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.     

Timely Turnaround

 

Winston Vaz was able to start Ursula’s minor repairs and modernisation quicker than I was expecting. Transpired he was awaiting some components for a custom build, so unable to continue with this, he turned his attentions to Ursula. Having given the frame thorough inspection, he confirmed my suspicions about some hairline damage. This was around the seat collar but easily arrested by brazing a subtle reinforcing gusset. Another key point was retrofitting a rear disc brake mount and a brace. Disc brakes place greater strain, so some reinforcement is advisable, especially frames of this era.  

We also agreed on adding another cable guide for a good, clean cable run. There’s a reason skilled people say something and when I sense concern, or a desire to do something a certain way, I take heed. Winston seemed relieved that I wasn’t looking to cut corners. Doing so is false economy. These additions were straightforward, and Ursula was otherwise structurally sound.  

I suspected everything else was fine but asked Winston to check the threads and perform simple/minor repair without further reference to me. The following week, Ursula was ready for the blast cabinet. I’d been asked for a choice of three colours in case his powder coater didn’t have my first choice. This time round, it was squirrel grey (RAL 7000) Pale Green (RAL6027 seen here on this Dave Russell) and finally, Traffic Red (RAL3020).  

I wanted a tasteful, subtle colour that was also easily re-touched, should need arise. Winston called and said his finisher only had RAL7000 in a matt effect. Mario could apply a clear lacquer stove topcoat, which would be an acceptable solution, but a gloss powder coat was my preferred route. Therefore, I requested the next closest shade of grey.  

I continued to organise Ursula’s components and having spotted a new Stronglight aheadset at very tempting price, from a genuine source, indulged. Sure, I’ll keep the existing unit, possibly for spares but a good two years down the line, I’ll start afresh, rather than find myself stripping and replacing components a few months hence.  

Fearing I might’ve mislaid the STX front mech’s clamp bolt, I nipped over to Mick Madgett and bought a compatible fastener for the princely sum of a pound. Mick said 50p, but frankly, a good bike shop is worth their weight in gold, and I don’t mind pitching in a little more for their support.  

The nights were beginning to draw in very slightly and I’ve been getting as many miles in as possible with both pairs of Cycology Gloves, although the 8 days in particular, since summer is slowly announcing its subtle swansong. I’ve been impressed by the palm’s grip and the padding’s ability to diffuse vibration and generally provide comfort over longer distances.  

I’d also received these Madison Flux Performance Mitts and their Flux Waterproof trail Gloves. Staying with the waterproof theme, I’d also expressed an interest in testing Shimano MW7 booties to see how much better they’d perform, compared with the very competent MW5 I’d tested last winter Shimano MW501 Dry Shield SPD MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)   

Elsewhere, having mounted the Magicshine EVO 1700, I began contemplating moving the Exposure Revo dynamo lamp beneath the bars for sleeker effect. Doing so wouldn’t affect the beam pattern and moreover, dazzle other road users, but may preclude some designs, or sizes of bar bag.  

Talking of bar bags, here’s Steve’s review of this Oxford T8 Handlebar bag & QR BracketOxford T8 Handlebar Bag and QR Bracket | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  I unplugged the cable and reached for the 4mm Allen key and switched everything round, torquing down to 3nm. Much happier with the aesthetic, although I’m now left with some added cable. Not an issue per se, not easily snagged, but I may prune a little when time allows.  

I like dedicated, fixed gear tools. Nothing worse than flatting in the arse end of nowhere, only to find you’ve not got a 15mm to tackle the track nuts. I used to carry a box/dumbbell spanner in the tool bag for tackling solid axles and other old school fasteners. They’d certainly get me out of a jam and were nicer to use than the pressed “giveaway” models (so called as they were given away with new bikes, Raleigh in particular).  

I remain very fond of the Pedro's Trixie, a 7-function design hailing from 2009. Mine has a matt black finish but I see black and silver chrome have joined the lineup.  At 18.7cm long and 5mm thick, there’s enough oomph and knuckle clearance. The latest version features 4 and 5mm hex, 8,9, 10 and 15mm box wrenches, lock ring spanner and bottle opener.  

For all its charms, I’d still be carrying another folding multi-tool for tackling recessed Allen and Torx fasteners. Same goes for this similarly well engineered Park SS-15. Tipping the scales at 159g, the SS prefix denotes single speed and the 15, 15mm. On the face of things, the Park is less comprehensive, but it also features an open 15mm end for pedals, a bottle opener and a tyre lever.  

It’s also quite a bit cheaper (£20.99 rrp against £34.99) which means there’s money for a budget multi-tool and basic resin tyre levers to go with the Park. Aside from 15mm single speed and fixed builds, the Park is also compatible with Alfine. There’s some suggestion the Park is designed with workshop and roadside duties in mind. I really appreciate the Pedro’s for roadside rescues but prefer to use a longer handled design for workshop duties. Time and testing will tell whether the Park will become my go-to...Concluding with tooling, here’s my review of the Finish Line Grunge Brush Solo Finish Line Grunge Brush Solo | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)         

 

Reflections & Relentless Rain

 Water, Water Everywhere but Not a Drop to Drink. Flooding has been this winter’s narrative and the lack of flood defences here in the UK would seem to be making matters worse. However, the less extreme ends of this are great for assessing the capabilities (and sometimes shortcomings) of everything.  

