Taking the Biscuit

No, thankfully, I was able to hold onto these Cappuccino flavoured offerings to complement my diesel strength coffee consumption. I’m referring to some time wasting charlatans who were on a fishing expedition, rather than intending to purchase skills and services. They will be receiving an expenses invoice in the coming days. I’ve never suffered fools gladly and have no intention of starting now.

Milder temperatures have seen roads saturated as water oozes from swollen ditches and boggy farmland-ideal conditions for overshoes and other weather cheating kit. The TF2 extreme wet is staying put, although migrating to the outer links, which I have now concluded is largely attributable to my fixer’s stainless steel KMC X1 chain...

True, lubes tend to collect along a chain’s side plates but regardless of their characteristics, this is much less apparent on standard nickel plated or even, galvanised models. Moan aside, there’s been no call for topping up, or indeed, cleansing the side plates as yet.   

I have nothing against the turbo trainer per se. When I led a strictly road biased diet, I spent many winter hours whirring away at 6am on a simple, 5012 blue powder coated Tacx fan cooled unit. Well made, albeit crude and noisy, timber framed outbuildings amplified my efforts to the extent extremely tolerant neighbours asked if I was running a diesel generator.

One was a life-long distance road runner, so could empathise with this particular hamster on his wheel. On other occasions, there was something to be said for sitting in the garage, whirring away with the door open for ventilation and watching the horizontal rain.   

Walkman and turbo-trainer tapes coaxed me into the zone and kept me there.  Sweat nets, periodic re-greasing of contact points and regular waxing kept rider-generated coolant from inducing component seizures and frame damage.

A great outlet for “A” level and similar angst...These days, even budget lights can seemingly turn night into day, although the quality of output varies greatly. While there’s no doubt we get considerably more light for our money, the old adage of getting what you pay for remains unchanged.

Back then LEDs hadn’t hit the UK scene, so aside from hefty Lead acid systems; most lights were of the halogen glimmer type. This included the Union bottle (tyre driven) dynamo system used on my Holdsworhy Butler working bike that ferried me back and forth from FE college. Nonetheless, there was something distinctly satisfying about generating my own light; I saved a ton of cash on batteries too.  

I’d always been smitten with mountain biking but as the 90’s progressed, there was quite a bit of dirt in my riding diet and less call for riding inside.

I always liked the sense of escape, the ability to explore muddy backwaters, forests and fields. A more relaxed,” taking our fun seriously” ethos lured me into competition. During this time, cyclo cross became more mainstream with several mountain bike brands, including Kona getting in on the act.

The short racing season and the machine’s geometry mean that ‘crossers make brilliant four seasons’ working bikes. The internet was also becoming increasingly ubiquitous, meaning easier acquisition of spiked tyres and other goodies, once restricted to US/Canada and Scandinavian audiences. 

Therefore, winter became something to rejoice in. Add product testing into the mix and there’s all the incentive you could want for venturing out.           

Continuing this theme, we’ve a six month test of BTwin 700 cold weather cycling gloves http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/btwin-700-cold-weather-gloves and an interview with cyclo cross legend Mick Ives who, at 78 will be riding this years 100^th Giro d’italia http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/mick-ives-rides-again .

Hmm, talking of incentive, with the Univega’s metamorphosis complete, I feel another project coming on. A revision of, rather than addition to the fleet, seems to involve a disc up front and gravel bike flavour. Despite the blurring of genres, I’m of the opinion that there comes a point where a cross country mountain bike trumps the gravel bike when the going gets really gloopy.

Neither am I convinced the complication and additional weight of suspension to said ‘cross derivative will genuinely bridge this gap. In any case, my revision will remain little more than a component list and design concept until I have secured a move and shifted some unwanted stuff...  

Steve has been reflecting on his freshly enamelled bespoke steel tourer and its spec. From the joys of 853 tubing, mechanical disc brakes and full compliment of braze-ons to the trial and error stuff that only becomes apparent mid-way through.

Plenty of people can build frames by numbers in their/mate’s garage but when problems present, only a seasoned frame builder’s skill and lateral thought can arrive at a satisfactory solution. http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/going-bespoke-tech-stuff

On that note, I’m off to top up the Univega’s Waxoyl...          

