Longs & Silent Killers

 

Aside from the wet, slimy roads, harvest and diminishing daylight, temperatures have bucked those typical of autumn, with 15-17 degrees not uncommon through October and early November. Back in the 90s, I was reaching for longs- thin pile, fleece-lined tights, jerseys and gloves by the third week in October. Sure, fabrics and general technology have come a long way since, even at the budget end of the market, meaning a more temperate experience in changeable conditions.

 Less chance of uncomfortably clamminess around the pits, chest, lower back and hands.  I’ve been defaulting to a Gore Tex jacket and long sleeve Merino blend, or Castelli Do Di Ci jerseys. Gloves, it’s been a choice between the now discontinued Altura All Road and Q36.5 Amphib Waterproof Winter Rain Gloves. Both are relatively thin pile knitted designs with waterproof, breathable membranes, similar to those employed in waterproof socks.

Talking of which, I’m sticking with middleweight Merino blends, with the exceptions of very wet rides where there’s plenty of standing water and maybe I’m not feeling winter booties. The Sidi Algor, despite being a cold weather design, have proved surprisingly comfortable when temperatures have remained around 15 degrees.

The TPU upper’s glossy finish also seems very low maintenance- a quick shot of bike wash and soft brush dipped in warm water is enough to shift grotty stuff. We’ll see whether the cocktail of slush, slurry and possibly salty wintry roads have any impact on this, especially if it’s been allowed to cake on for a week, or so. I look after my kit, but there’s a reality that during winter, available light is more limited.

During salty spells, I will rinse the bike down with cold water after every ride, but weekly, when it comes to shoes, luggage etc. Good quality kit should withstand this. Some folks are more pedantic, others can virtually run stuff into the ground without batting an eyelid, ignorance, more money than sense, who knows.

Circus, monkeys spring to mind. Who am I to judge or pass comment.  Staying with surfaces, roads and lanes resembling Paris-Roubaix have given plenty of smiles and though more subtle than the beefy silicones, I’ve been impressed by the subtle, yet very effective Ergon Orthocell Handlebar tape.  

Wet weather grip and tactility doesn’t rival the former, but closer than I was expecting and 3mm thickness provides reassuringly good damping without aesthetic bulk.  Thus far, it’s also proving surprisingly straightforward to keep clean and generally care for.  The more nuanced qualities and possible weaknesses will take a good few hundred miles to assess convincingly. As for longs, those with a DWR (durable water repelling) coating at selected points- fronts leg panels being the most obvious, buys additional time and comfort, so a good feature. 

More significant for me than a deeper pile fleece lining, since this can become soggy and take considerable time to dry convincingly.  Saddleback has sent me these Castelli Competizone, which employs three different fabrics, although forgoes the DWR component I was referring to. These are apparently designed for “cool days to below freezing”, which could mean they cater for most conditions and a genuine go-to, or “Jack of all trades, master of none”. Too early to tell.  As for those three different fabrics, the front from waist to knee employs Castelli’s Core Due, which is a tightly knit heavier polyester/nylon mix designed to block wind.

The polyester sitting against the skin is for wicking, hollow core yarns supposedly resulting in improved insulation. Round the back- thighs and butt specifically, they employ a high stretch fleece for improved fit.   A single seam inside of the leg promised to eliminate rubbing around the knee.

A flat, raw cut ankle opening and flat knit bib straps. Pads are another crucial component. The Kis Air 2 also featured in the brands’ Entrata Thermal Bib Knickers I tested back in winter ’23 Castelli Entrata Thermal Bib Knickers | cycling-not-racing reckoned good for five hours riding.  Enough for most winter training duties.  I got along with it just fine, but as I’m always saying, contact points are very personal things-we’re all unique. I tend to form strong bonds, not only with two wheeled vehicles, but also four primarily since I run them long term.  

After almost 180,000 miles, my MK1 Ford KA failed its MOT- corrosion around the suspension mounts had resulted in pronounced structural weakness, despite my religious applications of Waxoyl- it had also hit the sills. I’ve made peace with its passing and having owned three over the past twenty years, would be wary of having another, even a last of the line 2009 model with low mileage that had been babied and garage stored.

On the plus side, they are inexpensive to run and will do big mileages with regular servicing and twice yearly Waxoyling. However, they weren’t galvanised, Ford went straight to paint, so corrosion strikes hard. Some early MK1 were scrap within three years and things improved on the later models, but corrosion remained a major, unresolved problem. The MK2 are 80% Fiat Panda and have major issues with suspension failure and I’ve heard plenty of qualified horror stories from experienced independent mechanics regarding cam chain failures and to a lesser extent, corrosion.  

 There is a wider corrosion, not one of frame tubes, or chassis, or suspension mounts but democracy. The first assault upon democracy is lies, not violence.  Hegemony is linked to this and the present attack upon the UK’s BBC by Donald Trump and others is a fairly, dare I say frighteningly obvious example of this, a foreign power interfering with the news media. One that is flawed, yet still accountable. 

