You Never Know What’s around the Corner.

 

Belting along a wet, greasy backroad, just past sunrise I was suddenly serenaded by an awful loss of traction and disconcerting chatter- the fixed’s chain had derailed. I’m not sure who was more horrified- me, or the feline preening itself as I entered the bend. Pulling over to the left I discovered it had mysteriously jammed between the chain tugs. A moment of panic quickly subsided, and I reached inside the Topeak MTX Trunk Dry BagTopeak MTX Trunk Dry Bag | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)for my Pedros Trixie and Pedros’ multi tool, so I could slacken the tug and the track nut.  

I was relieved to find these and doing so released the chain without incident. I hooked it back on the sprocket and front ring checked alignment and snugged the track nut down, ditto the chain tug. Tension sorted, I continued, relieved I wouldn’t be doing a ten-mile walk of shame. I’d just pulled in at home and discovered the front WTB Exposure rapidly losing pressure.  

Well, if it was going to happen, now would be most convenient. One thing led to another. Popped the fixed gear winter/trainer on the work stand, whipped out the wheel and traced the flat to a hedge clipping buried in the tyre’s shoulder. I nearly missed it, having swept my hand around the Exposure’s casing, found nothing and instated a new tube. Thankfully, I was able to free it with this set of needle-nose pliers. Tyre remounted and 70psi inside, I found myself busy with sudsy bucket and Green Oil Massive brush, giving my faithful friend a good clean.  

While cleaning the Spyre SLC calliper, I noticed the semi-metallic pads were OK but showing signs of wear. With more taxing conditions coming, sintered seemed the way forward. Always prudent to have consumables set by, since stuff often wears out at the least convenient moments. I also found another two 10speed chains while having a rummage for a suitable tube (not wanting to deplete the on-bike supply). The Ravemen LR1000 continues to impress me with its output and features- the ability to extend run times, refuel tech and indeed, the battery via another battery or power bank. The Wired remote doesn’t come with the package, I got curious and tried that belonging to the LR500 but being a few years old, the port end was micro-USB, while the LR1000 is the contemporary USB C.  

 I’ve also received this Zefal Supervision R150, which as the name suggests is a rear light producing 150lumens.  IPX6 for weatherproofing bodes well for wet winters and 5 modes (3 steady, two flashing) continue the practical narrative. I’m pleased to note a 15-lumen steady, which is punchy but not overpowering for town duties. The flashing are 150 and 50 lumens, which is great for daylight running and dark nights but overkill for other contexts, which may be a turn off for some. Weirder is the fact it isn’t supplied with a USB C charge cable. Given these things are ubiquitous and dirt cheap (unless that’s the logic for its omission) I’m astonished as to why one hasn’t been tossed in as standard. There are some other interesting quirks. The switch requires a sustained three-second press before the light will power up/down, a second longer than typical these days, which initially convinced me I must have a duff unit that wasn’t charging properly .      

Bike cleaned, re-lubed and put away, it was time to do a quick stint with Ursula. Fitting the headset and forks, specifically. Everything came together nicely, the new Stronglight unit given a liberal bed of Juice Lubes Bearing Juice.   

Inspecting the long serving One23 stem led me to pensioning it off- there was some weakness around the lips. It had done ten years or so and owed nothing. Took a while to track down a suitable substitute, but this ZOOM has proven to be perfect-a quick game of musical spacers and all sorted.  I also ordered some fresh stainless steel bottle boss screws from another supplier.  

I’m all for re-using good stuff but rebuilds are an opportunity to inspect, evaluate and replace things, as necessary. Unless they’re dog eared, I tend to put unwanted fasteners into the spares pot and carry a couple in a sealed packet on the bike, just in case I should lose something-a mudguard, or light mount for example. These and the cages were fitted during the same session and using the Oxford Mint Assembly Grease.        

Slower Dawns & New Seasons Lights

 

 

Dawn is taking longer; the leaves are beginning to fall and clump by the roadsides now. Slowly, but surely. I took the opportunity to strip and re-grease some components using the Mint Assembly Grease-Denise's pedal threads were obvious candidates, since I also wanted to see how effective the Park SS-15 was at shifting pedals.  

