700x28c

 The Tyre Gods seem to be deciding 700x28c my new default for road-biased riding. These Specialized Road Sport Tyres have just landed at my door. They’re cheaper than the CST, so also sparked my curiosity. Ours are the 28mm but they’re also available in 700x 24, 26c, 700x32c, 35c, and 27x 1 ¼. Unlike the CST, they’re a wire bead, which adds a few grams. They feature a bead-to-bead puncture repelling belt and promise increased speed, grip and durability, so it’ll be interesting to see how they behave in the real world and obviously, compare with the CST. 

Temperatures are still seasonally high, but the days are getting shorter, so my thoughts are increasingly turning to ¾ length bib longs, arm warmers, caps and other tuneable attire. Summer and depths of winter aside, I default to ¾ lengths on account of their versatility, even off-road, which has induced playful derision from some sections of the mtb community. I can live with that. I’m also a major fan of Decathlon’s in house clothing ranges. I’ve been sent some Triban Men's Road Cycling Bib Tights RC500, which are in fact, ¾ lengths!  

No problem for me. I like ¾ lengths. Primarily because they bridge the gap when it’s too cool for shorts and too mild for full-length tights. Between 5 and 15 degrees (c), loosely speaking. At the lower end of this temperature scale, I pair them with calf-length socks-sometimes waterproof and these FLR Defender MTB Thermal Dry S-Tex Boots FLR DEFENDER MTB DRY BOOT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

I remain a big fan of these Primal Dawn Men’s Bib Knickers TEST & REVIEW: PRIMAL DAWN MEN'S BIB KNICKERS (sevendaycyclist.com) which are still going strong. Fond of these Funkier FUNKIER RIDE FLO MEN'S 3/4 BIB TIGHTS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) too.   

Unless it’s raining dogs, I default to lightweight, packable caps such as this Buff BUFF PACK BIKE CAP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and several seasons along, I’m still seriously attached to these Specialized full finger gloves, although it's temperate enough for mitts and likely to remain so, for some time. I also err towards photochromic (light-sensitive) lenses, which adjust to suit changing sunlight.  

However, as time goes on, I’m more inclined towards amber/yellow lenses, since they enhance vision on cloudy days, and crucially, low light. Some say they help improve mood, during the darker months and I’m inclined to agree. These Salice 026 RW glasses Salice 026 RW Glasses | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) have become my defaults during pre-dawn dashes.     

  

Traditionally Autumn (The fall for those of you reading this in the US) is my favourite season given the bold, changing colours. I also associate it with a time of learning- having commenced a degree in the autumn of 1992. I’ve always liked learning (although admittedly, needed to “cool my brain down” following 5 years post-secondary education and coasted through some entry-level jobs. Constructive dossing, you might say.)  

Anyhow, I’d suddenly found myself curious about CNC machining. Training to a commercial standard takes around three years (although as with many skilled professions, mastery takes a lifetime, since you never cease learning and developing skills and expertise).  

However, some sources suggest using CAD software, someone can learn the basics in a few weeks. Now, given the UK’s trajectory, I’m not looking at this as a commercial/vocational outlet but rather, wondering if I can develop sufficient skill, if I can make components and other things-not necessarily bicycle/related but as means of subverting supply chain issues and shortages in a wider context...      

Autumn is also a time when I stock check, since chains, cables, pads and similar take a spanking come winter. I’m pleasantly surprised to see Ursula’s KMC chain is still going strong 1700 miles down the line. Something I attribute to a very dry spring/summer and lighter/drier lubes.  

Nonetheless, with global supply issues and BREXIT meddling, I’ve been inclined to keep a closer eye and stock up on consumables, buying multiples, while prices are still favourable.  There’s a limit to these things of course, but fact remains, I’m going to get through them, so best to buy while prices are favourable. This has even extended to maintenance sprays-which I have bought directly from factories.  

There are a wealth of things government could implement to mitigate shortages and protect its citizens, but the UK’s present administration seems determined to dogmatically follow a hands-off ideology. One which will have greatest impact upon society’s most vulnerable and is leaving other countries completely bewildered and the nation a laughingstock. The aspiring prime minister (presently foreign secretary) has been talking in terms of pressing nuclear buttons and seems hell-bent on destroying what remains of the UK’s credibility, its health service and economy...

