Remember Tomorrow

Widespread, seasonal resurfacing has turned local roads to gravel tracks. Perfect conditions for the Univega, and its Scwalbe Marathon Mondial tyres. Rubber designed for the demands of unmade roads and track, without feeling overly ponderous. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-mondial-tyres

Every so often, a rogue chipping will embed itself into the grooves, resulting in that faintly annoying, intermittent whirr, when you’ve reached smooth tarmac. However, I’ve appreciated their superior traction.

Full length chrome plastic guards are another boon in these contexts, protecting rider and paintwork from being shot-blasted by stray aggregate. Once these have been impacted by trucks, vans and similarly hefty vehicles, the roads will resemble a huge cat-litter tray.

At that point. I’ll switch back over to my fixed and 700x35c.  Meantime, these conditions have presented the ideal opportunity to reflect upon the build. Sheer mileage, in all conditions have meant a revolving door of components. Specifically, chains, cassettes, braking, cables, bearings.

Frame aside; only the front cable guide remains of the original build. Lighting and other accessories have evolved to meet need but ultimately, it has morphed into precisely the all-terrain machine I lusted (and day- dreamed over) during my school daze.

Arguably a custom build might be lighter, dare I say better and I occasionally toy with the idea of a titanium fork (At the right price) and even with the new 1x10 setup, there’s some very minor compromise. Nonetheless, compromises that can be eradicated with use.

A change of cassette-within 3,000 miles, front ring/both. Oh, and the new Microshift Centos setup is behaving impeccably, across the range. We’ve had some very wet spells recently, which has meant Steve’s been keeping these Oxford Bright 2.0 Overshoes close by. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-bright-2-0-overshoe , That said; I’ve opted for touring shoes and these Prendas Ciclismo Bordeaux-Paris Coolmax socks  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/prendas-ciclismo-1

Wax type lubes have become much “stiffer”, so a more realistic option for more changeable conditions. Univega’s FSA chain dressed in the Zefal Extra Dry Premium Chain Wax, I managed forty-five miles along waterlogged roads, by which point, these had flushed the lubricant properties out, and the orange taint set in.

Interestingly, the Zefal is reckoned to cure, ride ready in an hour (4-8 is more typical in my experience). Potentially a practical choice for touring and commuting. Having dried the chain, I have since reintroduced three thin coats, leaving thirty minutes between each coat.

In common with other, low friction, super hygienic blends, such as Weldtite TF2 Ultra dry chain wax, it makes easy transition to Jockey wheels and other metal to metal interfaces. However, I don’t find wax, or emulsion types the best options for hesitant cleat/mechanisms.

This cured to a very rich, white state before turning a scuzzy black, within the first (predominantly dry) road miles. Once compounded with crap, it scabs away, leaving a protectant layer behind. Thus far, we’re only 65 miles in but this seems the way forward. 300 the number to beat https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/squirt-long-lasting-dry-chain-lube . Friction and cleanliness are pretty much what I’ve come to expect from this genre, so we’ll see.

 So, where does “Remember tomorrow” tie in with all this? I am referring to a song, from Iron Maiden’s first album. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RiWRHNXswQ  One that I acquired in 1990 (during the height of this bike lusting in class business.). I was sitting my GCSEs at the time and aside from all things two-wheeled, I was contemplating my life, love and the road to happiness-in a holistic sense.  

In some respects, it’s interesting to see where I have been, what I have done in the years since. 29 years hence, my son also finds himself at the close of his school career. Neither of us were “Star Students”, we certainly didn’t mirror the school’s definition.

Learning, attainment and development have always been held dear. However, school was not the right environment. I’m hoping he can plough through this final phase, secure his provisional college placements, and continue to expand his horizons. An end of an era too, for John & Jane’s Tandem Trike https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/love-resurrection-john-moss-s-tandem  After almost 40 years in their ownership, it’s found a new and hopefully, loving home. No, not with me. My elderly feline might move out in protest!

  

Three Wheels on Your Wagon?

