Wet, Wintry and Wonderful?

 

I long ago switched off from tired cliché’s about life being what we make it (primarily since it’s a blanket statement and life is far more nuanced). Afterall, if this simple rhetoric were true, the hardest working people would have the biggest rewards…

This also the season for boiler bother and I found myself needing to tweak our Grant combi to bring heating and hot water back on track. Well, I had to clean the fixed seemingly every other ride, courtesy of wet, greasy and increasingly cold conditions…Much as we’d expect from later November onward.  

This environment also consumes things like brake pads and chains with consummate, dare we say frightening ease, so I decided it was time to stock up on some more pads, chains and the odd tube and batteries before Christmas. They’re bound to reach retirement while the shops are shut.  

Wheels and tyres are also taxed, since wet, freezing conditions contributes to road erosion potholes, sharps and other nasties are more readily worked in as we ride. For this reason, I err towards reliability and overbuild on working, mountain and winter bike wheelsets.  I want to enjoy the ride with nominal mechanical issues and in due course, stay temperate.  I’m very fond of Muffin’s Continental Contact Plus and Vittoria Adventure tech paring and given the risk of icy conditions, the Schwalbe Marathon Winter spikes stay on Denise’s hoops.   

It should be obvious that this is not a substitute for regular cleaning, inspection and maintenance.   

I’ve added a cable tie to the Sidi Algor’s zipper tags, which has made drawing the zipper fully home significantly quicker and easier. I’ve also needed to adjust the rear Zefal G50 Gravel guard slightly-just a question of slackening the two 5mm Allen screws, moving the guard slightly and snugging down-2.5nm (or bottle cage screw territory). Talking of bottle cages, I also decided to switch the bottle cages again and like the red on teal contrast. 

 After 330 miles, (260 on the fixed) the Muc-Off C3 Ceramic All Weather Lube was still doing its thing, albeit a bit filmy. I’ve given side plates a wipe with a rag dipped in solvent and topped up, leaving it curing overnight, rather than the four hours cited.  I was also pleasantly surprised by how little gunge clung to the derailleur jockey wheels. 

For more intense drivetrain cleaning, I’m a big fan of brushes, less so chain baths, which can work very effectively but are fiddly. Besides, chances are, especially during winter, you’ll need to clean the rings and cassette too. Aside from the obvious need to remove congealed lube and potential contaminant, a lot of lubes can react badly with each other, if there are traces left behind. I'm quite impressed by this Oxford Chain Brush Pro Oxford Chain Brush Pro | cycling-not-racing  

The Castelli Competizione Castelli Competizione Men’s Bib Tights | cycling-not-racing bib tights have become an unexpected default given the changing conditions and fluctuating temperatures. They’re best in cool, dry contexts, although there’s similarly priced competitors offering a DWR (Durable Water Repelling) coating, which can extend comfort on wetter rides. I did add a wash-in product, while washing some Gore Tex and this has extended the time I’ve remained dry, so that’s also an option.

It's also worth saying that not all permanent DWR coatings are particularly effective. I also prefer highly water resistant, breathable garments, those that might allow some moisture through, yet wick quickly. Back in the late 1980s, I used to be happy enough with waist tights, but bibs are definitely the way forward, offering seamless comfort and protection to the vital organs.  

No issues of chill getting in, should a jersey, or base layer gather slightly while you’re hunkered low on the drops, battling those gusty winds. There have come and gone in the last couple of weeks, reaching 60kmh at certain, exposed points.  