Inspect & Pension Off

 I returned from a wet, greasy ride on Ursula and was about to strip and lightly lube the chain with some Peaty’s Link Lube Dry. Something prodded me to whip out the chain checker and it slid into the links .75 is the pensioning off point for 9, 10 and 11 speed units.  

I plucked a Sram from the stash, pruned by a few links and fitted sans magic link, since though I understand the design principle, I much prefer a solid pin. That said; I slipped the residual links and magic link into a re-sealable bag, into the See Sense Handlebar bag SEE SENSE HANDLEBAR BAG | cycling,-but-not-usually-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), just in case.  

Observation suggests 10 speed chains last between 3-4 months. I’d returned 1600miles from the superlight model which is a good bit more than the 1250 typically managed before they hit .75 on the chain checker. I was also astonished by the amount of congealed lube coaxed from the jockey wheels and derailleur cage once I’d removed the worn chain. Particularly since I’d regularly deep cleaned the drivetrain between lube changes and as appropriate, topping up.   

As for the Peaty’s Link Lube Dry, well that’s another water-based, wax prep, intended for spring/summer use, so now is the time to test.  

In common with all waxes, especially those employing water-based carriers, any trace of pre-existing lubricant must be exorcised. It leaves the spout with a celeste hue, so even coverage is easily achieved. Once cured, it assumes a waxy glaze, theoretically meaning it runs cleaner, rather than collecting contaminant and scabbing off.  

Time, miles and climate will reveal its true characteristics and staying prowess. Spotted this Austin, while on our chain checking spin. From a distance, I believed it to be a 2CV based Lomax, prompting a closer look (without drawing unwanted attention, or making the rightful owner nervous).  

Several months down the line, my fixed gear winter/trainer’s aheadset was still very smooth and subsequent inspection confirmed bearings and races were still well protected by the Park PPL-1.  

However, I’d come that far and needed to assess the Peaty’s Assembly Grease on bearing components (since it’s apparently perfectly fine). The boot/headset cosey made from scrap mtb inner tube was also perishing, so due replacement. This also presented an ideal opportunity to clean the KMC chain and feed it some of the Peaty’s Link Lube All Weather Premium. 

Packed with Peaty’s and excess wiped, the headset was buttery smooth. I used the excess to grease the stem and Gusset Headlock threads, since the latter is a sitting duck for wet, gritty stuff.  First outing at 6am the next morning and everything felt bang on. Chain serenely quiet, steering quick and ultra-refined.  

Along the lanes, at 20 mph and banking into a right turn, I feel the tyres lose traction-diesel. Thankfully the fixed transmission, experience and decent rubber meant I was able to regain control, without incident.  Diesel vehicles, those with automatic transmissions in particular, drip unspent fuel under more forceful, or sudden braking. Farm vehicles, coupled with the sudden, more intense rains, flushing spillages from the fields are another possibility.  

I’m never one for compulsion, especially when it comes to helmets, but wear mine pretty much every ride. Every so often, I get a gentler reminder of their benefits. Now and then, even the anti-bacterial pads can turn a bit funky too. Steve’s been testing Oxford Mint Helmet Santiser OXFORD MINT HELMET SANITISER | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) . In a pinch, I’ve given whiffy lids a quick blow-over using anti-bacterial santiser sprays and do, from time to time, take mine in the shower with me. A couple of thousand miles along the line and the Bontrager (model) finally succumbed to a flat. A flint, more accurately. It had burrowed into the casing, commuted by wet, greasy roads and dung. 

 

Hardly a major issue, but unwelcome at any point, especially when the weather was turning slightly stormy. Thankfully, I had two spare tubes and two pumps. CO2 cartridge but no inflator. Unsure how that came about-would've made for a quicker pit-stop. Flint removed, fresh tube and 60psi later, I refitted the wheel and rode the remaining 7 miles back without incident.  

The Peaty’s All-Weather Premium has certainly held its own but transferred very readily to hands and bar tape during said mechanical. Upon my return, I gave the bike a quick sudsy bucket wash, put some additional pressure and a drop of glue into the tyre. This is also an opportunity to check/replenish tube stock, pump and in my case, add the CO2 cartridge/inflator.  On that note, I'll end here with my long term review of the Kenda Kwick Journey KS Plus Tyres KENDA KWICK JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)