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!
