Orange Clockwork

 The continued dry, balmy weather has meant there’s no excuse for not getting some serious miles in aboard the Holdsworth and give Denise a rest. I’ve even switched from full -finger “liner type” gloves to mitts and short-sleeve jerseys.  

I’ve also switched the 137mm wide SR Marnie GT for the titanium-railed 185x142mm Madison Flux Switch to see how the latter performs on a road build. Now, the Holdsworth doesn’t have a particularly long saddle to bar drop, especially compared to a semi-compact geometry frameset but the saddle is geared more toward a traditional road, rather than cross or gravel bike.  

Contexts where a shorter nose is best, given you’re more likely to dis/mount quickly. 200 miles down the line, I’m inclined to say the 137mm SR Marnie GT is the best width for the Holdsworth, although 142 or (or indeed, 143mm) is damn good- the Specialized Toupe’ had served for many years, after all. Miss the Toupe’ but nothing lasts forever and I’m developing a soft spot for the ti railed Flux. The unisex Perineum friendly channel is a case in point, relieving pressure unexpectedly well, despite being very shallow. 

WTB Chain lube is doing its thing, cleansing any grime from the chain and staying put. Reckon it’ll go way beyond the claimed 400-mile per application mark, given the present, arid conditions and I’ll probably stick with it, given the clean, durable characteristics.  

Though I was fond of the budget carbon Acor unit, the thin bladed period typical (I’m led to believe it’s not the original and don’t care) fork adds a bit more zip to proceedings and yes, I still like the contrasting blue.   

Talking of blue, I’m sticking with the Peaty’s Link Lube Dry with Denise- the hybrid quasi wax and oil blend is well suited to these conditions, sifting the contaminant, while the oil part keeps potential taint at bay. Though less tenacious than some blends, including the brands Link Lube Premium counterpart, I’m generally preferring it to waxes for general riding.  

I also took this opportunity to check Denise’s chain health .25, which is middling, given the generally stable conditions but there’s a reasonable amount of life left before I’ll consign it to the bin and replace with another.  

Some say to expect 1500-3,000 miles and I’d loosely agree. However, if you’re doing a lot of mixed terrain, mountain biking or winter road riding, expect a drop. Despite careful maintenance, though a vile, slimy winter I’ve scraped 800miles from a chain.        

I was in the area, so dropped by Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating and saw the Dave Russel frameset had been treated to a RAL6027 atop chrome effect powder coat, replacing the electroplate which looked pin sharp. Blasting revealed the frameset was only chromed at the seat and chainstays suggesting the red was its original livery (some are chromed completely with acid etc primers and enamel atop.)

Personally, decals aren’t my thing-they simply advertise a bike, or frameset is worth nicking in my view. It wouldn’t do to be all the same and though I prefer an air of mystery, the RAL6027 and chrome effect looks really, sharp. The green could well be Ursula’s next livery… Steve’s reached his conclusions with the AS2 inflator Cycplus AS2 Pro Tiny E-Pump | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

They’d also restored this Orange Clockwork frameset (complete with rigid Cro-moly fork).  This looks to be a late 90s model, maybe as late as ‘98, a couple of years younger than Ursula. Its owner is apparently going to ride it across America. Aside from the obvious rush of retro delight (I was really taken by the Orange Clockwork in the early 90s), I also contemplated the shade of orange as an option for Ursula... 

Continuing the summer theme, I err towards full finger designs, even during late spring and summer. Simply on the grounds of greater protection when meandering beyond asphalt. Beyond 20 degrees or so, save for the Madison Roamer and Specialized (model), which are thin but rugged, I’m donning mitts. Aero mitts are second-skin snug, a little harder to pull on off/ but great for blasting along-say on the Holdsworth and Teenage Dream.  

Traditional leather palmed models are lovely from a retro perspective, and I’ve only just had to retire these PassportTEST & REVIEW: PASSPORT CROCHET BACK CYCLING MITTS (sevendaycyclist.com) after six years faithful service. Aside from their classic theme, their looser fit also enabled me to run liner gloves beneath for some additional warmth/comfort during late summer/early autumn, where the temperatures start to drop a little and often without notice.  

