Having tweaked the chain tension
and tightened the ring bolts to 10nm, I was feeling more confident with Muffin
and keen to gently rack up some miles to bed everything in properly and
possibly reflect on further modifications/upgrades. Frankly, I’d built with
everything I’d intended, rather than older parts and compromises. Consumables such as chains, sprockets and bar
tapes will be replaced but nothing major.
After some deliberation, I found
myself pruning the chain by two links, sliding the frame forward in the
dropouts and getting the chain play to 1/2inch, which is the textbook suggested
ideal. I also found myself replacing the inner brake wire, then dialling in the
TRP Spyre, which improved stopping somewhat. Presented the ideal opportunity to
play with the Park torque wrench some more. Simple tweaks can often make huge differences.
I also run a little scrap butyl where the frame fit pump rests against the top
tube’s underside, protecting it from unwanted rub and ultimately, paint damage.
Though the V2 was always fun and
predictable, Muffin’s bigger clearances, improved lateral stiffness and general
modernisations make for a very well-balanced machine with a magic carpet
ride-especially with the Continental. These clearances also mean I can
run 35mm Schwalbe Marathon Winter (spikes) during the darker months. Features
that better suits my riding style. That said, I remain fond of the V2 and its
geared, first generation Kaffenback (Think Café’ & back) cousin (which
would also take 32mm tyres including mudguards). Think winter/trainer cum
working bike, although some folks report theirs were reliable lightweight
tourers- I can well believe it.
Talking of small jobs, shoe
cleats are often neglected, and these Shimano had served me very well but were
showing obvious signs of deterioration. Mercifully, the bolts, though slightly
arthritic came away with a quick shot of Muc-Off MO94 Muc-Off
MO94 Multi Use Spray | cycling-not-racing. I had thought one wasn’t going
to budge, calling for the drill bity but thankfully this also shifted with a
T25 Torx. I instated the new Leatt cleats with a liberal helping of Oxford
Toque Assembly Grease Oxford Mint
Assembly Grease | cycling-not-racing and torqued them to 4nm using the Velo
Tool Torque Wrench.
I’d also been keen to test the effectiveness
of some degreasers on waterproof grease. Ironically, Ursula’s Shimano XT seemed
slightly reticent to budge. A quick shot of MO94 helped with this reticence.
Some Park Tool PL1000TESTED: PARK
TOOL POLYLUBE 1000 LUBRICANT FOR BICYCLES still remained on the threads,
which is impressive, since it had been a year or so since I removed them. I
treated them to a modest helping of degreaser, reinstating them with a liberal
lick of Oxford Torque Assembly Grease.
Ursula and I have also been
enjoying further exploratory meanders far from the maddening crowd. The CST
Patrol is running behind, the Continental Cross King Black Chil up front.
There’s a method to this, primarily since the CST Patrol are slightly narrower,
thus giving greater clearance at the rear triangle. The Patrol are also 80g
heavier than the Cross Kings and I’m wondering if this has any connection to
the EPS (Extreme Puncture Safety) belt, which is 4 on CST’s scale. It also
allows me to compare rolling resistance and similar performance
characteristics.
I’m genuinely impressed by both at the moment
and in similar contexts, although there’s a substantial price differential
between them. The Patrol (at least in 26inch guise) aren’t tubeless ready,
which may be a consideration, nay dealbreaker for some. I can appreciate some
very palpable advantages of tubeless setups but on balance, still prefer tubes,
whether the humble butyl, or TPU.
Either way, both tyres are providing a
dependable, compliant ride over some very badly surfaced gravel roads and farm
tracks. Longer excursions also confirm I’ve got Ursula’s saddle height
absolutely right.