John and Jane are selling their beloved Tandem Trike. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/love-resurrection-john-moss-s-tandem  If you are genuinely interested, please contact me in the first instance. Either via this email roadpathtoenlightenment@gmail.com or Michaelsevendaycyclist@gmail.com

Silence is Golden

Icy weather in remission, it was time to switch back to my beloved fixed. I’d also received this rather nice Fizi’k Vento Solocush tacky handlebar tape, and a Tioga city slicker (700x32c) tyre. The Fizi’k Vento Solocush Tacky handlebar tape, is reminiscent of other tacky, polymer based tapes. Including Lizard Skins DSP bar tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/lizard-skins-dsp.

I wasn’t expecting the additional .2mm density to have much impact, especially when dressing the bars. However, it required a firm, consistent approach to achieve aesthetically pleasing results. In common with similar tapes, it was very tolerant of being rewound, which was welcomed.

These sorts of finishes require more delicate cleansing (no harsh chemicals, or brushes for that matter). Otherwise, you’ll strip the non-slip layer. I was also surprised by how readily minor traces of dirt/oil and grease transferred. So, best to wear/change examination gloves, if new tape coincides with more generic servicing/repair.  

Plenty of additional incentive to get out along the lanes. However, I have noticed a palpable and pronounced surge in aggression-across the board. 

Observation and first-hand experience, on two wheels and four, leads me to hypothesise people are increasingly angry and entitled. This leads to an emotionally immature, and extremely dangerous “might is right” mindset. Rather than considered, cooperative and intelligent approach to road use.

I have often wondered whether this has any connection to a wider sense of societal angst and popularist politics. Popularism can be defined in a multitude of ways. For me, it describes a knee jerk, simplistic, emotional responses to complex issues. 

Popularist ideologies appeal to those, who know nothing about the world, are disinterested in exploring possibilities and simply want these prejudices validated.

Talking of prejudices, while in the midlands, collecting my wheel, from John Moss, I suddenly got thinking about my Univega’s mysterious (phantom) creak. Bottom bracket replacement sounded like a reasonable starting point.

Then I got to thinking along other lines. Firstly, the idea that the left-hand crank might be the culprit. Perhaps the alloy taper had warped slightly, preventing it from staying snug on the arm. This prompted one of those infamous, late evening trawls of the online auction sites, searching for a suitable replacement crankset, at the right price…

Having placed a couple of (mercifully) unsuccessful bids, I then reflected upon recent changes. Pedals being the only component switches. So, I reverted to the venerable Ritchey patterns, gave the crank bolts another quick check, then headed out for another twenty-mile blast.  Smooth, progressive silence

This appears to have cured the problem, so, being a perpetual fettler, I am, I’ve swapped to these Wellgo RC713, which offer excellent ground clearance and surprising amounts of support, even on longer outings. However, there’s no doubting double sided designs have a slight edge, at the traffic light grand prix.  

I was tempted to swap to a rather nice set of single sided Time. However, these would require swapping over to the time cleats. Sticking with SPD means I can alternate between fixed gear ‘crosser and Univega, without having to consider footwear choices.

Back on the fixed, I was enjoying some headspace along the lanes, when a mile from home, a slow rear puncture struck. I was able to creep the final half mile, on 35psi. The Gods had decided it was time to instate the Halo track HG wheel, built by John Moss. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/love-resurrection-john-moss-s-tandem 

Now, there’s a lot to be said about this hub. One side is threaded for a conventional track sprocket and lock-ring. Bearing quality and weather sealing are also very high, well suited to the real world. In this instance, hollow Cro-moly axles turn on super smooth, Japanese bearings.

Refined and very reliable but nothing out of the ordinary… However, the other features an HG cassette type body, designed for Halo’s dedicated 7mm sprockets. These slot on the splines and are locked in situ, using a traditional Shimano type tool. No need for chain whips and primal grunting.

Yes, traditional HG sprockets may fit…

However, they will wear through the splines. You have been warned. It will accept sprockets between 12 and 20 teeth. Caters for pancake flat, hillier regions, or indeed, trail duty too.

The other significant feature is the ability to get chainline absolutely bang-on (between 41 and 52mm). This is particularly significant on conversions, which have generally required bevelled sprockets to compensate.  

I gauged spacing by studying that of the Aerorage wheel. Panned out exactly as I’d hoped. Sliding the 15tooth sprocket home, I added a moderate lick of grease to the lock-ring.