The right side came adrift effortlessly, but for some reason, the left Shimano PED ED 500 Shimano PD ED 500 Pedals | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) proved quite arthritic. Not to the point where I’d needed to resort to my lofty Lezyne, or indeed, penetrant spray but unexpectedly stiff, nonetheless.  

A moderate helping was also given to cleat hardware, since, if forecasts were to be believed, I might be reaching for the MW7 booties more often than expected. I’ve finished testing mitts and so switched to Madison Flux Waterproof Trail Gloves.  

Available in four colours and made from a Polyester Polyamide (53% Recycled) 20% Polyurethane mix they’re marketed as a model for changeable seasons. Madison says autumn to winter but I’m thinking the cooler end of Spring too, evidenced by the mid length and relatively shallow cuffs. These are elasticated, rather than Velcro for quick, faff free donning.  

The backs are waterproof, reinforced with taped internal seams. Internally there’s a Roubaix type fleece lining for when the temperatures and tanking but with very modest bulk, which coupled with the silicone detailing promises to optimise connection with the bars.  

Oh, and the thumb and forefingers are touch screen friendly, eliminating the frustrating need to remove them to make a call, or engage with bar mounted tech. As I’ve remarked on several occasions, I have mixed experiences with ulnar defending palms and sometimes a flat profile is the best fit. It’s a bit early to comment but our introduction is a pleasant one.     

Wet, gloopy lanes had also consumed the NZero Dry Wax Lubricant, Nzero Dry Wax Lubricant | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) so I reverted to the Wolf Tooth WT-1 All Conditions Chain LubeWolf Tooth WT-1 All Conditions Chain Lub | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) which has proven clean and stoical, yet not stodgy, or grime seductive. 

Continuing the seasonal theme, we’ve been sent these Ravemen lights. High power dynamos are my go-to's for general winter riding but I’m also a fan of potent rechargeable systems. Aside from master blasters with external battery packs, such as the XR6000 Ravemen XR6000 Front Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), and Sigma Sport’s long serving Buster HL 2000 SIGMA SPORT BUSTER HL 2000 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) which are great for trail duties  Ravemen’s LR range has also impressed with their quality of output. The lens projects a combination of spot and flood yet is designed so it *won’t dazzle oncoming traffic. They seem much brighter than the numbers alone would suggest. The LR500S RAVEMEN LR500S FRONT LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is a case in point.  

Sure, I’d prefer one of its bigger siblings for regular riding along unlit lanes, but I have been able to tackle these at 17mph on a relatively clear night. This time, I’ve received the LR1000 and TR100 units to see how they compare with the LR1600 Ravemen LR1600 Front Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and TR200 Ravemen TR200 Rear Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) .  

1300 lumens are my benchmark for the backroads but even though I default to dynamos, especially on the fixed gear winter/trainer, I always carry a second light in case I need to tackle a flat, or similar roadside mechanical miles from home.  Otherwise, I tend to run them as companions and in flashing modes. Some models, including the LR1600 have sensored technology, which alters the output to suit conditions and ultimately, optimises battery life.   

Compact high-power models with integral batteries tend to have short run times in the higher modes, which is a consideration if you’re doing a lot of night riding and along unlit roads.  Hedge clipping season coupled with wet, mucky roads has announced puncture season. I’ve had two in the space of two rides. Mercifully, one struck just as I’d returned home, the second 5 miles away.  

I was very grateful for the Muc Off Air Mach pump. Very intuitive and relatively efficient by genre standards, even on higher volume tyres. Admittedly, these days, the CycPlus AS2 Pro Max EPump CycPlus AS2 Pro Max E.Pump | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is my go-to but I’d never go without a reliable backup. Thankfully, a single tyre lever was all I needed to coax the WTBV Nano off the rim-I'd been a little remiss and this served as a reminder to pack some more.  