Midwinter Blues...

Midwinter and its gloom can be tricky customers but I have the lanes largely to myself, all the head-space I could need.

Stout tyres, mudguards and stocky chain lubes, coupled with regular post ride, freshwater rinses keep bikes happy and reliable. Perpetual rains have dismissed space age favourites from the fixed’s stainless steel KMC chain in a modest 225 miles. I’ve resurrected Weldtite TF2 Extreme wet, which is holding up pretty well, without harbouring too much crap.  

To conserve supplies of expensive, space-age wax polishes during the slushy season, I’ve reverted to car wash n’ wax formulas. 1-litre bottles of these foaming elixirs can be bought along with a water guzzling sponge for £2.50 from discount/car accessory shops. Most do the 2in1 cleaning and protecting job pretty convincingly, conserving valuable time into the bargain.

Decent layers, tights, jackets, gloves and overshoes maintain my inner smile. Yes, like Charlie Watts and many Moscovites, I give little away. I will wave, or nod as we pass but that’s about it.

Don’t take it to heart, I’m just enjoying some quiet time, mulling things over, escaping the torrent of calls from ambulance chasers and inept telesales people. I appreciate you are just doing your job and will deliver my rejections graciously. 

However, I don't wish to sue anyone for medical negligence, I've not had a hernia, I don't want a combi-boiler, thirteen brides from Ukraine (Or I might be needing the erectile dysfunction meds offered with disturbing regularity). An all expenses paid trip to the former Soviet states and the opportunity to photograph its abandoned military/industrial sites, would be welcomed.

On the extremities front, there’s plenty of Hi-Viz yellow to burn through the darkest of cobalt skies. I’ve Grip Grab hi-vis Hurricane gloves and for feet, these Ale shoe-covers with retro-reflective detailing. Designed primarily for sleeker race slippers, I was pleasantly surprised to discover (albeit with a bit of gentle persuasion) they'll entertain wider profile mtb and trainer type commuter/touring shoes too.

The Grip Grab gloves follow a most conditions narrative. A shorter cuff means they need tucking beneath the cuffs for a decent seal this time of year but won't look odd in mid-March when it's often temperate enough for a long sleeve base and mid-layer.

Talking of which, these are designed specifically for temperatures between +5 and 15 degrees, which caters for most contexts between September and March on these shores, although frankly, by the time the mercury is inching into double figures, I’m looking toward mitts or very thin mtb full-finger fare.

The emphasis here is water and wind resistance but for the most part, this strikes a decent compromise for general riding. I’ve been belting along comfortably for a couple of hours with the temperature struggling into single figures. 

Hands and to a lesser extent feet (Unless you are free-wheeling for long periods) are the first parts the brain shuts down to conserve energy. During one particularly cold mid-afternoon blast, I was conscious of the bitter arctic wind permeating the wind repellant membrane.Thankfully, this was fleeting and the 90minute ride remained enjoyable. 

Tech-friendly, silicone detailed digits pretty much mandatory these days. I’ve had no problems taking photos, popping lights on/off, rummaging around for keys, energy bars etc without removal.Optimum dexterity means a super-precise fit. I've had other Grip-Grab gloves so this didn't come as a surprise, although something of a culture shock if you're used to other brands'.  

Thankfully; 400 miles in those Schwalbe Marathon GT haven’t missed a beat; let alone succumbed to a flat.

Neoprene can be very useful when it’s really cold AND wet; since it insulates against the chill.However, they’re not my first options, since I don’t like their soggy, clammy feel. That goes for hands and feet. 

At the other end of the price spectrum, I’m also lucky enough to be testing this Showers Pass Torch jacket, which is very well equipped and aimed at similar audiences i.e. road, commuting and touring.

Experience leads me to suggest, satisfying all three groups is a tall order. Take commuting, for example. Some folks do bike as car runs-say 2-3 miles at a modest 12mph, or so, others 25mile round trips at a steady 20mph.

As I’d expect from a jacket commanding over £200, it’s made from a 3 layer, breathable rip-stop “Elite” fabric. Taped seams and YKK Aquaguard Vislon front zipper should keep monsoon rains firmly outside, while zippered side and shoulder panels provide physical ventilation.

