The Summer of Wax

 

I’ve been defaulting to wax lubes through spring and testing aside; this is likely to continue through into early autumn. Murphey's law has seen conditions take another dramatic change. It was now wetter than the proverbial Haddock's underpants- great for my crops but not conditions where waxes traditionally excel. I'm sticking with them for now, since I have several blends and they generally speaking, attract minimal dirt, thus extending the useful life of chains, cassettes, derailleurs and rings.

 After 130 miles, upon returning from the morning’s meander, Denise’s KMC chain was beginning to look thirsty. I went to retrieve the KMC GO but then wondered if two loosely similar waxes would prove chemically compatible. This would also allow me to use up the remaining Weldtite Wax Weldtite Wax Lube | cycling-not-racing.

 Just before drizzling into every link, I noticed a large sludgy kernel clinging to the Tiagra mech's jockey wheel, so scooped that away using this BBB chain gauge first- another strangely satisfying job.  

Gunk purged, I shook the Weldtite Wax bottle again, popped the spout and dropped into every link, spun the cranks to ensure even penetration and left curing. Twenty-five wet miles, I wasn’t surprised to discover the chain had turned a scuzzy, dark grey.

I hoped the wax had just arrested contaminant and wasn’t becoming a grinding paste. Though waxes are renown for cleanliness, if traces of an oil-based lubricant are left on the chain, the two formulas will trap grit, leading to accelerated drivetrain wear. Mercifully, the KMC and Weldtite seem mutually compatible, grime scabbing away during the next twenty-mile outing, leaving a protective film behind.  

I'd also reached that tipping point where an idea was becoming the ONLY idea-namely replacing the 2x10 Deore for a 3x10- I was looking to upgrade too, to an XT. Mercifully, I was able to talk myself out of this burgeoning obsession by reminding myself that doing so would require a longer rear mech-additional and moreover, unnecessary expense. The most cost-effective upgrade if I was going for a new mech would be a 38, or 40 tooth big ring and a 12-34 cassette. Not a triple. 

The latest generation of gravel “mullet” drivetrains on gravel builds is, for me, very reminiscent of those found on mid-late 80’s mountain bikes. Not the freewheels, rather the derailleur cage length. Cages were hanging perilously low to the ground. In fact, in some circles, it seemed the lower you’re cage, er, hung, the better. This also prompted a swing to using short cage road mechs. However, this proved rather short-lived, once many became the casualties of rocks and off road’s general rough n’ tumble.

Continuing this waxy theme, Extra UK has kindly sent me this All-Mountain Style Miami Glide Chain Wax. Developed and manufactured in Barcelona, it claims to be an all-season’s lube. One promising smooth, clean, durable performance in dry to damp conditions. I’m looking forward to putting it to the test. In common with most waxes, it demands a surgically clean drivetrain first time round and emerges from the spout as a faint blue. A visual clue as to how much you’ve applied. Curing times are in terms of hours, so I’d leave overnight, where possible.

Extra also sent me some nice goodies from Topeak. Racks have fallen a little out of vogue in general terms, thanks in part to the popularity of gravel and bikepacking luggage. I’m fond of both, neither are better than the other, just more appropriate in certain contexts. Continuing this theme, I’ve always been fond of Topeak’s Quick Track System-the refinement and security specifically. I first encountered it back in 2009, but at the time commented the only drawback was the system specific design.

However, Topeak has since extended the appeal by offering a Quick Track plate as a retrofittable option. I was keen to see how that would perform with the M Part Summit Rear Rack M Part Summit Rear Rack | cycling-not-racing and Topeak’s MTX Trunk Dry Bag Topeak MTX Trunk Dry Bag | cycling-not-racing .

Finally, we’ve Topeak’s Drybag Pannier. This one’s the smaller, 16 litre version, but there’s a 24-litre sibling, should you prefer.  Sonically welded TPU construction and roll top closure bode well for keeping stuff bone dry and a 10-kilo payload is similarly reassuring. Mounting hardware is another thing that can make, or indeed, break otherwise decent luggage.

