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

Primal Stirrings

Despite the seasonal increase in lost/stolen parcels, these Primal Dawn men’s bib knickers made it through. Formative feelings are very positive.

Bridging the gap between shorts and thermal bib tights, ¾ lengths are perfect for autumnal and early spring rides. Milder winters too. (That said; Primal cite an optimal operating temperature range, between -7 and +24 degrees) In fact, ¾ lengths my preference over bib tights, unless wind chill/air temperature really bites. Our medium fit my 1m81, 70 kilo-frame perfectly.

The bibs offer ample coverage to the vital organs, the braces, unrestricted movement. Though less common, these days (especially at this price point) the elastic in some designs can be overly firm. To the point of feeling restrictive. Several in my collection, leaving unsightly tell-tale branding, after a couple of hours riding.

Panelling and cut seem equally precise. I managed 16miles in 45 minutes during our first outing and on the fixed. Much of that fuelled by very controlled rage, induced by an inflammatory communication, from my ex-wife. Nothing particularly new there. Another example of resilience, which I touched upon in my last entry. The season of goodwill generally slumps during December, on the roads, too.

I wasn’t surprised to find myself on the receiving end of some crass overtaking. Now, simply put, if you want to kill someone without experiencing punishment, incarceration, or indeed, loss of licence-do so with a car, or larger vehicle.

The occupant of a Mercedes Sprinter began overtaking (on a bend) but then decided he might collide with an oncoming vehicle, so just swung back. I’ve had closer encounters but was fuming at this display of elephantine ignorance.

The Sprinter remained stationary, engine running for around thirty seconds, blocking my progress. A baleful “Sorry mate, are you OK?” was offered on three occasions. I remained silent and unresponsive, partly in the hope my contempt would register. Life is very short, responding would only serve to ease his awkwardness. Hopefully this experience gave him food for thought/improvement.    

On the alternative lubes front, after 480 miles that familiar, subtle metal-on-metal tinkling struck. This coincided with a well-deserved sudsy scrub, for Ursula, who was sporting a fair bit of accumulated grot around the fork legs, bottom bracket shell and chainstays.

This was dismissed with some Pro Green MX Cycle Wash https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pro-green-mx-triple-pack . Fenwick’s foaming chain cleaner and Green Oil bicycle brush https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/green-oil-bicycle-brush  had cassette and chain gleaming, ready for chainsaw oil.  Applied via dropper bottle, this went on in a fashion, reminiscent of Weldtite TF2 extreme wet chain lubricant https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-extreme-wet-chain-lubr  and some others adorning my shelves.

However, I was surprised by the initial clean up required. There was a fair bit of excess clinging to the side plates and a spattery patina (reminiscent of that effect employed by Kona on their late 1980s mtb frames) adorning the Univega’s chainstays. Less drizzle n’ go than bike specific blends but not markedly worse than the motor oil, in many respects.

On some levels, its to be expected, but the fixed has been running much cleaner and the lube is really clinging to the chain’s dimpled galvanised texture. Several wet rides in, the chain has almost “bedded in” and the initial gravely patter, replaced by a serene swoosh.

Talking of gravelly, (and before the so called “beast from the east” sweeps in Steve has just reviewed these GoodYear County https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/goodyear-county-premium-tyre  

Ison Distribution have been investigating my SP PD8 dynohub wheel https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-rim-and-shutter-dynohub-disc-b  and confirm the hub is fine. However, the rim appeared to be pulling itself apart (albeit, very slowly). Therefore, they’re stripping the wheel and rebuilding with a new hoop.  I’ve also decided to revisit the Univega’s front stopper.

Though the IRD CAFAM 2 cantilevers https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ird-cafam-2-cantilever-brakes  are beautifully engineered, their mechanical advantage better suits traditional levers.

My Univega’s existing Microshift are shallower reach. Great for smaller hands, but Avid Shorty 4 and M system designs are better pairings. The humble cantilever is becoming harder to come by, although still has a solid following in ‘cross circles.  Some Shimano CR50 presented themselves, so we’ll see how they fare.