There is also the option of adding an aftermarket hood (not really my thing, simply on the grounds hoods tend to compromise vision). Brushed lining provides comfort and warmth when the mercury slides

The main body features an attractive retro-reflective reflective map design along with day glow panels and four, removable button type “beacon” lights. These have three flashing modes are conspire with the other features to maximise visibility in all conditions. There are two sensibly sized pockets. My favourite. The "nelson" up front will gobble a 5inch smartphone and a thin, freelancer's wallet, or long zoom travel compact camera. 

The rear's diagonal poacher is also sensible. Easily accessed, I've had no problems stuffing bananas, Jailors bunch of keys and spare tube inside but it doesn't encourage over-stuffing, causing it to sag and bounce like an over-excited Labrador puppy.

An LED loop provides another lighting option at driver eye-level. So far, it’s performing well on most fronts and in temperatures ranging from 3-4 degrees. Forecasters are promising a seriously vengeful twist in the coming days, which shouldn’t call its bluff... Only one way to find out. Hmm, it's snowing now, so I'll switch to the Univega and those spiked  Schwalbe Winter tyres. 

Roads Paved With Dung

Shod with the Schwalbe Marathon GT, Cross flavoured fixer and I have been belting along the back roads. The GT feel a lot faster than their 808g suggest and continue to inspire confidence by the bucket load-in every sense. Talking of tyres, Seven Day Cyclist has an eight month test of another beefy section tyre, Maxxis Roamer http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/maxxis-roamer-tyres  

Fun is obviously high on any rider’s agenda but for me at least, reliability is level-pegging on a daily driver or winter/trainer. I want to concentrate on the ride, or let my mind wander in reflective/creative directions. While punctures and mid-ride mechanicals per se, are all part of riding, being sat by the roadside tackling a flat; or broken chain are events I prefer to keep infrequent.

Last Thursday, the thermometer had barely crept above minus 2, so I headed out late afternoon. Run at 85psi, their contact with the surface, coupled with the ability to regulate speed by holding off against the cranks, made 1in 4 descents and similar efforts that bit more comfortable.

Ascending one climb, dancing on the pedals and shoulders shuffling to similar tempo, my heart momentarily sank at a fut-fut sound, synonymous with a flaccid tyre. Glancing over my right shoulder, I was relieved (and somewhat amused) to discover this was a wheezy, asthmatic contemporary Fiat 500. Said super mini eventually regained composure and passed, observing a welcome 1.5 metre gap a few hundred metres later.  

Three miles from hot coffee, I swept around a bend to discover a young man tending to his motorcycle. I called out, checking he was OK; he affirmed this and explained his motorcycle’s final drive chain has snapped. This was literally 50 metres from where I was performing link surgery the previous Tuesday evening.

I offered to call someone but he politely declined, much as I did at his age and continue to. In parallel with the sheer fun and freedom, Cycling and motorcycling tends to engender a fierce sense of self-reliance.

We wished each other safe journey and I spun my way home, fingers and toe boxes nipped with chill. Next morning, I took the same route and saw his machine parked on the verge. I’m hoping he got home safely, acquired a new chain and is back to enjoying his machine again.      

These Super B professional cable cutter and inner cable puller arrived this week. We’d hoped to get them in ready for the Univega’s rebirth but no matter, these things can’t be helped and it’s timely enough given the stage I’m at with Graham’s GT. 

In common with other workshop kit, such as work stands, cable pullers aren’t essential but make maintenance and repair jobs that bit easier and quicker. Cable pullers; sometimes referred to as fourth hand tools tension the inner wire, leaving yours free to nip everything tight. Care is needed to avoid over-tensioning when feeding the inner wire into the slot but that’s as difficult as things get.

A decent set of snips, by contrast are the staple of any basic toolkit and will repay their investment countless times over. To some degree, there’s no limit to what you can spend. £30 odd is my benchmark and these Jagwire Pro my all-time favourites to date, anyway. http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/jagwire-pro-cutters  At £29.69 the imaginatively monikered Super B TB-WC30 are quite a bit cheaper, which fuelled my intrigue. Will be interesting to see how they fare in the longer term too.       