Rixen Kaul has long been the benchmark when it comes to reliable, user-friendly mounting hardware. Topeak’s in-house handle lock system is a spring-loaded system that works to a similar principle -pull the handle upward to release, press down onto the rack and it will click into place. The lower foot is also tool free and really easy to adjust, say when switching between bikes.  A single compartment is cavernous but potentially blessing and curse- depending on what and how you are packing.   

 

 

 

 

Subtle Gains & False Economies

 

Cables replaced and firmer conclusions cemented regarding the Continental Terra CompetitionTrails’ dirt prowess The Continental Terra Competition Trail | cycling-not-racing, it was time to strip the drivetrain of residual Muc-Off Dark Energy Chain Wax Muc-Off Dark Energy Chain Wax | cycling-not-racing and reapply another wax- the KMC Go, since I had ample left and it was closest to hand.

Checking the chain’s health, I was pleased to discover it was only .25, which was another incentive for sticking with wax lubes. I decided to retire Denise's 11-25 cassette in favour of an 12-28 since I had a Microshift in stock. The Tiagra was the original and outlasted six chains. Shifts were still smooth, but I noticed some very occasional skipping when climbing on the small ring. The cassette switch and some long climbs confirmed my suspicions and crucially solved the issue. Going by the book, the chain would’ve gone too, but wear was minimal and I wanted to be sure.

I like Tiagra- it might lack glamour but is a relatively inexpensive and durable component group with decent performance. 12,13,14,15,17,19,21,23,25 and 28 are more road-centric than a gravel setup but paired with the 175mm 36x26 rings gives a range between 24.4 and 78.8 inches. Closer to that found on older cyclo cross rigs and crucially, well suited to my riding needs. Longer-term, when the rear mech finally turns sloppy, I will consider a long arm version and a 12-30-tooth cassette as a bail out, or trailer winching option. 

Spring’s tepid start had been eclipsed by some very balmy weather, the mercury reaching 27 degrees over the bank holiday weekend. Ideal conditions for testing summer riding kit.

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the Altura Airstream Jersey’s wicking prowess- I could literally feel sweat being wicked through the perforated shoulders. The BBB Karma MIPS also gulps in plenty of cooling air. Steve’s been suitably impressed by Castelli’s Espresso 2 bib shorts.Castelli Espresso 2 Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing and jersey Castelli Espresso2 Jersey | cycling-not-racing

Even at these temperatures, the KMC (and Muc-Off) have demonstrated good temperature stability, turning slightly soft, rather than becoming a gooey mess. A hairdryer on high heat, coupled with warmer weather has also helped traffic the Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing deep within the Wellgo 823’s inner sanctum, turning them close to buttery smooth and completely silent.

I say close since they’re cheerful cheapies. While adjustable, come time bearings get the grumbles they won’t owe anything but unless you’ve a free hand in axles, bearings etc, rebuilding may prove uneconomic.

Go for their MO94B WELLGO MO94B SPD PEDALS | cycling-not-racing cousins, or Shimano’s justly revered 520 if you’re looking to strip, service and possibly rebuild. Alignment of the auction site’s Garmin mount lacks the outright precision of some, but easily corrected post ride while I was snugging the stem face bolts down.  

I’m planning to fit the other to Ursula, when I get round to the bar, stem, and brake lever switch, but no rush, given the positioning is right and existing components are very serviceable.

Sometimes, these auction site “bargains” can be false economy- rubberised crank arm and brake lever protectors being two prime examples. Buy a decent set, such as these Zefal ZEFAL CRANK ARMOR | cycling-not-racing and they’ll last, quickly recouping the initial investment. Action camera mounts can also fall into this category, although I’ve found some cheap and cheerful designs. That clinging to Denise’s Genetic Neuron GENETIC NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing being another case in point.  Switching Muffin’s Vittoria Adventure Tech for the Maxxis Roamer proved a welcome move.

