Restraining Orders

I’ve continued to reorganise and ahem, rationalise the garage before sanctions were imposed. Most things have been simply relocated to easily accessible and clearly labeled storage boxes. However, an out-of-control heap of perished and part worn tyres, were consigned to the tip. Clear outs can be cathartic and I feel better for this reasoned and yet ruthless culling. I also found a few tubes, which had succumbed to the puncture fairy but still perfectly salvageable. Yes, there were a couple of fully loaded patch kits.

Two for the fixed, two for my Univega. The latter’s sealant fed Kenda thorn resistant tuber had also self-healed, having been fed a bit more air and rotated a few times. The science behind self-sealing tubes is pretty straightforward. The sealant remains dormant until the tube’s punctured, whereupon it’s forced the affected area, by escaping air and rotational forces.  

Holes up to 3mm diameter are pretty much their limit and you will be left with a very sticky mess, should a blowout strike. Famous last words, the Tannus Tyre Armour seems to be holding out and performing rather well. That said; our 32mm section was a little on the precise-side. This meant I had to switch to a slightly narrower, 700x28-32, rather than a 32-35. Technique is another consideration, when mounting and its crucial to avoid pinching.  

The easiest way, is to have one tyre bead aboard the rim (as you would, when fitting a tube). Install the Tannus Armour within the tyre, seat the tube, slightly inflated, into the armour and then mount the tye. Given the increased girth, this bit’s a little trickier but nothing a decent lever, such as my Cyclo Workshop model, or this more portable Crank Brothers   Speedier Tyre Lever won’t iron out.   

Sometimes some chemical assistance will help ease a stubborn bead home. I’ve found a quick, localised blast of Muc-Off Silicon Shine https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-silicone-shine-polish, or indeed, Juice Lubes Frame Juice Frame Polish very effective. Washing up liquid can also prove a useful, inexpensive lubricant, although  minimise exposure with plated, polished and painted surfaces.  

Staying with Workshop, I’ve been enjoying these Facom multi-tools.  

A bit big for bike mounted luggage perhaps and a little too short for some stubborn workshop applications. Nonetheless they’ve tackled most jobs pretty easily-including recessed brake/brifter mounts. The Univega’s Microshift Centos is on the right-hand side, hidden by the lever hood.  

More convenient that the fixed’s Cane Creek V brake levers, which are deeply recessed. Access requires a very willowy 5mm key and negotiating the inner brake wire https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cane-creek-v-brake-drop-bar-levers . That said; there’s sufficient oomph for shifting arthritic quill stem and seat post binder bolts. The Torx version is particularly useful for vulnerable, or slightly chewed fastenerss- cleat bolts being cases in point.  

After a few hundred miles, I’ve performed another saddle swap. The Selle San Marco remains pride of place on my fixed gear winter/trainer. I was surprised to discover the covering is in fact, calf hide, not a micro matrix. I don’t object to genuine hides per se. However, I would’ve preferred cowhide, since the animal would’ve had a longer and (hopefully) happy life.  

I have in fact switched the Pro Stealth for the Pro Turnix, which had until very recently, had graced my fixed gear winter/trainer. Music to my derriere. Not that the Stealth was a poor choice, rather just that fraction too firm, for me.  Harmony restored!  

The weight penalty is proportionately quite steep but in real terms, only 71g and still a bit lighter than the Concor. I’d subverted a wet crotch, courtesy of the Carradice SQR luggage on my fixed but my Univega’s full-length guards make this a non-issue.   

Save fort strong winds, this corner of the southeast has been largely unaffected by Storm Ciara, which is something of a relief. Many communities have experienced serious flooding and disruption. Nonetheless, I’ve been particularly alert to potentially weak branches and similar hazards when navigating tree-lined lanes. Nonetheless, heavy rains mean there’s plenty of standing water.