From waterproof, breathable clothing to mudguards, waxes, detailing products, bike washes, lubes, and of course, electricals. Leatt has sent me their Endurance 2.0 Jacket, which is aimed at cross-county mtb/gravel audiences but in my experience, makes the transition to general road duties very well.   

The jacket is a “super lightweight” model that packs down very compactly. Leatt reckons inside a jersey pocket, and I’d broadly agree, depending on how large your pocket is. No issues with the old-school, deep terrace type.  It’s a Nylon/Elastane “rip-stop” weave that forgoes a laminate for improved ventilation and features a DWR (Durable water repelling) windproof and stain-resistant outer shell. Knitted panels also feature knitted paneling in the back and panels for improved ventilation. 

The former also features a poacher’s type rear pocket. Me being me, I would’ve preferred a breast pocket too, for a compact camera etc. However, it’s a feathery, racy, close-fitting cut for minimal flutter and this second pocket with cargo would pull, thus impairing the fit etc. That shouldn’t be read as only being suitable for summer weight/long-sleeved jerseys. I’m pleased to report ours is roomy enough for the winter-weight jersey cum jacket genre too.   

I’ve gone for the blue but black and rust are the alternatives. The zipper is also waterproof, although I would’ve preferred a bigger tag, even allowing for my not-so-dextrous dominant index finger. I’ve done my usual, cable tie zipper tag extension, solving said problem.   

Packable garments are arguably the most practical options for changeable conditions, although I’m still a big fan of the 2.5-layer laminate type when it’s predictably wet and indeed cold. Talking of which, I also received some more lubes.  

This time from Blub’s range- a ceramic and a wax, which are cleaner running preps designed for drier weather. Obviously, it's most important to test them in the conditions for which they were designed. However, I am also interested to see how products like lubes behave in wider contexts. After all, conditions can change throughout a ride. How practical is a lube to reapply? Does it wash away, how good are its corrosion-inhibiting properties? How much grime does it attract etc.   

One of the very appealing features of these two is their rapid curing times- allegedly two minutes apiece for both, which is on paper as practical as you’re likely to find. Seems a little longer in practice. That said; I’ve been applying in 2/3 degrees. Yes, I know there are still pour-and-go formulas but even after you’ve drizzled them into the chain’s inner sanctum, you’re still needing to wipe away the excess before hopping on and scooting off.  I’ve left the fixed and Ursula’s curing for a day, primarily since I applied having purged their drivetrains and given both bikes a seriously good sudsy bucket wash and wax.  

One thing led to another, and I whipped this 28mm Schwalbe One 365 up front.  All weather/ al conditions tyres are a big ask and to some extent, there’s always an element of compromise somewhere. In my experience, with lighter, swifter tyres it tends to be puncture resistance.  

The Schwalbe weigh in at 332g apiece, less than half the weight of The Pirelli Angel ST Urban Tyres Pirelli Angel DT Urban Tyre | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and indeed, the super dependable Kenda Kwick Journey KS Plus KENDA KWICK JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) . However, these Vittoria Rubino Pro Control Graphene 2.0 Vittoria Rubino Pro Control Graphene 2.0 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) are a much closer comparator and 5g apiece heavier. Will be interesting to see how the Schwalbe perform across the board and compared with the Vittoria and to a lesser degree, the Maxxis Refuse 700x32c 60 TPI TR Folding Maxx Shield Tyres MAXXIS REFUSE TR FOLDING TYRE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

I’ve also been further contemplating the benefits of hub transmissions and bikes built around them. Genesis Day One employs a double-butted aluminium alloy frame and Cro-moly fork and is built around the humble 8-speed Nexus hub. Cable-operated discs might lack the low maintenance bite of hydraulics but are easy to service and repair.  

Budget but a practical workhorse cum commuter. Nice enough but not so pretty you’re petrified by the thought of tethering it to hardy street furniture with a decently stout “fuck off” lock. Long story short, I’d be interested in racking up some proper miles on one.  

Another enticement, given the flooding and generally adverse conditions are hub dynamos that can be serviced “in the field”.  By that, I really mean models that can be stripped, bearings replaced and regreased without going back to the factory. Interestingly one side of the Alfine hub dynamo Shimano Alfine UR700 Hub Dynamo | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) can be accessed and the bearings replaced.  

While the SP series of hubs have been impressive despite some extreme and persistently wet conditions, I’m tempted by the KASI FS DynaCoil CL/D6 units which are designed to be opened using a 36mm headset spanner. I’ve had 20,000 miles plus from the PD8 before the sealed bearings got sloppy. However, given the miles Ursula and fixed gear trainer rack up in foul weather, the ability to strip, clean, and rebuild the hub, without dismantling the wheel is a definite draw.