The Vittoria roll better than I’d expect from coarse 27tpi casings and there’s not much separating them but even at loftier pressures, the folding 42mm 60tpi Roamer are supple and compliant, giving a nice, magic carpet ride across lumpy lanes. There’s also scope for less challenging dirt roads, byways and bridleways.         

 

Freeing the Soul, Sorting the Brake

 

Some lovely kit arrived in the form of this BBB Karma MIPS helmet and Altura Airstream Jersey and bib shorts. The Karma is a nicely executed, particularly airy design using MIPS (Multi Directional Impact Protection System). This is the air node version that’s integral to the padding and supposedly the lightest iteration.

Twenty-five vents are impressive, but the raised crossbeams theoretically encourage air through the scalp. In practice, this would appear so in practice. I was pleased to note the polycarbonate shell extends around the rim, protecting the EPS liner from everyday carelessness. Though arguably a road design, I’ve found its made excellent transition to gravel duties and the shape is very accommodating of high-power lights, such as this Sigma Buster HL2000 SIGMA SPORT BUSTER HL 2000 | cycling-not-racing

A rogue red deer cantering from a hedge, into my path seemed keen to test the lid’s credentials but thankfully, my reaction times and bike handling skills kept everything in check. Altura’s Airstream are budget garments but definitely very cheerful. Both have been revised (for the better) since the set I tested back in 2021.

Pockets are deep, supportive and they’ve added a fourth, zippered model with a long, user-friendly tag. However, the left-handed will doubtless point out it doesn’t favour everyone.  Having exhausted the 50ml bottle of Muc-Off Dark Energy Chain Wax Muc-Off Dark Energy Chain Wax | cycling-not-racing , I’ve been taking to the trails and unmade byways to see how the Continental Terra Trail perform on hardpack and loose surfaces.

Speed, compliance and grip are impressive in these contexts and while the Genetic Digest are a touch broad for some gaps, this is tempered by their leverage and shallow drop. These provide excellent control when hunkered down and hossing along the singletrack. A good bet for trailer tugging and similar duties- yep, they’re staying. I dialled things that bit sharper by raising the stem a few millimetres. Some adjustments are genuinely intuitive and tend to strike mid, or post ride.

Denise’s rear stopper decided to turn erratic and mischievous. Not that I use a rear brake often, but if something’s fitted, then it needs to perform well. Having stopped to commune with this little Shetland during one forest trail frolic, I decided it was time to strip and clean the arms and replace inner and outer cables.

A simple job, but sometimes I’m my own worst enemy…Spares boxes open, I was contemplating all sorts- switching the cantilevers for some Tekro…Or some Dia Compe…Or Some Avid…Investigating this and other options saw time evaporate-precisely the opposite of what I’d intended.

After some faff and deliberation, I stripped and cleaned the brakes, bosses, applied some Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing , replaced the cables. Stripped out, both had seen better days and an obvious impairment to smooth braking.  Another bog-standard but very serviceable Clarks stainless inner, but Jagwire’s CGX SL outer. This features a high carbon coil steel, providing the strength required for braking, the carbon component limiting compression. This coupled with the lubricated liner ensures excellent modulation and feel, even commanded by Tektro’s cheerful RL340 lever.

I still treat outers and inners to a blast of maintenance spray, since opportunity presents. A precautionary drop of super glue on the freshly snipped inner seals the deal. My experience of bog standard cablesets, regardless of brand is they are serviceable enough and a very inexpensive way of restoring shifting and braking prowess- so long as they're replaced seasonally-especially on working bikes.

However, spending just a little more can reap better rewards in terms of weather resistance and performance. Pre-lubricated liners also keep things slick and largely eliminate the need for periodic flushing through with GT85 GT85 ALL PURPOSE LUBRICANT, Muc-Off MO94 Muc-Off MO94 Multi Use Spray | cycling-not-racing.

