Going Bonkers& Brakes Sorted

In this instance, I’m heralding the arrival of these Schwalbe tyres, rather than passing comment on the UK’s present chaos. Red top tabloids have continuously threatened a nationwide white-out but in this corner of the UK, 4 degrees is the forecast. 2.1 inches is tops, clearance-wise with the Univega’s SKS Bluemels Shiny Mudguards SKS BLUEMELS SHINY MUDGUARDS | cycling, but not ususally racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and thankfully we’re not in fag paper territory.  

For the uninitiated, the Billy Bonkers are designed for Pumptrack, Dirtjump and Slope style and grip on loose, sandy surfaces... An odd choice for Ursula and indeed my mixed terrain diet, comprising of metaled road and slightly boggy bridlepath but bear with me... 

Ours are the wire bead “Active Line” K-guard versions.  

This means aside from the slight weight penalty over their performance line counterparts, they also have a slightly lesser grip, puncture resistance and quicker wear rate. There’s little in this, but worth noting. Oh, and any colour sidewall so long as its tan. These weigh 745g apiece but feel a bit lighter and boast operating pressures between 30 and 80psi.  

A broad range and the upper pressures implied they should be perky on metaled roads, while offering a compliant, magic carpet ride. 100 miles in and they’ve done just that, providing better traction on loose traction on loose, icy surfaces, too. There’s some trade-off in terms of rolling resistance, obviously-they're not going to roll like their Kojak cousins but maintaining a steady 18mph hasn’t been a hardship-even faced with some bracing crosswinds.   

I tend to be quite fastidious when it comes to maintenance, especially during winter when the mix of grit, salt, water and wet lubes can become a component chomping cocktail. Upon whipping the Univega’s wheels out, ready to perform the switch, I happened to glance at the front pads.  

Good thing I did, since the Genetic had worn very low. I’d last inspected them over Christmas, so just goes to illustrate how harsh winter can be. Pads, rims, discs, cassettes and to a lesser extent, cables are particularly vulnerable.  

Thankfully, I had some packet fresh replacements in my brake spares tub.  I’ve acquired some dual compound Fibrax, for next time but right now, we’re stopping on the proverbial sixpence. I’ve toyed with the idea of going the disc route upfront, but this would mean upgrading the Ultegra dynohub, new fork, and then a suitable caliper. Shelved all these, as quick as they arrived.   

Not so, Ursula’s BRCX50 rear cantilever. I (wrongly) attributed this to their pad compound. A helpful email from their UK importer led me to some nuanced adjustment of the cable tension and straddle wire. This improved mechanical advantage and ultimately, corrected the problem.  

The drivetrain was also looking scuzzy again, so I got busy with the Pure Bike Degreaser PURE BIKE DEGREASER | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and apply this Weldtite TF2 Ceramic. In keeping with other ceramics, such as Juice Lubes Ceramic Juice JUICE LUBES CERAMIC JUICE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), its intended for three seasons’ “Fairweather” service but (a) I fancied something lighter than the otherwise excellent Zefal Extra Wet Ceramic Chain Lube ZEFAL EXTRA WET NANO CERAMIC CHAIN LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). (b) I was also keen to see how it performed in wetter conditions.  It’s certainly slick and seems to be holding out quite well in changeable weather but will be interesting to see how well many miles I get from a single application. 

  

The Ravemen CLO5 Rear Light is also winning me over with its blend of power, presence and economy. There are 7 modes. 2 steady and 5 flashing. In common with other, contemporary 30 lumen models, the optics give more than sufficient presence for pitch black roads. 

 

The lens is PC Engineering plastic.   It's refraction and designed in a way that could provide a larger lighting area, and therefore visibility. Behind sit 24 diodes using the now standard COB (Chips on Board) technology. There is also a sensor, which detects approaching traffic and automatically switches the unit to 30lumens for 5 seconds.   

Again, a few years back, 4lumen modes would be considered “glimmer” territory but the slow flashing option has similar bite to a typical 8 lumen setting. Adequate for sub/urban riding and passable, should you need to conserve some juice along a country lane. Definitely a contingency option, mind. The hinged type bracket shared with its CLO6 stablemate is another definite plus, allowing the light to be aligned very precisely for optimal effect.       

