Filth, Flats & Fatter Tyres

November has crept in stealthily. Temperatures struggle to reach double figures, skies are sombre, and the roads are strewn in a mucky slurry. The sort that sticks to frames and tyres, encouraging flints and other sharps to burrow inside, inducing flats. I’ve had three in as many rides.  

Two post ride-one apiece up front in the 28mm CST Czar and Vittoria Roubino Pro Control Graphene 2.0 Vittoria Rubino Pro Control Graphene 2.0 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and most recently, the rear Vittoria on the return leg, 2 miles from home at 5.30 am. Presented the opportunity to see how conducive the Shimano RX6 shoes were to running in- well, as it happens.  

While running alongside my fixed gear trainer, I pondered the solution and concluded I’d go for the Kenda Kwick Journey KS Plus KENDA KWICK JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) on both rear halo hoops (since the frame’s rear triangle will only accept 32mm and mudguards. OK, 35mm at a pinch.) and the Vittoria Adventure Tech Tyres. These carry a joint weight penalty close to a kilo.  

However, both roll remarkably well and have excellent puncture resistance, albeit their puncture-repelling belts (5mm and 3mm respectively) only cover the centre strips. Obviously, tyres need to roll and handle in decent proportion, but reliability is imperative. There's nothing more morale-sapping than a series of flats in freezing rain, miles from home.  

Or, for that matter, a long walk home. I carry at least two new tubes and a patched spare. CO2 inflator and cartridges save time, although a decent pump should never be overlooked.  I also like to keep these close to hand, and easily accessible. Small bar bags, tool bottles can be more convenient than the wedge pack (although I tend to distribute kit evenly across the three).  

Oxford Products have sent us their Evo Aqua Adventure range of luggage. Following the access narrative, I’ve gone for their top tube bag. It’s made from 400 denier Rip stop TPU, features welded seams and is weather resistant to IPX6.  

1.5 litre carrying capacity, which is generous. “Bolt on” packs like the Apidura that tether to a frame’s bosses (or via these Tektro Versa mounts) are the most secure, overcoming any risk of movement, especially when filled close to capacity. Some pedalling styles can also result in occasional knee contact, which is another consideration when choosing one. On the stability front, some Velcro models favour larger diameter/ flatter profiled top tubes. Only time and miles will tell but giving change from £20, the EVO Acqua looks a good deal. 

   

Thankfully, temperatures have held around 2-3 degrees overnight, so I haven’t shod Ursula with spikes just yet. I have mounted one to the Alfine dyno hub Shimano Alfine UR700 Hub Dynamo | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) wheel in anticipation- makes switches faster later down the line.  

I also took the opportunity to strip the old girl’s Deore Crankset and trailer wheel, replacing the Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) with some Juice Lubes Bearing Juice. A synthetic grease blended specifically for, er bearings.  

It’s thick and tacky, so great for packing hubs, headsets, bottom brackets and pedals. It’s also apparently tested to marine standards (meaning excellent adhesion and sealing properties) and suitable for contact points.  

However, something like Park Poly lube PPL1000 TESTED: PARK TOOL POLYLUBE 1000 LUBRICANT FOR BICYCLES (sevendaycyclist.com) or Peaty’s Bicycle Assembly Grease PEATY'S BICYCLE ASSEMBLY GREASE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is a better bet for threaded components. There was a surprising amount of Speed Grease clinging to the Deore axle, and a liberal helping of degreaser was needed to strip it convincingly, too.

Continuing my prevention better than cure narrative, I wanted to get these jobs done before winter got one step ahead.  Right, while I contemplate a chain replacement, I’ll leave you with my review of the Infini Tron Infini Tron Rear Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)

Waxing Lyrical

 The Pure Dry Lube is showing the characteristics of a traditional, petrochemical formula- the sort made from refined paraffin wax and solvent. It’s turned molten and some has migrated to the chain’s side plates, though not the cassette, which surprises me.  

Still plenty on the rollers, 225 miles in and I was expecting to purge a gungy looking beard that had accumulated along the side plates, jockey wheels etc. I was pleasantly surprised to discover it has scabbed off, during subsequent rides.   

Wax formulas, without a PTFE, or similar additives mean chains tend to succumb to light, filmy corrosion, following wet rides. Another reason why I don’t go this route with cleat hardware and others prone to getting blasted with dodgy water.  True to type, the Pure has done just that. Not an issue with the more sophisticated dry blends.  

While they will generally run cleanly, waxes  require a more disciplined approach to drivetrain cleanliness, first time round, hence the argument these have more benefit to racers-time triallists and mountain bikers (during the summer months), rather than commuters.  

One I concur with in some respects. Arguably, working bikes should be ready n’ reliable, with minimal faff. Wet lubes are an obvious choice and will certainly go the distance, but as I’ve said many times before, the side plates will need wiping regularly. Otherwise, accumulated grit/grime turning into a grinding paste, chomping through your bike’s drivetrain.  

If you’re pressed for time, one of the pour n’ go sort, such as Finish Line 1-Step Cleaner and Lubricant https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/finish-lineMight be an easier proposition, even if these require more frequent reapplication.  Once the existing Pure dry lube is spent (coinciding with the chain, I suspect) I may well revert to the low-friction Zefal Pro-Dry Lube.https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-dry-lube This incidentally appears fully compatible with the Pro Gold Prop Link Chain Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pro-gold-pro-link-chain-lube if my fixed gear winter trainer’s chain is anything to go by, several weeks down the line.   

Talking of wax, I’ve treated the Univega to another high-quality waxing. Muc-Off Miricle Shine polish, this time around. It’s made using Fluro Polymer Technology and Carnauba wax. The latter is also found in high-quality furniture polish, cosmetics, and even speed boat hulls. Silicone oils are apparently employed to enhance ease of application and, it’s very quick and easy to apply.  

One coat is sufficient but if like me, you like to double up at key areas (bottom bracket shells, down tube, chainstays etc), experience suggests it prefers 24hours between coats. Rounding up this polishing theme is a guide to caring for traditional leather saddles https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/caring-for-leather-saddles . My derriere has very much bonded with the Cycles Berthoud Soulor Saddle https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cycles-berthoud-soulor-leather-sadd 

Several weeks further down the line, the Kenda Kwick Roller continue to impress with their blend of low rolling resistance, reassuring grip and of course, puncture resistance. A greasy, wet winter may reveal some limitations (specifically the puncture repelling belt, which covers the centre strip, rather than edge to edge).  

That aside; they’re doing everything I ask of them and the slightly narrower (32mm) section is probably optimal, for my fixed gear winter/trainer’s clearances too. Elsewhere, those looking for a responsive and engaging folding bike may want to take a closer look at this Tern BYB S11 Folding Bike https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tern-byb-s11-folding-bicycle