Inner wires seem less prone to stretch, cut nicely and tend not to fray so readily. That said don't skimp on decent quality cutters. I'm also quick to add that precautionary blob of superglue to the ends.  Less elegant than solder, or a crimp perhaps but effective.

You needn't spend a fortune either. Transfil Flying Snakes are c. £25, very durable and supposedly 30% lighter thanks to the Kevlar/composite outers. Forget cable cuffs, or helicopter tape at your paintwork's peril and installation requires more patience compared with other brands I've used. 

 I’m pleased to report the Ergon Orthocell Handlebar tape  Ergon Orthocell Handlebar Tape | cycling-not-racing  was still receptive to being re-wound and shows little signs of wear. Elsewhere, I’d been having a few issues with a Garmin pattern mount and the Gaciron Xiaoman 1000 light, so took a gamble on an auction site stem mount…

Despite some initial scepticism and tiny screws for the Garmin and GoPro patterns, I was pleasantly surprised by how easily it came together and crucially, how securely it holds the Gaciron Xiaoman and Coospo CS600 Coospo CS600 GPS | cycling-not-racing. Suffice to say, I’ve bought a second.

  

Reinvention, Regeneration & Reward

 

Genetic Neuron accessory mount in situ across both bikes, I've found a cheap but cheerful stem with 45- degree rise and wasted no time in slotting the Ridgeback Gravel drops in situ, followed by the Dia Compe EVO V levers. There's no getting away from the fact I knew this idea would gather momentum- I could see my mind's mechanisms turning and doubtless you could too. However, it will stay in this state of limbo for now- the existing setup is perfectly functional and in good aesthetic shape, so switching over at this point is not a good use of time and other resources.

However, the perpetual fettler in me is compelled by such urges...By contrast there is also comfort in the familiar and life can force us to adapt, which is ultimately a good thing and very empowering, provided one does not toss in the towel.

I have been left in charge of Seven Day Cyclist Touring Commuting Recreation Rides Tests | Seven Day Cyclist and am having to learn site maintenance and design. Layout was a crucial part of my Newspaper journalism studies and something I struggled with, back in the days of paper and spray-mount. Would certainly explain my anxiety, dare we say the odd mental block. "Come back to it" were the immortal words of sage-like wisdom imparted to me by an old carpenter.  In this instance, I was 17 and struggling to produce some nicely flowing copy in longhand.    

There have been some very stressful moments that teleported me straight back to the final year of my degree over three decades ago. However, in common with that era, there’s similar resolve and determination to overcome the barriers and hurdles. Riding helps with perspective in all facets of life, although particularly pouring over something in a stuck position. However, there is also a huge difference between a positive break and running away or otherwise putting things off.

I’d introduced a Genetic Neuron Accessory MountGENETIC NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing to Denise  but then discovered I hadn’t a "Goldilocks" shim that would achieve vice-like tenure with the auction site special camera mount and Neuron’s 22.2mm extension tube. Some lateral thought, a rummage through the scraps box unearthed  some scrap  Ergon Orthocell Handlebar Tape Ergon Orthocell Handlebar Tape | cycling-not-racing, which is 3mm thick, thus double as a shim, offer some damping, while protecting the Neuron’s finish. Got me thinking about Scott’s Drop In Bar from the late 1980s- I recall someone running a set on their winter bike, mounting lights on the lower sections. However. They appear to be 26.4 and there’s no way I’d be paying classic prices for them, either.

 Though not inflexible, the Orthocell’s density means its tricker to bind evenly-at least over 70mm, and I’ve needed to apply electrical tape to both ends. Not as neat as I envisaged but passable aesthetically and very functional. I had toyed with mounting the camera lower, but experimentation confirmed brake and gear cable runs precluded this. It would’ve also meant less control when dis/engaging the camera. Presented an opportunity to grease the mounting hardware using some of the Zefal Pro Grease Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing, which seems very effective, durable and seriously good value. Superb for hubs, headsets and contact points-especially on working bikes. I’d opt for Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing on Hollowtech II axles, and I’d steer away from suspension components but as general use workshop staples go, the Zefal seems hard to beat.

