Two Deore & Fresh Cable

 

Three rides in and I concluded a slight kink in the rear derailleur housing was causing mischief-it wasn't obvious, until I was cruising on the hoods and happened to take this shot.  I obviously replaced the outer and inner cables upon returning home.  Little surprise that shifting became that bit snappier and free of phantom shifts and similarly unwelcome distractions.

Even if bars look comparable, width and shape can influence things, so if changing contact points, or making wider changes, it's worth changing the cables, ideally during, rather than afterward.  Talking of bars, here’s Steve’s review of the Lomo 3 Litre Handlebar Bike Packing Dry Bag Lomo 3L Handlebar Bikepacking Dry Bag | cycling-not-racing

All part of bedding in, dare I say bonding (deeper) with the build. Not one, but two Deore mechs arrived, which is welcome. The SR Suntour fitted to Ursula is box fresh and the STX adorning Denise’s downtube still has plenty of strength in its spring. Nonetheless, it’s thirty years old and these things tend to expire at the least convenient moment. Both Deore hail from the same era but have little signs of use and plenty of power within their springs. 

I'm sticking with the Shimano CX50 stopper up front since there's plenty of bite and pads are readily available. Temptation was to pop another Kore on, but this is change for change's sake.

Mick Madgett has worked his wheel building sorcery and built the older, non-disc Ultegra dynohub into the Ryde Sputnik rim. Not an urgent job but glad its sorted. I've switched the existing disc braked Nexus Shimano Nexus DH-UR700-3D Dynamo Hub | cycling-not-racing over to Muffin and run the low drag Shutter Precision SL9 HALO EVURA & SHUTTER PRECISION SL9 DYNOHUB BUILD as a second/spare, as need arises. Otherwise, I'm really pleased with the bikes in their present guises.

Denise's 36/26 is actually quite close to the "cut down" trend that struck in the early 1990s, where riders would often forgo the big ring (typically a 48 tooth) in favour of the 38 and 28 since this saved a few grams and was arguably more practical off road. Though there's a lot to be said for triples, especially on a tourer, I've found keeping them on song four seasons round to be something of a chore.

I also ran a Shimano 600 with a Stronglight 48/38/28 setup, and this could also prove temperamental. I should point out this was inherited with the bike, not of my doing and was ultimately replaced with a Suntour XCD six months after the frameset's powder coat makeover in March 1990.  I was a big Suntour fan and remain very fond of the late 80s and early 90s groupsets.      

Elsewhere, I fitted the Blackburn Atom SL computer to Muffin and though accessing the battery compartment is fiddly, thanks to the tiny screws, the rest of the unit, including sensor feel solid in the Blackburn tradition. The display is very clear and the switches similarly solid. Not quite as bombproof flavour of old school, late 80's Cat Eye, but not far behind, so we'll see. 

 

Staying with Cat Eye a minute, I was interested to note they still offer wired versions, including one called the Enduro, which is apparently designed for off road duties. I'd go for a wired model since by definition, they are the most accurate, reliable option, but there's the risk of me embarking on a headset strip/similar, forgetting about the wiring and ultimately knackering it. I've got form for this, having done it before, to a Strada back in 1994.  I spend considerable time connected to the internet in one form or other, to the point where I simply want to decompress and disconnect on my rides- escape, for want of a more involved explanation.  

 

The Lomo Mountain Bike Gloves are still seeing plenty of action and continue to impress in their pleasant, understated way. Also on the test bench is the Lazer Strada Kineticore helmet, a design that blurs genres.

It employs their ScrollSys system for a precise, 360 degree fit, TPU eyewear docking system for parking sunglasses, a rear light mount and Keneticore Propriety Integrated Rotational Impact Protection, offering protection in a similar manner as MIPS. Where the two systems differ is Keneticore Propriety Integrated Rotational Impact Protection is built into the helmet from the beginning, whereas MIPS is added afterward. This ensures it covers the entirety of the helmet and theoretically, improves ventilation, while also using less material.

Hopefully none of us will ever need to call on this, or rely on our lids, but twisting forces can prove particularly harmful in a crash.  

