Missing Links & Magic Numbers

Though I’d never say “I can’t do maths” it isn’t my strong suit either and my experience of the school curriculum certainly didn’t help. Anyhow, last week’s quick chain checker intuition revealed Ursula’s was past .7, so time for switching. Out came the 106 link KMC and I was delighted my educated “guestimate” proved exacting.  

Straight up and down the block without undue pull on the short arm Tiagra mech, no sag when dropped on the 22 ring. Confirmed on the following mixed terrain meanders. The work stand is a good gauge, but the real world can throw curved balls.  

I also took this opportunity to replace Ursula’s rear staddle wire- a precaution but cable failures can be nasty- easily and cheaply avoided. Up front, I’ll stick with the TRP Spyre SLC caliper's Shimano pads- get my money’s worth in the wet, gritty conditions, then switch to the Disco Brakes’ semi-metallic Disco Disc Brake Pads and Wavey Rotors | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) .  

Cleats are another small but easily neglected staple. I had a quick check of mine and decided I’d switch to some eXotic Cycles Shimano Compatible SPD Cleats. I’ve long admitted to having a “thing” for pattern products, which started with pedals and has spread to other components, sometimes accessories, too.   

Exhausted KMC binned, I promptly ordered two pre-cut 106 KMC from the supplier, while opportunity and keen pricing presented. A few spare magic links also come in handy- two on the bike, two at home. In practice, two would do and aside from cleaning, lubricating, and replacing chains, I’ve concluded 10 and 11 speeds are best cut once and left alone.

  

This proved an ideal opportunity to inspect the Topeak Hide n’ Tool for signs of corrosion. I was expecting a faint orange taint, but a combination of hardy electroplating and the expander wedge system keeps the grot at bay. Waterlogged lanes and greasy roads were plentiful, so reassuring. I had however managed to “lose” the Hide n’ Tool’s chain spreader but this was reclaimed when tipping Ursula to the side.  

Note to self, add a lick of middleweight (blue) thread lock to subvert this. Talking Topeak, mounted low on Ursula’s seat stay, the Redlite Aero USB Rear Light 30cd is also impressing with its blend of long run times, output, and weatherproofing. Meeting IPX4, I’ve not willfully immersed it (that should be a given) though the odd, unavoidable douching from calve high water hasn’t raised any concerns.  

Waterproof socks have meant the Shimano RX6 Shimano SH RX600 Gravel Cycling Shoes | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) have remained practical and moreover, comfortable. I’ve been pairing the Castelli Perfetto RDS Gloves with some faithful and long serving Gore Tex over-mitts (although the latter’s grippy palms chose this ride to disintegrate).  Then of course, water resistant caps are another welcome addition- ideally a breathable model.  Showers Pass Elite SHOWERS PASS ELITE CYCLING CAP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) being a firm favourite of mine- great wind and rain cheating peak too, so great beneath a road-biased lid.   

The Perfetto RDS seem to hold back light to moderate rain for around an hour- if it's looking rougher, or I’m out for longer, then I’ll reach for the over-mitts.  In terms of socks, I’m disappointed Muc Off decided to phase theirs out-arguably the best fit with sportier shoes and boots.  

That said; I’ve had good experiences with  DexShell Pro Visibility Cycling Socks DEXSHELL PRO VISIBILTY CYCLING SOCKS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and The Gecko Wear Ankle Length Waterproof Cycling Socks Classic GECKO ANKLE LENGTH WATERPROOF SOCKS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Coinciding with chain replacement and Storm Babet’s rude arrival, I’ve reached for the  Weldtite Bike Cleaner concentrate and Zefal Extra Wet Nano Ceramic Chain Lube  ZEFAL EXTRA WET NANO CERAMIC CHAIN LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) to avoid wash off, although I’ll admit to not being overly keen on PTFE as an additive. It’s not the kindest to the planet, aquatic life, and people alike... I also gave the old girl a quick wash, since I was there and finished with a quick post-wash silicone protectant. I was short on time and this Motoverde blend is designed to be applied on damp surfaces.  

Torrential rains have also seen me considering switching to the Carradice Carradry SQR bag CARRADICE CARRADRY SQR BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)- especially since I’ve ditched the full-length chrome plastics. It also means I can post cards, letters etc mid ride without fear of them getting soggy.  I also have the Carradice SQR Super C Tour, bought in November 2001 and save for some characterful, “lived in” patina, going strong 22 years hence.  

