143mm Revisited

 Last week’s disc brake refurbishment also gave me cause to reflect upon other things, specifically saddle width. Now, product testing means I test and review a wealth of different contact points and sometimes I am sent slightly wider models, or designs with more/less padding, of varied materials, and so forth.  

I am of the belief we need to spend at least 400miles with products generally and contact points in particular, before arriving at definitive opinions (longer in the case of traditional leather saddles that can require considerably more miles to mould properly and thus, become comfortable.) 

Switching the Spa Aire (titanium) saddle (265x148mm) to Ursula did not reap the rewards I’d initially thought, so I revisited the contact points spares’ box and replaced this, and the fixed gear winter/trainer’s 145mm BBB Echelon for the 143mm Selle Royal Respiro and 142mm Pro Turnix Gel.  

Both are cutaway designs, the former sports galvanized magnesium rails and tips the scales at 276g. The Pro Turnix Gel features painted stainless steel rails and weighs 278g. Both save a few grams from both builds.  

I had successfully run the Selle Italia Sport Gel Flow, (another cutaway model with thicker padding but slightly narrower at 140mm) with Ursula for a thousand miles, so will also keep that within easy reach, just in case. At 380g it’s a bit heftier than the others, courtesy of the hollow feC steel rails, but still a good bit lighter than the loveable Aire titanium. 

  

Back in 2008, I was lucky enough to receive a thorough 90-minute bike fit consultation, courtesy of Specialized and their BG Fit Specialized BG Fit System - BikeRadar. This revealed that my saddle height was 1mm out and yes, 143mm was my ideal saddle width. It also revealed that despite legs of identical length, one femur is fractionally longer than the other-cured using their insoles. This meant I had a very slight tendency to lean, inducing shoulder discomfort over longer distances.  

Being so remarkably close illustrates it is possible to get fit bang on, without a consultation but it is a very thorough means of assessing correct positioning and could save a lot of money long term. Not only in terms of wrong component length, but potential injuries requiring physiotherapy and other professional rehabilitation.  

Factors such as bike type and positioning will also play their part. A more upright stance will place more pressure on the ischial tuberoses (sit bones). Therefore, a slightly broader, more padded saddle might be prudent. At the other extreme, the Holdsworth is a long, low machine, sporting a 137mm BBB Razor saddle, which is also music to my derrière.  

A reliable ballpark measure of saddle width is achievable by sitting on a padded, leatherette chair or sofa for a minute-long enough for sit bones to leave their indents. Place two small coins to mark these and measure the distance between them in millimetres (just don’t tell Jacob Rees Mogg).  

A few 4am blasts suggest I’ve made the right moves, but we’ll see longer term, especially in Ursula’s context. Aside from sunrise being around 7ish, it’s also much cooler now- there have been a few mornings I’ve gone for the heavier weight long sleeve jersey, winter weight gloves donned a cap beneath my helmet.  

These Seal Skinz Leather Road Cycle Gloves are my default for general cool seasons riding, before temperatures really tumble. They offer excellent insulation, breathability and crucially dexterity. Some of the “lobster claw” types are fabulous when its bitterly cold and you’re cruising along but aren’t conducive to dexterous tasks and can often require removal for roadside mechanicals/inspections.  

Talking of inspections, I have been rather impressed by this Ravemen LR1600 Front Light. There are a few weeks to go before I arrive at a firm conclusion and root out any potential flaws but I’m certainly warming to it.  

As the name implies, it’s a six-mode front light producing a maximum of 1600lumens and staircasing down to 800 (medium) 450 lumen (low) and 150lumen (eco). It also has a 600-lumen daylight flashing and a 1600 emergency function.  

Aside from really build quality, it features clever optics. It employs a similar polycarbonate lens with the “Total internal reflection” and “refraction” technology meaning it’s a lot brighter than figures suggest.  

While there’s no denying the full 1600lumens are ideal for the navigating the darkest backwaters at warp speed, the 800lumens is still practical in these contexts. Anecdotally it feels closer to 1,000, maybe 1100lumens and I’ve had no issues cruising along at a steady 20mph.  