I love booties during the winter months, although they can feel a little cumbersome around the ankles and cadence slightly remote, less so with the Shimano MW702 Shimano MW7 (MW702) Gore Tex MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing slightly more so with the Sidi Algor. This is quickly forgotten in the saddle and while the Algor have some quirks, I appreciate their water resistance, grip and temperate inner climate. The soles are also stiffer than their rating might imply, without compromising the ability to walk gracefully. Staying with winter clothing, Steve has been impressed by Castelli’s Estremo Gloves Castelli Estremo Gloves | cycling-not-racing

 

Seasonal Swaps & Sabre Tooth Man Flu

 

Possibly it’s the accumulation factor, coupled with a sharp drop in temperature bringing more seasonal colds into the arena but I succumbed to a sneaky, feral virus. The sort that begins with addled thought processes but allowing you to head out for a decent ride. Before you know it, head and joints feel like lead, simple tasks like adjusting cable tension, or replacing bottle cages can feel challenging. These being significant, since I needed to dial in Denise’s front Shimano CX50 stopper and I was keen to switch the Wolf Tooth Morse over to Ursula to see how well their adjustability benefits a small compact geometry frameset, especially when a lithium-ion battery and frame fit pump are thrown into the mix.

The Wolf Tooth Morse are so called because of the plate’s drillings and there are two basic versions-our stainless steel and a lighter, dearer titanium. 304 grade stainless steel is popular in a wealth of applications due to its blend of resilience and corrosion resistance. Qualities that are verry apparent, judging by the regular bastings from wet, greasy roads, agricultural slurry, muddy trails and regular washings. It also offers secure, reliable tenure and release to big 750 ml trade bottles and bigger, double walled thermos designs, too.

Now, as many would justly point out, perfectly functional bottle cages can be had for £6 and indeed, less. I’ve had three Trans X going strong some 26 years down the line-no, they hadn’t been kept in a trophy cabinet, they’ve been in regular service. The fetching yellow livery contrasted very nicely with Ursula’s original flamboyant red finish.

Back to the bargain bin, I’ve gone for another set of the red composite fitted to Muffin- 99p each. These will contrast nicely with Ursula’s grey finish and offer surprising amounts of adjustment, so while not level pegging with a good side-entry model, will overcome some of the hassles associated with standard bottles and small frames.  Having said that, I’m pleased with the contrast the stainless and titanium cages provide, so they may stay. I gave Denise a good sudsy bucket scrub and fitted these Burls and Boardman carbon fare. This also presented an opportunity to pump some more corrosion busting waxy preserve inside the frames. Fasteners were given a blob of Zefal Pro II Grease Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing.  

I’d been hopeful but am pleased to discover the Muc-Off C3 Ceramic All Weather Chain Lube is still clinging dependably to the inks, keeping them lubricated and corrosion-free despite sections of road resembling Paris Roubaix, waterlogged lanes. Mudguards, (fenders to folks in the US) surprise, surprise do keep a lot of crap at bay, and I remain impressed by the Mud Hugger Gravel Hugger MUD HUGGER GRAVEL HUGGER MUDGURADS | cycling-not-racing fitted to Muffin.

Sure, they have some compromises and don’t offer the same protection as traditional full-length models, but they are still fairly effective, while permitting easy rear wheel removal. Full length chrome plastics and track ends tends to require removing the frame mounts, too which is a faff, especially on a cold and rainy night. Oh, and full-length chrome plastics are impractical off road, unless of course you’re exploring dry singletrack on an adventure bike, or big tubby tourer. Zefal have sent me their Sheild G50 Gravel Mudguard Set and on a seasonally related note, their F1500 front light. The issue with a lot of gravel specific guards (and it’s a fairly small point, given disc brakes are the default) but they can prove incompatible with bikes running cantilever and V-brakes. The Shield G50 also proved comparatively straightforward to fit and adjust.

However, while this design will entertain older framesets, I strongly suspect they won’t offer quite the same degree of protection afforded by the Gravel Hugger and similar patterns.  The F1500 has me curious to see how well it compares with the Sigma Buster 1600 Sigma Buster 1600 & RL150 Light Set | cycling-not-racing  

It’s four grams lighter at 233g and slightly bulky, but I was pleased to find a wired remote within the bundle and the light complies with IPX6 for weatherproofing. Remotes allow easily toggling between modes, when entering different environments, or needing to dip. The choice of bar or Go-Pro mount is another nice touch. Time and long, dark roads are where the proof lies, although I remain impressed by its R150 rear light, so I’m quietly hopeful the FL1500 will leave a similar impression.

