Sure, they’d offer a decent amount of grip in less challenging conditions but waterlogged roads that had turned to sheet ice will fox mid- point 240 spikes. Even with 362 spikes, I was incredibly focused along one particular descent, holding the right (front) lever tentatively to scrub off some speed and stabilise but I didn’t deviate from my line and was hyper vigilant, especially entering the left-hand bend. No issues, no bib short soiling, but I didn’t want another tangle with terra firma. Subsequent outings saw me take the longer, flatter route home.
Having heard of my tumble and trashed tights, Saddleback graciously sent me these Castelli Espresso tights and jacket, which was very welcome, and I was deeply touched. I’d received and fitted the been giving the non-aero lever idea some thought and decided there was some merit in doing so, but restraint was key just now. Not least as someone felt themselves more entitled to my bank account than I. Thankfully my bank’s fraud team were quick to curtail this, but no-one thought to tell me, while I stood in line at the supermarket’s self-checkout.
I’d decided if I was taking the non-aero lever route, I’d pop them on the WTB mtb drop bars and do a wholesale swap sometime, most likely coinciding with cable replacement. Otherwise, it’s just change for changes sake.
While replacing Denise’s RL520 lever, I then discovered the derailleur inner wire had exploded into one massive fray, calling for replacement. Logic would suggest then was also the time to perform a switch. However, it was minus 2 and by the time I’d conducted lever surgery and redressed the bars, my fingers were rapidly losing sensation. Best to quit, while ahead rather than soldier on at that point.
Milder temperatures saw this job completed in a matter of minutes the following day. The new brake inner wire had also stretched very slightly, but I’d noted the CX50 brake pads were running a little low, so I switched these, before pulling the inner wire through. Another illustration of winter being hard on components, so always best to keep a few in stock and coordinate replacement before they wear out.
Ursula’s chain was looking thirsty, so I ultimately gave both bikes a deep, sudsy bucket clean, degreased Ursula’s drivetrain using the Finish Line Grunge Brush Solo Finish Line Grunge Brush Solo | cycling-not-racing, checked chain health-.25, which was a pleasant surprise and possibly due in part to the use of cleaner lubes-the Wolf Tooth WT-1 All Conditions LubeWolf Tooth WT-1 All Conditions Chain Lub | cycling-not-racing in particular. I’ve gone the Peaty’s Link Lube Premium All Weather PEATY'S LINK LUBE PREMIUM ALL WEATHER | cycling-not-racing.
I’d switched to Ursula’s other XT wheel, having discovered the Ryde/XT had some play in the bearings, which I didn’t have time to tackle. A few days down the line and with some quiet time, I removed the cassette and tackled the cones. This is a very subtle adjustment and can be a little fiddly.
I got things close and then whipped two 17mm spanners on the locknuts tightening them both simultaneously, thus ensuring both sides tension evenly, saving time and faff. A quick double check, then back went the cassette-another little job off the list. There was ample Oxford Mint Assembly Grease Oxford Mint Assembly Grease | cycling-not-racing clinging to the freehub splines, so no need to replenish. I’ve been sent these Silca Gear Wipes, which seem a great workshop standby for all sorts of generic cleaning duties.
£30 buys 110 wipes, which I’m told remove dirt, grease, oil and sweat from frames, components. There are two sides. One for polishing, the other for scrubbing. The polishing side is supposedly safe on frame finishes, including matts, which can be trickier customers to care for. The rougher side is for purging grease, oil and gunk from drivetrains and other areas of impacted grime-white bar wraps being prime candidates. Given the season, it’ll be very interesting to see how effective they are.
I’d been tempted to pop out on the fixed since temperatures had thawed for successive days, but the mercury was sliding again, and my scabbed forearm and knee tempered such temptations. However, I’d reached my conclusions regarding the Topeak Uni Super Tourist 2.0 Non-Disc Rack Topeak Uni SuperTourist 2.0 NonDisc Rack | cycling-not-racing
