Muffin Racks up The Miles

 

Having tweaked the chain tension and tightened the ring bolts to 10nm, I was feeling more confident with Muffin and keen to gently rack up some miles to bed everything in properly and possibly reflect on further modifications/upgrades. Frankly, I’d built with everything I’d intended, rather than older parts and compromises.  Consumables such as chains, sprockets and bar tapes will be replaced but nothing major.

After some deliberation, I found myself pruning the chain by two links, sliding the frame forward in the dropouts and getting the chain play to 1/2inch, which is the textbook suggested ideal. I also found myself replacing the inner brake wire, then dialling in the TRP Spyre, which improved stopping somewhat. Presented the ideal opportunity to play with the Park torque wrench some more.  Simple tweaks can often make huge differences. I also run a little scrap butyl where the frame fit pump rests against the top tube’s underside, protecting it from unwanted rub and ultimately, paint damage.

Though the V2 was always fun and predictable, Muffin’s bigger clearances, improved lateral stiffness and general modernisations make for a very well-balanced machine with a magic carpet ride-especially with the Continental. These clearances also mean I can run 35mm Schwalbe Marathon Winter (spikes) during the darker months. Features that better suits my riding style. That said, I remain fond of the V2 and its geared, first generation Kaffenback (Think Café’ & back) cousin (which would also take 32mm tyres including mudguards). Think winter/trainer cum working bike, although some folks report theirs were reliable lightweight tourers- I can well believe it.

Talking of small jobs, shoe cleats are often neglected, and these Shimano had served me very well but were showing obvious signs of deterioration. Mercifully, the bolts, though slightly arthritic came away with a quick shot of Muc-Off MO94 Muc-Off MO94 Multi Use Spray | cycling-not-racing. I had thought one wasn’t going to budge, calling for the drill bity but thankfully this also shifted with a T25 Torx. I instated the new Leatt cleats with a liberal helping of Oxford Toque Assembly Grease Oxford Mint Assembly Grease | cycling-not-racing and torqued them to 4nm using the Velo Tool Torque Wrench.

 I’d also been keen to test the effectiveness of some degreasers on waterproof grease. Ironically, Ursula’s Shimano XT seemed slightly reticent to budge. A quick shot of MO94 helped with this reticence. Some Park Tool PL1000TESTED: PARK TOOL POLYLUBE 1000 LUBRICANT FOR BICYCLES still remained on the threads, which is impressive, since it had been a year or so since I removed them. I treated them to a modest helping of degreaser, reinstating them with a liberal lick of Oxford Torque Assembly Grease. 

Ursula and I have also been enjoying further exploratory meanders far from the maddening crowd. The CST Patrol is running behind, the Continental Cross King Black Chil up front. There’s a method to this, primarily since the CST Patrol are slightly narrower, thus giving greater clearance at the rear triangle. The Patrol are also 80g heavier than the Cross Kings and I’m wondering if this has any connection to the EPS (Extreme Puncture Safety) belt, which is 4 on CST’s scale. It also allows me to compare rolling resistance and similar performance characteristics.

 I’m genuinely impressed by both at the moment and in similar contexts, although there’s a substantial price differential between them. The Patrol (at least in 26inch guise) aren’t tubeless ready, which may be a consideration, nay dealbreaker for some. I can appreciate some very palpable advantages of tubeless setups but on balance, still prefer tubes, whether the humble butyl, or TPU.   

 Either way, both tyres are providing a dependable, compliant ride over some very badly surfaced gravel roads and farm tracks. Longer excursions also confirm I’ve got Ursula’s saddle height absolutely right.      

      

 

 

Slower Dawns & New Seasons Lights

 

 

Dawn is taking longer; the leaves are beginning to fall and clump by the roadsides now. Slowly, but surely. I took the opportunity to strip and re-grease some components using the Mint Assembly Grease-Denise's pedal threads were obvious candidates, since I also wanted to see how effective the Park SS-15 was at shifting pedals.  

The right side came adrift effortlessly, but for some reason, the left Shimano PED ED 500 Shimano PD ED 500 Pedals | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) proved quite arthritic. Not to the point where I’d needed to resort to my lofty Lezyne, or indeed, penetrant spray but unexpectedly stiff, nonetheless.  

A moderate helping was also given to cleat hardware, since, if forecasts were to be believed, I might be reaching for the MW7 booties more often than expected. I’ve finished testing mitts and so switched to Madison Flux Waterproof Trail Gloves.  

Available in four colours and made from a Polyester Polyamide (53% Recycled) 20% Polyurethane mix they’re marketed as a model for changeable seasons. Madison says autumn to winter but I’m thinking the cooler end of Spring too, evidenced by the mid length and relatively shallow cuffs. These are elasticated, rather than Velcro for quick, faff free donning.  

The backs are waterproof, reinforced with taped internal seams. Internally there’s a Roubaix type fleece lining for when the temperatures and tanking but with very modest bulk, which coupled with the silicone detailing promises to optimise connection with the bars.  

Oh, and the thumb and forefingers are touch screen friendly, eliminating the frustrating need to remove them to make a call, or engage with bar mounted tech. As I’ve remarked on several occasions, I have mixed experiences with ulnar defending palms and sometimes a flat profile is the best fit. It’s a bit early to comment but our introduction is a pleasant one.     

Wet, gloopy lanes had also consumed the NZero Dry Wax Lubricant, Nzero Dry Wax Lubricant | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) so I reverted to the Wolf Tooth WT-1 All Conditions Chain LubeWolf Tooth WT-1 All Conditions Chain Lub | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) which has proven clean and stoical, yet not stodgy, or grime seductive. 