Snugged tight, I mounted Schwalbe rim tape and their 35mm Marathon GT tyre. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres  I wanted something super dependable but relatively sprightly. The GT roll a lot faster, and smoother than their weight and profiles suggest. Looks like a great package and one I can’t wait to get testing!

Tandem Trikes & Other Favourites

John and Jane Moss have taken the difficult decision to sell their Tandem trike, owned by them since 7^th July 1979. Well, back in 1979, it was a Peugeot touring tandem, and rebuilt as a trike, back in 2007. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/love-resurrection-john-moss-s-tandem  

Much money has been spent upgrading the drivetrain and braking. End of an era. However, John’s trike focus, has turned almost exclusively to his Sinner Mango Velomobile. Sadly, there’s no longer enough room, in his workshop, for both. Contact me, by email, if you are interested in buying their tandem trike. 

Elsewhere, I’ve relocated “Franenpute” sensor and magnet, to chainstay and rear wheel. This appears to have solved the interference hassles, when SP PD8 and SL9 dynohubs https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-evura-shutter-precision-sl9-dy  are switched on.

500 miles in, and I’ve also warmed to the Passport Element Chain. At 802 kg, tensile strength is noticeably lower than track type fare, such as KMC Z1 inox https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/kmc-inox-chain (1050kg). These are almost twice the Passport’s asking price, so direct comparisons are unfair.

I’m 70 kilos, so don’t tax components in the same way a powerfully built, 90kilo rider will. Though I noticed the difference in tensile strength, when powering along a climb. I’d be happy popping one on a traditional winter/fixed conversion, single speed freewheels; or hub geared road build.  

More powerful riders, or those living in hillier regions and who only run a single, front brake, would be better served by something like the KMC. Nonetheless, true to claims, lubricant clings to the rougher, galvanised texture.

This not only means it stays put but there’s less clean up, and transference to hands/clothing.  I’ve had to tweak tension, on a couple of occasion, most recently this week, by the roadside.

For one, moral sapping moment, my beloved and long serving Pedros Trixie multitool seemed elusive. Thankfully, the 15mm head popped out from behind a tightly bound spare tube.

Back in September, the fixed hub belonging to the Mavic Open Pro build expired. I’d switched to the Halo Aerorage but pondered what to replace the Mavic’s no-name hub with. I’ve had no problems with cheap hubs in the past. An On-One Inbred unit served a good twelve years before expiry.

A simple cup n’ cone Maillard double fixed unit, graced my first fixed gear build, which was based around a 501 Raleigh frameset. The Inbred is a better bet, for daily drivers cum hack bikes, courtesy of sealed bearings and perfect for a utilitarian build. The sort which needs to be reliable but not attract unwanted attention, when locked to street furniture for longer periods.

Then this Halo rear fix G track hub, was offered me by Ison Distribution https://www.ison-distribution.com/english/product.php?part=HUHATG2K . Sealed bearings and hollow Cro-moly axles bode well for year-round/winter service. Look closely and you’ll notice a HG cassette type assembly for loading fixed sprockets.

Aside from the obvious convenience-no need for medieval looking chain whips, this allows for an adjustable chain-line, between 41and 52mm. Theoretically, a boon for older road conversions. However, those looking to leave their frame spacing untouched may find Surly New Road Rear https://www.ison-distribution.com/english/product.php?part=HUSURRDK a better option.

Don’t be tempted to use HG cassette sprockets with the rear fix G. Stick with 7mm Halo Fat foot, or Gusset Double Six sprockets.

Then there’s an independent lock-ring, that doesn’t have to deal with those rotational forces, traditionally synonymous with fixed transmissions. Talking of which, it will also entertain fixed sprockets between 12 and 20teeth. This should cater for pretty much every occasion, including fixed gear cross/gravel antics.    

Tioga City Slickers are another definite favourite of mine and 25 years later, they’re much as I recall, save for a new, “Energetic” 60tpi casing. Our samples are 700x32 but there’s a 38mm option, and plenty to please those of us, still running 26inch wheels.

I spent several years bombing round the capital on 26x1.95s, which were quick and compliant. Literally gliding over holes and lumpy ironworks. Punctures were rare events too. Or is that nostalgia weaving its hypnotic spell. Several weeks and a few hundred miles will tell.