Muc Off Dark Energy Chain Wax continues to impress with its friction busting and seemingly durable properties, which will hopefully extend chain and other component life into the bargain.  Traditionally, dry and wax formulas have been great for cleanliness, low friction and responsive shifting in dry and dusty conditions, but required regular reapplication, especially when things turned showery, let alone wet. 

This is changing and while the Dark Energy is relatively pricey compared with some other waxes, performance is reassuringly good and then of course, this could be recouped courtesy of lower maintenance. The lack of dirt, grime and contaminant should also mean you're replacing sensitive, not to mention expensive drivetrain components less frequently. 

Horses for Courses is a phrase that still holds sway in my world. Someone recently substituted a healthy 105 group set for RX100, which might seem a strange choice, but they felt it made the bike more practical as a regular driver. I recall some folks saying they "Wouldn't put RX100 on a pram" when it was released back in the 90s.  

However, the 7/8 speed group is less exotic, thus less immediately attractive to casual thieves when locking up in the street, on an errand and 7/8 speed chains tend to wear better. I've had 2,000 miles, maybe a little more from a KMC fed a middleweight wet lube, such as Weldtite's All Conditions Lube Weldtite All Weather Lube | cycling-not-racing By contrast, a typical ten-speed chain has been bin fodder come 1400miles, like-for-like.   

Just Because You Can Doesn’t Always Mean You Should

 

One thing often leads to another in my world. I’d spotted some bridlepath while bimbling along the backroads and was curious to see where it led- not very far, ultimately but nothing ventured, nothing gained. I was tempted to tackle it the night before, since I was out bedding in some brake pads and getting some beam shots. However, the Sigma Buster HL2000 SIGMA SPORT BUSTER HL 2000 | cycling-not-racing battery was still charging, so I made a mental note for the following morning.  Having indulged in a mixed terrain loop, I cut right and found myself navigating some recently churned bridleway that required low gears, persistence, deft unclipping and dab-downs.

Conditions improved and at that point I was met with a private no public access sign, so turned around and embraced the gloop once more.  Having filled the CST Patrol’s CST Patrol Folding EPS Tyres | cycling-not-racing tread, turning them into giant slicks (albeit with tangible traction) I rejoined asphalt and headed the two miles home, the CST Patrol shedding mud, mortar fashion.  

I rounded up the bike wash and blitzed Ursula. No sooner had I gone for the sudsy bucket, Fed Ex dropped off some goodies from Muc-Off. Specifically their Dark Energy Chain Wax and Chain Wax Cleaner-the latter optimised for removing wax lubes and others, including the factory packet-fresh elixir. I’d already stripped the Weldtite All Conditions Lube Weldtite All Weather Lube | cycling-not-racing clinging to Ursula’s KMC using Moto Verde Drivetrain cleaner, which is a very effective formula that works cleaner, rather than faster.

A question of spraying over the chain, cassette, rings and leaving the Motoverde doing its thing for 5-10 minutes, then introducing your chosen scrubbing brushes to agitate and lift the residual lube before rinsing with warm water and drying thoroughly.  The Muc-Off Chain Wax cleaner is reckoned to work in seconds, which may account for the (£22) asking price. Looking more closely at the directions suggests it's primarily intended for stripping chains of the factory dressing and similar before waxes are employed. It is also designed to tackle wax formulas, which can be quite tricky to dismiss convincingly, especially if they've been impacted within the chain, cassette and rings. In my experience, solvents tend to melt, rather than dismiss wax formulas, resulting in a gooey mess. Will be interesting to see how it performs.   

