Subtle Stockpiling

 

Bargains are to be found everywhere and seemingly limitless temptation. However, I always remind myself something is only a bargain if I actually need or want it. There are exceptions to every rule, but impulse buys don’t typically fall into this category. Some things I stockpile while cheap- deodorant, shampoo cleaning products, coffee, since they will always get used.

Same goes for chains, cassettes, and cables. I keep three sets of each aside, since these things usually wear out quietly, typically demanding replacement when you’re doing an impromptu check and the shop’s shut. I also keep a couple of cleats handy, for the same reason, although I seem to go through these at a more pedestrian rate.

 I picked up several blue KMC Z1 for £5 a few years back, but default to KMC X10 for the geared builds, KMC Z510 for fixed and single speed. While I like stuff that compliments, if a white, or “tarts handbag” gold are offered at the right price, on they go. Both the KMC X10 and Z510 are inexpensive and will last, with basic maintenance.

Conditions and chain lubes play their part, but I bargain on 1200 miles from an X10, 1700 from the Z510. This gives me three months to source some suitable replacements, at the right price. The most I’ve had from a track chain is 3,000 miles- the KMC Inox SEVEN DAY CYCLIST'S 3000 MILE TEST OF A KMC INOX CHAIN and Gusset S-Link. I retain considerable fondness for, but they’re not the lightest. I’m also fond of their nickel-plated Z1eHX, particularly on winter and working bikes, it’s just dearer than my defaults. I ‘m not a fan of missing links when it comes to fixed gear, preferring the old school prune and push, chain tool method.   

I function fairly well in extremes of temperature, although experience a gradual, palpable fatigue when the temperature creeps into the high 20s. Against this backdrop, the timing of Castelli’s offer to review the UPF 50 jersey couldn’t’ve been better, Conditions were optimal for evaluating the garments claims too.

Like-for-like, the UPF50 has a slight, tangible edge on the otherwise very comfortable Espresso Castelli Espresso Jersey | cycling-not-racing and Espresso 2 Castelli Espresso2 Jersey | cycling-not-racing jerseys.  The original Espresso fabric offers SPF30 protection, which is very welcome and covers a lot of bases in the broad strokes sense. However, where offered, I’d go for factor 50.  

Some faint increase in friction led me to checking and ultimately topping up the All Mountain Style Miami Glide Chain Wax The All Mountain Style Miami Glide | cycling-not-racing This also presented an opportunity to treat Muffin and Ursula a good wash. Though primarily dry, a tangible layer of stubborn, filmy grime clung to the bottom bracket shells, chainstays, fork legs, wheels etc. An excellent opportunity to test the stock blend Juice Lubes Bike Wash.   I’d also noted some very subtle oxidisation on Ursula’s Ryde hoops-just the machined sidewalls, since I’m not running disc brakes. 

Easily dismissed with some titanium cleaner I had nestling in my cleaning potions box and a medium stiff brush. A light, periodic coating of wax on the sidewalls, while I’m treating the frameset and components should lock the elements out.   Mid ride, I also discovered the Dia Compe 287 lever had suddenly worked loose. Nothing a few turns of a 4mm Allen key couldn’t fix and much easier to access compared with Tekro’s venerable RL520 and 340. While we evolve, our formative years retain some powerful influence.  

Au pairs aside, my fragile teenage mind was blown by the drop bar mtb concept.

Lightweight, rugged, go anywhere machines that were engaging to ride over any terrain, could carry me and luggage away from every torment. During that pre internet era, Mountain Bike Action was as close as we could get to the longer established US market, developments and technology. These were only found (sporadically at that) in bigger retailers, so Muddy Fox’s Trailblazer and Specialized’s Rock Combo were my first exposure to the concept. The latter was particularly well executed.

Fast forward nigh on four decades and the appeal remains immensely strong, life’s challenges just become more significant. Packing up and pissing off for a bit, to process, reflect and formulate plans of action should never be confused with running away. Running away solves nothing and just compounds issue(s).