Build quality and attention to detail impresses me at this price point. Simple things like the polycarbonate shell extending around the rim and an intuitive "conveyor belt" type adjuster tightening or relaxing the cradle tension being prime examples.

On the subject of sizing, I went for a small, finding the medium can be a little larger than others. I'm at the upper end of the 51-56cm circumference but still achieved a secure, comfortable fit with scope for caps, buffs and similar headwear. Our sample also coordinates nicely with these Shimano RX600 Shimano SH RX600 Gravel Cycling Shoes | cycling-not-racing and cap 

Shot Bearings & Long Walks Home

 

 

No sooner had I got everything as I'd wanted, the SP PD8 HALO CLASSIC RIM & SHUTTER PRECISION DYNOHUB DISC WHEEL BUILD dynohub bearings got the grumbles- I couldn't christen the sound mid ride but having gently spun the wheel on my return, some grumbling and play was tangible. I love the SP units in terms of value and performance, but the need for factory rebuilds every few years (typically 20,000 miles) is inconvenient, especially since it means tearing the wheel apart. I've decided I'll switch the Ryde/ Nexus wheel from Denise longer term and get a Shimano Ultegra built into another Ryde Sputnik hoop. For now, I’ve fitted the Halo/SL9 HALO EVURA & SHUTTER PRECISION SL9 DYNOHUB BUILD pairing to Muffin, so all good.  

A straightforward job, until I discovered my Cyclo Cassette remover had gone AWOL. I wasted no time in ordering a replacement, but knew the Cyclo tool couldn’t be far away. True to form, it emerged the following evening, but by then, I’d also ordered a pattern replacement. However, being as these things are inexpensive, it’ll come in handy-I’ll store it safely away in my cantilever toolbox.

Otherwise, Muffin and I are bonding very nicely. The bigger head and down tubes seem to offer greater stiffness and improved power when accelerating and indeed, climbing, without trading any of steel’s trademark compliant zing. Warmer days and lighter evenings have allowed me to enjoy a different riding pattern, dare I say perspective, not only when it comes to testing products but winding down from the wider world, contemplating and compartmentalising other things.

A quick 15 miles confirmed all was sorted and another thing off my list. It also presented an opportunity to get some miles in on Denise with the Leatt SPD pedals. At least this was the idea. 10 miles into our first outing, I succumbed to another rear flat and the spare tubes also blew their last-weakened seams, in case you were curious.  Looking closely, I concluded that the rim tape was beginning to slip, this exposing the spoke head, causing a pinch flat. There were two by the point I’d concluded the rim tape was to blame. I decided to go for tubeless rim tape, since I’d gone this route before with Ursula, following a spate of flats.

Being thicker and adhesive, there’s little chance of a spoke-induced hiss. While awaiting delivery, I decided I needed to switch bars and replace a cable. I was due to give the stem bolts a re-greasing, but before I knew it, had switched Denise to the WTB Mountain Road Drop Bar. This also necessitated a longer outer housing for the front brake, and I also noted some fraying of the inner wire, so replaced while I wasn’t going to be using the bike. Though I’d expected the Wolf Tooth Supple Bar Tape to be sufficiently long, the WTB drops have more flare than the Soma they replace, so a slight gamble. One that paid off on this occasion.      

As a side note, the Leatt are Shimano compatible, although the entry and release lacked the same finesse with the XT and M540, which came as a slight culture shock at the close of our first outing aboard Muffin. Continuing the gravel narrative, I've been sent these full finger Lomo Mountain bike gloves, which are available in two colourways and, in the tradition of Lomo, appears phenomenally good value for money.    

 

Rides have always helped when it comes to reflection and putting issues into perspective.  The sense of leaving everything behind. Exam stress, broken relationships, crap jobs, difficult housemates, relationships etc. Richard Ballantine reflected on this construct within his books- difficult people, neighbours and anything else that impairs one’s sense of equilibrium and well-being.

I’m very adept at dealing with difficult people and situations professionally but will not invite anyone into my world who doesn’t bring a sense of positive, genuine peace.  I’ve always been a gang of one. I certainly don’t shun people, but I don’t collect them, suffer fools gladly, nor am I prepared to go through the motions to fit in. Despite this, I was surprisingly “put out” at being blanked by a man who rides a carbon fibre Bianchi in these parts. I don’t expect much- a simple nod in acknowledgement-from one human to another…Go figure.     

