Conditions had turned wetter and relatively humid, although I was surprised to find the Peaty’s Link Lube Dry clinging on through some wet roads and boggy trails. Steve’s been generally impressed by the Blub Dry Wax Blub Dry Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). The NZero Wax is also pleasing in terms of its cleanliness and rapid curing.
I’d racked up over 600 miles aboard the Madison Flux Madison Flux Switch Saddle | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and while there are some considerations- it's a little long for quick dis/mounts, the sort commonly associated with cyclo cross racing and unisex is a term always begging for contradiction.
Otherwise, I’ve been really impressed by the specification and performance, especially given the price point. Nice enough for the best bike but inexpensive (and practical enough) for a working/winter build. On a tighter budget or looking to upgrade an OEM perch? Its Cro-moly railed stablemate may represent even better value. I said this in my last post and stand by the statement.
I’ve switched back to getting the miles in aboard Denise and the Ergon All Road Core Comp. I’ve been really surprised by how supportive and comfortable it’s proving despite being broader than I’m typically suited to. I’m still seeking a suitable set of chain rivet pliers – the pair I had in mind seem to be out of stock-I also want to buy some other, frame (alignment) tools since I’m there.
Talking of tools, some cable stretch made itself known and at an unenviable moment- I was braking hard while negotiating a blind bend and an HGV approaching. The CX50 still did their thing but luckily, I was a mile from home. Having returned, I pulled the cable through and took up some minor slack using the barrel adjuster
Giveaway spanners are truly disgusting from an engineering perspective but an absolute godsend in a jam. My 8mm open ended spanner had gone AWOL but thankfully, I had this rather weathered example tucked away in my pencil case type tool caddy. Think it was originally part of a Lezyne pannier- a nice feature, I like a lot of Lezyne’s designs, but not always their execution.
Within a couple of minutes, I had lever travel exactly to my tastes and oodles of bite from the CX50 cantilevers- I remain impressed by the rear Suntour SE cantilevers- trickier to setup but plenty of feel and controllable bite. It's possible to lock a wheel but in my experience, provided you’ve not paired them with a V brake lever, such as the RL520, there’s ample warning before this happens.
Unlike the Blub, the NZero can be used on cables i.e. where they enter the housings and of course-mechanisms- cleat, derailleur, and trailer hitches, which has some definite benefits, at least during the summer months, since in summer typical temperatures it’ll cure within 25minutes. Significantly faster than many waxes, which also makes it a realistic choice for longer group rides and indeed, touring, since you can just top up at a rest stop and scoot off once you’ve polished off a coffee, some cake and maybe had a yarn with some fellow riders.
In keeping with waxes generally, it requires a surgically clean and dry drivetrain first time round. The dry bit is less essential with hybrid blend containing an oil component. However, more traditional wax formulas, including paraffin-based types will lock any residual moisture in, resulting in trace, rusty freckling. It’ll disappear quite quickly during the first dry ride but ideally avoided.
The brands’ Bike Degreaser formula is thus far, seemingly economical and effective- at least on chain lubes and indeed, heavily soiled regions of the bike, prior to a sudsy bucket wash. More on par with, rather than superior to some favourites, including the Fenwicks’ concentrate. Degreaser gels, such as Green Oil have an edge in this respect, since they cling to the host surfaces longer, having more time to brake lubricants down. Steve was generally impressed by the Blub Bio Degreaser Blub Bio Degreaser | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) which is £1 dearer at £13.99 for a litre.