I’m always saying (primarily because its true) that I love the changing seasons and the riding experiences they bring. Autumn remains one of my favourites, possibly given the association with receiving the Holdsworthy built Claud Butler and Richard Ballantine’s legendary “New Bicycle Book”, then at 18, leaving for London and a world full of possibilities. Some I took, some I didn’t. Winter can be a longer slog, so testing, a well-dressed machine and rider coupled with wider, intensive focus helps with mood and momentum.

 

 

  

 

Diversions Still Waters & Simplicity

 

There's much to be thankful for but sometimes it feels as if I'm living on borrowed time. I had hoped to be more secure, dare I say, recession-proof by this point in my life but then life can often divert us. Factors such as intelligence and education are significant in determining our future, but are two very different things.

Then of course, there are those who just inherit wealth and can live off the security this provides. I’m often amused (and privately infuriated) by those who inherit a successful business and purport to be self- made. A  narrative often reinforced by their family and immediate circle. Often overlooked in all of this is the ability to adapt. Those who cannot (or will not) are at a pronounced disadvantage.    

The pandemic arguably reconfigured the construct of certainty-the importance of making the most of everyday and in every way possible.  There are balances of probability but no guarantees.  Nostalgia is a dangerous distraction, although I can readily appreciate the sense of comfort it may bring.

Occasionally high-end NOS components pop up at very tempting prices. Some are still very relevant- I saw a pair of Suntour XCD single speed hubs-120mm spacing, so (almost) perfect for a single-speed winter/trainer based around a track/road path frameset. Cup and cone simplicity but with beefy seals to keep the elements out.  As an engineer once aid to me, there's a fine line between beneficial and overly complex enclosure. 

I've always been drawn to hub gearing but deterred by accessibility and being honest wheel removal following a flat is more involved. Not what I want on a cold January morning ten miles from home, but others would rightly point out is a matter of familiarity.

Could it be an irrational fear of something different... I spotted this Halo TK track hub going for a proverbial song- 32 holes and white, which explains the favourable asking price. I can live with white. I also spotted a 32-hole Ryde Taurus rim going for considerably less than the otherwise excellent Sputnik. It’s intended for gravel and similarly heavy-duty duties, so perfect for the rigors of winter.

Sealed cartridge bearings, freewheel one side, fixed the other-what's not to like. This kind of spec also lends itself to single speed cyclo cross, which has always appealed to me- mud, simplicity and ease of cleaning are definite draws. Then again, I'm always saying these things, only for the completed vision to evolve into something more complex, some might say cluttered. Denise wasn't intended to sport a four-point rack or secondary lighting, but these have proved immensely practical additions. 

I've switched Muffin to the Shimano PD ED500 Shimano PD ED 500 Pedals | cycling-not-racing since I fancied a change and wanted to further test my theory that shoes such as the FLR MTX and Shimano GTX are best suited to broader bodies, which provide some additional support and offset some flex that's required of a shoe also designed to be walked in. Pedal body width is also mitigated by 165mm cranks and a lofty bottom bracket. 

I'd been tempted to go the dual sided Exustar route, but aside from the additional heft, I was only going to be using the SPD side. I my experience, dual sided-whether SPD, or TIME ATAC is always the most convenient marriage- step in and scoot off. No faffing and flailing trying to locate the cleated side.

That said, if you did want to go the single sided route, patterns such as Shimano's now discontinued A520, or the current ES600 (Ultegra grade) have a tapered profile, providing greater support to touring and bikepacking shoes. One thing led to another, and I found myself stripping the M540 and XT Shimano Deore XT PD-M8100 Pedals | cycling-not-racing pedals, filling the former with Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing, the latter with some Zefal lithium grease- the latter was green and visually reminiscent of Shimano’s factory stuff.  

