Darker, Cooler, Wetter

Continuing my theme of winter prep, I’ve received a set of these Mudhugger Gravel Hugger mudguards for testing. My fixed gear winter/trainer is the obvious candidate. Now, it sported traditional, full-length guards for several years. However, in common with Ursula, it runs the Gusset Headlock system rather than the star-fangled nut. This means the front guard needs to be drilled (so the threaded bolt can pass through), setting bearing tension and aligning the guard, first time round is something of a juggling act.  

Fine when set up, but on my fixed gear winter/trainer, the rear guard also needs to be drilled to mount to the wishbone, and tackling a rear puncture often requires loosening the stays. Sure, this is a relatively rare event, especially with tyres such as the Kenda  Kwick Journey KS Plus KENDA KWICK JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) but it’s not something I relish on cold, wet, gritty nights. Hence, clip-on designs are the way forward.  

Made from (material) the Gravel Hugger are incredibly convenient to install, although (and this goes for all this genre), a bit of “Helicopter Tape” (Thoughtfully Mudhugger have included some) or, in a pinch, good quality electrical tape prevents any potential abrasion of seat stay paintwork.  

The sort often caused by that infamous wet, gritty stuff I was talking about earlier. Crucially, there is a generous length at the rear to protect rider and machine from muck and spray. Back to full-length mudguards (fenders), it’s worth giving fasteners a quick lick of medium strength thread lock. Strong enough to prevent them shaking loose, and getting lost but permit straightforward, intentional disassembly. I’d also be inclined to give carrier, cantilever, and V brake bolts a very quick lick but swerve disc hardware.  

Now, many folks will point out that 26-inch wheels are old-fashioned, rather than “old school”. However, those of you are running an older mtb (s) as an asphalt commuter, or hardy winter bike may find 700c mudguards fit very well and offer superior protection, especially with big flaps, such as these   RAW Prismatic Reflective Yellow Mudflaps  RAW PRISMATIC REFLECTIVE MUDFLAPS | cycling, but not usually racing (sevendaycyclist.com)   

Elsewhere, while it's still been temperate enough for short sleeve summer weight jerseys, base layers and bib shorts-even at 5am, this isn’t likely to continue too much longer. Therefore, I stuff a micro jacket, or gilet into the bike-mounted luggage, rather than risk a lingering chest infection. The sort that leaves me coughing like a life-long chain-smoking welder. Some mornings have called for the Prendas Ciclismo Paris Bordeaux Long Sleeve Jersey PRENDAS CICLISMO LONG SLEEVE JERSEY | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

The Sigma Infinity continues to grow on me with its blend of prowess, simplicity, and frugality. Though lacking the outright punch of some big lumen flashers, it's surprisingly potent, especially in some seriously misty conditions. Ok, not quite “pea-soupers” or synonymous with the moors scenes in American Werewolf in London (which by the way, is one of my all-time favourite horror films.) 

Elsewhere, I was rather delighted to discover another roll of the fabulous Velo Orange Rubbery Baer Tape landing on my door. Conor reckoned his initial consignment had gone missing within the states, so very graciously sent another. I wasted no time in dressing the fixed’s bars. I regularly talk about chain lubes but until recently, have stuck with the factory stuff on Ursula’s latest KMC. Partly as I wanted to confirm that the cassette swap solved the mid-range remote shifting woes.  

For the record, the factory prep is very good and, in some instances, I’ve passed the 500-mile mark, during winter. Anyhow, 225 miles down the line, having returned from a 5 am “pea souper”, I decided the chain looked deceptively thirsty, so I found myself getting busy with the solvent bath. The oily residue clued me in, but there we are. Time being I’ve gone back to the Peaty’s LInk Lube Dry PEATYS LINK LUBE DRY CHAIN LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) since conditions allow and for me at least, it’s a decent fair-weather default.  

 

Tubes, Lubes & Tape Tribulations

 

I’ve been taking advantage of primarily dry conditions and defaulted to the Teenage Dream’s skinny-tyred charms. Down tube friction shifters aren’t everyone’s thing but these and the Campagnolo Victory mechs they command, are slick and reliable.  

Sure, I wouldn’t race with friction setups, but for training and general riding along open roads, fine. Went to pluck it from the hook for a dawn ride, only to discover the rear tyre was pancake flat.  