This also conserves battery reserves. Ravemen are no strangers to remotes, but these have been wired types. The LR1600 features a wireless unit fuelled by a single CR2032 cell. Range is approximately a metre, meaning the LR1600 is more practical than some as a helmet mounted option.  Let’s see what the coming weeks bring... Meantime, I’ll leave you with my review of these carbon forks Carbon Cycles Exotic Fork | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Cantering Along

Another 120 miles on my tubby tourer, pleased with the recent revisions, I decided it was time to dial in the Genetic CX cantilevers. There was a little too much lever travel, for my tastes. Thankfully, they’re much easier to hone, than the otherwise impressive IRD CAFAM2. Pull cable and straddle wires through a few mm, tweak balance screws-Result!

Switched to The Muc-Off Dry Lube, since opportunity presented. A freshly cleaned and lubricated chain always makes the drivetrain feel that bit fresher. However, 100 miles or so later, I'm increasingly forming the opinion that friction is lower than the Zefal Pro Dry Chain Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-dry-lube and Finish Line Dry lubes https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/finish-line-dry-bike-lube  which is going some.  

Shifting feels almost instantaneous, in both directions across the block, even under load. The pronounced lack of friction just encouraged me to increase my temp. I’ve also concluded gearing is bang on, for the riding contexts intended.

Admittedly, I could go slightly lower, for heavier trailer loads, but for time being I’ll leave be. Durability is another consideration (especially given the Muc-Off Dry Lube’s relatively long curing period).

However, I’ve gone past the 160-mile stage without any hint of waning. In common with some wax formulas, several days at 23-28 degrees, and its assumed that fluid consistency. Lubricant has seeped deep within the chain, and a filmy, residual layer is clinging to the cassette. It’s also quite tacky to touch, though transfer to fingers/clothing hasn’t proved overly problematic, thus far.

For some folks, the lube debate is binary i.e. if you’re riding in wet/changeable weather, stick to a wet formula. Dry, for arid, dusty conditions. However, given the UK’s notoriously changeable climate, I like something that can bridge the gap, resisting those unpredictable showery periods, without attracting a gungy beard. 

That said and testing aside; chances are you’ll find my chains running a stoical wet formula, such as Weldtite TF2 Extreme wet chain lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-extreme-wet-chain-lubr  or, if I want to keep maintenance times down, something like SKS lube your chain, which locks the grot within the top layer. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sks-lube-your-chain

This might look unsightly but is “embalming” the chain. Crap eventually flakes away in chunks, leaving only a layer of lubricant behind.  Here’s an overview to lubes, if you’re new to riding, or want to explore the best option(s), for you. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/blank-ao363

Elsewhere, I’m also warming to the Oxford Contour flow saddle. 120 mixed terrain miles in, the relatively narrow profile and sensibly proportioned padding density are proving a winner for my derriere. I was slightly surprised to discover the rails are a solid steel, which would probably explain the weight differential, compared with those sporting hollow Cro-moly. 

4130 is common at this price point too, and my preference.

Is it a deal breaker? Not necessarily, why bemoan a few grams, if the saddle fits your shape and goes unnoticed, in the most positive sense. Will give it another 250 miles before reaching a conclusive verdict, mind.

Those seeking a wallet friendly 6061 post, with classic lines might be interested in Steve’s review of the Genetic Heritage II sea tposthttps://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-heritage-ii-seat-post  . Right, off to play with the Ravemen PR1200 USB Rechargeable Dual lens Front Light.

Tighten Thy Top Cap !!!

Some of you may recall I'd been trying to diagnose a small but low level rattle, on my fixed gear winter/trainer. Some minor jingle is attributable to a bag of fasteners, tucked away in the depths of its SQR Tour bag. The Eureka moment struck, not while screaming along a 1 in 4 at 35mph, but grinding along a long, deceptively flat section of washboard tarmac. 

https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos/380414165945084/?notif_id=1563290229476148&notif_t=page_post_reaction

This frustrating percussion was traced to an aluminium spacer drumming against the top-cap and Redshift Sports Shock Stop Suspension stem https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/red , indicating the Gusset Headlock, had worked slightly loose.  For those unfamiliar with the system, its a more secure alternative to the humble Star Fangled Nut. It comprises of a CNC machined top cap, cro-moly bolt and alloy nut. 