 

If It Ain't Broke Fettle It Anyway

  

It may come as little surprise that I am fighting every urge to perform another bar switch... Swapping the Soma Condor for its successor, the Condor 2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars . Rationally, I know the Univega’s setup is bang on, yet still I feel compelled. I’ve swapped back to these long serving, dual sided XLC pedals though.

Build quality seems better than many SPD homages I’ve owned; or tested over the past twenty-five years. The white powder coated finish is particularly hardy, showing surprisingly few battle scars, several years down the line.  

Flipping and clipping with the otherwise likeable single-sided Wellgo (say at Junctions) had become uncharacteristically faffy. It also proved an ideal opportunity, to test the Soma Woodie 20 function multi tool’s 8mm cap.

I’ve never been a fan of the cap type that fit atop the 5 or 6mm key. Most fit fine and do the job. On the flip side, they are easily lost to the lawn, or undergrowth. Torque was better than I was expecting, given the relatively stubby 6mm host. liberally greased threads certainly help.  

Decided to clean and strip the Univega’s drivetrain. Nothing exotic this time, a rag dipped in white spirit remains a very efficient exorcist. I reached for Zefal Wet Pro Lube, primarily, because I wanted a ride that evening, so needed something “drizzle n’ go”. Pro wet is best described as a middleweight blend.

In terms of tenacity, I strongly suspect it won’t rival the hell n’ high water favourites (including Weldtite TF2 Extreme Wet, or Finish Line Cross Country Wet lubes). That said; its less syrupy than the former, yet stocky enough for protecting electroplated fasteners from taint and tarnish.

Staying with Zefal, a moment, the French brand has also sent us their Pulse Z2 side-entry cage. A composite side entry model, its designed to be switched round, to suit the rider’s dominant hand.

Side entry cages are also intended to overcome the problem of carrying two trade size bottles in a small main triangle. On this occasion, ours has replaced the Vel, which succumbed to sudden and unexpected fatigue. A lost cause. Even Theromoworx Whitemorph couldn’t fix, or modify satisfactorily https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/thermoworx-whiemorph  The Zefal Pulse Z2 composites do feel much sturdier, so we’ll see how it fares, in the coming weeks and months.

According to the tabloid press, the UK is due to get another bitterly cold winter. The coldest for 30 years, according to some sources. These lubes and the Schwalbe Winter Spike tyres are on standby, just in case. Meantime, the Univega will sport its Schwalbe Marathon Mondial Double Defense tyres https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-mondial-tyres  . Unless other testing options present, or disaster strikes, my fixed gear winter/trainer will retain its Tioga City Slicker and Schwalbe Marathon GT pairing https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres   . Both are very dependable and handle very nicely, even when the roads are paved with a slimy cocktail of derv and bovine dung.

Dusk officially starts at 1900hrs and Sun rise 7.15, so lighting is also becoming a major focus. K-Lite Bikepacker Ultra systems aside, I’ve just received Knog Cobber Mid Rear light. Middle child of the Cobber family, it’s reckoned to produce a 330degree arc, and 170 lumens, top whack. I’ve mounted ours to seat-stays by using the Cobber’s aero seat post bracket.

120 miles, and four rides in, its too early to reflect on run times but in terms of output, the mid should suit most people’s needs, even tag-alongs. Would be tempted to plump for the big Cobber, on a low-slung touring trailer, like my Yak homage. Maybe I’m just being over cautious…Let’s see what the following weeks bring.    

I’m also switching over to heavier duty threads. Now conditions are recognisably autumnal, I’ve defaulted to middleweight  layers, jerseys (including this Prendas Cyclismo Paris Bordeaux https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/prendas-ciclismo-long-sleeve-jersey . ¾ length bib longs strike the best balance still.

Ample protection to the knees and vital organs, yet still temperate around 15 degrees. Primal Dawn Bib Knickers remain firm favourites https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/primal-dawn-men-s-bib-knickers  

Oxford Bright 4.0 Waterproof Cycle gloves have also been resurrected. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-1 These are another bridge garment. Not waterproof, in the impervious sense but they offer decent defence against moderate rain and chill. Last but certainly not least, I’ve been putting these Follow Hollow Performance Alpaca Socks. 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/briandavis/performance-alpaca-socks  

80% baby alpaca yarn, 15% nylon and 5% spandex, they’re made in the USA and I’ve been suitably impressed by their performance. Several weeks and hundreds of miles later, I’m forming the opinion they have an edge on Merino when it comes to temperature control and moisture management. Stay tuned for the full review.