Elsewhere, John Moss has been plagued by a slipping Alfine set up. He attributes this to the manual system, so is talking in terms of upgrading the mango to Di2-price dependant. Mercifully the tandem’s Nu Vinci hub seems to be behaving itself impeccably since its rebuild.  

The same goes for the Univega, aside from another chain breakage-easily sorted with a few spare links and this Pedros multi-ttol. The 1x9 set up has enough range for long hills and fast descents. 

Full length guards offering ample protection from winter’s slimy slurry and of course, rural backwaters.The highways agency appears to be encouraging farmers to resurface with generous helpings of dung- even its Time ATAC aluminium pedals were showing signs of being engulfed. 

I also resurrected the Geonaute G-Eye2 to capture some footage. Lazily described by some as a poor man’s Go-Pro, it’s less intuitive than the Tom Tom but still offers decent image quality for a budget model.  

Right, I’ll leave you with the Visijax Gilet review http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/visijax-led-gilet  

Grinning Through The Gloom

These Schwalbe Marathon GT tyres arrived for testing from Schwalbe UK. Ours were the narrower 35mm section- nigh on1.4 inches in old money but there’s an even beefier 38mm, which seem a fitting choice, for the latest generation of disc equipped tourer, or tarmac tamed cross/gravel bikes.

These are much faster than the legendary and justly revered Marathon. Something that is immediately obvious from the first few pedal strokes-they’re also significantly easier to mount-no tyre levers required. Stiffer sidewalls, 7mm and 68g apiece separate them from the generally likeable, uber plush Maxxis Roamer.

Their E-bike compliance is also likely to explain the additional girth, although the Schwalbe inspire greater confidence along the wet, silty lanes. The sort that seem perpetually carpeted in gooey dung, complete with thorny, talon-like hedge clippings.

They use the “Dual Guard” system. Rather than our old friends Kevlar/Aramid, Schwalbe employs a two-layer nylon casing and a further 2.5mm strip of India rubber that works like a trampoline, forcing sharps out, thus minimise the risk of a flat. Schwalbe rate it 6/7 and say it strikes the optimal balance between speed and puncture prevention, which sounds perfect for bikes in daily service.

Talking of which, sidewalls feature a reflective strip and dynamo track, adding to their appeal. 

Retro-reflective strip and the Chevron style water channelling grooves are very reminiscent of Vittoria Voyager hyper http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/vittoria-voyager-hyper-tyre .

Interestingly, their profiles are slightly narrower than the faster rolling, Italian brands’ 35mm section, meaning a more comfortable fit in my winter/training fixer’s rear triangle.  

Formative impressions are very favourable. 65 miles along greasy/icy back roads suggest a quick, yet ultra dependable tyre. It’ll be at least 400 before I arrive at anything near tangible conclusions.  

Meanwhile those slushy lanes see regular post-ride rinse-overs to prevent salty, caustic stuff taking hold and moreover, nibbling away at pretty paintwork and components. I’ve got this down to around 10 minutes, including a quick, precautionary squirt of PTFE based lubes on exposed cables, pivot points and similarly sensitive mechanisms. 

I’ve also reverted to the Rock n’ Roll gold lube for more staying prowess but without the stickiness associated with traditional wet lubes.          

Decent lights are imperative during the winter months and not just the retina melting type, of which I am so very fond. Often it is the blinkies, retro-reflective and tertiary lighting that first registers on a driver’s radar. Aside from the Visijax gilet (www.visijax.com ), which continues to impress me with its presence, I’ve discovered the origins of John Moss’s preference for yellow, signal yellow to be precise.

Both his Tandem trike and Mango fairing sport this shade. Having recently changed the Velomobile’s gearing for a 2x9, thus improving efficiency overall, he’s decidedly dissatisfied with attempts to repair the scuffed nose using single pack acrylic aerosols. His godson works at the sharp end of car body repair, thus is fully equipped to apply 2K. We’ve tracked down a suitable Ford shade, so watch this space...

Elsewhere, we’re a bit further along with Graham’s GT rebuild-I’ve just introduced some cheap but cheerful, Jagwire brake cables. While Graham locates the wheels and I await derailleur cables, I’ve sanded some superficial glazing from the Alivio pads and I’m leaving those stainless steel inner wires to stretch to capacity. Then I’ll re-tension, prune and superglue the ends to stop fraying before it starts.

