Easter Treats

Easter is usually associated with biblical matters, eggs, bunnies and similar festivities. I've always wanted to visit the Czech Republic to witness the Pomlazka, sometimes referred to as the "Easter Beatings" but thus far this too has eluded me. Must do better.

Easter is also traditionally a time when the temperature drops, and this year has been no exception. However, changeable conditions are relatively easy to navigate with the right kit. Arm, leg and neck warmers extend the horizons of shorts and short-sleeve jerseys and pack down small, so easily stowed away in jersey pockets, or wedge packs. Same goes for gilets, glove liners (slip these beneath mitts for some additional warmth and protection).

However, the gusty winds have brought the temperatures closer to single digits, hence I’ve been sticking to long sleeve middleweight jerseys, ¾ lengths, technical jackets, and middleweight full finger gloves.  Merino/Polyester mixes are my chosen fabrics for arm and neck warmers, socks too, for the most part unless conditions dictate waterproof models, although when monsoon conditions strike, I’ve donned booties, such as these venerable Shimano Shimano MW7 (MW702) Gore Tex MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing, which though primarily aimed at mountain bike audiences, make excellent transition to gravel and general riding-assuming you’re riding in twin bolt (SPD, Time Etc) cleats, since you can also walk comfortably in them, while still enjoying excellent power transfer. 

 Continental have sent me some new rubber- their Terra trail in 700x40c, which was an unexpected and very welcome surprise. Not that I’ve had any issues with the Maxxis Ravager Maxxis Ravager TR Tyres | cycling-not-racing, or Rambler Maxxis Rambler Tubeless Ready Tyres | cycling-not-racing, save for the odd thorn invading the casing, inducing a flat but that’s to be expected during the darker months where hedge clipping is pretty routine (and wet mud serves as a very effective lubricant).

I’ve also resurrected my action camera, which required Ursula’s Garmin pattern and auction site camera mount trading places but proved a blessing in disguise. This also prompted me to reflect upon future developments.

There's much to like about Tektro's RL520. Nice modulation and feel, shapely levers, great hoods for cruising comfort, inbuilt quick release and wallet-friendly price. However, the use of composites, especially the cable routing eventually ovalizes, hindering cable pull and ultimately brake function. I've also broken one in a tumble back in January '25. 

Having opted for Dia Compe's long serving 287 with Muffin and found the modulation, feel and overall performance pleasing but based on this experience, fancied something with a little more refinement for Ursula, once the RL520 turn sloppy.

I'd had my eye on their shapelier Evo V for a while, but wanted assurances the price differential was not simply down to aesthetics. Ison Distribution confirmed the region beneath the hood is also aluminium alloy, so a suitably robust choice long term.

I've toyed with going the full hydraulic route on several occasions but cannot justify the price differential. Besides, the Spyre SLC perform rather well, so long as you've opted for good quality compression less cable sets, such as this Jagwire Road Elite Jagwire Road Elite Sealed Brake Kit | cycling-not-racing. 

After much deliberation, I indulged in the Evo V as an Easter gift to Ursula but had no intention of fitting until the Tektro RL520 start turning sloppy, or a cable replacement and fresh bar tape are called for. The Wolf Tooth Supple Lite Wolf Tooth Supple Lite Bar Tape | cycling-not-racing is still in great shape, offers excellent grip and surprising levels of comfort, despite being relatively thin (2.5mm) although as many will point out, Ursula sports portly rubber and a compliant carbon fork which significantly dampen rougher sections of trail.

I've decided to add a Genetic Neuron Bar Mount GENETIC NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing to host additional light and indeed action camera. Though I would prefer a slightly broader mount (100mm, rather than the 70mm to be specific) its accurately machined and the mount can sit flush against the stem, or at least, close to.  

I'll tuck it underneath to keep things relatively clean, in turn overcoming some of the minor shortcomings of the Soma II SOMA CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS |. I have no intention of running a bar bag, so no issues with fouling - panniers and rack top luggage, or Yak homage trailer give ample load lugging options.  For the record, I'm fond of smaller bar bags, such as this Cycology See Me Pink Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar Bag | cycling-not-racing and indeed, the Oxford Aqua Evo Adventure since they have nominal impact upon handling and in the Cycology's case, doesn't rest against the head tube.    

