Who Loves Ya Baby?

 My Univega’s front Continental Speed Reflex tyre succumbed to a slow flat, inducing some squirm and prompted a switch to the Schwalbe Kojak. It also provided an ideal opportunity to check pads for any imbedded contaminant etc. To my surprise, the comparable 26x2.0 Kojak are considerably lighter than the Continental (527g against 675g) which may be attributable to several factors.

While both tyres are wire beads and similarly matched in terms of puncture resistance (at least by their respective ratings) the Continental’s sidewalls https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact-speed-reflex-ty  seem a little beefier. They are supposedly designed to entertain tyre driven bottle dynamos, which may account for this differential. Not that I’ve felt any inclination to try, since I’m a hub dynamo devotee and wouldn’t revert by choice.

The Kojak seem to roll a bit faster (not that the Continental could ever be considered remotely sluggish) but the Kojak can also be run at 70psi, the Speed Reflex a more modest 58psi).  

Whether these features will have implications for durability and puncture resistance remain to be seen, especially as we transition from mild, breezy conditions to wintry stuff. However, I’ve also switched to some heavier duty Schwalbe tubes. Tubes are one of those components easily overlooked. The generic bundle types, though worthy enough tend to be a little on the thin side, which has implications for puncture resistance, patching and indeed, pressure retention.

Having reached my conclusions regarding the Tru Tension Banana Slip Wet Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tru-tension-tungsten-wet-lube , I’ve switched to the Zefal Extreme Wet Ceramic. Apparently, its’ a ceramic reinforced, Teflon-based formula reckoned to cling on, rain, shine, snow, and ice. The latter has been threatened on these shores. Some crisp 5am starts and glazed surfaces have been a slight culture shock, but confirmed that both tyres grip asphalt like the proverbial leach

Personally, I’m of the opinion these adverse weather predictions are designed to grab headlines and online traffic. Forecasting has also reached the point where it’s so accurate in the immediate sense, its ironically inaccurate longer term. Either way, I’ll be sticking with the Pro-Viz Reflect 360 Gloves https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-reflect-360-cycling-gloves  which seem to have most bases covered.  

I digress, back to the lube. A little certainly goes a long way. Literally apply a tiny drop of the white elixir on every, freshly cleaned link, give the cranks a few rotations (wiping any excess from the side plates) and you’re ready to go.  

So, what are ceramics, then…In this instance it refers to a microscopic layer designed to infiltrate and bond with the surface, theoretically protecting it from the elements and premature wear. Thus far, it’s certainly slick and less gloopy than many wet blends but I suspect good housekeeping (weekly wiping of side plates, jockey wheels and cages) will be mandatory.

With falling temperatures, layering is even more important. Primal Europe have graciously sent me these funky Comic Book arm warmers and Showers Pass, their Elements Jacket. Apparently designed with mountain bikers in mind but versatile enough for other disciplines and indeed, off the bike.

It’s a seam-taped 2.5 layer waterproof/breathable laminate with front pockets, core ventilation points, a removable hood and features a carbon print lining, which theoretically subverts clamminess and odours, which can be an issue with some 2.5 layer models, which I’ve otherwise been endeared to. Lighting is always a big draw, but particularly as the days are much shorter. I’m still very endeared to the Magicshine See Mee units discussed last week but this Lezyne Stick Drive is another neat design.

30 lumens isn’t jaw dropping by contemporary standards but the optical technology mean its very bright and useable, even in the lower settings. I’ve deliberated whether the 4lumen mode could be culled, although in common with some other Lezyne I’ve used in the past, it could be a life-saver, giving you something to limp home on, should reserves tumble.  

My Univega’s front Continental Speed Reflex tyre succumbed to a slow flat, inducing some squirm and prompted a switch to the Schwalbe Kojak. It also provided an ideal opportunity to check pads for any imbedded contaminant etc. To my surprise, the comparable 26x2.0 Kojak are considerably lighter than the Continental (527g against 675g) which may be attributable to several factors.

While both tyres are wire beads and similarly matched in terms of puncture resistance (at least by their respective ratings) the Continental’s sidewalls https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact-speed-reflex-ty  seem a little beefier. They are supposedly designed to entertain tyre driven bottle dynamos, which may account for this differential. Not that I’ve felt any inclination to try, since I’m a hub dynamo devotee and wouldn’t revert by choice.

The Kojak seem to roll a bit faster (not that the Continental could ever be considered remotely sluggish) but the Kojak can also be run at 70psi, the Speed Reflex a more modest 58psi).  

Whether these features will have implications for durability and puncture resistance remain to be seen, especially as we transition from mild, breezy conditions to wintry stuff. However, I’ve also switched to some heavier duty Schwalbe tubes. Tubes are one of those components easily overlooked. The generic bundle types, though worthy enough tend to be a little on the thin side, which has implications for puncture resistance, patching and indeed, pressure retention.

Having reached my conclusions regarding the Tru Tension Banana Slip Wet Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tru-tension-tungsten-wet-lube , I’ve switched to the Zefal Extreme Wet Ceramic. Apparently, its’ a ceramic reinforced, Teflon-based formula reckoned to cling on, rain, shine, snow, and ice. The latter has been threatened on these shores. Some crisp 5am starts and glazed surfaces have been a slight culture shock, but confirmed that both tyres grip asphalt like the proverbial leach

Personally, I’m of the opinion these adverse weather predictions are designed to grab headlines and online traffic. Forecasting has also reached the point where it’s so accurate in the immediate sense, its ironically inaccurate longer term. Either way, I’ll be sticking with the Pro-Viz Reflect 360 Gloves https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-reflect-360-cycling-gloves  which seem to have most bases covered.  