Shakedowns & Subtle Tweaks

 

 Built, checked and tweaked, it was time to take “Muffin” the Mulo for a quick 15mile shakedown ride. I’d erred on the side of less chain tension with a view to dialling it in, rather than too tight.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given my switch to 40mm tyres, the ride quality was much smoother, though it wasn’t difficult to coax “Muffin” up to speed and keep on the boil- 41cm chainstays certainly help. The front end also feels more responsive, without being twitchy, and the frame’s lateral stiffness is also an improvement over the otherwise very loveable V2.

Predictably, I needed to tweak the Aheadset bearing tension and found myself switching the TRP Spyre for its loftier SLC stablemate, having given the calliper a good clean and replaced the pads. Three rides in and I detected the ring bolts needed snugging down slightly. A small, insignificant job…

However, my Park pattern tool that holds the collar still while you tighten the 5mm/T30 Torx bolt wasn’t arresting the collar properly. This prompted purchase of a T handle design from a well-known London bike dealership that I frequented regularly when living in the capital.

Given it was a bank holiday weekend, I had to wait a day or two, which presented an ideal opportunity to hop aboard Ursula and get some miles in on the Continental Cross Kings. Having enjoyed a frolic through the forests, I found myself being chased by an incredibly determined goose. Mercifully, I was able to outpace-either that, or the goose recognised I wasn’t a threat.

550 miles racked up with The CST Patrol, I’m generally impressed by their capabilities as wallet-friendly all-rounders, although I’ve noted the Continental Cross King Black Chili require less effort to coax up to speed in comparable contexts/conditions. Puncture resistance, specifically vulnerability to hedge clippings and similar sharps was an issue I’d had with earlier incarnations of the Cross Kings, so it will be interesting to see how influential the Black Chili compound is. While testing the CST Patrol’s prowess, I happened upon a completely deserted stretch of unmade and sometimes quite technical gravel road.

I’d had a quick exploratory hoss along the bridleway on previous occasions but was deterred of further exploration due to farm traffic and general agricultural activity. The Patrol coped handsomely, offering excellent traction, control and indeed cushioning over the lumpy, bumpy and sometimes pot holed route, which ran for a mile or two.    

I’d also switched from the Motorex Wax Lube to Peaty’s Link Lube All Weather courtesy of Dynamic Bio Drivetrain Detox. The Link Lube All Weather is best thought of as a bridge lube for those conditions where you want something more substantial than a wax, or dry formula but with a friskier shifting and feel than traditional middleweights.

Wax chain lubes may be less stoical than other types, but in my experience, they can congeal quite stubbornly, particularly on rings and cassettes. While the Dynamic was visually engaging and crucially stripped the rings and cassette clean with nominal effort, it was slower acting than some degreaser stocks I’ve evaluated over the years.

Water must be applied to the hosts beforehand and The Drivetrain Bio Drivetrain Detox left to marinate for two to three minutes, so one of those formulas seemingly best suited to holistic bike cleans, rather than situations where the bike’s fundamentally clean, but you just want to change lube.  It’s also reckoned sufficiently potent to strip waterproof greases, so we’ll see. 

Back to “Muffin” Chain ring tool in hand, I whipped out the Park Tool Wrench, dialled it up to 10nm, introduced the crank bolt tool-Huzzah! Another little job done. Talking of torque Wrenches, here’s my mini budget model group test Three Budget Torque Wrench Test | cycling-not-racing

 

 

  

Wouldn't You Know It

 

Having replenished the grease and attached the Ritchey WCS perch, I decided the USE Sumo post should sit pride of place in the fixed gear winter/trainer. Everything slid together effortlessly, thanks to the precision USE shim. I ported the Klick fix mount over the WCS rails, checked everything was at the correct height, correctly aligned and torqued before reattaching the Axiom City Plus. Talking of fitting and switching contact points, here’s my review of the Oxford Mint Assembly Grease Oxford Mint Assembly Grease | cycling-not-racing 

 

I needed to drop Denise's post by a few millimetres, since my leg was extended too far and quick dab downs were also less predictable. Timely too since I met a boisterous young Alsatian called “Cooper” off the lead and whose owners seemed casually disinterested. I was immediately reminded of Richard Ballantine’s remarks about dogs and other creatures of the field and air being a menace to the cyclist... 

