Torqued & Lubed

 

I’d reached conclusions on some tooling and lubes, specifically the Feedback Sports Torque wrench and NZero dry wax lube Nzero Dry Wax Lubricant | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). I’ve been really impressed with the standard of engineering and user-friendliness of the torque wrench. Torque function aside, size and ratchet function mean it’s also delightful to wield in awkward, or confined spaces- bottle cages being prime example.  

 

The ability to use it as a T-wrench for added leverage on stubborn fasteners is another definite plus. Cost aside, the only detraction is the preset 5nm setting. Fine for a lot of components. However, equally too low and a little high for other components, including seat collars, stem bolts, bottle, and mudguard/carrier fasteners. 

  

I should also point out that traditional torque wrenches should not be used to undo parts. Doing so will damage the mechanism. The NZero wax, though less tenacious than some is still relatively durable and cures much quicker than a lot of wax-type formulas. The Momum MIC Wax Momum MIC Wax Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) cures a little faster and has, during the summer months returned over 400 miles from a single application. 

  

However, it’s a semi synthetic blend, while the NZero uses natural ingredients. Unlike some waxes, the NZero doesn’t melt messily in high-temperatures and transfer to hands is minimal. A definite plus, should you succumb to a flat, or commute in smart trousers.  

 

Staying with punctures a moment, I’ve also become very endeared to the AS2 Pro Max- basically a refined, pocket-sized compressor that will raise around 4 tyres from a full charge. I’d still be inclined to carry a mini pump and possibly a Co2 setup on a long, or multi-day ride but for general, day-to-day training I’ve found it infinitely preferable to the alternatives. The important thing is to charge it regularly. 

  

Assuming it’s just been sat in your chosen bike luggage, pop it out and charge weekly, otherwise, at the earliest opportunity. Bargain on an hour or so, from the mains. It's possible to charge it from the USB charger on some dynamos, including the mighty and much revered K-Lite K LITE BIKEPACKER ULTRA DYNAMO LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) systems, which might be fine on tour, but again, I’d be carrying a mini, or possibly frame-fit pump as backup.  

 

In common with the Fumpa FUMPA PUMP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) it’ll manage higher pressures 120psi a time, which caters for most contexts. However, it is decidedly loud, so stick with the track pump at home, at least during unsocial hours.  

 

200 charge cycles before the lithium-ion battery will experience a 10% loss in capacity, which suggests a decent working life and besides, provided you ensure I-ion batteries don’t fall below 70% charge wherever possible, you will considerably extend their lifespan. Talking of pumps, here’s Steve’s review of the Silca Impero Ultimate 2.0 Frame Pump Silca Impero Ultimate 2.0 Frame Pump | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

 

I was surprised to experience some tingling in my right hand wearing the Grip Grab mitts- it's an isolated experience thankfully and has me wondering what induced it. I hadn’t changed any contact points.  

 

Lights are useful year-round. I ensure there’s at least set of blinkies fitted to the Holdsworth and Teenage Dream, should conditions unexpectedly change, or I lose track of time, while making the most of late summer evenings. Fixed, Denise and Ursula all sport dynamos –high power lighting and on tap. Magicshine has graciously sent me some of their new range, which caught my attention. Some I cannot discuss now.   

 

I’ve received their evo 1700 underneath mounted bike light, which as the name implies sits beneath the bars, giving a clean aesthetic, while crucially combining a highly effective mix of flood and spot beams. The former ensures a good peripheral sweep of light, the spot picks out the details, lens technology projecting both intelligently, to minimise risk of dazzling or similar nuisance to other road users.   

 

The integral battery is another appealing feature. In common with most modern high-power lights, there’s a wide spectrum of output from 200 to 1700 lumens, in theory catering for most contexts., although formative impressions suggest the beam pattern is road centric.  

 

Again, run times at the higher end are relatively short, so this genre is ideally suited to those who train or commute in varying conditions and enjoy the odd blast along the backroads at warp speed. There’s a remote control for added convenience and though relatively standard these days, you can tune to taste using the brands’ app.  

 

In common with other vehicles, there’s a high and low beam, designed so you don’t dazzle oncoming road users. Thankfully, this can be controlled with a deft prod of the remote, although as with any system, worth doing a few practice runs, so this action becomes intuitive before heading out.  

