On Track

 Having wandered around the web and along some blind alleys, I settled on a Shimano XT/ Rigida Sputnik rim build. A definite upgrade on the existing cheap, but decidedly cheerful Deore build, which has served me well for the past 5 years. Though Ursula will be sticking with the Shimano cantilevers, I’ve gone for the disc version, since I wanted a modern variant and like options.  

The (XT FH-M756) hub is a 10 speed, which is fine for my purposes and I don’t plan on going for an extra sprocket. It features double contact sealing to keep mud and water from the bearings. Borozon treated races supposedly offer a more precise rolling action. Nice but it’s the weather sealing and bearing quality that’s highest on my list.   

Rigida’s Sputnik is renowned for being very strong and lending itself well to touring, commuting and general riding-whatever that means, these days. 32-hole laced with double butted spokes on the non-drive side, Sapim Extra strong on the freehub side. 

I’ve also reverted to the Schwalbe The Schwalbe Marathon Mondial Double Defense tyres TEST & REVIEW: SCHWALBE MARATHON MONDIAL TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com), since the otherwise charming Billy Bonkers succumbed to another sharp and I fancied a mixed terrain competent change.  I’m also reaching the conclusion that the gearing’s right across the board. Errs on the side of torque but no spin out and I’m using a reasonable spread of the cassette.  

 

Ursula wasn’t the only one to get a tyre switch. My fixed gear winter trainer got treated to this 32mm Bontrager AW3 Hard-Case Lite Reflective Road Tyre. These promise unicorn type performance-supple, grippy, invulnerable to flats and serious speed. On the strength of three recent outings, I’m seriously impressed by their speed, agility and compliance, even at the higher end of their pressure range (95psi).  

Comparisons with an otherwise likeable but arguably more traditional 32mm section rubber, such as the very likeable Kenda Kwick Journey KS, which weight 757g apiece aren’t appropriate, save for anecdotal observation. The latter is a tough and relatively quick design and with a decent puncture repelling belt.  

However, they are over twice the Bontrager’s weight (359g) and described as a trekking tyre, characterised by reinforced sidewalls, 60TPI casings and compatible with 50kph e-bikes. The Vee Tire Baldy TEST: VEE TIRE CO BALDY CYCLE TIRE REVIEW (sevendaycyclist.com), are closer to the Kenda in terms of genre, although 238 grams lighter than the Kenda. Talking of e-bikes, those looking for a retro-fit system might be interested in The Swytch Universal E-Bike Retrofit Kit ProSWYTCH UNIVERSAL EBIKE RETROFIT KIT PRO | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Essentially, the Bontrager seem to be aimed at fast tourers, trainers, cyclo crossers living lives on the tarmac, rather than working bikes/beasts of burden. That said; there is a 38mm option. Will be interesting to see how durable and puncture repelling they are, in the real world. Bontrager says they are 78% more puncture resistant than their predecessors, so I’m expecting great things. 

 

These are on the narrower side of 32mm, so reach for the 25-32c tube, in preference to a 32-40mm. Otherwise, there’s the risk of pinching the tube, inducing a flat. Yes, I learned the hard way, so you don’t have to.  

The Bontrager is offered in other sections, including a 38mm option but 32mm seems the best default for my needs, and the machine’s clearances. 

VDO computer got the sulks, and the head unit went into “transport” mode, this was traced to a dead CR2032 sensor battery-switched for a new one and a lick of Vaseline on the contacts to ward off corrosion-related hassles later down the line. Prevention is more convenient and cheaper than cure.   

A couple of months down the line, I’ve reached my conclusions regarding the Squirt Low Temperature Chain Lube SQUIRT LOW TEMPERATURE CHAIN LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and have for the time being, gone back to the Weldtite Ceramic. Main reason being that I’m wanting to see how the latter behaves in milder, drier conditions, which claims to be an all-weather lube, so want to see how it compares with The Juice Lubes Ceramic Juice JUICE LUBES CERAMIC JUICE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) in drier contexts. 

 

Mother, I’ve had the clap!

Ok, so I’ve had more difficult conversations with my mother, and I don’t mean VD. I am of course referring to that strange Thursday night phenomenon that is applauding keyworkers, during the UK lockdown. I understand this is well-intentioned and induces a sense of morale and cohesion. However, if people want the NHS and other front-line services to continue, they need to target politicians and lobby for proper, sustained investment.  

Obviously, model portfolio-building https://stenningphotographic.blogspot.com/2020/ and similar, social photography is out just now, so I’m supplementing my other freelance income with some temping. In short, an agency rang to discuss my experience in a previous front-line trade, offered me some work (I needed the money) and here we are.  

Spleen vented, back in the saddle... 

Much as I predicted, after another 150 miles, the Giles Berthoud Saddle has conformed to my sit bones, church pew numbness a long and distant memory. Nonetheless, it’ll be another few hundred before it assumes the same, subtle support provided by this Ti railed Spa Aire but compliant enough for now. Some might say masochistic, though I’ve found strangely satisfying. 

Checking my Univega’s chain, it’s in very good health, 600 miles in. On present form, I’m reckoning another 1200 before it passes on, to The Great Bike Shop in The Sky.  

I’ve another KMC waiting in the winds and was tempted to load up on another, when I remembered seeing a packet fresh, gold Sun Race unit, during my last rationalisation of the garage. Unless I spot something suitable going for the proverbial song, I’ll use existing resources. 

I’m sticking with a two-coat helping of Zefal Pro Dry lube for now, since the weather’s turned damp again. I’m also thinking in terms of switching to Weldtite TF2 Ultra Dry Chain Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-ultra-dry-chain-wax if conditions remain arid, Weldtite TF2 Performance All Weather Lubricant https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-performance-all-weathe if the forecast favours precipitation. 

It has this week, which has presented the ideal opportunity to put a budget waterproof commuter jacket through its paces. £70 generally buys a garment that is more waterproof, than breathable. That said; I’ve been able to bowl along for 20 miles or so, at a steady 18mph without feeling “boiled in the bag”. 

Commuting continues to rise in popularity, given the present situation and desire to avoid crowded public spaces/transit. Brompton’s iconic small wheeler is a solid contender for those looking to ride shorter distances and wanting something that will go, stop and handle in good proportion. We’ve been putting their B75 through its paces. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/brompton-b75      

Zefal has also kindly sent me these crank and paint armor, which should keep my mile munching mainstay looking fresh. I’ve gone over to these Continental Speed Reflex tyres, to see whether they’re any sprightlier than the mighty Schwalbe Marathon Mondial Double Defence https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-mondial-tyres  .

Formative impressions are of a quick rolling, compliant tyre with decent grip but 400-500miles will give much better insight into their characteristics, pros, cons etc. 

I’ve also switched to these long serving and slightly careworn Scott sport shoes. They’ve served 12 years, on and off. They’re a twin bolt road model with stiffer soles than the Triban 500 I’ve defaulted to, these past few months.  

They've also got a set of specialist insoles which corrects the (minimal) femur imbalance, which can otherwise induce misalignment and shoulder pain, on longer rides.  Took the opportunity to whip on some new, genuine Shimano cleats, too. Despite nylon washers and other, vibration thwarting goodies, mudguards and other little fasteners still work themselves loose.  

Some low level but annoying chatter was traced to my Univega’s SKS Bluemels Shiny Mudguards. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sks-blumels-shiny-mudguards Though most fasteners are now Allen, or Torx, mudguards are still 10mm nuts. I always carry a Y type socket wrench. (I’ve had it for 30 years) but Topeak Alien ii still has the 8,9 and 10mm ring types for these little jobs and I’m really pleased to see it, still in production.