Then of course, there are those trying to dissolve the freedoms of ordinary people. The right to a free and fair trial, the subtle efforts to reintroduce the death penalty via the back door. The death penalty does nothing to deter crime, nor does it bring “closure” to families say in the event of murder, or similar atrocities. This is not about facts, or effective policy, its about show, spectacle and control. By eliminating critical thought and evidence and replacing it with simplistic, sweeping statements, spectacle and spoon feeding democracy and agency disappears.   I’ll end on a happier note with my review of the Zefal Pro II grease Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing

 

                       

 

Bar con bother & More Welcome Surprises

 

I found myself switching this Topeak Road Master Blaster Topeak Road Master Blaster Frame Pump | cycling-not-racing over from Muffin to Ursula. Though on paper, I’d be surprised that it would fit the 17.5-inch frameset, but it’s worth remembering that mid to late nineties cross country mountain bike framesets had long top tubes for a more stretched, aggressive stance. In this instance 21.3 inches, which proved bespoke for the pump.  

Proof of said security was off road and during our first outing, I wasted no time in taking a left turn and letting rip along two miles of leafy bridlepath. I was also keen to see how the Sidi Algor performed off road. Formative impressions are positive, and I was pleasantly surprised to find them temperate in milder conditions-13 degrees. Nonetheless, there’s plenty of miles to come on and sans asphalt_ I’ll reserve judgment until December, possibly the New Year.  

As for the pump’s tenure? Rock steady. Inner tube wrapped around the top tube undoubtedly provides some additional grip, but the pressure fit is perfect, holding the pump steady, while still allowing ready, convenient access when required. Less delightful was discovering the right Microshift bar end shifter had turned belligerent and wouldn’t shift. Now, bar end shifters main selling point is their rugged simplicity and the ability to switch them to friction mode.

The latter forgotten while I was traversing roads carpeted in thick, slimy agricultural mud and reflecting on the speed some vehicles were doing through it-with some palpable loss of traction.  Upon returning from my 90-minute mixed terrain jolly, I decided to switch the lever for a spare and fresh cable. Doing so quickly restored the comforting click and sweep of the chain across the cassette.

Minor tweaks made, cable liberally lubed with some Muc Off MO94 Muc-Off MO94 Multi Use Spray | cycling-not-racing , I pruned the inner cable, superglued the end and popped Ursula away.  I wasn’t surprised to find everything behaved on the workstand, but some phantom shifts when climbing during our first mixed terrain outing meant stopping and dialling some tension from the rear mech’s barrel adjuster.

Sorted in thirty seconds, one of those easy fixes and no issues since.   Whoosh! The child like inner joy as I weaved through the leafy carpets and soft, though not too boggy mud was a welcome relief from some complex monotony that had been all too prevalent within my wider world. Perspective, too.  

Richard Ballantin’s observations (p 17 Richard’s New Bicycle Book (Oxford Illustrated Press October 1988) “At a deeper level, how you ride reflects your feelings and thoughts. You are with yourself.”   Social media can give the impression of connectivity and indeed, personal significance, but the reality is individually, we are all very insignificant. I have also noted a pronounced rise in anti-intellectualism, a lack of desire to learn and a climate where the loudest voices, no matter how ill-informed get most attention. Contrary to popularist sentiment, we do need experts, we need expertise. This knowledge and understanding does not happen by osmosis, it takes years to cultivate, regardless of trade, or profession.  The appeal and indeed, success of populist leaders is emotional, not based on facts.

The feeling, a false sense of empathy is what mobilises people and without any introspection, or critical introspection. The pied piper then leads them along the desired path, and we’re back down those alleys which caused so much destruction-economic, social and political.

The same games and tunes are played, but just through different mediums-although some would argue regulated media outlets have become complicit megaphones. I listen closely to these things but will never engage, either with those who follow the rhetoric, or those espousing it.  

Many of those following the rhetoric and depending upon state benefits may regret their subscription, since these populists have already made it very clear they will greatly reduce public spending and welfare benefits will be top of the list.  

In all probability, these people will continue following the rhetoric and will blame and quite likely physically attack others. They already do- housing officers, social workers, nurses, administrators to name a few who are “fair game” for their frustration. I’ve experienced it first hand, so know how it plays out. I’ve had some people come and boast they knew how to tender various services, only to demonstrate a complete, some might say, breathtaking ignorance of the tendering process and service level agreements.  

Several months down the line, I will say I’m very impressed by Zefal Pro II Grease’s performance and staying prowess. It’s certainly surpassed my expectations of budget greases, especially those employing lithium.

