After a decade or so, the Halo Aerotrack wheel is needing some slight TLC. Nothing major- tensioning the spokes, new axle and bearings. The former had started shedding threads, so an opportune moment to fit new cartridge units, while the hub is open. Manufacturers and their UK distributors have been extremely helpful and despite the UK’s third country status, some brands in mainland Europe have also reciprocated. Again, greatly appreciated.
Given this backdrop, I am going to build the PD8 built into a 26-inch wheel, a spare wheel for Ursula, should the Ultegra unit require servicing/rebuilding. Similarly, though still very solid, rims don’t last forever, even with the most disciplined maintenance. I’ve acquired a 32-hole Ryde Andra 40, which isn’t the lightest but promises to be strong and dependable. While hardly obsolete, 26 –inch mtb is no longer the default, so choice is a little less plentiful than it was, say a decade back.
I’ve always erred toward a little overbuild, especially on touring, working and mountain bikes- save for cross country racing. In some respects, the Rigida Sputnik would’ve been a more obvious choice and the Andra have a reputation for being tricky to build, hence why I’ve commissioned Mick Madgett with the job. The other reason I’m having a “second” wheel built for Ursula boils down in part, to the fact the Rigida Snyper rim has served ten years and though seemingly solid, won’t last forever.
I’ll inspect it properly while I’m testing the SD8.
Talking of overbuild, I’ve formed a fond bond with the Sigma Buster 200 FL, which though less potent than some, on paper, remains very relevant and versatile enough for most riding contexts. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sigma-sport-buster-hl-2000
The weather has only just become recognisably autumnal and despite apocalyptic forecasts, conditions are still permitting stock tyres. The Muc-Off Ludicrous AF chain lube is still clinging on, although cleat and brake mechanisms, pivot points etc are needing the odd short of Jokker 440 to keep them sweet and crud free. This presented an ideal opportunity to tweak Ursula’s rear brake slightly. Not that I employ the rear brake very often, but I want it sweet, responsive, and dependable.
Weekly sudsy bucket washes and periodic waxing are a must right now. The single application of Muc Off Ludicrous AF chain lube was finally relenting, so time to purge the residual and modest contaminant. I was promised another blend of tenacious chain lube, so until that arrives, I’ve returned to the Weldtite Ceramic WELDTITE CERAMIC LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)
I’ve also been promised some very refined bar tape. I haven’t decided whether Ursula, or my fixed gear winter/trainer, will be the recipient, much will depend on whether I switch to the Tektro RL520 lever sooner, or later. Though hefty, Schwalbe Marathon GT365 TESTED: SCHWALBE MARATHON GT 365 BICYCLE TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com) are super dependable, offering excellent traction and moreover, puncture resistance through the dark, slimy, slippery roads.
I run wider sections, where possible (a) Provides greater cushioning from the lumps and bumps that creep in (b) Improved contact with the road surface. High-quality suspension posts are another definite plus, giving some additional refinement along winter roads and trails, without the heft and complication of suspension forks.
Cane Creek Thudbuster ST G3 TESTED: CANE CREEK THUDBUSTER ST SEATPOST (sevendaycyclist.com) and G4 and Kinekt 2.1 Suspension Seatpost KINEKT 2.1 SUSPENSION SEAT POST | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), (which is still offered in a 25.4 diameter) so an excellent, dare I say, viable option for older mountain bike framesets converted to working bikes, rough stuff tourers, or indeed, gravel builds. Just don’t skimp on the shim. They’re not expensive but even at the upper end, £20 is much cheaper than the cost of frame repair, or worst-case scenario, scrappage.
Winter-specific thermal kit has been donned- bib longs, long sleeve base layers, thermal jerseys, gilet, and full-finger gloves. Despite a generous thatch, I’ve also reached for thicker caps and socks. The mercury has slid to minus figures, although thankfully, no ice, just arctic blasts, and sleety interludes
Turning lower gears means a higher cadence and improved blood flow, so cold doesn’t bite so intrusively. I’ve also switched to the FLR Defender MTB Thermal Dry S-Tex Boot FLR DEFENDER MTB DRY BOOT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com
