Torqued & Lubed

 

I’d reached conclusions on some tooling and lubes, specifically the Feedback Sports Torque wrench and NZero dry wax lube Nzero Dry Wax Lubricant | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). I’ve been really impressed with the standard of engineering and user-friendliness of the torque wrench. Torque function aside, size and ratchet function mean it’s also delightful to wield in awkward, or confined spaces- bottle cages being prime example.  

 

The ability to use it as a T-wrench for added leverage on stubborn fasteners is another definite plus. Cost aside, the only detraction is the preset 5nm setting. Fine for a lot of components. However, equally too low and a little high for other components, including seat collars, stem bolts, bottle, and mudguard/carrier fasteners. 

  

I should also point out that traditional torque wrenches should not be used to undo parts. Doing so will damage the mechanism. The NZero wax, though less tenacious than some is still relatively durable and cures much quicker than a lot of wax-type formulas. The Momum MIC Wax Momum MIC Wax Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) cures a little faster and has, during the summer months returned over 400 miles from a single application. 

  

However, it’s a semi synthetic blend, while the NZero uses natural ingredients. Unlike some waxes, the NZero doesn’t melt messily in high-temperatures and transfer to hands is minimal. A definite plus, should you succumb to a flat, or commute in smart trousers.  

 

Staying with punctures a moment, I’ve also become very endeared to the AS2 Pro Max- basically a refined, pocket-sized compressor that will raise around 4 tyres from a full charge. I’d still be inclined to carry a mini pump and possibly a Co2 setup on a long, or multi-day ride but for general, day-to-day training I’ve found it infinitely preferable to the alternatives. The important thing is to charge it regularly. 

  

Assuming it’s just been sat in your chosen bike luggage, pop it out and charge weekly, otherwise, at the earliest opportunity. Bargain on an hour or so, from the mains. It's possible to charge it from the USB charger on some dynamos, including the mighty and much revered K-Lite K LITE BIKEPACKER ULTRA DYNAMO LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) systems, which might be fine on tour, but again, I’d be carrying a mini, or possibly frame-fit pump as backup.  

 

In common with the Fumpa FUMPA PUMP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) it’ll manage higher pressures 120psi a time, which caters for most contexts. However, it is decidedly loud, so stick with the track pump at home, at least during unsocial hours.  

 

200 charge cycles before the lithium-ion battery will experience a 10% loss in capacity, which suggests a decent working life and besides, provided you ensure I-ion batteries don’t fall below 70% charge wherever possible, you will considerably extend their lifespan. Talking of pumps, here’s Steve’s review of the Silca Impero Ultimate 2.0 Frame Pump Silca Impero Ultimate 2.0 Frame Pump | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

 

I was surprised to experience some tingling in my right hand wearing the Grip Grab mitts- it's an isolated experience thankfully and has me wondering what induced it. I hadn’t changed any contact points.  

 

Lights are useful year-round. I ensure there’s at least set of blinkies fitted to the Holdsworth and Teenage Dream, should conditions unexpectedly change, or I lose track of time, while making the most of late summer evenings. Fixed, Denise and Ursula all sport dynamos –high power lighting and on tap. Magicshine has graciously sent me some of their new range, which caught my attention. Some I cannot discuss now.   

 

I’ve received their evo 1700 underneath mounted bike light, which as the name implies sits beneath the bars, giving a clean aesthetic, while crucially combining a highly effective mix of flood and spot beams. The former ensures a good peripheral sweep of light, the spot picks out the details, lens technology projecting both intelligently, to minimise risk of dazzling or similar nuisance to other road users.   

 

The integral battery is another appealing feature. In common with most modern high-power lights, there’s a wide spectrum of output from 200 to 1700 lumens, in theory catering for most contexts., although formative impressions suggest the beam pattern is road centric.  

 

Again, run times at the higher end are relatively short, so this genre is ideally suited to those who train or commute in varying conditions and enjoy the odd blast along the backroads at warp speed. There’s a remote control for added convenience and though relatively standard these days, you can tune to taste using the brands’ app.  

 

In common with other vehicles, there’s a high and low beam, designed so you don’t dazzle oncoming road users. Thankfully, this can be controlled with a deft prod of the remote, although as with any system, worth doing a few practice runs, so this action becomes intuitive before heading out.  

Orange Clockwork

 The continued dry, balmy weather has meant there’s no excuse for not getting some serious miles in aboard the Holdsworth and give Denise a rest. I’ve even switched from full -finger “liner type” gloves to mitts and short-sleeve jerseys.  