With the mercury hitting the high 20s, I decided it was time to give Denise a sudsy bucket clean and switch to some Blub Wax chain lube before heading out for some dusty byway blasting- I was keen to see how securely the Wolf tooth cages would hold 750ml bottles off road.

Not that I was expecting any ejection-there wasn’t (although stainless cages can still prove quite springy, depending on the diameter). The Wolf Tooth are relatively slender, so will fit nicely with older road bikes with pencil-thin tube sets and are a good aesthetic fit on Denise. Since I was there, I removed Denise’s USE seat post and blasted some waxy corrosion inhibitor inside the seat tube, then applied some of the Zefal to the post, binder bolt, not forgetting the quill adaptor.  I’d also noted that the stem and wedge bolts were somewhat stubborn, so treated the threaded sections more generously. Aside from a good connection, this would also test for galvanic corrosion, which was a traditional issue with lithium, greases and metals of different parentage.  

 I’d also found two razor sharp hedge clippings buried deep in the front Maxxis Rambler- new tube, old one patched and a noter to replenish my 700c stock.      

I will switch the cages over to Muffin, since Wolf Tooth claim they’re designed to accommodate frames where space is at a premium, whether this be a compact main triangle, or one consumed by bike packing luggage. Though not tricky, I'm finding removal of those bigger, trade bottles less convenient on the seat tube with the existing composite models, due in part to the Topeak frame fit pump nestling beneath the top tube.  

Something I'd expect, given the price, but bottle entry and release with the Wolf Tooth is super dependable-even when hossing along. I've also been pleasantly surprised by how well the Silca bar tape has coped off road. Leach like purchase was expected, and I like the direct connection with the bars, but no jarring, or fatigue thus far.    

As for the Blub, this doesn't cure to the usual paraffin type consistency, rather assumes a wetter state-something I'd forgotten and came as a surprise when I glanced down at the drivetrain. Some waxes just run very clean, others scab off when the weight of contaminant reaches a critical mass. I decided to clean some accumulated gunk from the jockey wheels after a few off road excursions, which was strangely satisfying.

Miles per application is surprisingly good from this and its ceramic cousin, but both need to be reapplied if bikes have been standing for 48 hours. Not an issue for a daily driver, but potentially impractical on a best, or race bike that may only come out at weekends. 

Nuisance but necessary & Nice

 

Worn cleats and frayed inner cables were unwelcome but easily sorted. Evasive entry tipped me off about the cleats and a tyre-tickling straddle wire-noted when I was pulling the Carradice’s Velcro strap snug post-ride. I also found myself stripping some more pedals- these nickel-plated SPD/Keo Exustar, which hadn’t been touched, let alone re-greased in twenty years.

The lockring was decidedly stubborn, and though there was still some grease inside, it was clear how frugal some factories are on the lube front. Not quite at the stage where I’m stripping and repacking new pairs before fitting but certainly has me wondering if I should, as a matter of course.  

After countless miles and a particularly memorable tumble with terra firma one icy January morning, the otherwise rugged, low -maintenance and very comfy Wolf Tooth Supple Bar tape is beginning to show some subtle signs of wear and weathering, mercifully around the tops, where it can be protected beneath electrical tape. 5mm thick it certainly absorbs road and trail buzz incredibly well, although getting neat, flowing lines took me a few attempts first time round.

I have other options, the most obvious contender being  The Acros Silicone Bar Wrap LONG-TERM TEST: ACROS SILICONE BAR WRAP | cycling-not-racing  which is also rugged, grippy and provides excellent damping. The embossed pattern tends to hold dirt- think oily fingerprints and similar transfer, which can be frustrating, especially during winter when you’ve touched the bars following a deep bike clean/drivetrain exorcism!

Or for that matter, if the front mech’s dropped the chain too far, and you’ve needed to scoop it back aboard. This happened at the crest of a long climb, when I decided it was big ring time…Oh, and then of course, an approaching Land Rover pilot decided they didn’t fancy changing course.

