500 miles in, I’ve reached my
conclusions regarding the Zefal high Performance Ultra Dry Wax Lube and moved
on to its dry sibling. Though most of the wax had flaked from the chain, the
rollers still sported a thin filmy layer of lubricant. Look a little closer,
and the side-plates also retain a waxy glaze.
This; coupled with the more
arid, warmer conditions prompted a switch to Zefal Pro Dry Chain Lube. A
solvent soaked rag stripped the remnants, Piranha-fashion. Then I noticed the
gungy build up clinging to the derailleur’s top jockey wheel…Remember what our
elders said about washing behind our ears…A bit more solvent, and most of the
mushy, congealed wax fell away in satisfying clumps.
Leaving the solvent to evaporate,
I turned my attention to the Pro Dry bottle, giving it a gentle shake, noting
the petrochemical formula’s warning notices. The usual precautions-keep away
from aquatic life, don’t drink etc but nothing about curing times…
Popping the spout, its clear
elixir literally roared into the chain’s inner sanctum (not totally unexpected,
I’d had said rag hovering beneath, ready for the over-spill). Most was easily
reclaimed, redistributed to the chain, cleat mechanisms, control cables etc. I
left this curing for another twenty minutes, while giving the tubby tourer a
once-over, before locking it away.
As I’d expected, some water
marks and spatter were appearing in the thin layer of Muc-Off Silicone Shine,
applied the other week. However, this was easily dismissed with a clean, lint
free cloth, while still leaving some of the slippery sheen behind.
The internet has opened a
whole new portal of possibilities, revolutionised the way (and indeed, speed)
we communicate. However, like many technologies, it can empower, or enslave. It
can also expose us to energy sapping timewasters, and blind alleys.
Several factories in the Far
East reached out to me, in the context of titanium forks but with
breathtakingly unfavourable terms. So, I declined, and adjusted my focus. Watch
this space.
I’ve also noticed a small but
solid community of people converting steel MTBs (90s, rigid forks and even the
odd quill stem) to drop bar “Gravel” builds. In many respects, they make better
rough stuff/commu-tourers and gravel bikes, than ‘cross conversions.
Front mech and other
compatibility considerations aside, unless you are a smaller/junior rider, main
triangle clearances make shouldering the bike, through rougher sections less
convenient.
A gravel specific build will
be more lithe, lighter and possibly have an edge, speed wise. Nonetheless, its’
not difficult to appreciate how older, rigid cross-country mtbs make excellent starting
points. Big clearances, lofty bottom
bracket heights and sensible geometry…
However, it’s important to
calculate the cost of such conversions and consider component choice carefully.
Otherwise what can be very straightforward, and inexpensive, can evolve into a
heat-sink, gobbling time, energy and financial resources. Staying with Gravel/Cross etc, I reached my
conclusions regarding the Acros Silicone Wrap Bar Tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/acros-silicone-wrap-handlebar-tape and Steve’s been living with Oxford
Performance Bar Tape. Another Silicone blend, but one giving a decent amount of
change from £20. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-performance-bar-tape . Oh, and if you are looking towards an action
cam, but are a bit low on your dough…Perhaps the Apeman A80 4K Action Camera will
suit https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/apeman
On a completely different
note, I spotted what I believe to be a Holdsworth Cyclone frameset, awaiting
refinishing. Though the enamel is looking weary, the electroplating looks
almost factory fresh. Save perhaps for some tiny indentations.
It’s going to be refinished
with water-based, wet spray paint, topped off with a polyester powder coat
lacquer. I’m unsure about the year. The Cyclone was a tremendously long-lived
model, running in different guises from 1934 right up to 1976.
I’m guessing late 50’s, maybe
early 60s, built using plain gauge Reynolds 531 (Like my Holdsworth Zephyr). Would
be interesting to know more about this specific frameset’s history. Please get
in touch, if it belongs/belonged to you.
