Returning from some mixed terrain escapes on Ursula, I took the opportunity to check the fleet’s tyre pressures and other little “while I’m here” once-overs. Spinning my fixed gear winter/trainer’s front wheel revealed a warped disc rotor. It was also showing some tell-tale signs of scoring, resultant from unchecked pad wear. Wet, gritty conditions can chomp through seemingly serviceable pads with ruthless efficiency. Keep a spare set handy and re-order when you switch to those.
Thankfully, I had a replacement rotor in stock. Laying both flat on the workbench confirmed the old Clarkes Rotor was showing some small but definite warping. I switched the two and instantly, the issue resolved. The old rotor was consigned to the recycling. I also confirmed that I had a replacement set of pads waiting in the wings.
Tyre pressures checked and wheel(s) repatriated, I turned my attention to Ursula’s drivetrain, which was looking decidedly scuzzy, given a couple of weeks spent navigating wet, singletrack lanes and bridle path. Perfect for testing some more degreaser sprays. Waxy-type lubes, rather like other waxy products can become quite congealed, thus unexpectedly tenacious.
Aside from the chain’s side plates, it usually collects around the front ring(s) derailleur cages and jockey wheels. This is where cassette claws (and similarly invasive scrubbers) come in handy- combing out the lion’s share of gunk, so your chosen de-greaser strips with greatest efficiency. Blends such as this Motorex, Muc-Off, and Weldtite Jet Blast Degreaser will all induce rapid melting and are time savers but won’t shift this in a single hit.
Elsewhere, my fixed gear winter/trainer’s cockpit reshuffle has proven a winner all round for me. Time well spent, although I had to stop and snug the Campark V40 waterproof housing hardware down Facebook. I’ve also decided to switch lamps over i.e., the Bikepacker Ultra to Ursula and its new, low drag counterpart over to my fixed gear winter/trainer.
A couple of weeks down the line, the K-Lite low drag dynamo has proven this latter quality and I want to see just how much difference, the benefits and indeed, any limitations of this version. Not that drag has ever been an issue with the K-Lite family and I’ve lived with them for many thousands of miles. However, this drop in resistance seems to result in even greater, palpable reward. Over a familiar 12-mile loop, I’ve maintained 20mph, as distinct from a very respectable 18.6 with the sibling units switched on.
While switching things around, I decided to look more closely at the new K-lite mounts and I plumped for a Go-Pro pattern for Ursula’s Velo Orange Handlebar Accessory Mount VELO ORANGE HANDLEBAR ACCESSORY MOUNT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and once again, re-thought my fixed gear winter trainer’s set up. This time, I’ve moved the switch to the Genetic accessory mount, besides the VDO computer-checking to ensure it didn’t interfere with the wireless signal. No issues so out came the cable ties, and everything was tethered firmly in situ.
I’d toyed (and investigated) mounting the switch atop the Redshift Sports Shockstop Suspension Stem TEST & REVIEW REDSHIFT SPORTS SHOCKSTOP SUSPENSION STEM (sevendaycyclist.com) but the flat profile precluded pleasing effect. The idea to switch to another stem was extinguished, just as soon as it arrived. Anyhow, said brain fart aside, I’m pleased with the result and will resume testing. Now the weather has finally become aligned with early summer, I’ve been enjoying the Teenage Dream’s charms, in the Sunday best sense1991 ROAD BIKE REVAMP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). Ursula and fixed gear winter/trainer are still doing the daily driver mileage. I’m still running the Bat Wax Lube on the fixed but when it comes to Ursula, can’t seem to settle on a wet, dry, or wax type, given the still changeable weather.
