Mother, I’ve had the clap!

Ok, so I’ve had more difficult conversations with my mother, and I don’t mean VD. I am of course referring to that strange Thursday night phenomenon that is applauding keyworkers, during the UK lockdown. I understand this is well-intentioned and induces a sense of morale and cohesion. However, if people want the NHS and other front-line services to continue, they need to target politicians and lobby for proper, sustained investment.  

Obviously, model portfolio-building https://stenningphotographic.blogspot.com/2020/ and similar, social photography is out just now, so I’m supplementing my other freelance income with some temping. In short, an agency rang to discuss my experience in a previous front-line trade, offered me some work (I needed the money) and here we are.  

Spleen vented, back in the saddle... 

Much as I predicted, after another 150 miles, the Giles Berthoud Saddle has conformed to my sit bones, church pew numbness a long and distant memory. Nonetheless, it’ll be another few hundred before it assumes the same, subtle support provided by this Ti railed Spa Aire but compliant enough for now. Some might say masochistic, though I’ve found strangely satisfying. 

Checking my Univega’s chain, it’s in very good health, 600 miles in. On present form, I’m reckoning another 1200 before it passes on, to The Great Bike Shop in The Sky.  

I’ve another KMC waiting in the winds and was tempted to load up on another, when I remembered seeing a packet fresh, gold Sun Race unit, during my last rationalisation of the garage. Unless I spot something suitable going for the proverbial song, I’ll use existing resources. 

I’m sticking with a two-coat helping of Zefal Pro Dry lube for now, since the weather’s turned damp again. I’m also thinking in terms of switching to Weldtite TF2 Ultra Dry Chain Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-ultra-dry-chain-wax if conditions remain arid, Weldtite TF2 Performance All Weather Lubricant https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-performance-all-weathe if the forecast favours precipitation. 

It has this week, which has presented the ideal opportunity to put a budget waterproof commuter jacket through its paces. £70 generally buys a garment that is more waterproof, than breathable. That said; I’ve been able to bowl along for 20 miles or so, at a steady 18mph without feeling “boiled in the bag”. 

Commuting continues to rise in popularity, given the present situation and desire to avoid crowded public spaces/transit. Brompton’s iconic small wheeler is a solid contender for those looking to ride shorter distances and wanting something that will go, stop and handle in good proportion. We’ve been putting their B75 through its paces. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/brompton-b75      

Zefal has also kindly sent me these crank and paint armor, which should keep my mile munching mainstay looking fresh. I’ve gone over to these Continental Speed Reflex tyres, to see whether they’re any sprightlier than the mighty Schwalbe Marathon Mondial Double Defence https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-mondial-tyres  .

Formative impressions are of a quick rolling, compliant tyre with decent grip but 400-500miles will give much better insight into their characteristics, pros, cons etc. 

I’ve also switched to these long serving and slightly careworn Scott sport shoes. They’ve served 12 years, on and off. They’re a twin bolt road model with stiffer soles than the Triban 500 I’ve defaulted to, these past few months.  

They've also got a set of specialist insoles which corrects the (minimal) femur imbalance, which can otherwise induce misalignment and shoulder pain, on longer rides.  Took the opportunity to whip on some new, genuine Shimano cleats, too. Despite nylon washers and other, vibration thwarting goodies, mudguards and other little fasteners still work themselves loose.  

Some low level but annoying chatter was traced to my Univega’s SKS Bluemels Shiny Mudguards. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sks-blumels-shiny-mudguards Though most fasteners are now Allen, or Torx, mudguards are still 10mm nuts. I always carry a Y type socket wrench. (I’ve had it for 30 years) but Topeak Alien ii still has the 8,9 and 10mm ring types for these little jobs and I’m really pleased to see it, still in production.     