I digress, back to the lube. A little certainly goes a long way. Literally apply a tiny drop of the white elixir on every, freshly cleaned link, give the cranks a few rotations (wiping any excess from the side plates) and you’re ready to go.  

So, what are ceramics, then…In this instance it refers to a microscopic layer designed to infiltrate and bond with the surface, theoretically protecting it from the elements and premature wear. Thus far, it’s certainly slick and less gloopy than many wet blends but I suspect good housekeeping (weekly wiping of side plates, jockey wheels and cages) will be mandatory.

With falling temperatures, layering is even more important. Primal Europe have graciously sent me these funky Comic Book arm warmers and Showers Pass, their Elements Jacket. Apparently designed with mountain bikers in mind but versatile enough for other disciplines and indeed, off the bike.

It’s a seam-taped 2.5 layer waterproof/breathable laminate with front pockets, core ventilation points, a removable hood and features a carbon print lining, which theoretically subverts clamminess and odours, which can be an issue with some 2.5 layer models, which I’ve otherwise been endeared to. Lighting is always a big draw, but particularly as the days are much shorter. I’m still very endeared to the Magicshine See Mee units discussed last week but this Lezyne Stick Drive is another neat design.

30 lumens isn’t jaw dropping by contemporary standards but the optical technology mean its very bright and useable, even in the lower settings. I’ve deliberated whether the 4lumen mode could be culled, although in common with some other Lezyne I’ve used in the past, it could be a life-saver, giving you something to limp home on, should reserves tumble.  

Daybreak Escapes & Other Deviations from The Script

 No matter how well you look after things, components, accessories and clothing eventually wears out. No sooner had I said so, the Cat-Eye Quick Computer’s head unit battery expired! Over to a well-known auction site for a pack of replacement cells. The Tubby tourer’s Minoura camera mount came out in protest jettisoning the cork base, while I was hustling along a backroad at 5am. Since the pandemic, I’ve erred towards early morning escapes since it’s cool and roads are relatively deserted.  

I won’t buy a replacement (assuming they’re available). A quick scrabble around the spares’ tins unearthed a rubber washer, of comparable dimensions., which will do the job for the time being. I may find something more refined. I saw a Joby unit offered at a considerable discount, but unlike their Gorilla pods, this looked decidedly low rent, particularly alongside the Minoura.  

Technically, summer runs until the close of October. However, circumstances have led me to revisit the Juice Lubes Ceramic Juice, arguably giving it a fairer crack of the whip. I'd run it several weeks during a rather damp winter and performance was still very reasonable, given its blended for dry to damp conditions. Talking of which, its closer to a wet in terms of consistency but seems stable in temperatures between +25 and –2.  

Three-minute curing times are another definite plus, making it a more practical choice for roadside reapplication-touring and indeed commuting-on those mornings where you’ve hit snooze and are playing catch up. Based upon the 225 miles per application during a wet and dreary December, I’m leaning towards 400 through a primarily arid August.  

There are drier ceramic blends, there’s also some evidence of it congealing around the jockey wheels and side plates but much less than some traditional wax types and it will be interesting to see whether this falls away or lingers with use. 

Thankfully, there have been some periodic, heavy downpours, which have given me the opportunity to assess the water-resistance of the FLR Rexston shoes, which I am really warming too, for general riding, not just gravel flavoured outings. 

Talking of which, Steve has been suitably impressed by these Showers Pass Gravel Shorts https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/showers-pass-gravel-shorts 

Gravel shorts take various forms. From evolutions from the messenger/mtb long hybrid type, designed to be worn atop regular Lycra, to those, such as these Polaris Challenge Nexus Ride Shorts https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/polaris-challenge-nexus-ride-shorts . 

A rear zippered pocket and an elasticated one on the thigh are the obvious deviations from traditional road-biased Lycra. However, these and other models I’ve been testing recently also seem to be made from a heavier weave. Yes, a no-brainer in some respects, given the increased likelihood of a spill.  

 

 

Save for an undignified incident, racing at the old Eastway Cycle Circuit, I’ve never torn a pair of shorts off road but there’s a lot to be said for a heavier yarn in these and indeed, touring contexts. “Gravel” models are also intended for touring and other forms of endurance riding too, if the former seemed like marketing hype. 

Need some ride inspiration? Why not have a look at Steve’s three counties day escape  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/a-day-cycling-in-three-counties  > Thinking of investing in an E-Bike? here’s Richard’s test of the Kalkhoff Entice 3B https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/kalkhoff-entice-3b-e-bike  

 

I digress, back to the Juice Lubes Ceramic Chain Juice...    

Friction is refreshingly low, and this is very apparent when snatching away at the lights, or when the transmission is otherwise underload-dropping three gears on a sharp climb, for example.   

It can also be used on cables and cleat mechanisms, which is handy by the roadside, although otherwise, I’m always inclined toward maintenance sprays such as their JL69https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/juice-lubes-jl when it comes to keeping cables and mechanisms slick. Elsewhere, See Sense have sent me their Multi Tube and Sun God, their   Velans sunglasses-modelled by Miriam.