Cantering Along

Another 120 miles on my tubby tourer, pleased with the recent revisions, I decided it was time to dial in the Genetic CX cantilevers. There was a little too much lever travel, for my tastes. Thankfully, they’re much easier to hone, than the otherwise impressive IRD CAFAM2. Pull cable and straddle wires through a few mm, tweak balance screws-Result!

Switched to The Muc-Off Dry Lube, since opportunity presented. A freshly cleaned and lubricated chain always makes the drivetrain feel that bit fresher. However, 100 miles or so later, I'm increasingly forming the opinion that friction is lower than the Zefal Pro Dry Chain Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-dry-lube and Finish Line Dry lubes https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/finish-line-dry-bike-lube  which is going some.  

Shifting feels almost instantaneous, in both directions across the block, even under load. The pronounced lack of friction just encouraged me to increase my temp. I’ve also concluded gearing is bang on, for the riding contexts intended.

Admittedly, I could go slightly lower, for heavier trailer loads, but for time being I’ll leave be. Durability is another consideration (especially given the Muc-Off Dry Lube’s relatively long curing period).

However, I’ve gone past the 160-mile stage without any hint of waning. In common with some wax formulas, several days at 23-28 degrees, and its assumed that fluid consistency. Lubricant has seeped deep within the chain, and a filmy, residual layer is clinging to the cassette. It’s also quite tacky to touch, though transfer to fingers/clothing hasn’t proved overly problematic, thus far.

For some folks, the lube debate is binary i.e. if you’re riding in wet/changeable weather, stick to a wet formula. Dry, for arid, dusty conditions. However, given the UK’s notoriously changeable climate, I like something that can bridge the gap, resisting those unpredictable showery periods, without attracting a gungy beard. 

That said and testing aside; chances are you’ll find my chains running a stoical wet formula, such as Weldtite TF2 Extreme wet chain lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-extreme-wet-chain-lubr  or, if I want to keep maintenance times down, something like SKS lube your chain, which locks the grot within the top layer. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sks-lube-your-chain

This might look unsightly but is “embalming” the chain. Crap eventually flakes away in chunks, leaving only a layer of lubricant behind.  Here’s an overview to lubes, if you’re new to riding, or want to explore the best option(s), for you. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/blank-ao363

Elsewhere, I’m also warming to the Oxford Contour flow saddle. 120 mixed terrain miles in, the relatively narrow profile and sensibly proportioned padding density are proving a winner for my derriere. I was slightly surprised to discover the rails are a solid steel, which would probably explain the weight differential, compared with those sporting hollow Cro-moly. 

4130 is common at this price point too, and my preference.

Is it a deal breaker? Not necessarily, why bemoan a few grams, if the saddle fits your shape and goes unnoticed, in the most positive sense. Will give it another 250 miles before reaching a conclusive verdict, mind.

Those seeking a wallet friendly 6061 post, with classic lines might be interested in Steve’s review of the Genetic Heritage II sea tposthttps://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-heritage-ii-seat-post  . Right, off to play with the Ravemen PR1200 USB Rechargeable Dual lens Front Light.

Getting A Grip

Well, after several months of build-up, the slippery stuff has finally arrived and with it, Schwalbe Marathon Winter Plus tyres. These are a spiked/studded tyre, designed to offer traction on snowy/icy surfaces, hence the term winter, as distinct from “snow”.

I’ve run the more basic winter versions for some years, with excellent results. They’ve allowed me to escape indoor trainer slavery, get out when roads would be otherwise hazardous, or dangerous).

However, while I’ve never succumbed to a slide, or more serious spill, last year’s deeper, impacted snow, taxed the 120 spikes. The Winter plus have these organised along a wider surface area, theoretically providing better bite, especially when cornering.

In common with their siblings, the tread pattern is designed to sweep away the snow, while spikes bite into the ice beneath, delivering traction. However, bed the spikes in, on snow free roads for at least 25miles.

Otherwise, if you skip straight to snow, you run the very real risk of those tungsten spikes being plucked out. 500 or so, winter miles will reveal just how superior these are, compared with their more basic, yet dependable siblings. I’m looking forward to this supposedly savage and persistent cold snap. Steve’s been impressed by these Good Year Transit speed tyres https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oodyear-transit-speed-wired-tyre

I like the changing seasons and I have always enjoyed riding in the cold, provided I’ve donned the right kit. I favour ¾ lengths, over tights unless the mercury/windchill tumbles to minus figures.

However, paired with longer socks and my long serving Lake winter booties, these Primal Dawn Men’s Bib Tights https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/primal-dawn-men-s-bib-knickers  have delivered.

I’m also pleased that the liners have solved my problem of numb, tingly digits on longer, faster outings.  As luck, some might say irony would have it, these slightly thicker, Madison liners also rematerialized.

Staying with temperate, my sibling gifted me this rather nice Thermos flask at Christmas. A very welcome gift, especially when shooting on location, with models. Studying its’ profile, my brains circuits started whirring…

Would this fit into my Univega’s BBB fuel tank?

No; was the short answer but it proved fully compatible with this composite Topeak. Five minutes (and a dab of grease, on the fasteners) later, I’d switched them. Little, flashes of inspiration that can bring on a contented smile.

I’ve also gone retro and refitted these original Shimano SPD. Hailing from 1990, they belonged to Lottie, a much-loved Kona Lavadome. The Kona was gifted to me, by its original owner, in October 1994. He couldn’t ride anymore, knew I’d always coveted it and that I’d love it dearly, which I did.

The pedals were then passed to my Univega, at its conception, in 1999.

Mysteriously the boa dial on my beloved Lake winter booties broke sometime during Wednesday’s blast.

Tired of losing essential fasteners beneath the tumble drier, or within the lawn, I’ve finally invested in a magnetic tool bowl/tray. Not sure what took me so long, but it’ll save time and stress, trying to locate tiny but crucial screws/Allen screws, cir clips etc.

John Moss has graciously agreed to build the Halo hub into a wheel, so I dropped Mavic Open Pro hoop, hub and halo spokes, with him. Looking forward to seeing, not to mention, testing the complete wheel.

Lots has been said about lubes https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/blank-ao363  and I’ve finally reached the end of my (alternative) wet lube challenge, which pitted basic 5w/40 motor oil against chainsaw oil.

Spoiler alert. If extreme cheapness, is your bottom-line definition of value, then the 5w40 will get your vote. However, the chainsaw oil is closest to a bike-specific wet lube, in terms of characteristics.  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cheap-as-chips-chain-lubes

Conclusions reached; I’ve stripped my Univega’s chain and cassette of existing gunk, then gone over to Fenwick’s Stealth Road Lubricant. Primarily as there was a nearly empty bottle adorning the shelves. It’s also very clean, durable and has short curing times.  

I’ve also added some to its steel derailleur cage, which had also turned a little orange in places, thanks to the salt monster. Maybe a light, filmy coating of this Muc Off Sweat Protect will prove a better solution. It seems very effective on electroplated brightwork and those lightly (read annoyingly) tarnished fasteners.

Last but not least, we’ve also reached our conclusions concerning the Passport Elements anti-rust single speed chain https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/passport-elements-single-speed-chai