Mercifully, they seemed to begrudgingly sweep past at the crucial point. I digress. Saddleback has sent me this Silca Nastro Piloti, which boasts “unrivalled durability”, asymmetric texture for high and moderate grip and relatively slimline at 1.85mm (equivalent to 2.5mm when cushioning is factored into the equation).

Theoretically, this means good cushioning without a chunky effect, which is obviously what you’d want on a road bike, although arguably less significant on a gravel, cross, or beast of burden build. Black is one of those ultra practical colours (shades, if we’re being proper, dare I say pedantic) colours and arguably the obvious choice for Denise.

There are quite a few considerations when choosing bar tape aside from colour and damping. Given the quiet but growing popularity for wider, flared drops, tape needs to be long enough to provide a consistent, flattering overlap. Traditionally, corks were the default, and it’s not difficult to see why. It dampens vibration well and is hardwearing. 

Darker colours are more practical for winter/training and daily drivers. Following on from this, corks and other “simpler” materials respond well to being scrubbed with a moderately stiff brush, whereas those with polymer coatings require a much gentler approach to avoid stripping their properties.  

One thing led to another, along came some red bottle cages, which would complement Muffin's existing livery, ruling out colour clashes, or similar faux pas. The Lezyne flow SL was ported over to Ursula. These Wolf Tooth Morse Cages were fitted to Denise. Made from hand-bent hollow stainless steel. The base is drilled not for weight reduction, rather to ensure easy adjustment and ultimately, compatibility with most contemporary framesets. Aside from small compact geometry models, it's also intended for use with bikes using frame fit luggage, such as this Topeak Midloader TOPEAK MIDLOADER FRAME BAG | cycling-not-racing  

Aesthetics aside, bar tape should be pensioned off fairly regularly. Frequency is a hotly debated topic and depends on who you speak to. Abrasion, loss of damping, fading, failing backing adhesive. Seasonally on cross and similar competitions machines, or those doing regular service on indoor trainers.

Bar tape on bikes doing regular turbo trainer service are typically contaminated by sweat, salt, energy drinks. A corrosive cocktail that can result in bar failure. No, not an urban myth.  

Staying with bars, Magishine has sent me their Hori 1300 front light. Magicshine’s build quality and overall performance continues to improve and ultimately impress, especially given the asking price. The Hori features a CNC machined anodised aluminium alloy casing compliant with IPX6 for weatherproofing, pumps out a maximum of 1300 lumens, dipping to 900, 400 and 200, which caters for most road biased contacts.

I should also point out; the lens uses the increasingly common car-type cut off beam to project the light downward and without dazzling oncoming traffic. There are two powerful day and night flashing modes -800 lumen day and 200-1000lumen night, a wireless rechargeable remote.

There’s a very versatile range of mount designed to stack accessories for a really clean aesthetic- a Garmin computer up top, light in the middle, GoPro camera at the bottom, saving considerable real estate. However, those with busier cockpits can always go for the extended mount, positioning the light out front, clearing cables, smaller handlebar bags etc. Right now, I’m in child at Christmas mode but time and mileage will tell.       

     

Cagey

 This Super Sparrow lightweight thermos bottle arrived and having established incompatibility with broadly standard, composite cages, I decided it was time to revisit Ursula’s downtube setup. I’d gone for the Fidlock Magnetic bottle holder TESTED: FIDLOCK MAGNETIC BOTTLE HOLDER AND BOTTLE (sevendaycyclist.com) and popped a chain checker there- a talking point for some, while still leaving me scope to mount a couple of composite cages on the underside and seat tube.  

This didn’t overly impair my ability to carry water/similar fluids. Now, I’m very fond of the Topeak Modula XL and the now discontinued BBB Fuel Tank XL LONG-TERM TWELVE MONTH TEST: BBB FUEL TANK BOTTLE CAGE (sevendaycyclist.com) cages, since you could whack a 1.5 litre bottle of mineral water, or indeed a similar soft drink in situ, without fear of their ejection (or indeed, knackering a traditional cage).  