Aside from keeping the bearing tension bang on, theoretically it offers some additional security in the event of (gulp) steerer failure. The system  carries a slight weight penalty, requires some filing and subtle bending of mudguard (fender) mounts. They're also incompatible with dual pivot and other side-pull brakes. However, I consider them a definite upgrade for machines with cantilever/V/Disc stoppers.   

For some reason, I  couldn't locate my multi tool, by the roadside. However, I was only three miles from home. Snugged tight, I slipped this GT multi-tool in the SQR Tour's side pocket, for easy access.  Talking of SQR, while fitting this Oxford Contour flow saddle, I investigated my Univega's slightly "sticky" SQR bracket.   

Removing and compressing the spring, then reinstating the red, quick release mechanism proved the solution. In retrospect, a quick blast of Muc-Off Silicon shine https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-silicone-shine-polish might've done. 

However, sometimes its best to strip and inspect, especially if you haven't in a while. The bag rails now lock securely within the bracket. Never had any ejection issues, when riding, but the Carradry bag https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry had a tendency to sneak from the bracket, when the bike was hanging up. 

Apparently, the Oxford Contour Flow, is "Aimed at the middling cycling enthusiast those who have just started to be gripped by the unrelenting claws of cycling passion". 

Its a sensibly narrow design, with a gender specific cutout, gel padding and seemingly neat construction.  Will be interesting to see how it compares with the Selle Italia Sport Gel Flow FEC alloy saddle. The latter is 20g lighter but weight hasn't been the reason behind its residency, a few thousand miles down the line. 

Reverting to the bike's original fork has brought a quicker, more compliant persona. Not that handling, or responsiveness was remotely average beforehand but the trials fork was portly compared to the relatively delicate looking triple butted Cro-moly originals. The Microshift Centos' standard lever travel works a treat with the Genetic CX cantilevers too.  

So glad I switched. 

I'm also very glad I swerved this "documentary" from Channel 5 https://www.channel5.com/show/cyclists-scourge-of-the-streets/ I must admit, it was reeling me in, like a super visceral horror film. the sort you really don't want to see, yet feel strongly compelled by.  

Knowing it would serve no purpose, save for raising my blood pressure, I popped out on the fixed. 

Thankfully, Chris Boardman responded in his usual, measured, reasoned and articulate way.  https://twitter.com/BritishCycling/status/1148622845695557632  All the more poignient, and dignified given his mother was  killed by a "distracted" driver. 

 Back to multi-tools, designs such as Blackburn Switch https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/blackburn-switch-multi-tool have some definite advantages. However, because the bits detach, there's the real risk of losing one (or more) out in the wildes. This also serves as timely reminder, to check condition and supply of spares/tooling. Particularly those belonging to mile munching working bikes. 

140 miles in, and I'm warming to the Muc-Off dry lube, which seems surprisingly low on the friction front.  Level-pegging with Zefal Pro Dry Chain Lube  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-dry-lube  , although the Zefal is cheaper and doesn't have a prescribed curing time. 

On the face of things, suggesting its more practical for commuting, impromptu rides with friends, and of course, summer touring. Having tested its PTFE infused predecessor some years back, I'm curious to how this version compares.

 Most dry lubes (excluding hardier ceramics) should return around 225 spring/summer miles from a single helping (roughly ten days/two weeks riding. Given the asking price, I'd be very disappointed if it didn't top this.

Cleanliness is impressive, no more evidence of contaminant, than the Zefal, or indeed Finish Line Dry https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/finish-line-dry-bike-lube. It transfers less readily to hands/clothing too, which is a definite plus.

On the subject of dry. Rather than simply scabbing away, Zefal Extra Dry Premium Chain Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-extra-dry-chain-wax seems to melt, when temperatures climb to the mid 20s. A helpful phenomenon, that redistributes lubricant, trafficking it deep within the chain, cleat and similar mechanisms.