Premium grade cable sets, such as those Jagwire Elite presently stopping the Univega and are immune to such vices-simply tension, tighten the anchor bolts and trim to size. Budget models, though generally faithful servants benefit from a different approach.

Having set cable tension, pump brake levers ten times in succession to induce some slack. Loosen those anchor bolts, pull the inner wire through again and snug tight. I lean toward leaving them overnight and re-tensioning the next morning. They will have stretched to capacity by this point, so once tweaked, shouldn’t induce any short-soiling moments when tackling a 1in4 descent. Same basic principle applies to derailleurs. 

Right, well that’s it for this entry. Off for a chat with someone about a gravel bike... 

Fast Blasts, Broken Chains & Electric Blue GTs

The new Scram chain was awaiting me when I returned from the midlands. Trimmed to size and fitted in a matter of minutes, I spurned the tool free pin for a more reliable union. Derailleur and rear brake cables re-tensioned, everything was behaving impeccably.

Rear/blinkey lights on charge in preparation for an evening blast, the Exposure revo Mk1 front dynamo lamp was decidedly dormant-not a flicker. I initially feared I’d inadvertently snagged the connector wire. Replacements are around the £12 mark. Hardly going to break the bank but

Dirty hub contacts came as a relief and were easily fixed, with a quick wipe and fresh lick of Vaseline. I’ve not had chance to play with its successors, or indeed, their complete hub-dynamo system, which looks mightily impressive.

I’ve always liked integrated lighting for commuting and touring but was traditionally disappointed by the modest to moderate output-fine for being seen but in my experience, underpowered for navigating dark and lonely lanes.

Paired with a decent helmet light, there’s a reasonable amount of trail/green lane potential too, although it’s worth noting that I only run a front light from the Ultegra hub.    

Last hurdle presented in the guise of a faulty rear valve. It was a latex infused self-healing model, which in my experience are reliable enough and will seal small holes but tend to gum up, or go-off after a couple of years.  

Tube swapped for a standard Schwalbe and wheel reinstated, I took a few shots before popping it away and returned to the study to tackle some deadlines and discuss some quotes. Talking of tyres; Vittoria got in touch and are sending some mid-section 700c winter/commuter-touring models for testing at Seven Day Cyclist.  

I’d received some electroluminescent garments from Visijax, so the cold but clear evening was all the excuse I needed to take the Univega for a cheeky twenty mile test run. Lanes to myself and I was the proverbial child at Christmas. Revelling in the tubby tourer’s majestic, magic carpet ride and crisp shifts, my serenity was shattered by the sudden loss of power followed by that familiar, heart-sinking tinkle of chain tickling tarmac...

Pulling over to the soft grassy verge, I rummaged through my wedge pack until I found multi-tool and spare links. Thankfully, despite tumbling temperatures and numbing digits, I was able to execute substitution within a matter of minutes. The Revolution Vision usb helmet light http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/revolution-usb-helmet-light  in constant, 50 lumen mode, provided just enough light to operate by.

These experiences are all part of riding and a reminder why wedge pack inventories are so important. More often than not, there’s little call for anything beyond the spare tube, spare links, multi tool, snack, change and spare batteries for a light/emergency blinkey but it's worth checking their condition periodically. Eighty miles in, I’m delighted with the regeneration of my mile munching friend and confident.

Numb of bum and brain, I took a break from the keyboard, so headed to Maldon Shot blasting & Powder Coating to bolt Graham’s refinished mid 90s’ GT back together.  His Timberline now sports an electric blue livery, created using a chrome effect powder base and blue lacquer atop. He also decided to strip the Alivio crankset, giving rings and the scabby looking quill stem a satin black makeover.

Tiny traces of powder can still infiltrate bungs and masking, so it's worth giving the bottom bracket shell and derailleur hanger a quick chase through before re-assembly. 

I treated Graham’s GT to a liberal helping of wax-based aerosol preserve. This has a slightly heavier solvent content, meaning the nozzle didn’t clog so readily and all the tubes were evenly coated within a few minutes.