While hunting for something else, I found a few packets of anodised aluminium bottle screws, two were ported over with a blob of grease to muffin’s cages, the other to Ursula and prompted me to forgo the Topeak  2 Stage Gravel Mini Pump Topeak Gravel 2 Stage Mini Pump | cycling-not-racing  its left the frame and now sits in a Lomo Zephyr Lomo Zephyr Waterproof Panniers | cycling-not-racing along with some spare tubes, multi tool etc, should a stricken rider need to borrow it.

By no means a “white knight”, I’ve been stranded myself and will help if someone is struggling. I will often carry a contingency 700c, or 26-inch tube. Old, and maybe patched to my limit, that I wouldn’t worry about passing on, but good enough to get someone home. I've been there once or twice myself, when a spare has failed, or something more serious has struck. It's easy to be self-righteous, but we can all succumb to a mechanical, and while I'd never let anyone take kindness as weakness, I'd rather lend a hand than leave someone stranded.I'll leave you with Steve's review of the POC Ventral Air MIPS Helmet POC Ventral Air MIPS Helmet | cycling-not-racing

 

Released & Regreased

 

A slotted “screen break” and the arrival of this Park FR4 freewheel remover presented the ideal opportunity to tackle the Teenage Dream’s Regina freewheel. I’d applied several helpings of PTFE lube and left it marinating for several days, so a sporting chance of it budging and without taking the Athena’s hub threads into the bargain. I switched the Shimano head on this Cyclo tool for the Park, gave the freewheel another firm blast of PTFE lube, then engaged the tool. No surprise that the Park’s splines meshed beautifully with the Regina’s.  

However, despite some considerable effort, nothing was moving. Another blast of PTFE-based lube was followed with a few deft taps from an “engineer’s” mallet to the tool handle. Holding the wheel firmly with my left hand, applying considerable pressure to the tool with my right while grunting like an 80’s shot-putter secured movement and ultimately release.  

Threads unscathed, I decided to give the freewheel a liberal helping of Muc-Off fast-acting degreaser to remove congealed brown gloop. A mix of propellent and strong solvent rapidly bites into the grot, breaking it down but still demands liberal stiff-brush agitation.  

Dinner plate clean required a subsequent helping of Squirt Bike Wash Concentrate, some further agitation, and finally, a warm water rinse.  same story with the hub threads. As I’ve said in an earlier post, they’re not badly “out of round” rather nuisance value, and now is the time to correct that.  

At this stage, deadlines were my priority, so I packed everything away, penciling in the hub strip and re-grease for another time. Not least as I couldn’t find my 14mm cone spanners and am “on the clock” during the week. Sure enough, I found my cone spanners and got busy on Saturday afternoon, following my first AstraZeneca COVID shot.  

Everything came apart reasonably easily, although the existing grease had turned the consistency of gravy. 9 bearings each side and the cones were decanted into a magnetic parts bowl. I gave everything a liberal blast of the Muc -Off High-Pressure Quick Drying Degreaser - Chain & Cassette and a quick clean rag scrubbing later brought everything up to spec.  

No signs of pitting/similar damage, so I pumped a load of Park into the races, repatriated the bearings, setting them into the thick green gloop, before adding another generous piping over the top. Same story with the hollow axle before sliding this through and winding the cones and other components home.  

Getting the tension bang on took some perseverance-so close each time but still a fraction too tight/slack. Paid off in the end. The front wheel was much easier, although again, the grease had turned to an oily brown gravy. Two blasts of the Muc -Off High-Pressure Quick Drying Degreaser - Chain & Cassette dismissed this and evaporated I the time required to locate the Park Grease.   

I’ll drop the wheels to a well-respected local builder for truing, as opportunity presents.  Common side effects (head cold type symptoms-aching limbs and minor headaches etc) kicked in that evening. I managed a ride beforehand and another the following morning but felt distinctly rough during the day, then onward. 

 

Mornings remain cold and crisp and at the lower end of single figures. I’ve stuck with tights and winter booties and alternate between winter weight, long sleeve jerseys and summer weight models with these Primal Comic Book Thermal arm warmers PRIMAL COMIC BOOK THERMAL ARM WARMERS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and a technical jacket. This 7mesh Cypress Hybrid Jacket 7mesh Cypress Hybrid Cycling Jacket | Seven Day Cyclist being a great default. Gilets are another wise investment.  

The really thin, shell types are great for contingencies and very changeable conditions since they pack small but I’m rather fond of middleweight designs with a laminated fabric, which will keep the torso temperate and relatively dry. They often have pockets, which is another welcome touch. My preference is for those with the classic three terrace rear, zippered breast up front, perfect for stowing compact camera and similar tech, I’d want ready access to.