The present state of siege is presenting opportunities and threats in equal measure. Social distancing has been an ideal opportunity to get out and test kit, fettle the fleet’s specification and forward plan. I’ve been startled by the Pro Gold chain lube’s friction busting prowess.
Even allowing for the new chain, the transmission and shifting feels that bit snappier. A notch better than the otherwise likeable Zefal Pro Dry lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-dry-lube and marginally cleaner, thus far. Then again, its nearly twice the Zefal’s ticket price, so I’d hope so.
Little surprise to learn the bond between my posterior and the Cycles Berthoud Soulor Saddle continues to grow. I’m still feeding the hide every few rides to accelerate perfection and there’s a definite patina forming, so all good.
A puncture (traced to a faulty valve stem) coupled with sunnier, drier conditions prompted a switch to my fixed. The Sugru Mouldable Glue Original Formula https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sugru-mouldable-glue-original-formu appears to have solved the Tom Tom Bandit’s wibbly bracket and I’m enjoying the Soma Condor 2 again https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars
Now the weather’s more spring-like, I’ve reinstated the Apeman A80 Action camera https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/apeman to the Univega’s bars. The switching of my fixed gear winter/trainer’s Titanium Torus post, back to the very likeable Genetic Syngenic Seatpost https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-syngenic-seatpost may raise a few eyebrows. I’ve also reverted to the Spa Cycles Aire titanium saddle- it was already in situ, so why not? It’d long assumed my shape-bliss!
However, look closely and you’ll note the Torus has a relatively pronounced layback. The Genetic is nigh on inline. The most obvious benefit of an inline model is it brings the rider in line with the bottom bracket and theoretically improves power transfer.
It also brings me closer to the bars. The Torus’ layback also made fitting/removal of the Carradice Carradry SQR bag https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry awkward, which the switch has also solved. This also presented an opportunity to put the Juice Lubes Bearing Grease through its paces. After all, if it's designed to keep bearings smooth and happy, so should last a good while on contact points.
Ah, but then it’s also lithium-based, which can conspire with the elements, creating the chemical reaction more commonly known as a galvanic seizure. Suffice to say I will be keeping a very close eye on things. Lithium-based preps will also scoff seals and other rubberised components.
When it comes to greases, we tend to test on a mid-long-term basis. This allows us to make a proper evaluation of its staying prowess, reactions to changing environments and riding contexts etc.
Talking of contact points, here’s our clipless pedal overview https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/stepping-in-a-guide-to-going-cliple
While social distancing is paramount, some human contact is unavoidable. Last Friday, while my helpful local garage was sorting the KA’s puncture, Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating rescued the slightly scabby spare wheel holder.
Though generally solid, upon blasting, we discovered the salt monster had been nibbling, resulting in some pitting and a small hole. Little surprise, given it was the original, thus 13 years old.
However, we decided it wasn’t a structural weakness, so no call for plug welding. Besides, I’d come to them unannounced with a “could you blast and fit in” request.
The thick zinc-rich epoxy primer and polyester colour coat would lock the elements, and further corrosion out.
A big thank you to Graham, Chris and the team at Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating for their kindness, can-do approach and exemplary standards. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/aluminium-frame-refurbishment