Nonetheless, I deliver a more generous helping down the seat tube, which can then course around the frame in warmer temperatures. Blocking off the breathe holes was fashionable practice with some riders but these are designed to allow moisture to escape, hence I chase these through afterward.

Lashings of Muc-Off bio-grease http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-bio-grease-long-term-test  were introduced to the headset bearings, bottom bracket shell, cantilever bosses threaded components and contact points.

Though not the thickest blend (or my all-time favourite), I’ve been amazed by its staying prowess. There was plenty of the “strawberry jam” smothering my Univega’s annular headset bearings, even after eighteen months hard service.

New cables and straddle wires are next. In the interests of saving time, we’ve kept the originals as rough templates. Once replacements arrive, I’ll wire everything up and begin fine tuning, exorcising play from the Timberline’s threaded headset. Wheels will also be given a quick once-over. Rim and tyre walls scrutinised, skewers and hub bearings re-greased where appropriate.  

Cream

Paint freshly cured and blemish free, my Univega's frameset grew accustomed to its new identity at centrally heated room temperature. I headed north on other missions and awaited the arrival of those chain-ring bolts for the 1x9 conversion. Several days hence, those bolts had arrived...

Long drives can leave me feeling wired, so I promised myself, I’d “Just do an hour”; treat the frame internally, get the headset, bars, stem, bottom bracket etc in…

Three hours later, I was a lot further along but reaching that dangerous tipping point-the one where thought processes become addled and mistakes made. At 1.30 am, I flopped into bed and resumed building after eight hours rest.

Everything breezed together with liberal helpings of fresh grease and minimal faff. On the subject of grease, I’ve been suitably impressed by the longevity of Green Oil eco grease that remained pretty conspicuous on fasteners and bottom bracket threads alike some months in. http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/green-oil-eco-grease  

Full-length mudguards certainly help but, I was also pleasantly surprised to discover a decent layer of Muc-Off grease still adorning the Stronglight Aheadset bearings. These had been pretty much untouched for two years.    

Rebuilding is an ideal opportunity to give components and accessories a really thorough scrub. Mudguards were purged of wintry sludge; corroded “stainless” fasteners were replaced, re-greased and snugged tight. Many miles in, its KMC X9-ept chain http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/kmc-x9-ept-chain was now well past the first flushes of youth and signalled another enforced break, while waited for its SRAM PC971 replacement to arrive.

Puncture season in full swing, I switched my attention to salvaging tubes. Having discovered my ‘cross inspired fixer’s front tyre pancake flat, I changed the tube, rounded up some other casualties and patched them for spares duty.

Two patches is my limit. Those sporting more; or larger lesions are decommissioned and reincarnated as top tube/chainstay protectors, headset or seat collar boots.

During the Univega’s makeover, Graham asked if I would drop by and strip his scabby old tart- a much loved, though world weary mid-90s GT Timberline.

It would’ve been ungrateful to decline, so, needing a break from the screen I popped in midweek. Two hours, one tin of penetrant spray and some nervous moments later, everything (including a seized UN30 cartridge bottom bracket!) relented.

Frameset bare and ready for the stripping tank, I turned my attentions to the Timberline’s grungy Alivio groupset. A liberal helping of Fenwicks’ FS1, some warm water and furious scrubbing later restored it to a socially acceptable and basically serviceable state.

While kinder to user and environment than my old friend, methyl chloride, the wispy vapour emanating from the other tank, always reminds me of the transporter scene in David Cronenberg’s visceral reworking of “The Fly”. Several minutes later and it had done a decent job of softening and partially stripping the existing finish.

Dredged from the chloride tank, things are basically dry. This one leaves a slightly slimy layer behind, which demands a few minutes longer in the blast cabinet.

After a few false starts, every last trace of residual paint and stickers were gone, leaving only a faintly dimpled, primer friendly surface behind. Graham’s going the blue route and has plenty of choice at his disposal.        

Elsewhere, there’s been a sudden swing to wintry weather. I’ve been thankful for my ‘cross inspired fixer’s quick, though dependable handling while chasing along lanes carpeted in thick slush.

Fixed offers that extra bit of feedback between tyres and surface. The ability to ease off gently against the transmission to slow, rather than pulling the front brake and being spat off is a definite plus!