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

Lights & Spikes

Winter is fun, provided you prepare properly. No such thing as the wrong weather, provided you’ve the right kit. Dependable tyres, durable lubes, and decent lighting being three obvious bike specific requirements. 

Thanks to high quality li-on and li-polymer cells, run to charging ratios are very favourable these days.

However, complacency almost got the better of me. Over the past few weeks, I’ve really warmed to this Lightrider PHASE rear light, reckoned to pump out 50 lumens and go 36 hours between charges.

It did, or within a few minutes first time round. However, 20 odd hours through the second charge, the charge light began flashing and it promptly powered down…Eight miles from home.

Thankfully, I always run two bike mounted lights, with this Revolution COB rear LED on my helmet, ready for contingencies. Now, I’d been a little remiss with charging my Univega’s Moon Nebula, which I had been running in super frugal, slow flash.

This also began flashing its low charge indicator, but this and The Revolution’s 15 lumen flash, were enough to cruise the remaining eight miles home on. All were suckling from my mains chargers, before I’d popped the tubby tourer back in the workshop.

This is another reminder that AA/A fuelled units remain extremely relevant. While spare cells should always be carried, worse case scenario, they’re easily bought from supermarkets, convenience shops and petrol stations.

Staying with lights, this Oxford Products Ultratotrch 2K front light. Tipping the scales at 338g It’s a gram heavier than their Ugoe 2000 lumen headlight, which feeds from a 7.4volt, 6000mAh li-polymer, external battery https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ugoe-2000  the 2K also retails at £99.99 and seems very well made. Inside the hard-anodized aluminium alloy casing we have three Cree XM-L2 LEDs, a 9000mAh lithium ion battery (which takes a full eight hours to charge).

I am pleased by the six modes, which staircasing power options, which start at a retina tickling 2000lumens, then downwards to 1500,1000, 500, 250 and 125lumens respectively. Some (me included) will be slightly disappointed to discover there’s no SOS, or flash mode, should reserves take a tumble, miles from home.

At the higher end, Oxford cites 2 hrs, 3 hours and 4 hours respectively, which bodes well for sustained speedwork through the sticks. However, whether optics rival firepower, in the useful, navigational sense, remains to be seen.

The machined aluminium handlebar mount makes a nice change, from the otherwise serviceable composites. It comes complete with an aluminium unit for 25.4 diameters.

Remove this, and theoretically it’ll bolt straight aboard oversized (31.8) bars. Rubber shims will be required for traditional road bars. I’ve had to raid the salvage box for something suitable, so it would accommodate these Soma Condor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma

So, if you’re without pick a couple up from your friendly local bike shop and (assuming you haven’t bought from them, at least have the decency to buy them some biscuits, or contribute to their tea and cake fund.

Elsewhere, I’ve exhausted the helping of chainsaw oil, used to lubricate the Passport elements chain. So returned to Weldtite TF2 Extreme wet https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-extreme-wet-chain-lubr , which has a very similar consistency.

The temperature has finally dropped, though not plunged, as sensationally predicted by the red top tabloid press. Clear skies have meant greasy, slightly slippery roads but nothing taxing the Schwalbe Marathon Mondial, yet. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-mondial-tyres

However, I can sense ice and more challenging weather coming in the coming weeks. Enter these Schwalbe Marathon Winter Plus. The winter, which I’ve used for several, icy and snowbound seasons are good but only have 120 spikes. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-winter-spiked-tyre

Fine for tackling icy backroads and moderate snowfall, at 17mph. However, last year’s so called “Beast from the East”; threatened to get the better of them. https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos/1846747668689489/ We’re talking minor slides, with a bit of warning, nothing more serious/expensive, or indeed, undignified.  

The Schwalbe Marathon Winter plus have 200, which should elevate grip and control to a new level. Staying with temperature, conditions have called for liner gloves. While the Oxford Bright gloves (and several similar designs are fine to 3 degrees), when the mercury slides into minus figures, finger tips can get painfully chill.

A rummage through my gloves’ drawer, unearthed these BBB liners. Liner gloves are designed to slip inside and provide additional warmth, and, in some cases, they can also be worn on their own, during spring.