Continuing the seasonal theme, we’ve been sent these Ravemen lights. High power dynamos are my go-to's for general winter riding but I’m also a fan of potent rechargeable systems. Aside from master blasters with external battery packs, such as the XR6000 Ravemen XR6000 Front Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), and Sigma Sport’s long serving Buster HL 2000 SIGMA SPORT BUSTER HL 2000 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) which are great for trail duties  Ravemen’s LR range has also impressed with their quality of output. The lens projects a combination of spot and flood yet is designed so it *won’t dazzle oncoming traffic. They seem much brighter than the numbers alone would suggest. The LR500S RAVEMEN LR500S FRONT LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is a case in point.  

Sure, I’d prefer one of its bigger siblings for regular riding along unlit lanes, but I have been able to tackle these at 17mph on a relatively clear night. This time, I’ve received the LR1000 and TR100 units to see how they compare with the LR1600 Ravemen LR1600 Front Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and TR200 Ravemen TR200 Rear Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) .  

1300 lumens are my benchmark for the backroads but even though I default to dynamos, especially on the fixed gear winter/trainer, I always carry a second light in case I need to tackle a flat, or similar roadside mechanical miles from home.  Otherwise, I tend to run them as companions and in flashing modes. Some models, including the LR1600 have sensored technology, which alters the output to suit conditions and ultimately, optimises battery life.   

Compact high-power models with integral batteries tend to have short run times in the higher modes, which is a consideration if you’re doing a lot of night riding and along unlit roads.  Hedge clipping season coupled with wet, mucky roads has announced puncture season. I’ve had two in the space of two rides. Mercifully, one struck just as I’d returned home, the second 5 miles away.  

I was very grateful for the Muc Off Air Mach pump. Very intuitive and relatively efficient by genre standards, even on higher volume tyres. Admittedly, these days, the CycPlus AS2 Pro Max EPump CycPlus AS2 Pro Max E.Pump | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is my go-to but I’d never go without a reliable backup. Thankfully, a single tyre lever was all I needed to coax the WTBV Nano off the rim-I'd been a little remiss and this served as a reminder to pack some more.  

Small House Inspiration

There’s no getting away from the fact that flashes of inspiration often strike on the toilet. Well, my bathroom toilet, not the infamous festival Dav Lavs, or those few remaining public facilities, which though welcome are of variable quality and clientele. Spacer choice and height are not something easily focused upon when the person in the next cubicle announces they’ve missed a vein or is about to give birth... I digress... 

Having replaced Ursula’s spacers, mid-ride, I was musing about going the Star Fangled Nut route and holding the Blumels mudguard in situ with a compression plug- I had two bouncing around in the small parts drawer. However, I quickly dismissed this idea. No sense in over-complicating matters unnecessarily. As I’ve said before, the Gusset Headlock system gives some added security, should a fork/steerer crisis strike and while the SFN and plug trick might save a few grams, any benefits are otherwise negligible. 

 

That said; I may revisit, next time I strip and re-grease, or indeed, replace the Stronglight O’lite Aheadset. I spotted another, from a reputable supplier and at the right price, so bought, while I still could and before BREXIT’s “benefits” really bite. Otherwise, I’m pleased with the carbon fork switch-compliance remains the biggest plus and when I say compliant, I don’t mean whippy.  

Lateral stiffness is reassuringly good too. I’ve gone for the version with V/canti posts, since it’s nice to have options, although in practice, disc is my default. Having run it with the weightier Alfine hub wheel, I’ve switched to the Shutter Precision SD8 SHUTTER PRECISION SD8 HUB DYNAMO | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), which saves 213g, so will be interesting to see if there’s any discernible difference.   

I’ve regularly wondered about titanium forks- not necessarily for Ursula (my fixed gear winter/trainer being another obvious candidate).  

Justin Burls and his Torus range of ti components TORUS TITANIUM STEM (sevendaycyclist.com) are particularly well made. A Guide To Seatposts | Seven Day Cyclist However, others crop up periodically. Where these are concerned. I’d want a much closer look at the welds, threads etc since the devil is very much in the detail. Otherwise, Ti could well and truly outlast me- by some margin. I’d contemplate having them painted too. Corrosion’s a moot point but could draw the wrong kind of attention.  

As August rolls out, I’ve been doing some further “while I’m at it” tweaking and prepping. Removed the Fixed gear winter/trainer’s seat post, shot a blast of oily grease into the seat tube and applied some Peaty’s Bicycle Assembly Grease PEATY'S BICYCLE ASSEMBLY GREASE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) to the post and raised it by a few milimetres.  

Dawn is arriving later, and the nights are subtly drawing in, meaning I’m using “proper” lighting more regularly. By proper lighting, I’m referring to the K-Lite dynamo systems and Magicshine Ray 2600 Smart Remote Bike Light on the Holdsworth and Teenage Dream. Not in the navigational sense per se (although that need is very slowly creeping closer, but more presence).  

The Orp Smart Horn’sTESTED: ORP SMART HORN (sevendaycyclist.com) 150 lumen flashing modes are OK in these contexts, but I prefer greater punch. Ravemen LR 500s RAVEMEN LR500S FRONT LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is another particularly useful compact light for these contexts-especially for extended evening play times on the best bike. Talking of which, the Green Oil Dry Chain Wax is performing well, given the very arid conditions. I’ve gone well past the 120-mile mark., with no hint of waning.  

Not that impressive, compared with some petrochemical, or hybrid blends I hear you cry. However, it's cited as 80 miles per application, transfer to hands, legs and indeed, trousers is minimal and unlike some, curing times are also very quick-so practical for impromptu rides, touring, or commuting. Gear changes are light, frisky-just the way I like them, and continuing the clean theme, it attracts minimal dust, dirt, or similar contaminant. Right, that it for this week, I'll leave you with my review of the Souma Leather Handlebar Tape Souma Leather Handlebar Tape | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)