The Chain Again

 

As I predicted, two weeks hence, the chain tool tolled judgement day for my Univega’s chain. The blend of flooded, silty roads, wet lube and long, steady miles had done the deed. I was rather hoping this would coincide with the arrival of a 38 tooth CNC machined ring, but hey-ho.  

No sense shortening cassette, derailleur and ring-life. Since I’m running a 1X setup, ring wear is less of an issue compared of a double, or triple. A few minutes rummaging in my freshly reconfigured transmission spares bin and I emerged triumphant, with a nice shiny KMC.  

I know a lot of folks like the “magic links” and they can be super-convenient. I just prefer the security of a traditional pin, so pruned and joined accordingly. This served to highlight a very palpable, matted layer of wet lube and accumulated contaminant engulfing the cassette.  

Out came the Juice Lubes Dirt Juice Chain Cleaner https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/juice-lubes-dirt-juice-chain-cleane. 

Transmission stripped bare; I’ve decided in favour of a more basic middleweight ISO/PTFE lube. Less stoical than a wet lube but much cleaner, and March is looking less challenging weather-wise.  In any case, I will be switching to this Pro Gold Pro Link Chain Lube, which should be a good fit, season-wise. 

According to their blurb its  

“A thin-bodied lubricant which utilizes metal friction reducer technology for smooth shifting and a quiet drive train. Does not build up or become tacky; sheds dirt, mud, and abrasives. Also repels moisture and prevents corrosion”. Will be interesting to see how it performs in the real world. 

Surprising just how much difference a new chain can make to the transmission. On many levels this is obvious, but the existing chain had only just reached pensionable, rather than being completely shot. Shifts were immediately snappier and more reliable. More remarkable was just how quickly weather and contaminant euthanised it.    

I’m still looking around for a 38 tooth 94BCD ring, which will afford a more seamless choice of gears. For years, Chris Bell produced precision-engineered bespoke elliptical and round rings but sadly, succumbed to prostate cancer in 2016. 

By the same token, while I’m keen to keep solid components going, a new, external bearing crankset, might prove the most cost-effective solution. Assuming of course, I can’t acquire a 5-arm Stronglight/similar at a favourable price.  

The other option is to plump for a smaller ring and road-biased cassette. I’ve run this configuration in the past. However, unless the former was seriously cheap, it would also mean replacing the cassette.  

A moot point, if both were edging close to retirement, but they’re not. While I love a well-stocked spares bin and the economics/horizons this presents, I don’t want to be hoarding heaps of stuff that are too much of a compromise (and thus won’t get used, let alone worn out).  

Rounding up the drivetrain theme, this Topeak All Speeds Chain Tool also arrived for testing. Aside from the industrial good looks, it includes a chain hook to hold the chain together while you drive the pin home.  

I was also pleased to note there’s a spare drive pin that’s threaded into the base. Not only does the design promise to tackle chains from single, through to 12 speeds, this includes Campagnolo 11speed hollow types.

  

This purging also prompted me to polish and wax the frameset.  

Grit can slip behind cables, leading to paint-chew. Protective cable rubbers and clear stickers/ “helicopter” tape are the simplest, most effective preventions. In my experience, thicker ready-cut frame protection patches are quite durable.  

Eventually, PTFE rich maintenance (and other solvent-based aerosol products, for that matter) will dissolve their adhesives-especially those around the head, seat tube and chainstays, inducing lift and peel. This time round, I plumped for a supermarket wax, primarily because it was within easy reach. Bargain basement but easy to apply, and supposedly suitable for all surfaces.   

Staying with cleaning a moment, Steve and I have been very impressed with Rock N’ Roll Miracle Red Concentrate Multi-Purpose Bike Cleaner https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/rock-n-roll-miracle-red 

An incredible versatile that will clean everything from scuzzy steeds and grimy hands, to carpets and clothing.  Those who want to add a little electrical assistance to their commute, or utility ride might be interested in our review of this Raleigh Stow E Way Folding E Bike   https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/raleigh-stow-e-way-folding-e-bike 

Weathering Storms

 I continue to carefully work through and rationalise the spares bins, taking stock of what’s still relevant/required and what can be released. Much of this boils down to contact points. For example, I ride exclusively with recessed SPD/pattern and Time ATAC systems. No sense in clinging on to Keo patterns.  