I’ll prefer not to reflect too deeply on that latter bit, since it’ll mean the darker months are approaching and I won’t’ve got all I wanted from the summer. I still enjoy the changing seasons and still associate the darker months with positive things-going to university, meeting a woman who would become the human love of my life and the simple things like being able to draw the curtains and protect myself from the world.  

 

Limited daylight, though perfect for testing lighting can present other challenges, and frustrations mind.  Right, I’ll end here with Steve’s review of the Cycplus AS2 inflator Cycplus AS2 Pro Tiny E-Pump | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

 

 

Magnetic attractions

So, having discovered a traditional cage was going to be a non-starter, even a side entry model, I rummaged through one of my recently reorganised fasteners drawers and reclaiming the Fidlock mount. Thinking their smaller bottle might be in order, though.   

Then of course, there’s the Free Parable Gorilla Cage, which can be mounted on a variety of places around the frame-including the fork blades (stanctions if you are running suspension) via the Gorillia grip, if you don’t have bosses. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/free-parable-gorilla-clip-and-cage Though better suited to light, bulky items, such as a bivi, I’ve hauled 1.2 kilos of hobby sized Argon/Co2 welding gas bottle.  

Pretty much the top end of the composite’s carrying capacity but impressive nonetheless, especially given it’s a good bight lighter than the 1.5 PET cage types, including the venerable BBB Fuel tank https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/bbb-fuel-tank-xl-bottle-cage. These are super convenient for touring, gravel and everyday riding, since you can slot in those impulsive rest stop purchases, or indeed a favourite tipple en route home, without consuming valuable luggage space. 

I’ve been impressed by the enduring qualities of the True Tension Tungsten All Weather Lube. Aside from cleanliness, it's tenacious and durable, especially compared with other waxy formulas. Damp conditions and puddles haven’t taxed it, but heavier rainfall and waterlogged roads will eventually lick the lion’s share, requiring a quick top-up. Zefal Bio Degreaser was employed for stripping duties and this too seems quite capable-at least by stock standards.  

True, an aerosol-based solvent spray will blast a scabby chain and cassette clean, piranha fashion. The bio degreaser needs agitating with a brush to stimulate this process, but aside from being more economical, its kinder to surfaces and can be blended (200ml product 800ml water) to make an effective bike wash.  

Concentrates are arguably better choices for workshop duties, or if you’ve a big fleet of bikes but as “off the shelf” formulas go, it seems to strike a decent balance between stripping prowess, without doing nasty things to finishes, seals and other rubberised components. That said; I’ve always rinsed thoroughly with clean water.  

I’ve switched to the Tru Tension Bannaslip Tungsten Wet Lube on the Univega and have the fixed to Muc-Off Wet Weather Ceramic Lube. Its described as a “Propriety ceramic formulation containing integral Boron Nitride compounds in wet and harsh conditions.  

They also recommend it for the higher torque loads of an e-bike, so should be a good option for a fixed drivetrain too.  Will be interesting to see how much, real-world difference the Tru Tension’s Tungsten component makes (or otherwise) long-term to chain life and performance.   

 

This also presented the ideal opportunity to adjust the chain tension slightly. Kenda Kwick Roller tyres are still swift and dependable, which is reassuring, although the only potential weak spot is the 5mm thick belt. This only covers the centre strip, not bead to bead, so hedge clipping season will be the real test... 

I’ve replaced the CR2032 cell in the Cat-Eye Quick computer sensor, with a quick lick of Vaseline. Premium grade cells are reckoned to last over 6,000miles. I’ll be very surprised if the pound shop special manages half that, but head unit and sensor are chatting away just fine for now and the Giles Berthoud Soulor saddle just continues to get better, week upon week.  

I won’t be feeding the hide at least until September’s close. Giles Berthoud recommends applying their food every six months. I’ve deviated from the script during the moulding phase but will adhere to this guidance now onward. 

I’ll end this entry with my long-term review of Passport Crochet Back Cycling Mitts https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/two-year-report-passport-cycling-mi