Some folks want the convenience of clip-on guards. Steve rates this Zefal Swan Road Rear Mudguard https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-swan-road-rear-mudguard  He also popped over to Bicycles By Design to play with some e-bikes https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ebike-day-with-bicycles-by-design 

Waiting for The Sun

December is dawning and daylight (not to mention dry weather) is at a premium. Perfect conditions for the indoor trainer then. In some senses, yes. However, these contexts are ideal for evaluating product performance. Lights, lubes and waterproof fabrics being the most obvious. A good measure of waxes/polishes, too. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/naked-bikes-bike-bling

The Pro Viz Men’s Reflect 360+ Cycling Jacket has certainly cut it in the visible and waterproof respects. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-mens-reflect-360-jacket

Save for the odd cold night, no sign of the “big freeze” prophesised by the digital tabloid press, so tyre choice remains unchanged.

Having consumed my stash of patches last time round, I wasted no time in putting fingers to keyboard and ordering some more Rema tip top patches. There are cheaper, and I’ve found some store brands refreshingly reliable.

However, I find the Rema that notch higher. Since the Kenda thorn resistant tube was a Schrader valve, I seized the moment, removed the valve core and pumped a liberal helping of latex sealant inside.

Three serviceable spares apiece for my fixed gear winter/trainer and Univega now. Two patches are my cut off point before I consign them to the bin; or repurpose (Protective “boots” for headsets and seat posts, or top tubes being three obvious, bike-specific uses). I have striped and re-greased my fixed gear winter trainer’s headset and added a butyl bottom race boot, for additional protection. Replaced the front brake cable, while I was there.

However, I will often carry one tube with more patches, for dire emergencies, or passing to a stricken rider.

Yes, we should regularly give machines and spares stash a once over. Yes, we should be independent. However, things happen, to the best prepared machines and riders. I have been stuck by the roadside, miles from home. There’s nothing warmer than a helping hand.

Roadcraft seems increasingly patchy and intolerance at an all-time high. Discretion is often the better part of valour. One driver, refusing to recognise my right of way, pulled by and announced, “Roads are for cars bruv!”

Tempting though it was to point out, that roads are for everyone- cars, motorcycles, bicycles, horses, HGV etc…No sense arguing with an ignorant hot head, encased in two ton of steel. Better to ride on, rather than let rip and be rendered paraplegic.

I spent three years battling a Portuguese haulier. One of their drivers crossed into my lane, along the M25 motorway, sweeping my KA onto the front of his 30ton Mercedes. Thankfully I was able to walk away. Death is an inevitability; the phrase “life changing injuries” turns my blood cold. His insurers finally admitted liability, when court papers were served.

I’ve defaulted to the Univega these past few weeks. Primarily, since its dressed for the deluge, not to mention, an increasingly battle-scarred infrastructure. 

Having crossed the 400mile mark with the Weldtite TF2 All Weather Lube, the Univega’s chain was on the cusp of thirsty. I saw this as the first opportunity to evaluate the Juice Lubes Chain Cleaner’s prowess, pitted against a middleweight petrochemical lube, and its modest accumulated contaminant.

Lubes-wise, I’ve switched to the Juice Lubes Ceramic Juice and will see how many miles I can amass, from a single application. It comprises of “blended base oils” and hexagonal boron-nitride.

Lubricant qualities supposedly comparable with graphite. Thus far, it seems slick, refined and tenacious. Its apparently thicker than previous incarnations and feels so. Still light enough for cables and cleat mechanisms.

Talking of which, I’m increasingly endeared to the quirky Look Geo Trekking pedals. These are the baseline models, yet the composites offer excellent support and don’t feel whippy under-load. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the ease of intentional release, even using VP and similar pattern cleats.

Critics will suggest there are a wealth of dual sided designs commanding £20 odd, which will do commuting and similar duties perfectly well. In some respects, I’d have to agree. Thinking out loud, I still love Time’s All Road Gripper Pedals. I still have mine and liked the concept. However, their short production run suggests they weren’t overly popular.