Both have an impressive 10-kilo payload but in extreme conditions, the Carradry’s welded seams and zippered side pockets have a definite edge. Lining the SQR Tour with a dry sac (bin bag, in a pinch) largely eliminates incremental creep but the side pockets’ design means small items can escape, given the right circumstances- think packets of spare links/fasteners, the odd slender composite tyre lever etc.  Oh, and while I love the SQR system, it's one for metal posts only- no issues with suspension models, including the Kinekt 2.1, or indeed, Cane Creek Thudbuster.  Right, I'll close with another lighting link. Steve's review of the Exposure Race Mk17 2600lumens Front Light Exposure Race Mk17 2600 Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)    

Upside Down

Having replaced the fixed gear winter/trainer’s headset, upon returning from our shakedown ride, I was despondent to discover a load of slop. A carpenter once said to me (while I was struggling with a student magazine feature) “Come back to it”. Words that have always resonated with me and usually, the most effective use of time, too.

Returning to something at a later point, the problem(s) and solutions are often obvious. Against this backdrop, I’d gone to do the supermarket food and fuel run in the KA.  

Fridge and cupboards stocked, I hopped online and looked for an exploded diagram of the FSA Orbit MX. Lo and behold, as I suspected the inscription on the lower race bearing was “upside down” when “right way up”.  

Hmm...work stand erected, wheel out, stem off. Sliding the forks out confirmed I had indeed, put the lower race bearing the wrong way up. Refitted, with an additional lick of Bearing Juice for luck, I double-checked the upper bearing-correct. 

 

Locking headset spacers make refitting stem etc that bit easier, since among other things, it’ll prevent the fork steerer from slipping out. This time round, I employed a gash 700x32c butyl tube to tether everything, while I fitted a 2mm spacer and a Dia Tech locking spacer beneath the Vecnum FreeQENCE Suspension Stem Vecnum FreeQENCE Suspension Stem | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

 

I’ve acquired two Dia Tech locking spacers, one plain, the other with a cable hanger. I’d found them bankrupt stock. Ursula’s is the only part that remains of its original build. Redundant in some respects, given I’ve gone over to disc, the locking function is to me, a serious boon.      

Back to the fixed...

Preload and stem bolts loosely set, everything felt buttery smooth and free of unwanted play. Wheel reinstated, K-Lite dynamo K-LITE ULTRA LOW DRAG DYNAMO LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) switch cabling retethered to the fork leg with two cable ties...Out from the stand...Front brake on while rocking the bike back and forth revealed some residual play in the bearings. A slight turn of the preload cured that.  

Stem bolts set to 5mm, rocking test repeated, all felt fine, so I quit while ahead and before obsessional neurosis set in. Anything obvious had been eradicated. A quick cleaning of the frameset with Motoverde Waterless Wash & Wax Motoverde Waterless Wash & Wax | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) before everything was repatriated to the garage.   

I’ve switched Ursula from the Muc Off Dry Lube to Momum MIC Wax Momum MIC Wax Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), which, in common with its dryMomum Mic Dry Oil Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) sibling is quick curing, can be topped up (without needing to strip the residual) and returns a decent mileage per application. This also gave opportunity to tweak the rear mech’s cable tension, since there was some jumping when riding in the small ring and under load. Little n’ often checks and tweaks are what keeps us rolling and more serious issues/breakdowns minimal.  

 

A few formative rides on the fixed suggests the Dia Tech spacer has solved the problem. Much the same story for the Teenage Dream’s reconfigured transmission. My suspicions that a 42 ring was a better fit than a 39 with the 14-24 block and returning to Time ATAC pedals better knee health is panning out nicely.  

I’ll leave the spec alone now, although how many times have, I said that... Hmm, watch this space... The weather has turned decidedly soggy, meaning I’ve switched back to Ursula and the fixed gear winter/trainer but great for testing, too.  

Aside from being relieved, I’d gone the sealed bearing route with the latter’s new headset, it's proven a wonderful opportunity to get some serious miles in with the Muc Off Waterproof Socks. There are plenty of waterproof designs on the market. Most are genuinely competent, but these seem a better fit with sportier cycling shoes. 

  

I’ll close here with my review of the Madison Roam Men’s Cargo Bib Shorts Madison Roam Men's Cargo Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and Steve’s test of the Chiba BioXCell Air Cycling Mitts Chiba BioXCell Air Cycling Mitts | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)