer bet for those electricals I was referring to earlier.    

 

However, when heavily laden, the high centre of gravity becomes apparent-especially when climbing out of the saddle on a windy day.  I’d ported the Cycology bar bagCycology See Me Pink Handlebar Bag | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) over to the fixed gear winter/trainer’s Genetic Riser 4 GENETIC DRISER 4 HANDLEBARS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) for a bit.

 

Rack top bags are very convenient but even those that have a lined base should not host cameras, or other sensitive electrical equipment, since vibrations are transmitted from the rack-regardless of material. I’ve noticed some percussion when riding across washboard tarmac with the Carradice en tow.   

 

Hot on the heels of Ursula’s chain were the brake pads. I’d thought the slight squeal might be attributable to glaze, but the pads were worn close to 1mm. Not surprising, given sustained exposure to flooding and generally adverse wintry conditions. During the treasure hunt, I’d discovered two sets of Disco Brakes, so took this as my cue Disco Disc Brake Pads and Wavey Rotors | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), so took a post-ride opportunity to switch.  

 

Pads, regardless of whether rim, or disc brake can wear very quickly and beyond a certain point, will eat into rotors and rims- much like a worn chain will chomp through rings, derailleurs, and cassettes.  I’m also impressed by the Carbon Cycles SPD pattern cleats, which engage and release very snappily with Shimano and homage designs and are proving refreshingly durable.       

  

Talking of one-does-all, Steve has replaced his recently deceased Dawes Galaxy with Surly’s Long Haul Trucker. It’s always been one of those “from the crate” Beasts of Burden that always fired my imagination. 26-inch wheels might be a little dated nowadays but there’s still plenty of choice tyre and rim-wise and the frame has sufficient clearance for 26x2.1 sans guards. A generous wheelbase and double-butted 4130 main triangle bodes well for stability when hauling the kitchen sink.  Yes, I’d certainly give one a home, if space allowed, although, I’d probably indulge in a Grappler too. You know, to keep it company... Ah, hedge clipping season's in full swing...