Forks & Functionality

I'm someone who keeps "doing" (as distinct from "to-do") lists. These are organic, and used to structure, and critically analyse how effectively I'm using time, and other resources. "To do lists are full of good intentions, but few results. Some might even describe them as "where good ideas go to die".

That established, instatiing the Univega's original (and recently refurbed) forks were on Saturday's agenda.

Organisation i.e. laying out tools, parts etc are all part of productivity. I'd suspected the long serving Tortec guards' stays were close to pensionable, so retrieved an SKS set, just in case. 

Next came the crown race removal and setting tools, grease, Allen keys, two sets of cable cutters (Premium for cables, cheap n' cheerfuls for cable ties, and similar donkey work).  

Going off piste, I decided to switch to these Genetic CX Cantilevers https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-cx-cantilever-brakes . I'm very fond of the IRD CAFAM 2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ird-cafam-2-cantilever-brakes but fancied a change, and besides, the Genetic are much easier to set up. 

I love a really firm, positive action, so set the spring tension to maximum, greased the "new" forks canti posts with Park PPL1 Poly lube and popped them aboard, before turning my attentions to disassembling the Univega's existing front end. Being a daily driver, I was pleasantly surprised by how easily everything released.  

Full length mudguards (fenders) keep a remarkable amount of corrosive filth, from rider and machine, extending servicing times and ultimately, component life. I was pleasantly surprised by how much, effective Muc-Off Bio Grease https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-bio-grease-long-term-test was still in evidence. Old "School chair" trials fork out. I gave the Aheadset's bottom race cursory inspection, before delivering a fresh helping, of the jam-ike grease.  

Be rude (and silly) not to.  I replace headsets/ forks maybe once yearly, so find this  wallet friendly Ice Toolz crown race remover perfectly adequate. a few even taps later, I'd extracted the crown race and fitted it to the "new" forks, using my  Cyclo setting tool. 

Scrap "Gas pipe" down tubes make excellent, zero-cost alternatives, although ensure these have been cut cleanly, and accurately...

From this point, everything came back together, sans drama. Wheel reinstated, brakes setup, mudguard hardware greased and snugged tight, it was simply a case of setting bearing tension, trimming cables and naturally, treating the fork to some  Velo 21 Ultimate paintwork protection https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/velo-21 .  

I also took this opportunity to blast some corrosion inhibiting products inside the breathe holes, before hanging the bike up. This encourages it to travel through, and evenly coat the hosts. In a pinch, anything  (petrochemical) oily will do. A teaspoon, or two of 10w/40 motor oil inside a frame, or delivered into the fork blades, via syringe will certainly help. 

I chose to use up an almost exhausted aerosol, of waxy chain lube. Given the temperate weather, it should melt nicely and distribute evenly within their inner sanctum.  Talking of which, Steve's been putting some Boeshield T-9 Bicycle Lube & Protectant through its paces 

https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/boeshield-t-9  

Last but not least, for this "sitting"; dynamo cable and computer sensors were tethered, to their respective blades. Weight might be a lesser consideration on a working bike and ultimately, I didn't weigh both forks. However, anecdotally, the  originals are noticeably lighter (gun to my head, probably 300g), which for me, is another bonus.

Knew there was a reason I squirreled them away...

Continuing the working bike theme, co-editor Steve Dyster has been putting Bristol Bicycles Touring Bike through its paces and seems pleasantly surprised by its blend of fun and practicality. 

https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/bristol-bikes-touring 

Elsewhere, I've commenced testing Muc Off Dry Lube, which has a hue and odour, reminiscent of banana ice cream. It also has a recommended curing time of 4 hours, hence one I'd be inclined to re/apply the evening before riding. Once cured, it seems closer to a "diet" wax formula. 

