Showing posts with label wax. chain lubes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wax. chain lubes. Show all posts

Wednesday 15 May 2019

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!