On your Marks, Get Set…Winter

Winter technically begins on the 21^st of December. While the weather follows the UK narrative (i.e. mild and wet), I’m prepping the fleet for the kind of apocalyptic conditions predicted by our red top, tabloid press. Talking of which, here’s our guide to winter, bike preparation https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/winter-wonderland-one

First up, I’ve replaced my fixed gear winter/trainer’s KMC Z1 inox https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/kmc-inox-chain  chain, which has served several thousand miles.

Why? Well I received this Passport Galvanised unit, which tips the scales, at a reassuringly substantial 309g. 133 less than the KMC. Weight wasn’t the motivating factor. Its also half the KMC’s asking price, so I’ll be keeping a watchful eye on longevity/durability.

I’ve used “rustless” galvanised designs to good effect, on my Univega. However, they still require regular, light lubrication. I also noticed a tendency for them to succumb to the dreaded orange taint, once the galvanised component, finally wore through. I say finally, since I racked up 2,000 wet, grotty miles from a budget 8spd model.

Nigh on dry from the packet ensures fitment was a very clear affair and proved the ideal opportunity, to start testing that chainsaw oil.

My hypothesis is that it will prove more durable, compared with the 5w/40. After 285 miles, that applied to the KMC was almost spent. However, my Univega’s electroplated Sram has cruised past 300 and at this rate, I reckon its good for another 150.

Obviously, snowy, slushy conditions may well reduce this. Its worth pointing out that the factory lubricant most chains are impregnated with, is similarly tenacious. Makes sense to run that, get your money’s worth and then use your chosen tipple.   

Workstands make maintenance and repair considerably easier, since machines are held securely, and at a convenient height.

Price dictates quality.

The needs of a home enthusiast, who may use theirs a few times each week, are different to the demands of a shop/pro mechanic. My lightweight Revolution (Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op) unit continues to serve me very well, after 10 years.

There’s some tell-tale flex, apparent when tackling high torque applications, such as bottom bracket replacement, or seized contact points. Otherwise, its solid, convenient, and very portable.

Oxford products have sent me their Torque Workshop Stand. This also retails at £99.99, employs a similar composite head but is considerably heavier.

This translates as superior rigidity. Ideal when tackling those more stubborn tasks. Less convenient for popping in the car, say for race day. Several weeks of intensive fettling will provide more tangible insight/conclusion.   

Now for the rider. Oxford also sent us these Bright Gloves 3.0. They’re a relatively slender, nimble waterproof design with a tech friendly index tip. I was slightly surprised to discover the gloves have an operating range of between +5 and 10 degrees, less than the Lusso I’ve been testing. On the other hand, its more typical of a milder, British winter. Oxford will be sending us the 4.0 too, which are theoretically windproof, too. 

Temperature is also a very personal thing.  An hour or so, at +4 hasn’t left me with chill hands but crosswinds and other factors may say different, especially on longer outings.

Some folks are more sensitive than others; or find temperature harder to regulate. Wind chill can render numbers academic. Dexterous digits are another definite plus when choosing winter gloves. I’ve had some “duvet” types, which have been blissfully comfortable, when the mercury’s slipping close to zero.

Unfortunately, a flat, mechanical, or phone call can dictate their removal, resulting in precisely the numbness, and cold they were intended to counter.

Staying with cold weather kit, Steve has also been very impressed by these Stolen Goat Deep winter Bib Tights https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/stolen-goat-deep-winter-bib-tights

So, thoughts turn to Christmas. Any of these make decent main/stocking filler presents but if you are struggling to buy for those riders in your life. The sort who appear to have everything, then how about the re-hook tool. Hardly essential but its designed to reclaim a dropped chain, reputedly in three seconds. No mess, no fuss. www.rehook.bike/guide

Alternatively, Stenning Photographic Offers high quality 100x100cm (Other sizes available on request) canvas prints  https://michael-stenning.format.com/store