December is dawning and
daylight (not to mention dry weather) is at a premium. Perfect conditions for
the indoor trainer then. In some senses, yes. However, these contexts are ideal
for evaluating product performance. Lights, lubes and waterproof fabrics being
the most obvious. A good measure of waxes/polishes, too. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/naked-bikes-bike-bling
The Pro Viz Men’s Reflect 360+
Cycling Jacket has certainly cut it in the visible and waterproof respects. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-mens-reflect-360-jacket
Save for the odd cold night,
no sign of the “big freeze” prophesised by the digital tabloid press, so tyre
choice remains unchanged.
Having consumed my stash of
patches last time round, I wasted no time in putting fingers to keyboard and
ordering some more Rema tip top patches. There are cheaper, and I’ve found some
store brands refreshingly reliable.
However, I find the Rema that
notch higher. Since the Kenda thorn resistant tube was a Schrader valve, I seized
the moment, removed the valve core and pumped a liberal helping of latex
sealant inside.
Three serviceable spares
apiece for my fixed gear winter/trainer and Univega now. Two patches are my cut
off point before I consign them to the bin; or repurpose (Protective “boots”
for headsets and seat posts, or top tubes being three obvious, bike-specific uses).
I have striped and re-greased my fixed gear winter trainer’s headset and added
a butyl bottom race boot, for additional protection. Replaced the front brake
cable, while I was there.
However, I will often carry one
tube with more patches, for dire emergencies, or passing to a stricken rider.
Yes, we should regularly give
machines and spares stash a once over. Yes, we should be independent. However,
things happen, to the best prepared machines and riders. I have been stuck by
the roadside, miles from home. There’s nothing warmer than a helping hand.
Roadcraft seems increasingly
patchy and intolerance at an all-time high. Discretion is often the better part
of valour. One driver, refusing to recognise my right of way, pulled by and announced,
“Roads are for cars bruv!”
Tempting though it was to
point out, that roads are for everyone- cars, motorcycles, bicycles, horses, HGV
etc…No sense arguing with an ignorant hot head, encased in two ton of steel.
Better to ride on, rather than let rip and be rendered paraplegic.
I spent three years battling a
Portuguese haulier. One of their drivers crossed into my lane, along the M25
motorway, sweeping my KA onto the front of his 30ton Mercedes. Thankfully I was
able to walk away. Death is an inevitability; the phrase “life changing
injuries” turns my blood cold. His insurers finally admitted liability, when court
papers were served.
I’ve defaulted to the Univega
these past few weeks. Primarily, since its dressed for the deluge, not to
mention, an increasingly battle-scarred infrastructure.
Having crossed the
400mile mark with the Weldtite TF2 All Weather Lube, the Univega’s chain was on
the cusp of thirsty. I saw this as the first opportunity to evaluate the Juice
Lubes Chain Cleaner’s prowess, pitted against a middleweight petrochemical lube,
and its modest accumulated contaminant.
Lubes-wise, I’ve switched to
the Juice Lubes Ceramic Juice and will see how many miles I can amass, from a
single application. It comprises of “blended base oils” and hexagonal boron-nitride.
Lubricant qualities supposedly
comparable with graphite. Thus far, it seems slick, refined and tenacious. Its
apparently thicker than previous incarnations and feels so. Still light enough
for cables and cleat mechanisms.
Talking of which, I’m
increasingly endeared to the quirky Look Geo Trekking pedals. These are the
baseline models, yet the composites offer excellent support and don’t feel
whippy under-load. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the ease of
intentional release, even using VP and similar pattern cleats.
Critics will suggest there are
a wealth of dual sided designs commanding £20 odd, which will do commuting and
similar duties perfectly well. In some respects, I’d have to agree. Thinking
out loud, I still love Time’s All Road Gripper Pedals. I still have mine and
liked the concept. However, their short production run suggests they weren’t
overly popular.