Getting A Grip

Well, after several months of build-up, the slippery stuff has finally arrived and with it, Schwalbe Marathon Winter Plus tyres. These are a spiked/studded tyre, designed to offer traction on snowy/icy surfaces, hence the term winter, as distinct from “snow”.

I’ve run the more basic winter versions for some years, with excellent results. They’ve allowed me to escape indoor trainer slavery, get out when roads would be otherwise hazardous, or dangerous).

However, while I’ve never succumbed to a slide, or more serious spill, last year’s deeper, impacted snow, taxed the 120 spikes. The Winter plus have these organised along a wider surface area, theoretically providing better bite, especially when cornering.

In common with their siblings, the tread pattern is designed to sweep away the snow, while spikes bite into the ice beneath, delivering traction. However, bed the spikes in, on snow free roads for at least 25miles.

Otherwise, if you skip straight to snow, you run the very real risk of those tungsten spikes being plucked out. 500 or so, winter miles will reveal just how superior these are, compared with their more basic, yet dependable siblings. I’m looking forward to this supposedly savage and persistent cold snap. Steve’s been impressed by these Good Year Transit speed tyres https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oodyear-transit-speed-wired-tyre

I like the changing seasons and I have always enjoyed riding in the cold, provided I’ve donned the right kit. I favour ¾ lengths, over tights unless the mercury/windchill tumbles to minus figures.

However, paired with longer socks and my long serving Lake winter booties, these Primal Dawn Men’s Bib Tights https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/primal-dawn-men-s-bib-knickers  have delivered.

I’m also pleased that the liners have solved my problem of numb, tingly digits on longer, faster outings.  As luck, some might say irony would have it, these slightly thicker, Madison liners also rematerialized.

Staying with temperate, my sibling gifted me this rather nice Thermos flask at Christmas. A very welcome gift, especially when shooting on location, with models. Studying its’ profile, my brains circuits started whirring…

Would this fit into my Univega’s BBB fuel tank?

No; was the short answer but it proved fully compatible with this composite Topeak. Five minutes (and a dab of grease, on the fasteners) later, I’d switched them. Little, flashes of inspiration that can bring on a contented smile.

I’ve also gone retro and refitted these original Shimano SPD. Hailing from 1990, they belonged to Lottie, a much-loved Kona Lavadome. The Kona was gifted to me, by its original owner, in October 1994. He couldn’t ride anymore, knew I’d always coveted it and that I’d love it dearly, which I did.

The pedals were then passed to my Univega, at its conception, in 1999.

Mysteriously the boa dial on my beloved Lake winter booties broke sometime during Wednesday’s blast.

Tired of losing essential fasteners beneath the tumble drier, or within the lawn, I’ve finally invested in a magnetic tool bowl/tray. Not sure what took me so long, but it’ll save time and stress, trying to locate tiny but crucial screws/Allen screws, cir clips etc.

John Moss has graciously agreed to build the Halo hub into a wheel, so I dropped Mavic Open Pro hoop, hub and halo spokes, with him. Looking forward to seeing, not to mention, testing the complete wheel.

Lots has been said about lubes https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/blank-ao363  and I’ve finally reached the end of my (alternative) wet lube challenge, which pitted basic 5w/40 motor oil against chainsaw oil.

Spoiler alert. If extreme cheapness, is your bottom-line definition of value, then the 5w40 will get your vote. However, the chainsaw oil is closest to a bike-specific wet lube, in terms of characteristics.  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cheap-as-chips-chain-lubes

Conclusions reached; I’ve stripped my Univega’s chain and cassette of existing gunk, then gone over to Fenwick’s Stealth Road Lubricant. Primarily as there was a nearly empty bottle adorning the shelves. It’s also very clean, durable and has short curing times.  

I’ve also added some to its steel derailleur cage, which had also turned a little orange in places, thanks to the salt monster. Maybe a light, filmy coating of this Muc Off Sweat Protect will prove a better solution. It seems very effective on electroplated brightwork and those lightly (read annoyingly) tarnished fasteners.

Last but not least, we’ve also reached our conclusions concerning the Passport Elements anti-rust single speed chain https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/passport-elements-single-speed-chai