The weather is showing some signs of a spring-like renaissance, which is nice, since I now have the Teenage Dream running like, well, the machine I remember so fondly. Discovered the front hub had a little play, so eradicated that and then investigated some boxes that had been left in a corner of the garage since moving.
Much to my delight, I found a mixed bundle of better-quality tubes –700x18-25 and mid-section 23-40. All packet, so I’ve added those to the appropriate clear storage box and one apiece to the wedge packs. I’ve also decided to switch the Teenage Dream’s PDW (Portland Design Works) Big Silver Road Pump for this Lezyne Road drive Alloy Mini Pump.
A few millimeters shy of 300, both are best described as midi, rather than mini pumps and in my experience, the PDW has an edge on the resuscitation speed and pressure fronts. However, I’ve found the bracket tenure a little less than ideal, so incremental creep has seen it shuffling down and “wood-peckering” the front mech. Distracting and unwelcome.
Interestingly, the Lezyne proved a better guest in the Portland’s bracket, so stays for now. I’ll be carrying CO2 cartridges along though, since I don’t fancy trying to deliver 110psi plus into the bikes’ 700x25c following a flat, although hopefully these will be infrequent, warded off by the pump, tubes, and similar rescue apparel. One thing led to another, and I began foraging for lights.
Not that it’ll be seeing the depths of winter, but a compact 450/500lumen unit with backing singer and a decent rear blinky are wise precautions from a seen-with perspective, especially enjoying summer evenings. Time flies and light fades when you’re having fun...
For the time being, I’ll alternate between this Moon Meteor and Bontrager Ion 350 RT front lights, although the Ravemen LR500S front light RAVEMEN LR500S FRONT LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) has a bit more clout, thanks to clever lens technology. Chances are I’ll be running them in their frugal flashing modes but a bit more oomph is always useful.
I found an old but very worthy AA cell model for hanging on the wedge pack and an Oxford Ultra torch Mini+ USB Rear Light 15lm. The latter is a five-mode (one steady, four flashing) rear light that is a good bit brighter than the numbers alone might suggest.
It's small enough not to interrupt the clean aesthetic. Was never totally convinced the Fuschia pink Knog wireless computer sensor was the best fit aesthetically, but never so offensive as to induce change. Mid rummage, I unearthed a black counterpart, so fed it a new LR44 button cell and swapped them over.
Minor cosmetic stuff but worth doing, since I was there. It communicates very well with the elderly but very solid decathlon head unit. Not that I would advocate the “Frankenpute” route but I’ve had a few that have performed very reliably.
Several weeks down the line, Ursula’s shifting had suddenly gone a little “off”. I knew the chain, cassette, ring and derailleur were fine but suspected the cassette’s lock-ring needed snugging down slightly. Job done; I stripped the Weldtite Ceramic, with a liberal helping of Muc-Off High Pressure Quick Drying Degreaser Chain & Cassette MUC-OFF HIGH PRESSURE DEGREASER | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) Zefal Extra Dry Chain Wax ZEFAL EXTRA DRY CHAIN WAX | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) was the substitute of choice. I also honed the front Genetic CX Cantilever TEST & REVIEW: GENETIC CX CANTILEVER BRAKES (sevendaycyclist.com) for some additional bite, since opportunity presented.
A week later and I’d forgotten that wet roads can have a zapping effect upon more traditional wax lubes. Nothing that wasn’t cured, once the flaking residual wax had been reclaimed, and worked into the chain.
Zefal have also very kindly sent me some luggage- The Z Adventure C2 and Z Adventure C3. These took longer than expected since one carrier refused to bring them into the UK. Much of Brexit’s impact is being hidden by the pandemic but is presently “knee-capping" the UK economy.
At 2.2 litres, the Adventure C2 is arguably a better fit on a bigger frameset, where it can cosy up against the headtube. However, Zefal also suggests it can be mounted in other ways. I think it complements the Univega quite well, doesn’t obscure the down tube bottle cage/bosses.
The C2 is water-resistant, rather than proof, so will be interesting to see how it fares on wetter rides, not to mention my garden hose torture testing... Testing aside, I’ll go with a dry sack to seal the elements out, full stop.