Tandem Trikes & Other Favourites

John and Jane Moss have taken the difficult decision to sell their Tandem trike, owned by them since 7^th July 1979. Well, back in 1979, it was a Peugeot touring tandem, and rebuilt as a trike, back in 2007. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/love-resurrection-john-moss-s-tandem  

Much money has been spent upgrading the drivetrain and braking. End of an era. However, John’s trike focus, has turned almost exclusively to his Sinner Mango Velomobile. Sadly, there’s no longer enough room, in his workshop, for both. Contact me, by email, if you are interested in buying their tandem trike. 

Elsewhere, I’ve relocated “Franenpute” sensor and magnet, to chainstay and rear wheel. This appears to have solved the interference hassles, when SP PD8 and SL9 dynohubs https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-evura-shutter-precision-sl9-dy  are switched on.

500 miles in, and I’ve also warmed to the Passport Element Chain. At 802 kg, tensile strength is noticeably lower than track type fare, such as KMC Z1 inox https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/kmc-inox-chain (1050kg). These are almost twice the Passport’s asking price, so direct comparisons are unfair.

I’m 70 kilos, so don’t tax components in the same way a powerfully built, 90kilo rider will. Though I noticed the difference in tensile strength, when powering along a climb. I’d be happy popping one on a traditional winter/fixed conversion, single speed freewheels; or hub geared road build.  

More powerful riders, or those living in hillier regions and who only run a single, front brake, would be better served by something like the KMC. Nonetheless, true to claims, lubricant clings to the rougher, galvanised texture.

This not only means it stays put but there’s less clean up, and transference to hands/clothing.  I’ve had to tweak tension, on a couple of occasion, most recently this week, by the roadside.

For one, moral sapping moment, my beloved and long serving Pedros Trixie multitool seemed elusive. Thankfully, the 15mm head popped out from behind a tightly bound spare tube.

Back in September, the fixed hub belonging to the Mavic Open Pro build expired. I’d switched to the Halo Aerorage but pondered what to replace the Mavic’s no-name hub with. I’ve had no problems with cheap hubs in the past. An On-One Inbred unit served a good twelve years before expiry.

A simple cup n’ cone Maillard double fixed unit, graced my first fixed gear build, which was based around a 501 Raleigh frameset. The Inbred is a better bet, for daily drivers cum hack bikes, courtesy of sealed bearings and perfect for a utilitarian build. The sort which needs to be reliable but not attract unwanted attention, when locked to street furniture for longer periods.

Then this Halo rear fix G track hub, was offered me by Ison Distribution https://www.ison-distribution.com/english/product.php?part=HUHATG2K . Sealed bearings and hollow Cro-moly axles bode well for year-round/winter service. Look closely and you’ll notice a HG cassette type assembly for loading fixed sprockets.

Aside from the obvious convenience-no need for medieval looking chain whips, this allows for an adjustable chain-line, between 41and 52mm. Theoretically, a boon for older road conversions. However, those looking to leave their frame spacing untouched may find Surly New Road Rear https://www.ison-distribution.com/english/product.php?part=HUSURRDK a better option.

Don’t be tempted to use HG cassette sprockets with the rear fix G. Stick with 7mm Halo Fat foot, or Gusset Double Six sprockets.

Then there’s an independent lock-ring, that doesn’t have to deal with those rotational forces, traditionally synonymous with fixed transmissions. Talking of which, it will also entertain fixed sprockets between 12 and 20teeth. This should cater for pretty much every occasion, including fixed gear cross/gravel antics.    

Tioga City Slickers are another definite favourite of mine and 25 years later, they’re much as I recall, save for a new, “Energetic” 60tpi casing. Our samples are 700x32 but there’s a 38mm option, and plenty to please those of us, still running 26inch wheels.

I spent several years bombing round the capital on 26x1.95s, which were quick and compliant. Literally gliding over holes and lumpy ironworks. Punctures were rare events too. Or is that nostalgia weaving its hypnotic spell. Several weeks and a few hundred miles will tell.

One way, or the other.  Right, better glue this nasty looking (though thankfully, superficial) cut in the Soma Supple Vitesse EX casing. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-fabrications-vitesse  Before it expands, or a thorn, glass, or similar sharp sneaks inside.