Mercifully, jettisoning baggage didn’t extend to the Topeak Pannier Dry Bag 16litre, which has proved very secure along rough, churned trails. Rixen Kaul has a small, yet palpable edge on the limpet-like retention. Topeak’s Handleloc system performs very well, and release is much smoother but allow for a little more audible chatter and "bob" if rough stuff’s your thing.        

Subtle Gains & False Economies

 

Cables replaced and firmer conclusions cemented regarding the Continental Terra CompetitionTrails’ dirt prowess The Continental Terra Competition Trail | cycling-not-racing, it was time to strip the drivetrain of residual Muc-Off Dark Energy Chain Wax Muc-Off Dark Energy Chain Wax | cycling-not-racing and reapply another wax- the KMC Go, since I had ample left and it was closest to hand.

Checking the chain’s health, I was pleased to discover it was only .25, which was another incentive for sticking with wax lubes. I decided to retire Denise's 11-25 cassette in favour of an 12-28 since I had a Microshift in stock. The Tiagra was the original and outlasted six chains. Shifts were still smooth, but I noticed some very occasional skipping when climbing on the small ring. The cassette switch and some long climbs confirmed my suspicions and crucially solved the issue. Going by the book, the chain would’ve gone too, but wear was minimal and I wanted to be sure.

I like Tiagra- it might lack glamour but is a relatively inexpensive and durable component group with decent performance. 12,13,14,15,17,19,21,23,25 and 28 are more road-centric than a gravel setup but paired with the 175mm 36x26 rings gives a range between 24.4 and 78.8 inches. Closer to that found on older cyclo cross rigs and crucially, well suited to my riding needs. Longer-term, when the rear mech finally turns sloppy, I will consider a long arm version and a 12-30-tooth cassette as a bail out, or trailer winching option. 

Spring’s tepid start had been eclipsed by some very balmy weather, the mercury reaching 27 degrees over the bank holiday weekend. Ideal conditions for testing summer riding kit.

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the Altura Airstream Jersey’s wicking prowess- I could literally feel sweat being wicked through the perforated shoulders. The BBB Karma MIPS also gulps in plenty of cooling air. Steve’s been suitably impressed by Castelli’s Espresso 2 bib shorts.Castelli Espresso 2 Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing and jersey Castelli Espresso2 Jersey | cycling-not-racing

Even at these temperatures, the KMC (and Muc-Off) have demonstrated good temperature stability, turning slightly soft, rather than becoming a gooey mess. A hairdryer on high heat, coupled with warmer weather has also helped traffic the Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing deep within the Wellgo 823’s inner sanctum, turning them close to buttery smooth and completely silent.

I say close since they’re cheerful cheapies. While adjustable, come time bearings get the grumbles they won’t owe anything but unless you’ve a free hand in axles, bearings etc, rebuilding may prove uneconomic.

Go for their MO94B WELLGO MO94B SPD PEDALS | cycling-not-racing cousins, or Shimano’s justly revered 520 if you’re looking to strip, service and possibly rebuild. Alignment of the auction site’s Garmin mount lacks the outright precision of some, but easily corrected post ride while I was snugging the stem face bolts down.  

I’m planning to fit the other to Ursula, when I get round to the bar, stem, and brake lever switch, but no rush, given the positioning is right and existing components are very serviceable.

Sometimes, these auction site “bargains” can be false economy- rubberised crank arm and brake lever protectors being two prime examples. Buy a decent set, such as these Zefal ZEFAL CRANK ARMOR | cycling-not-racing and they’ll last, quickly recouping the initial investment. Action camera mounts can also fall into this category, although I’ve found some cheap and cheerful designs. That clinging to Denise’s Genetic Neuron GENETIC NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing being another case in point.  Switching Muffin’s Vittoria Adventure Tech for the Maxxis Roamer proved a welcome move.

The Vittoria roll better than I’d expect from coarse 27tpi casings and there’s not much separating them but even at loftier pressures, the folding 42mm 60tpi Roamer are supple and compliant, giving a nice, magic carpet ride across lumpy lanes. There’s also scope for less challenging dirt roads, byways and bridleways.         