One way, or the other.  Right, better glue this nasty looking (though thankfully, superficial) cut in the Soma Supple Vitesse EX casing. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-fabrications-vitesse  Before it expands, or a thorn, glass, or similar sharp sneaks inside.

Glancing back but moving forward.

After a week of searing heat and serious fun on the Holdsworth, thundery skies and gusty winds saw a return to the Ilpompino. In my haste to repair a flat, I remounted its Vittoria Voyager hyper in reverse direction, inducing some mild, though tangible skittishness through waterlogged corners. High time I reinstated that front mudguard too…

While out running some errands, my eye was immediately drawn to a long row of club bikes shackled to café’ railings while their owners tucked in to hearty lunches. A flat bar build with discs stood out on account of its full length SKS guards with neatly angled stays.

These stays look an excellent option should my stay bending prowess prove lacking, so I’ve dropped their UK importer a quick email. Elsewhere in this line up, some cut down drops had me fishing for my Samsung CSC (Compact Systems Camera) However, I was conscious that loitering with intent ran the risk of inducing suspicion, so took a single shot and turned on my heels.  

The popularity of complete bike builds has mushroomed in recent years thanks t the economies of scale-purchase power and falling prices (a full carbon build with Dura Ace groupset at £1300 is very hard to resist!!). However, that tradition of “recycling”; upgrading tired framesets and swapping the components over, or  building a machine that stops and goes in excellent proportion using “what you’ve got” remains in rude health.

Juniors are better catered for in this new wave of complete packages too, although choice still remains comparatively limited. Many long serving enthusiasts are raiding their overstocked spares bins, giving once forgotten wheels and part worn groupsets new leases of life on 14 inch 6061 framesets.

Joshua’s rekindled interest in two wheels has seen me pondering such a project, which would also bolster the father/son bond. Not that this has become particularly strained, although that quest for increased autonomy and evolving sense of values can induce friction.

At the other extreme, I’m fast assuming MAMIL status (Middle Aged Man in Lycra) and while confident it would, was pleased to discover this Motorola team replica Jersey (Bought for my eighteenth birthday in um, 1991) fitted perfectly-phew!

Despite leaving team jerseys and mass start racing pretentions behind in my twenties, I retain a soft spot for this one. Sentiment aside, the shallow zipper and waffle weave polyester mean climate and odour control lags behind contemporary designs with 3/4length zippers and faster wicking polyester blends.

Nonetheless, despite countless thrills and numerous spills it remains in remarkably rude health. Pockets are deep enough for trade bottles, tubes and longer mini pumps too.

After a few failed missions, I’ve managed to catch up with John and his fantastic Peugeot tandem trike. He’d been having some trouble with the rear hub, which offers an infinite range of gears-possibly the Holy Grail for slogging up a really long climb with proverbial kitchen sink en tow.

With three (sometimes, five when their trailer’s added to the equation) wheels on his wagon, John reckons he can drop the speed to two mph without any adverse effect. However, while handling is generally pretty civilised, there are some limitations to the build. Potholes being the most obvious and some would argue, daunting examples. As he puts it:

“Even at a very modest speed, say 15mph you become very aware of it tipping, which is extremely disconcerting-especially for the stoker and with trailer following behind!” Talking of which, there’s rather a lot going on up front too. Alongside the usual suspects, I spot a sizeable set of Winkku mirrors with integral indicators and dipped “daylight” beams.  

Aside from the obvious observations, these also allow him to keep a watchful eye on their trailer, which can slide out when tackling tighter turns given the wheelbase.

Then I spotted an old thumb shifter resides on Jane’s stoker bars.

This commands a Deore XT linear pull, allowing her to gently scrub off some speed without any risk of it locking the rear wheel. It also doubles as a very convenient parking brake. We weren’t the only admirers, one of John’s cats decided he fancied some worship, swiftly followed by their neighbour’s Akita! Thankfully, Mr Singh was close by and his dog is uncharacteristically indifferent to the feline community.

We’ve a full interview with John and the fascinating story behind his special build shortly in Seven Day Cyclist (www.sevendaycyclist.co.uk). He’s also talking in terms of buying a fully faired Mango recumbent with electric assist for long solo efforts-watch this space…