Plenty remains on contact points, threaded components, headset and pedal bearings, Hollowtech II axles and cleat fasteners. No hint of galvanic corrosion, or other nastiness.  In fairness, these months have varied between very hot and uncharacteristically mild- 17 degrees has not been unusual in the early part of November. Plenty of opportunity to test the Castelli Do Di Ci
https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/castelli-do-di-ci-jacket

Lithium based preps aren’t ideal for all jobs, but for general assembly jobs and bearing packing, there’s much to like here. I took this opportunity to introduce the 17tooth Arundel fixed sprocket to Muffin’s hub, switching the 16tooth to the other side. Staying with lubes, I retired Denise’s KMC X10 chain, since opportunity presented, which also coincided with the arrival of this Muc-Off C3 All Weather Ceramic, so it will be interesting to see how this compares to its entry level counterpart I reviewed a while back. Muc-Off All Weather Chain Lube | cycling-not-racing  I’ve also reached my conclusions regarding the Sigma Buster 1600 & RL150 lights, which have a lot to offer, although some niggles and limitations, too Sigma Buster 1600 & RL150 Light Set | cycling-not-racing

Fettling Orgies

 

Having packed pedals, since I wanted to see how stiff this particular lithium-based prep would be through the darker, wetter months, I applied to Denise’s Hollowtech II axle. There was ample Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing clinging on, but then was the time. I’d noted the pinch bolts and pre-load were a little dry. The former were unexpectedly arthritic, so regreasing was imperative before seizure could creep in and cause mischief at the least convenient moment.     

Lithium based preps have an unenviable reputation for gobbling seals, elastomers and other rubberised components and can be a little stodgy.  

Fine on contact points, and very durable on winter hubs, but not necessarily desirable if you're competing and want to keep resistance at a minimum. While there's more discernible resistance compared with blends such as Peaty's Speed Grease (which I also surprisingly durable) its much lower than I'd expected and buttery smooth.

Staying prowess, temperature stability, water resistance and general durability are definite plusses and explains their traditional popularity in marine and automotive applications. Time will tell, but at £4.99 for 150ml, at face value, it seems a bargain for generic metal on metal duties.  It’s also been applied to cleat hardware, (which we're all guilty of neglecting until time comes for their replacement).  

Galvanic corrosion, say between metals of different parentage can be another issue- I wouldn't apply lithium to a titanium seat post used in a steel, or aluminium alloy frame for example. However, I'd be less concerned about an anodised aluminium post being used in a steel frame. A polished, fluted aluminium alloy post and I'd be reaching for a synthetic, or failing that, something PTFE based. 

I’ve decided to stick with wax and dry lubes while the weather allows and having covered 250odd miles on the Blub Wax, I’ve got busy with some Carbon friendly drivetrain cleaner, which I’ve had for some years and resurrected from the lubes box. It’s fairly straightforward to apply-simply spray liberally on the drivetrain, leave for a couple of minutes, agitate with a stiff bristled brush, or something like this Finish Line Gunge Brush Finish Line Grunge Brush Solo | cycling-not-racing

I reached for some Muc-Off Dry, since that was close to hand, MUC OFF DRY CHAIN LUBE | cycling-not-racing In my experience, its closer to an emulsion and requires at least four hours to cure properly. Like the Blub, can also melt when temperatures hit the high 20s. In this state, it’s still relatively durable but also readily transfers to hands-annoying if you’ve dropped a chain, or needing to tackle a mid-ride mechanical. Checking the chain health suggests more life than first believed just past .25, so reckon I’ll get to the close of October, possibly even November before its bin fodder. However, I’ve pruned a fresh one down to 108 links in readiness for a quick switch. I noted the front brake pads were looking a little tired, so took this opportunity to replace the pads and regrease the cantilever posts using the Zefal Pro II Grease, which was time well spent and another little job off the list before autumn.   

Talking of switches, following a hunch that packing single sided pedal bodies with a stout grease would offer some weighting (making engagement easier) I switched Muffin to the silver A520 and also moved the down tube bottle cage slightly, which improved access.  

I’m pleased to report the Juice Lubes Bearing Juice has added some weighting and thus, made re-entry (say when frequently clipping in and out in slow moving traffic) more convenient.  While I was there, I  noted the K-Lite Ultra Low Drag K-LITE ULTRA LOW DRAG DYNAMO LIGHT | cycling-not-racing lamp rotating slightly on the Genetic Neuron Accessory Mount GENETIC NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing . easily cured by wrapping some scrap inner tube around the mount and replaced the 2.5mm cable ties.   

The nights were quickly drawing in, providing the perfect opportunity to assess the Magicshine Hori 1300’s prowess and I’ve been impressed, not only by the output but its useability. The wireless remote makes it very easy to toggle up and down to avoid dazzling other road users. To my surprise, though obviously good in the seen-with sense, the night flash is potent enough to navigate unlit roads by- at least to 14mph, which is useful should you need to drop down to conserve battery.