The Dark Energy Chain Wax uses a liquid carrier, which in my experience, results in more controlled, less wasteful application. Drop into every link, shift the chain up and down the cassette and leave curing for at least twelve hours- three times longer than typical of wax formulas. Designed for dry to damp conditions, as waxes are, I’m expecting something special. Muc-Off say the Dark Energy Chain Wax has been four years in the making and offers “The most complex balance between efficiency, durability and wear.”

I’m looking forward to seeing what the lanes, trails and roads reveal, once I’ve rolled it out across the fleet.  When it comes to Ursula, though there have been some very small tweaks and personal changes since her refurbishment and modernisation eighteen months back, the makeover pleases me. Retrospectively, I should’ve left more length in the Carbon Cycles Exotic Fork steerer Carbon Cycles Exotic Fork | cycling-not-racing , which would permit me to use more spacers and more traditional flared drops. 

I remain very fond of the Soma Condor II Shallow Drop Bars (riser drops) SOMA CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS | and the positioning is bang on. However, the swoopy design means the diameter isn’t uniform throughout and can make mounting or aligning accessories trickier.  Eventually, I will retire the fork, go with a longer steerer and switch the bars but otherwise, cost of new fork, new cables and time switching everything over greatly outweighs the small, some might say, marginal gains. Come time, I will also replace the Tektro 520 levers for Dia Compe 287, since though great value, aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, in my experience, inner wires ultimately wear through the Tektro’s resin guides.    

Now, this brings me to the title. Though Ursula’s modernisation was for me, the right move, I’m not for wholesale conversion of older cross country mountain bikes, for its own sake.  Because everyone appears to be doing something, doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.

An old, cosmetically tatty but otherwise solid, good quality cro-moly frameset that needs refinishing, some additional braze-ons might be a good candidate (if an experienced frame builder gave it the nod). However, cantilevers and V brakes still offer excellent stopping prowess, are lighter, and generally simple to maintain.

Similarly, while 26 inch has stopped being the default, tyre choice is still pretty comprehensive, although I can see the draw of 650b, which was another factor influencing Ursula’s structural works. However, this coincided with some light structural repair and a respray- no sense having these done only to decide I wanted a disc mount.   

Discs are not the only fruit. I like them, but they can also get basted in a fair bit of crap, resulting in rub and slightly impaired performance. Then of course, not all frames and forks are beefy enough to withstand the additional forces discs place upon them. A good builder will insist on fitting a brace, such as that added to Ursula by Winston Vaz.

I’m still really fond of Magura’s Hydrostop, but they can be stubborn to set up and were supplied with braces, since their power was sufficient to cause cracks and other structural woes-especially in thin-wall tubing.  On that note, I'll leave you with something completely different- my review of the Coospo Real Road CS600 GPS Computer Coospo CS600 GPS | cycling-not-racing 

 

Waxes & Inner Whippets

 

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the KMC Go wax chain lube. Arguably a chain manufacturer of their magnitude would be expected to produce a decent lube. There are some limitations and I’d still say, in keeping with the Weldtite Wax Weldtite Wax Lube | cycling-not-racing  it’s a fair weather, three seasons lube. One that copes better in damper conditions than typically associated with wax formulas.

Wild and windy weather aside, conditions continue to become more spring-like, prompting me to switch Ursula back over to the CST Patrol CST Patrol Folding EPS Tyres | cycling-not-racing. An easy switch, or so I thought…A seized, or at least recalcitrant front Spyre SLC calliper prompted a strip and clean. I switched the pads since I was there. The existing pair were ok and good enough as contingencies-I just need to gently sand some light glaze and similar crap from them. 

Continuing this waxy flavour, Muc-Off waved their Dark Energy Chain Wax. Claimed to be four years in the making and suitable for road, gravel and mountain biking. Made from “plant-based biodegradable waxes” and free from PFAS and PTFE. It’s a dropper wax intended to narrow the gaps between dropper and immersion types. The latter, as the term suggests are where the chai is immersed and left in the wax, refitted afterwards. Not a new concept by any means and “baking” chains was once popular in motorcycling circles.  