Snow & Ice= Spikes

Plummeting temperatures finally heralded the arrival of snow and ice. Conditions the tabloid press were wetting themselves over for weeks, presumably a great distraction from other, politically engineered chaos crippling the UK. Warm banks because an increasing number cannot afford to heat their homes, food and fuel poverty on a wider level... Not scenarios associated with an advanced economy. 

Rant over. I’ve gone for the Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro up front and the 1.75 Schwalbe Winter Plus at the rear, since there was insufficient room at Ursula’s rear triangle for the bigger tyre. Now, (this is the case for all spiked tyres) spikes need to be bedded in on dry tarmac for around 25miles before letting rip on icy, or snowy roads. Last Tuesday was switch day and bedding in was done on Wednesday morning at 430am.  

Spikes tend to add a bit of weight and resistance to things, so expect to drop a gear or two lower than you ordinarily might. This is accompanied by a gravelly patter, which quickly becomes comforting, especially when it's slippery.  

I’ve always been impressed by the Winter Plus, and their lowlier 120 spike Winter TESTED: SCHWALBE WINTER SPIKED TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com) but the Ice Spiker Pro are a few notches higher, thanks to the extensive proliferation of tungsten carbide spikes (362 in this instance). The advantages are immediately obvious when cornering or accelerating. No momentary losses of traction whatsoever, just lots of big grins.  

For the time being, the spikes will stay-they're by far the best option for slippery wintry roads. Madison Madison.co.uk – The UK’s largest cycle parts & accessories distributor has sent me some Maxxis Overdrive Excel. Marketed as a “trekking” tyre, they’re a dual compound model reckoned to cope in all weather and handle mixed terrain riding. Looking at the tread pattern, there are some passing, superficial similarities between them and the CST Expedium fitted to my fixed gear winter/trainer.  

However, the Expedium are only available in 26x1.75, while the Overdrive Excel are 26x2.0. This may be a moot point, or a deal-breaker, depending on your frame clearances and tastes. These days, I prefer a 1.95/2.0 section for Ursula but obviously, 1.75 and spikes is the way forward in wintry contexts, where clearance can become trickier on an older XC frameset running full-length mudguards (fenders).  

Other differences include theoretically superior puncture protection, given the Overdrive Excel’s “Silk Shield” runs bead to bead. Reflective sidewalls are another good bet during the darker months and indeed, daily drivers generally. 740g apiece is relatively light, for this genre and size of tyre too, so it’ll be interesting to see how they compare with Kenda Kwick Journey KS Plus KENDA KWICK JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) (Also comes in a 26x1.75, along with several 700C options.) The basic Schwalbe Land Cruiser (26x2.0) are 887g. Mick Madgett finished a quick tune up of Ursula’s Ryde Andra/SP SD8 wheel SHUTTER PRECISION SD8 HUB DYNAMO | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

 

Elsewhere, I was somewhat stunned to find this little Topeak Taillux 30 USB Rear Light had popped in two. Specifically, the lens had separated from the base, while I was gently picking it up from the charging table. It was a clean “break” suggesting the adhesive had just lost its bond.  

This enabled me to ogle the internals with a child-like curiosity, although obviously, I left well alone and rejoined case and lens with some Gorilla glue. I’m very fond of the three-mode, 30-lumen light and for that matter, its bigger, 100lumen sibling TOPEAK TAILLUX 100 REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) so hoping this repair holds long-term.  I’ve left it curing at room temperature for the full 24 hours... 

Staying with lights, I had some unexpected mount woes with the See Sense BEAM+ but See Sense since sent me a replacement. The original was susceptible to annoying vibration when navigating anything other than virgin tarmac and that’s been conspicuous by its absence.  

Weldtite has very graciously supplied me with a replacement drive pin for my Cyclo Chain Breaker and are sending me their Ceramic coating kit, which is designed to protect the frame and components, making it easier to keep clean. Right now, conditions are perfect for assessing its worth and besides, anything that extends cleaning intervals is very welcome!  Now, I’m always drawn to products that claim to be all-weather.  Now in some respects, this can mean absolutely anything.  

However, in terms of chain lubes, it tends to imply a blend that is primarily brewed to resist the worst weather. Weldtite Ceramic WELDTITE CERAMIC LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) has held on very well, despite the freezing conditions. Motoverde PTFE Chain Lube Motoverde PTFE Chain Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is another very tenacious blend looking at the fixed’s chain is showing no signs of waning. Much like this disco brakes dual colour silver wavey disc rotor Disco Disc Brake Pads and Wavey Rotors | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)