Magnetic Attraction

So, with freshly rebuilt dynohub wheel safely returned to me, and Univega waxed, following some mucky January mile munching, it was time to switch to fixed. 

Following frankenpute euphoria, you’ll imagine my dismay at a flickering and sometimes unresponsive computer display. Big fat flashing zeros are not cool.  

Let us be clear (as the present UK administration is so fond of touting). I had inserted fresh CR2032 cells, adding a slither of Vaseline to the battery contacts, nipped the sensor ties and magnet tight…Most probable causes isolated.

A seasonal Lurgy curtailed further diagnostics, but all seemed to be behaving normally. Both on the work stand and a subsequent mile long loop.

Three days later, back in the saddle, out along the lanes. Dynamo on, blinkies pulsing, erratic readouts... So, I switched the Trelock LS 906 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/trelock-ls906-dynamo-front-light  lamp off. Consistently accurate, precise readouts resumed. Fluctuations gone.  This remained the case, over two rides and 45 miles.

I’ve never experienced these symptoms with my Univega’s Ultegra, or elderly Nexus hub dynamos. However, Strong magnetic forces, such as those experienced around power plants, and pylons are notorious points of interference. 97.6mph along a long, straight road, anyone? 

 I am also advised Shutter Precision hubs have particularly strong magnets.

Carbon fibre can also prove conductive, which is why good quality greases/assembly pastes must be used on metal components, to avert risk of galvanic corrosion/seizure. Bottom bracket threads being prime candidates. Could it be that the wonder weave, is amplifying said magnetic field, and creating these irregular signals?  

This may dictate moving sensor and magnet to chain-stay and rear wheel. Doing will exhaust computer and sensor cells a little faster. But provided I don’t exceed the 1 metre rule, everything should play nicely.

A wired unit is my last resort. Aside from defeating my “make do and reinvent narrative”, I’ll need to be more mindful when performing headset strips, and similar maintenance.  Blackburn have advised they no longer keep spares for the Atom units and, surprisingly, have deleted computers from their range.

Another rummage through the bodge box unearthed this VDO M3 WL, which appears to have a sensor fault. I’ve tried all the above techniques, but they won’t play nicely. Nor any other brands, for that matter, so I’ve emailed their UK importer for help. 

Despite constant headlines threatening a second ice-age, the thermostat has hovered around a seasonally typical 5 degrees.

No call for spikes just yet, although the wind chill prompted donning of Northwave Balaclava, once or twice.  These Oxford bright 4.0 gloves https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-1

have also come into their own and Steve’s been impressed by Proviz Reflect 360 CRS Plus Jacket https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-reflect360-crs-plus-jacket  

Chainsaw oil is continuing to do the business and some 140 miles in, is probably the closest to a bike specific, wet lubricant. I’m bargaining 500 miles from a single application. On paper, it’s looking a costlier option, compared with the bargain basement 5w/40. However, the latter attracted more scuzz. Most apparent within the cassette.

There’s been some further perch swapping, courtesy of this Pro Turnix gel saddle, which now graces my fixed gear winter/trainer. Its Selle Italia Novous boost superflow has been ported over to my tubby tourer and I’ve earmarked the BBB Echelon, elsewhere. Possibly the Goldhawk Roadax, if I can’t live with its stock/OEM model.

CAFAM Redemption & Frankenpute

Well, the CR50 arrived bang on cue but being holiday season, I zoned in and played with, the IRD CAFAM2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ird-cafam-2-cantilever-brakes . 

Cantilever posts were sanded intensely, yet judiciously, using a fine grade of sand-paper. Next, a generous slither of Park PPL2 grease.

The cable and anchor bolts were both looking a little scabby too. So, new Jagwire Pro Road cable https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/jagwire-pro-road-brake-kit  and a Genetic straddle wire.

Fresh consumables instated, it was a question of painstakingly adjusting the spring and straddle wire tension, toeing pads in etc. Light and temperature dipping fast, I’d got modulation, power and feel perfect.

Serendipity was again, my friend. Ditto my elderly feline, who required his food bowl replenishing. Cable stretch isn’t an issue with better quality inner wires, so I wasn’t surprised to discover all was peachy the next morning. Fifteen miles of climbs and descents reaffirmed this.