 

Forks Return...Winter’s Wrath Continues

 Lee Cooper returned the Holdsworth’s forks. I’m delighted with the steerer extension and ahead conversion. The eagle-eyed will note it’s a slightly different shade of blue, but I like the subtle contrast, so it’s staying. I’ve retrieved the XLC longer reach dual pivot calliper and then I’m ready to switch everything over, at my leisure- the Holdsworth is a sunny day’s plaything and presently enjoying seasonal hibernation. For now, they can sit in my office.  

The plan is just to whip the Woodman’s lower cup from the Acor carbon unit and transplant it to the steel fork. At that point, I’ll thoroughly inspect the cheap but cheerful Acor and decide whether to keep or euthanise. I’ve sold older, branded forks with 6061 steerers and carbon blades in the past. However, on balance, I’ve concluded it’s not worth the hassle, or risk this time.  

While on these missions, I also acquired another 1-inch Aheadset (an FSA) since these, or at least, decent-quality staples are getting trickier to find-at least at the right price.  The blue anodised finish is another shade of blue but again, aesthetically compatible with the existing livery.  

Famous last words, that’s the Holdworth’s revisions complete. I might port the Miche calliper over to the Teenage Dream as an upgrade to the budget but very serviceable Miche Performance unit but that can all wait- we’re slap bang in the middle of a stormy winter. 

 

The ice relented but was replaced by storm Isha. Milder temperatures induced a switch back to the Halo Spin Doctor and Shimano Alfine Dynohub Shimano Alfine UR700 Hub Dynamo | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) wheels shod with the Maxxis Ikon tyres Maxxis Ikon Tyres | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). I also decided then was time to retire Ursula’s KMC chain. I managed 750 miles before it nudged .7 on the chain checker. Typically, I’ll get 1100-1300 miles so this should give an idea of how wet and generally grotty the past few months have been.  

I have a love/hate relationship with magic links. On the one hand, they are very convenient (especially when you’ve the magic link pliers to hand. Note to self, must locate mine). Much of this arises from a lack of feeling in my index finger, which makes aligning the two parts fiddly-especially when it's bitterly cold. I manage, it's just a slower process.  

While hunting the KMC magic link pliers, I rediscovered this Hyper Cracker cassette lockring tool. It basically turns the bike frame into a giant chain whip and allows roadside cassette removal, say when needing to replace a drive-side spoke mid-tour. Really nicely made and a pleasant resurrection. Wondered where that had got to.   

 

Given things had thawed, I headed out on the fixed for some faster-paced fun. Thick mud carpeted the roads, and I was pleasantly surprised by their grip through some seriously slippery, gloopy stretches. Not quite in cyclocross, or Paris Roubaix territory but not a great deal of tarmac.  Despite the low temperatures, these Castelli Entrata Thermal Bib Knickers are surprisingly comfortable Castelli Entrata Thermal Bib Knickers | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

  

As for the tugs, well, perhaps predictably, I’ve gone for another set of MKS NJS. Credit where it's due, the auction site specials were in fact of a decent quality. Problem being they were 10mm, which means they’d foul the chain. The non-drive side was a nice fit. In some respects, I’m annoyed- should’ve just gone for the MKS first time around but that’s the thing with auction sites, they’re a gamble. You can get an absolute bargain or buy cheap and buy twice. 

 

I’m sticking with the Weldtite Ceramic WELDTITE CERAMIC LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) for now-at least until something seasonally appropriate arrives for testing. As defaults go, there’s a lot in its favour. It’s relatively clean for a middleweight and doesn’t wash off come the first puddle. The advantage over a more traditional, gloopy wet lube is that while it won’t hold back hell n’ high water, it won’t become such an effective grinding paste when grit, salt, mud and other contaminant litters the landscape.   

Revisions

Chain and cassette replaced, I still had a good 250 miles or so to go before nearing anything like a conclusion regarding the Halo Fixed G hub and fat cog system. Wet, greasy lanes with waterlogged sections, mulched equine dung were perfect and rather welcome, given the mild February we’d been experiencing. A subtle “phantom” squeak permeated my serenity. Snugging the track nuts and 8mm crank bolts down proved the antidote.