I’ve also switched the 137mm wide SR Marnie GT for the titanium-railed 185x142mm Madison Flux Switch to see how the latter performs on a road build. Now, the Holdsworth doesn’t have a particularly long saddle to bar drop, especially compared to a semi-compact geometry frameset but the saddle is geared more toward a traditional road, rather than cross or gravel bike.  

Contexts where a shorter nose is best, given you’re more likely to dis/mount quickly. 200 miles down the line, I’m inclined to say the 137mm SR Marnie GT is the best width for the Holdsworth, although 142 or (or indeed, 143mm) is damn good- the Specialized Toupe’ had served for many years, after all. Miss the Toupe’ but nothing lasts forever and I’m developing a soft spot for the ti railed Flux. The unisex Perineum friendly channel is a case in point, relieving pressure unexpectedly well, despite being very shallow. 

WTB Chain lube is doing its thing, cleansing any grime from the chain and staying put. Reckon it’ll go way beyond the claimed 400-mile per application mark, given the present, arid conditions and I’ll probably stick with it, given the clean, durable characteristics.  

Though I was fond of the budget carbon Acor unit, the thin bladed period typical (I’m led to believe it’s not the original and don’t care) fork adds a bit more zip to proceedings and yes, I still like the contrasting blue.   

Talking of blue, I’m sticking with the Peaty’s Link Lube Dry with Denise- the hybrid quasi wax and oil blend is well suited to these conditions, sifting the contaminant, while the oil part keeps potential taint at bay. Though less tenacious than some blends, including the brands Link Lube Premium counterpart, I’m generally preferring it to waxes for general riding.  

I also took this opportunity to check Denise’s chain health .25, which is middling, given the generally stable conditions but there’s a reasonable amount of life left before I’ll consign it to the bin and replace with another.  

Some say to expect 1500-3,000 miles and I’d loosely agree. However, if you’re doing a lot of mixed terrain, mountain biking or winter road riding, expect a drop. Despite careful maintenance, though a vile, slimy winter I’ve scraped 800miles from a chain.        

I was in the area, so dropped by Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating and saw the Dave Russel frameset had been treated to a RAL6027 atop chrome effect powder coat, replacing the electroplate which looked pin sharp. Blasting revealed the frameset was only chromed at the seat and chainstays suggesting the red was its original livery (some are chromed completely with acid etc primers and enamel atop.)

Personally, decals aren’t my thing-they simply advertise a bike, or frameset is worth nicking in my view. It wouldn’t do to be all the same and though I prefer an air of mystery, the RAL6027 and chrome effect looks really, sharp. The green could well be Ursula’s next livery… Steve’s reached his conclusions with the AS2 inflator Cycplus AS2 Pro Tiny E-Pump | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

They’d also restored this Orange Clockwork frameset (complete with rigid Cro-moly fork).  This looks to be a late 90s model, maybe as late as ‘98, a couple of years younger than Ursula. Its owner is apparently going to ride it across America. Aside from the obvious rush of retro delight (I was really taken by the Orange Clockwork in the early 90s), I also contemplated the shade of orange as an option for Ursula... 

Continuing the summer theme, I err towards full finger designs, even during late spring and summer. Simply on the grounds of greater protection when meandering beyond asphalt. Beyond 20 degrees or so, save for the Madison Roamer and Specialized (model), which are thin but rugged, I’m donning mitts. Aero mitts are second-skin snug, a little harder to pull on off/ but great for blasting along-say on the Holdsworth and Teenage Dream.  

Traditional leather palmed models are lovely from a retro perspective, and I’ve only just had to retire these PassportTEST & REVIEW: PASSPORT CROCHET BACK CYCLING MITTS (sevendaycyclist.com) after six years faithful service. Aside from their classic theme, their looser fit also enabled me to run liner gloves beneath for some additional warmth/comfort during late summer/early autumn, where the temperatures start to drop a little and often without notice.  

I’ll prefer not to reflect too deeply on that latter bit, since it’ll mean the darker months are approaching and I won’t’ve got all I wanted from the summer. I still enjoy the changing seasons and still associate the darker months with positive things-going to university, meeting a woman who would become the human love of my life and the simple things like being able to draw the curtains and protect myself from the world.  

 

Limited daylight, though perfect for testing lighting can present other challenges, and frustrations mind.  Right, I’ll end here with Steve’s review of the Cycplus AS2 inflator Cycplus AS2 Pro Tiny E-Pump | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)