Implosions often seem to strike when we least expect them and always at the least convenient moments. Our story begins at 5.25am. Ursula and I had just exited a dark junction, turning left, I gently accelerated when there was this sickening implosion. My heart sank, thinking it was the chain that had failed.
Coasting to a halt, I switched on the Brightside topside helmet light BRIGHTSIDE TOPSIDE HELMET LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) to discover the Sun Race Driven mech had basically self-combusted. In the dark, and my shocked state, it looked like this suicidal mech had also claimed Ursula’s Ritchey frame end. Either way, we had to get home, which basically translated as a six-mile run, wheeling Ursula by the bars. Made it back, in the pouring rain and saturated roads, within 30 minutes.
Gently hanging her up, I was relieved to note frame end and wheel were unscathed- save for some minor paint damage. The derailleur’s threaded part, still lodged like a bee’s sting induced some head-scratching until I decided to drill it out. Well, large enough to insert a Torx driver and turning it counterclockwise.
At least that was the plan.
All was going well until I discovered my cordless drill’s Ni-CD battery was dead, Thankfully, I was able to source an inexpensive replacement (the drill in question is over 20 years old). This delayed things by a few days, so meantime, I gave the frame ends two light coats of high build phosphate primer, while I awaited a replacement battery and rear mech.
In practice, this was a painstaking task, with some very anxious moments, but ultimately successful. Thankfully, I was able to drill out and essentially obliterate the riveted part, insert a corkscrew to provide suitable purchase and turn...
I’ve gone for a short cage (28 tooth maximum) Shimano Tiagra. I spotted one at the right price and wasted no time in adding it to virtual cart. Not least since supply issues remain prevalent, which has also done nasty things to prices. Some folks are a bit sniffy about Tiagra. Now, it’s one step beneath 105, which was widely regarded as big S’s workhorse road groupset but in common with the STX & STX RC mountain bike groups, performance to price ratios are very favourable. Decent shifts, inexpensive in the event of a spill, and of course, winter.
If that wasn’t enough, closer inspection of my beloved, mile-munching ford KA revealed some minor sill rot. Most of the section was solid but sanding back some bubbling revealed a collection of tiny holes. Thankfully, MPA Classics worked his magic- patched, welded, and primed for £40. I’ve since added two thin coats of phosphate-rich high-build primer for some additional peace of mind. A light coating was also added to Ursula’s frame ends, while I awaited the replacement drill battery.
This delay meant a switch to my fixed gear winter/trainer and the torrential rains were perfect conditions for evaluating the Mudhugger Gravel Guards. Coverage and protection are surprisingly good, due in part to their length and profile. Waterlogged roads, driving rain, and gusty winds meant maintaining momentum was my primary focus but, having returned, I was pleasantly surprised by how dry my legs, back, and buttocks were. No gritty raccoon stripe either.
There’s been some minor spatter atop the guards and around the frame’s wishbone, but we are talking minor, which was even more remarkable, given the monsoon conditions. The mounting kit also seems very reliable and crucially, chatter-free. Still got a couple of hundred miles before I arrive at a more rounded conclusion. Times are very strange here in the UK, on a wider level. Supply chain issues are making goods, even basic staples harder, or at least slower to acquire.
A lack of skilled people within several sectors of the economy is also compounded by those who have long been redundant and irrelevant to contemporary employers. Left behind, we might say. This has been a slow, incremental process spanning decades. for example,25 years ago, Ford would not consider a Dagenham school leaver for the most basic job on the track.
A stark contrast to the entrenched belief that school/academic attainment wasn’t crucial, since there’d always be a job on the line, at the body plant. Car plants paid well for semi-skilled, assembly line work. As Honda were winding up their Swindon factory, I heard machine operators (not skilled machinists) had been earning £20ph and now struggling to comprehend that they should expect £9 on the open market. However, when big, or main employers go, it’s the ripples-the loss felt by the wider, local economies that is the most brutal and enduring.