A formative forty mile blast suggests friction's lower than a snake's testicles but I'll reserve any kind of proper judgement, for another 250, or so. Be interesting to see how it compares with the quick curing Zefal Pro Dry https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-dry-lube,  

Command Centre

Having recovered from crank extracting efforts, I switched to my Univega and away from the increasingly maddening crowd. An ideal opportunity to see how well Squirt Chain Lube copes, in changeable conditions. This Apeman A80 Action camera had also arrived for testing. Initial impressions are favourable, relative to price point.

It seems intuitive to use, and image quality broadly comparable, with this Geonaute I’ve owned for a few years.  The Apeman A80 comes with a lot, as standard, including 2^nd battery, weatherproof casing and several mounting options. I’ve opted to fit ours via this nicely finished Minoura VC100 Quick Release Camera Mount. Works well with compact cameras and Go-Pro homages.

This Genetic Neuron Accessory Bar arrived and prompted some tidying of my fixed gear winter/trainer’s cockpit. The old resin accessory mount had served me well, but was slowly falling apart and ultimately, consuming unnecessary space.

I simply mounted the Trelock LS906 Bike-I PRIO Dynamo Front Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/trelock-ls906-dynamo-front-light  and bracket to the Soma Condor 2 bars https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars , then ported “Frankenpute” and Xeccon Spear 900 front light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/xeccon-spear-900-front-light  aboard the CNC machined Genetic. The 22.5mm bar is designed to accommodate computers/GPS and other “lightweight” accessories.

In real terms, it seems perfectly happy with a 200g payload. Standards of construction and detailing are impressive, especially for the money. CNC machining and anodised finish aside, it comes complete with aluminium spacers (rather than the crude, but generally effective rubber type), to achieve rock solid, scratch-free tenure to 26.0 bars.

Alas, my beloved Frankenpute, then decided it no longer wanted to live. Mysteriously ejecting itself from its mounting bracket, and beneath a following SUV. Sentimental soul I am, I retrieved what remained and was astonished to discover some functionality.

A few days later, this very simple, lollipop shaped Cat Eye Quick Computer arrived for review.  Professionally, I’m interested in the latest “Make the tea” technology but personally, lean towards simpler stuff.

The Quick is a five function, wireless model. We’re talking current, average and maximum speed, trip distance, total distance, total distance, moving time, and clock.

I’ve had plenty capable of scrutinising every scrap of ride data, and I understand how useful that can be. However, though I love riding, racing hasn’t been part of that diet some years.

So then, the Genetic Tibia Track Cranks. Well, any component change generally makes a bike feel different. Ours were the 165mm versions but there are 170 and 175mm alternatives.

These are arguably better suited to taller riders and/or road biased builds. With this in mind; my working fixed, originally sported 175mm SRAM cranks. Given the frame’s lofty bottom bracket, spirited cornering didn’t lead to “grounding” or similar fun-disruptive nastiness.

Some studies suggest moving to a shorter crank, can improve comfort. These cite reduced scope of motion at the knee, hips and lower back. Sounds good to me, all things being equal.

However, if you’re not sure, or suffering discomfort, go for a bike fitting consultation and solicit medical advice/as appropriate.

I wasn’t surprised to find myself turning a slightly higher cadence during my formative twenty-mile test runs. Neither do I run knee-popping ratios, in any case. Nonetheless, a good fit, now feels that bit better. Not that I have any intention of wholesale fleet conversion.

Squirt chain lube is proving clean and relatively stoical. Both tubby tourer and fixed gear winter/trainer are still on their first helping, 180 miles in. To be frank, given the relatively dry climate these past few weeks, I’d expect even the most basic formulas to last 200miles.

However, cleanliness seems excellent, with little evidence of contaminant. In common with other emulsion types, I wasn’t surprised to discover my Univega’s cassette cultivating a waxy patina. One that will hopefully, protect the bright electroplating from light tarnish and can be reclaimed by the chain in due course.

Despite incessant promises of balmy days, the mercury is still struggling to nudge 12/13 degrees during the day, so I’ll have to wait before I can do these Primal Onyx aero gloves justice.