The Chain Again

 

As I predicted, two weeks hence, the chain tool tolled judgement day for my Univega’s chain. The blend of flooded, silty roads, wet lube and long, steady miles had done the deed. I was rather hoping this would coincide with the arrival of a 38 tooth CNC machined ring, but hey-ho.  

No sense shortening cassette, derailleur and ring-life. Since I’m running a 1X setup, ring wear is less of an issue compared of a double, or triple. A few minutes rummaging in my freshly reconfigured transmission spares bin and I emerged triumphant, with a nice shiny KMC.  

I know a lot of folks like the “magic links” and they can be super-convenient. I just prefer the security of a traditional pin, so pruned and joined accordingly. This served to highlight a very palpable, matted layer of wet lube and accumulated contaminant engulfing the cassette.  

Out came the Juice Lubes Dirt Juice Chain Cleaner https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/juice-lubes-dirt-juice-chain-cleane. 

Transmission stripped bare; I’ve decided in favour of a more basic middleweight ISO/PTFE lube. Less stoical than a wet lube but much cleaner, and March is looking less challenging weather-wise.  In any case, I will be switching to this Pro Gold Pro Link Chain Lube, which should be a good fit, season-wise. 

According to their blurb its  

“A thin-bodied lubricant which utilizes metal friction reducer technology for smooth shifting and a quiet drive train. Does not build up or become tacky; sheds dirt, mud, and abrasives. Also repels moisture and prevents corrosion”. Will be interesting to see how it performs in the real world. 

Surprising just how much difference a new chain can make to the transmission. On many levels this is obvious, but the existing chain had only just reached pensionable, rather than being completely shot. Shifts were immediately snappier and more reliable. More remarkable was just how quickly weather and contaminant euthanised it.    

I’m still looking around for a 38 tooth 94BCD ring, which will afford a more seamless choice of gears. For years, Chris Bell produced precision-engineered bespoke elliptical and round rings but sadly, succumbed to prostate cancer in 2016. 

By the same token, while I’m keen to keep solid components going, a new, external bearing crankset, might prove the most cost-effective solution. Assuming of course, I can’t acquire a 5-arm Stronglight/similar at a favourable price.  

The other option is to plump for a smaller ring and road-biased cassette. I’ve run this configuration in the past. However, unless the former was seriously cheap, it would also mean replacing the cassette.  

A moot point, if both were edging close to retirement, but they’re not. While I love a well-stocked spares bin and the economics/horizons this presents, I don’t want to be hoarding heaps of stuff that are too much of a compromise (and thus won’t get used, let alone worn out).  

Rounding up the drivetrain theme, this Topeak All Speeds Chain Tool also arrived for testing. Aside from the industrial good looks, it includes a chain hook to hold the chain together while you drive the pin home.  

I was also pleased to note there’s a spare drive pin that’s threaded into the base. Not only does the design promise to tackle chains from single, through to 12 speeds, this includes Campagnolo 11speed hollow types.

  

This purging also prompted me to polish and wax the frameset.  

Grit can slip behind cables, leading to paint-chew. Protective cable rubbers and clear stickers/ “helicopter” tape are the simplest, most effective preventions. In my experience, thicker ready-cut frame protection patches are quite durable.  

Eventually, PTFE rich maintenance (and other solvent-based aerosol products, for that matter) will dissolve their adhesives-especially those around the head, seat tube and chainstays, inducing lift and peel. This time round, I plumped for a supermarket wax, primarily because it was within easy reach. Bargain basement but easy to apply, and supposedly suitable for all surfaces.   

Staying with cleaning a moment, Steve and I have been very impressed with Rock N’ Roll Miracle Red Concentrate Multi-Purpose Bike Cleaner https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/rock-n-roll-miracle-red 

An incredible versatile that will clean everything from scuzzy steeds and grimy hands, to carpets and clothing.  Those who want to add a little electrical assistance to their commute, or utility ride might be interested in our review of this Raleigh Stow E Way Folding E Bike   https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/raleigh-stow-e-way-folding-e-bike