No matter, Ursula needed a run and I needed to double-check the Micro shift/Sun race/Shimano drivetrain was still playing nicely.  

Dialling in a stiffer spring tension was definitely the way forward. Not that I was pogo-ing, just a little too reactive for my tastes and the machine’s loftier stance. Crisp, seamless and predictable shifting, a big grin across my face as my mind roamed freely. 

Sorted the Teenage dream’s flat on my return-a sharp had nicked the rear tyre’s casing and grazed the tube, so pressure loss was, thankfully incredibly pedestrian. Struck away from the seam, so easily patched. Back into the wedge pack, as a spare. The chain was beginning to look a little thirsty.  

Nothing serious, but now was convenient. I stripped the chain with solvent, dried and switched to the Peaty’s Link Lube Dry PEATYS LINK LUBE DRY CHAIN LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). Curing times are less convenient than the Tru Tension Banana Slip All weather LubeTRU TENSION TUNGSTEN ALL WEATHER LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) but its clean and surprisingly durable.  

In common with other waxy type dry lubes, residual stuff clinging to the freewheel/cassette gets reclaimed by the chain, extending topping up times. Ursula is still running the third helping and I exceeded 400miles on the second. Chances are, I’ll switch to The Peaty’s Link Lube Wet, come the next replacement chain, which will probably coincide with October.

  

The Link Lube Wet is proving a great fit for the fixed’s KMC chain-keeping it serene and quiet. Both machines sport silicone bar wraps and I’m a huge fan of their damping and grip-hell and high water. The one minor downside, especially with bright colours, is the ease at which they accumulate grimy patinas.  

On the plus side, they can be tossed in the wash at 30 degrees, when really sullied. However, this is hardly the most desirable route when you’ve just fixed a flat by the roadside and grabbed the bars with slightly oily digits.  

Dark colours are the best bet, especially for daily drivers but then again, I like something quite bold for winter. Foaming type waterless cleaners get the worst out but be prepared to give them a regular tickling with a medium stiff brush (I’m really fond of Oxford Products Tyre ScrubTESTED: OXFORD PRODUCTS TYRE SCRUB BRUSH (sevendaycyclist.com) dipped in neat degreaser/bike wash concentrate and rinse with warm, then cold water.     As if by magic, some Velo Orange Rubbery Bar Tape arrived in the post-Thank you Connor.  I’ve gone for black but white, or a tan brown are the alternatives. Rubbery texture aside, it’s also 3.5mm thick, which promises excellent damping.  

The nights and mornings are gradually becoming darker. I run the K-Lite dynamos during the day but now the mornings are getting darker, blinkies are engaged for most rides-usually the Ravemen CL05RAVEMEN CL05 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and CL06 RAVEMEN CL06 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) but I’ve also taken to mounting the Moon Sheild X Ultra MOON SHIELD X AUTO REAR LIGHT REVIEW? (sevendaycyclist.com) on Ursula’s Carradice SQR Tour.  

A nice height, closely aligned with driver eye levels. It’s a model that is slightly “Marmite”. Some (such as yours truly) think it’s fabulous, others feel it’s anything but user-friendly. There are 9 modes in total, which is excessive by some standards, and I must admit, I default to the flashing modes, since for me, they strike the best balance between output and economy.  

I’ve also needed to add a shim between the K-lite Bike Packer Ultra lamp and Velo Orange mount, since the former ad a tendency to migrate upwards-very slowly-washboard tarmac being the main culprit. Aside from being mildly irritating to me, I didn’t want it dazzling oncoming traffic. Nothing a quick delve through the bodge box and two fresh cable ties couldn’t solve.  

To date, I haven’t given much thought to replacing Ursula’s rear Schwalbe Marathon Mondial DD. It’s still perfectly serviceable. The Schwalbe Marathon GT 365TESTED: SCHWALBE MARATHON GT 365 TYRES WINTER UPDATE (sevendaycyclist.com) is an obvious substitution. These are exceptionally reliable and extremely durable. However, they are also hefty, and I fancy something sprightlier.  

There is still a reasonable amount of decent quality 26inch rubber around but it’s losing favour, just as 27inch did, I the late 80s. Supply issues are another problem here in the UK. Masked by the pandemic, European manufacturers are in no hurry to export to the UK, given the added paperwork and delays, which are likely to worsen in the coming months.