This gold anodized Halo skewer presented itself, so I thought “why not”. Cured some very minor pad rub, which pipped up, when I was out of the saddle, and dancing up the climbs. Disc rotor was true, cables and callipers were correctly adjusted, and everything behaved impeccably on the workstand (doesn’t it always?).

Therefore, perhaps a tighter union at the dropouts…Niggle, and episodic tinkle muted.  The passport anti rust single speed chain continues to do its thing silently, and the galvanised surface does an excellent job of retaining lubricant.

I was a little surprised to discover some orange taint. Especially since Weldtite TF2 extreme wet lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-extreme-wet-chain-lubr  is one of the most tenacious (albeit not the cleanest) wet lubes I’ve used to date.  

The watery corrosion vanished, upon contact with a clean rag. Some Squirt chain lube arrived for testing, so I treated the transmission to some Green Oil chain degreaser jelly, as part of a sudsy bucket spruce-up. Talking of which, Steve’s been putting Silkolene wash off, to the test https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/silkolene-wash-off

A reminder that Spring can still prove very wet and mucky, so I’ll leave the KMC dressed in its factory lube. Once that’s thinning, I’ll swap to the Squirt. Dressing appropriately for the changeable conditions, is another challenge.  Thankfully, softshell jerseys and ¾ lengths with water repelling top layers plug the gap.

Early morning outings are still quite chill too. I’ve always found this very refreshing and for the time being, I’m still sporting a “Belgian style” cap beneath my lid and Oxford Bright 4.0 gloves https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-1 . I pack a buff and the Oxford bright waterproof cycle gloves 3.0 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-bright-3-0-gloves  on longer rides, when temperatures can climb into the low teens.   

Full length guards make a world of difference, keeping bike and rider, presentable. Cue the Univega and putting miles on the Selle Italia Sport Gel Flow FEC-Alloy saddle.

Thus far, its proving music to one’s derriere, whether I’ve been cruising along the asphalt, or tackling more technical terrain. Soft, yet supportive, which can be a very difficult balance to strike.

The relatively narrow profile is also very conducive to fast tempos, although I’m generally cruising along at 85-90rpm. Another intermittent phantom squeak (traced to the M45’s jockey wheels), prompted me to carry a small dropper bottle of simple lube.

Saddles and pedals are the first components I replace, on off the peg bikes (purchased, rather than tested). The Inbred, fitted to my stock MKII Ilpompino, was a notable exception. It eventually migrated to my MTB based crosser, with similarly pleasing results.

That had 46cm road drops, which were up to the job in the “Use what you got” tradition. It was On-One Midge drops, that really turned me on to the big, swoopy sort. The 25.4mm versions were a bit whippy but the 31.8 firmed things up a treat.

WTB Mountain drop bars are another firm favourite of mine. Especially for a rough stuff tourer, or tagalong/trailer tug, although to my knowledge, they’re no longer made. No surprise then, that I was generally impressed by Soma Fabrications Condor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma .

Something of a talking point, the shape generally suited me. However, the original pastern had some drawbacks. Soma have revised the shape. The MK2’s top sections are also straighter, allowing easy fitment/alignment of lights, and more hand space. That said; drops and hoods, are my go-to defaults.

Speaking of revision, it’s been a good few years since I towed Joshua behind, on the tagalong. He turned 16 this week and will be sitting his GCSEs this summer. That chapter of my life remains ingrained, almost thirty years hence.

Provisional places on courses at FE college. The opportunity to study subjects I was interested in, focused my mind. Riding kept me sane in between revision, exams and anxiously awaiting results. Whether examinations, is the best means of assessing knowledge, or competence, is somewhat debateable.

Nonetheless, undertaking previous papers, to strict exam conditions, will hone these skills, and is, like time trialling-the race of truth. It will reveal where your weaknesses, and gaps in your knowledge lie. Everyone’s different but don’t sit more than two “mocks” per day, tops.

Remain structured, it’s easy to kid yourself your knowledge is better than it really is. Or, at the other extreme, hammer yourself into the ground. Papers aside, set revision in two-hour blocks, and slot in regular food and sanity breaks.