Sigma sent me their Nyte Clip and Nyte 70 rear lights. Starting with the Nyte Clip, this is designed with versatility in mind and it’s not cycling specific, which isn’t always a bad thing. it can be attached to rucksacks, bike luggage, clothing etc, so also lends itself to hiking, walking, trail running etc.

It’s a very compact, some might say bijous measuring 52x21x21mm (width length height) and uses COB (Chips on Board) technology-36 diodes in this space is impressive and the 220degree projection continues tis narrative. There are six modes in total-two steady and four flashing (70, 80, 95 and 100lumens), with a maximum run time of 10hours in the 20-lumen steady mode from a full 90-minute charge.  

Sigma claim its visible to 500metres and this is very plausible, judging by what I’ve witnessed from the flashing modes on some bright morning rides.   By contrast, the Nyte70 is cycling specific and features braking and emergency braking functions, meaning it emits a very powerful blast of light when it detects steady, or rapid deceleration. It also employs COB technology, although this time 20 diodes share the space.

It also features an auto mode, which brings the light on and chooses output according to ambient light sensors. In auto mode the braking and emergency braking functions don’t work. There are five others, which seem considerably brighter than figures would imply. The high steady is only 9.5 lumens, the low steady 5.5, day flash 30 lumens, night flash 7.4 and the eco flash a mere 3.

However, its considerably brighter than I was expecting. Without seeing the figures, I believed the day flash to be around the 70-lumen mark.  Eco flash is claimed to return 20 hours from a full charge, night flash 8 hours and the day flash 6, which might not be astonishing, but gives reasonable scope for longer rides.

There’s an integral charge life indicator- green denotes full to 20% blue denotes 19-10% and blue flashing says you’ve dropped below 10%.  It can be mounted vertically, or horizontally, on a seat post, the saddle rails, seat stays and indeed, some racks.      

Elsewhere, I recently dropped processed sugar, or at least as much as I could from my diet and am generally feeling much better for doing so. Chocolate, sugar, cakes, deserts etc all gone. While intellectually I am someone of nuance, with some things I am all, or nothing and just need to stop wholesale, rather than “cutting down”.

I've certainly noted the benefits in the saddle, being able to accelerate and climb quicker, without fatigue, or sluggishness. The Coospo CS600 head unit with its comprehensive readout including calories consumed is certainly fuelling a desire to push myself a little harder. The radar function is also very welcome during blustery rides, and the ANT+ communicates seamlessly with either the brands' own TR70 or BBB radar taillights. The two faint green lines and widget in the left corner, coupled with audible beeps announce when vehicle(s) are approaching and their proximity.

I'd a few Garmin light mounts bouncing around the bodge box, but they were a little flimsy, so I bought two auction site cheapies for Muffin and Ursula, meaning I could simply port the CS600 between them. I had a Magicshine mount, but it was way too lofty for my needs. Buying two was cheaper still, since I wasn't paying postage. One affixing to the stem bolts was an option, but would've placed the CS600 (and indeed, other equipment) too close, especially given Ursula's very stubby stem.  

I found myself revisiting rings for Muffin- get something inexpensive and solid as a staple for next time and I also began contemplating replacing Denise's cassette for an 11-28 next chain switch, since that's the Tiagra rear mech's maximum capacity and would provide a little more winching prowess. In terms of ring, I couldn't find anything suitable- I was thinking sturdy, rather than exotic. A 42 tooth Gebhardt ring seemed the obvious choice. As for the cassette, I was sure I had a Tiagra 11-28 squirreled away somewhere, but at this stage, there's a few months before this becomes pressing.  I’ll close here with my review of the Coospo TR70 Radar Taillight Coospo TR70 Radar Taillight | cycling-not-racing