Hubs & Helping Hands

 

Madison sent me this Shimano Nexus DH UR 700 3D Dynohub, which at 544g (including skewer) is 68g lighter than the venerable Alfine but 145g heavier than the Shutter Precision SD8 SHUTTER PRECISION SD8 HUB DYNAMO | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and noticeably weightier than the SL9. Experience suggests, used year-round I will return between 20,000 and 25,000miles (about 40233.6 km) from the Shutter Precision hubs before their bearings get the grumbles and they need returning to the factory.  

They certainly won’t owe anything by this point and chances are, running a rim brake, rim sidewalls may also be due their pensions. However, disc brakes extend the life of rim sidewalls considerably and the need to tear down a wheel to service the hub is more frustrating.  

Fond of the SP units, I’m wondering if the contact, rather than labyrinth seals used in Shimano units are the culprits. I left it and a 700c Ryde Sputnik rim with Mick Madgett. The Sputnik is a tough touring rim, which may be overkill for my needs in many regards, I prefer a little overbuild, especially on bikes in daily, winter or gravel service.   

This Shimano Nexus follows the contemporary 6v3watt spec. An aluminium coil structure saves weight. Cup and cone bearing races are treated with Borozon for mirror finished bearing races. A notable improvement over the loveable Alfine and Shutter Precision are the labyrinth seals and internal grease seals.  

These better lock out the elements and the grease in. The nicely machined aluminium hub shell continues this narrative and has a double anodised finish that, if the UN71 is any gauge, should keep its looks and the shell free of corrosion for many years. Provided of course, you periodically give it a good clean, especially during winter where road salt can even chomp through anodising. I’ve whipped a WTB Nano aboard and will get some miles in aboard Denise and will probably switch to my fixed gear winter trainer, as the days become darker and wetter.    

I’m still being sent some nice summer kit. Most notably, this Madison Roam Men’s Short Sleeve Jersey. My experience of the Roam range is generally very positive. It’s what I’d call a crossover range, making easy transition between road, touring and gravel cum trail duties. Their cargo bib shortsMadison Roam Men's Cargo Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), gloves Madison Roam Gloves | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and 2.5layer jacketMadison Roam 2.5 Layer Waterproof Jacket | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  . 

The jersey follows this narrative. Available in moss green, or lake blue, there are three large open top rear pockets, a zippered end terrace for cash, keys and other small valuables coupled with a mesh “dump” pocket, which I’m told is for bunging rogue bits n’ bobs mid ride. Made from 85%polyester 15% polyamide it also features a mesh channel between the shoulder blades to encourage rapid moisture transfer. A decent size zipper tag continues the easy climate control narrative, silicone zippers ensure it doesn’t gather and ride up-especially hunkered down on the drops with bigger loads en tow.  

Oxford has also sent me their Mint Assembly Grease. It’s actually a multi-purpose formula for slow speed applications, headset, hub and other bearings being obvious candidates. However, it's also safe to apply on threads and stanchions. I wasn’t surprised to learn it's carbon safe, although obviously, employ gripper pastes, never grease carbon components.  

There is also a lithium component for durability. I’m not the biggest fan of old-fashioned lithium greases, since they’re not kind to modern composites and rubberised components- seals and suspension being prime examples. Now, the Minty Assembly Grease isn’t a lithium prep but does have a lithium part for durability. With autumn and winter around the corner, it will be interesting to see how well it fares against washout.  

Staying with the washing theme, Denise was filthy after a week or so spent traversing wet, mucky lanes. This impacted grime coincided with the arrival of this Green Oil Massive Brush. It is HUGE and features a wooden handle and biodegradable bristle plot.  Time for a sudsy bucket deep clean...  

Unlike their Standard Bike Brush (which is best for wheels, spokes, cranks and pedals) the bristles are designed for tackling the entire bike. Formative impressions suggest the bristles are soft enough for painted, plated and lacquered surfaces. I’m certainly warming to it, but as usual intensive workshop use will reveal more. I was pleasantly surprised to find Denise’s KMC chain still hovering below the .5 mark. I may well get another month before it collects its pension.     

Right, I’ll close here with my review of the Magicshine EVO1700 Underneath Mounted Bike Light Magicshine Evo 1700 Underneath Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)