Nothing wrong with them per se.  Rather, I prefer the convenience of being able to walk (rather than the undignified hobble) without chewing the composite cleat, or gouging holes in expensive linoleum. 

With that in mind, I’ve just taken delivery of these rather fetching Wellgo M)94B 9/16 SPD Shimano Cleat Compatible Sealed Bearing Pedals.  These are the silver versions, which should also keep their looks longer than a black, or similarly painted counterpart. Some painted finishes tire quicker than others. 

Powder-coated versions, including these XLC can prove very hardy, others can flake away, with repeated entry/exit. Much of this boils down to price I.e. quality of powder coating and process I.e. properly blasted bodies given a high-quality zinc-rich primer coat fare best. 

Saddles are another component that can require re-homing. 

Older/cheaper models can go, higher-end/genuinely compatible models, stay. Switching to the Pro Turnix has proven a wise decision. More supportive than the Stealth, 2g heavier than the otherwise very agreeable and cheaper BBB Echelon. However, the Turnix offers plenty of support, without any loss in pedaling efficiency.      

Flooding and similar life-changing destruction has been a theme in some parts of the UK. Here, though blustery, winds have ranged between 27 and 40 mph. The former proving passable, albeit still challenging riding conditions.  

Save for some very cold nights, there’s no hint of the snow, assured by the “red top” tabloid press for several months now. Spiked tyres have remained slumbering in storage.   

I have a love/hate relationship with waterproof socks. The truly impervious TPU lined versions are genuinely impervious-right to the cuff-line.  

However, they also tend to become unpleasantly clammy. Boiled in the bag feet, leading in some instances to athletes’ foot and similar infections. Fabrics which aren’t completely waterproof but highly water-resistant and fast-wicking are my preference. For these reasons, the Oxford Products Ox Sox https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-ox-socks  have proved extremely agreeable.  

They’re not cycling-specific, which isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, it adds to their versatility in many respects. However, more traditional touring shoes and MTB booties are as snug as you’ll find compatible.  

The relentlessly wet conditions require more frequent maintenance. I’m still running the White Lightning Extreme Wet lube and I’m past the 300mile marker on a single helping, with little sign of it relenting. Hardly prodigious perhaps, 400+isn’t uncommon from a stodgy wet formula.  

Motor and chainsaw oils are surprisingly effective and extremely cheap. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cheap-as-chips-chain-lubes provided of course, you’re very vigilant when it comes to cleanliness. i.e. wiping the side plates, rings, derailleur cages at least weekly. Otherwise, that sludgy grinding paste will consume chains and other drivetrain components at a rapid rate. Its reckoned 10spd chains should be retired by the time wear registers .6, 11 speed at .5.  

Chain checking tools are sensible investments (although wear can be accurately assessed using a very accurate ruler). Basic chain checkers can be had for £3, or less. More sophisticated digital fare carries a commensurate price tag but their improved accuracy may recoup monies longer-term i.e. not retiring chains just in time-not too early, or too late.  

Theoretically extending the longevity of more expensive components. During my rationalization, I uncovered this electroplated BBB model. One that I’d had since 2007 but that had been AWOL for a few years. It had fallen from the tool board and beneath the chest freezer.  

Arguably the simplest of this breed, it has a couple of unique features. See the two cutouts? One is designed to remove valve cores, the other is a 5,6 and 8mm box spanner. Not the most useful functions on a contemporary build perhaps but better than dead space.   

Anyhow, the chain function is incredibly simple to use. Place between a designated length of chain, if the teeth sink into the links-low enough that it sits horizontal, the chain is shot. My Univega’s Sram is showing moderate signs of wear but not pensionable just yet. A few hundred miles-three weeks at the current rate before I switch to an FSA I have in stock.