 

Cooper eventually trotted off with the couple. I’d dismounted at this point, resting Denise against the tree by her bars, so no danger of being knocked off by a hound high on life. I’d been bitten by an Alsatian on two separate occasions during my adult life, so though not fearful, I’m very mindful. My silence was also a quiet contempt for the owners and their elected indifference.   

 

I stood reflecting on the 120tpi WTB Nano’s performance, relative to their 60tpi stablemates, my decision to drop the saddle height before heading out and my continued appreciation of the Gorewear C5 GORE-TEX Thermo Gloves. I’ve also switched over to Tubolite TPU tubes and decided I wanted greater cornering prowess, so switched the Shimano PD ED500 pedals Shimano PD ED 500 Pedals | cycling-not-racing for the Wellgo MO94B WELLGO MO94B SPD PEDALS | cycling-not-racing  which also represents a181g weight saving.  

 

Back in the saddle, I scooted off and hustled along the newly muddied lane and found myself concluding the Ergon SR All Road Core Comp Ergon SR All Road Core Comp Saddle Men | cycling-not-racing is genuinely more comfortable than the more basic (but still excellent) All Road Ergon SR All Road Men’s Saddle | cycling-not-racing  Other dogs and their owners were far more gracious, dare I say emotionally intelligent and received a suitably cordial greeting as we passed.  

 

Another thing I had been conscious of is some swaying of the Topeak Backloader. I’ve bund some old inner tube around the post with the hope of minimising any bob, or sway, while simultaneously protecting the USE SX posts’ anodised finish. Post mounted luggage of this kind is designed for bulky but crucially light loads and riders with any experience will mount heavier items low. I’ve followed this narrative, as you’d hope. I’ve stashed several tubes, Muc-Off Pump, small multi tool and CycPlus AS2 Pro Max E.Pump CycPlus AS2 Pro Max E.Pump | cycling-not-racing inflator which is well within the acceptable and indeed, maximum payload. Now, I’m quick to confirm this is minor sway, not samba dancing. Despite substantial Velcro closures, uber litre designs are prone to sway, due in part to length and their lofty position- the main reason I err away from them.  

 

Dynamos rule the roost when it comes to my four seasons’ bikes, but I always carry a compact rechargeable light as backing singer/backup. I was suitably impressed with Ravemen LR 1000Ravemen LR 1000 Curved Lens Front Light | cycling-not-racing and was curious about the brands K series. Enter the most powerful 1800lumen unit here. There are some obvious similarities with the LR1600, most obviously, the sensored technology. In this instance, its two tiered and incorporates AI (Artificial intelligence). The daytime running mode will select the intensity it feels appropriate, while the AI learns the lighting conditions on your routes and tailors things between 100 and 180-lumens accordingly.  

 

Obviously, the wireless remote means you’re not beholden and can override to taste. Then of course, there are the features we’ve come to expect from Ravemen. IPX7 for weatherproofing, solid CNC machined casing and the ability to charge phones and similar gizmos from the port and you can also plug in a power bank, should reserves dwindle. In common with some of the smaller LR family, I’m not completely taken with the mount.  

 

By no means poor, it's quick to whip on/off, which is convenient for commuting and other contexts where bikes can be unattended for periods of time. However, on balance I prefer the more substantial versions employing Allen keys common to the PR series and LR1600 Ravemen LR1600 Front Light | cycling-not-racing.          

       

What of the 120tpi Nano, then...Well, I’ve noticed their improved compliance over their otherwise likeable 60tpi counterparts, switching to a TPU tube up front has also brought some tangible benefits on the compliance front, especially at the higher end of their 50psi pressure range. The Nano aren’t intended for gloopy mud synonymous with a British, or indeed, Belgian winter cross meet but seem to behave in excellent proportion across moderate, greasy mud.  I'll close for now with my review of The MagicshineSeeMee100AD Radar Detection Tail Light Magicshine SeeMee 100 Tail Light | cycling-not-racing