However, they will often prevent mounting one on the seat tube. The Free Parable Monkkii Cage FREE PARABLE MONKII CAGE REVIEW (sevendaycyclist.com) is another useful choice, provided you’re not lugging too much weight. 1.2 kilos (as distinct from the 1.5 kilos cited) which should entertain a full 750ml (about 25.36 oz) flask or bottle. An obvious “from the box” solution. I’ve hauled disposable Argon/Co2 welding gas bottles in them, although placed some bubble wrap between cage and bottle to rule out any potential dings in Ursula’s down tube.  

However, to my astonishment, both the BBB and Topeak were too roomy to hold the (bottle) securely. After some rummaging through the cage stash, I whittled it down to a Van Nicholas titanium (Elite Ciussi pattern), a side entry Zefal and this Boardman winged carbon fibre design.  

Lo and behold, the Boardman won!  The main issue with the 6061 and Ti models boiled down to scratching the bottle’s finish. I’d bound some old bar tape around the Van Nicolas and strangely enough, that spark of inspiration proved fruitful.  

Then, along came this Topeak Modula Java.  

It’s an adjustable composite model, which on paper should lug the thermos in question without missing a beat, or launching it mortar style at the first hint of lumpy trail. I also received the brands’ Gravel 2 Stage Mini Pump, which as the name might suggest has two modes- high volume and high pressure, so you can recover from a flat efficiently.  

90psi is top whack but aluminium construction bodes well for longevity and means it stands a sporting chance of hitting these pressures. In some respects, mini and midi pumps have ruled the roost for good reason. Aside from supporting a clean aesthetic, being stashable in a jersey pocket, or bigger wedge pack means the valve end needn’t get caked in crud.  

Many road-biased riders use Co2 as their first line of defence, pump second. Makes sense, especially if you’re needing lofty pressures, although bear in mind you will need to reinflate given though Co2 will rescue you, it will escape butyl much faster, so expect to be busy with a track pump the next day, as they’ll be close to pancake flat. Many mini-pumps will genuinely achieve road realistic pressures too, although, around the 100psi mark, my biceps have felt close to comedic explosion.  

I still have firm fondness for Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HVG (High Volume) and high-pressure models, which resemble track pumps that have been put through a matter-shrinking device. CNC machined construction marries strength and great looks but they’re around 216g (including mount) and on mine (c. 2015) their composite mounts felt a little whippy, meaning the head could rattle against the seat or down tubes “Woodpecker” fashion when riding across washboard tarmac and of course, dirt roads.  

Placing “helicopter” tape, such as this Zefal Z Armor ZEFAL SKIN ARMOR ROLL | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  over those areas of the frameset will deaden this, while protecting it from potential finish damage. Talking of protectants, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well the Weldtite Rapid Ceramic restored the anodised finish on Ursula’s faithful Lezyne Tech Drive HP pump.    

 

In my book, frame fit pumps still have their place and hugely different from the giveaway models sold with complete road and touring bikes 20-30 years ago. The sort that might deliver 60psi with herculean effort before locking out uselessly, or worse still succumb to a bent piston.  

Steve and I are very fond of the Zefal HPX High Pressure Frame PumpZEFAL HPX HIGH PRESSURE FRAME PUMP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  and I find them aesthetically pleasing on an older steel-tubed road/touring build. These tend to be Presta but could tackle a Schrader valve, more commonly found on trailers/tagalongs with an adaptor, like that belonging to the Merida multi-tool I’ve resurrected.  

Then of course, there’s the Specialized that I acquired back in the late 90s and ultimately euthanised itself beneath the wheels of a passing double-decker London bus. I was offered one recently that “appeared to be working” and mine for £44. I laughed like a hyena and went about my business. In common with Kirk Precision framesets and of course, Specialized’s Rock Combo, I’d give it a loving home but not paying fancy prices.