It also proved an ideal opportunity for a saddle swap, and to rack up some miles with the chainsaw oil. 40 miles spent traversing wet, greasy backroads and the side-plates have cultivated a slightly grimy beard, However, in keeping with my fixed gear’s galvanised model “fling” has been minimal. The cassette also looks a good bit cleaner, than it did, when the chain was running 5w/40 motor oil.

Now, Frankenpute…

That corridor between Christmas and New Year is ripe for experimentation and bodge box rummaging. While doing some general housekeeping, I found four scrap computers. One with a dead head unit, one with a broken bar mount bracket and the other a defunct sensor.

I then decided to challenge myself. Build one good unit, from the three scrappers. Finding which combination would play nicely, took a while. However, with fresh CR cells and a spare magnet, this 20function, Revolution head proved compatible, with the other, cannibalised parts.

A big rubbery shim and cable ties ensured secure tenure, to my fixed’s Soma Condor bars https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma  

Admittedly, black would win aesthetically but white are at least, uniform. I’m unsure whether it’s the shutter precision hubs’ strong magnets. However, other wireless systems, including this Knog NERD, gave erratic, or zero readings, even with the usual remedies (i.e. fresh batteries and Vaseline on the contacts). Given this track record, I wasn’t surprised to discover these intermittent faults teasing me, on our first, misty morning test run.

Sure, its cost me in terms of time. I wouldn’t be doing these things during billing hours but being holiday season. I found the process relaxing, and end results very satisfying. In common with the CAFAM, sometimes it’s the process of really getting to grips with, and mastering something. I am also looking for a replacement sensor, for this relatively elderly (2009/10), yet extremely solid Blackburn Atom 4.0.

In case you hadn’t noticed, I have a fiercely strong bond with my machines. My working bikes. Much loved but designed to be ridden, whatever the weather. Hence why Jeff Rutland’s Goldhawk Roadax resonated so deeply with me https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/goldhawk-bicycles-purposeful-passio . In anticipation of the test bike’s arrival, I’ve dusted down my Bob Yak homage…

Aside from its hauling capacity, the mighty single wheel trailer is a means of testing a test bike’s laden handling characteristics. I am of course, referring to touring, commuting, cyclo cross derivatives, not race bikes. Laden with 20 kilos, (sometimes more) I hunt down some sweeping descents, and aim for 30mph, plus.  

The Roadax is a sportier build than, the Kinesis Tripster Ace https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/kinesis-tripster-ace  . The Kinesis is more of a cruiser, thanks to the more relaxed positioning but will do tagalong and trailer tugging duties very competently. The Roadax should be master of most trades. I’m looking forward to finding out.  

In the meantime, can’t start 2019 with a filthy fleet, or an impure kettle…

Primal Stirrings

Despite the seasonal increase in lost/stolen parcels, these Primal Dawn men’s bib knickers made it through. Formative feelings are very positive.

Bridging the gap between shorts and thermal bib tights, ¾ lengths are perfect for autumnal and early spring rides. Milder winters too. (That said; Primal cite an optimal operating temperature range, between -7 and +24 degrees) In fact, ¾ lengths my preference over bib tights, unless wind chill/air temperature really bites. Our medium fit my 1m81, 70 kilo-frame perfectly.

The bibs offer ample coverage to the vital organs, the braces, unrestricted movement. Though less common, these days (especially at this price point) the elastic in some designs can be overly firm. To the point of feeling restrictive. Several in my collection, leaving unsightly tell-tale branding, after a couple of hours riding.

Panelling and cut seem equally precise. I managed 16miles in 45 minutes during our first outing and on the fixed. Much of that fuelled by very controlled rage, induced by an inflammatory communication, from my ex-wife. Nothing particularly new there. Another example of resilience, which I touched upon in my last entry. The season of goodwill generally slumps during December, on the roads, too.

I wasn’t surprised to find myself on the receiving end of some crass overtaking. Now, simply put, if you want to kill someone without experiencing punishment, incarceration, or indeed, loss of licence-do so with a car, or larger vehicle.

The occupant of a Mercedes Sprinter began overtaking (on a bend) but then decided he might collide with an oncoming vehicle, so just swung back. I’ve had closer encounters but was fuming at this display of elephantine ignorance.

The Sprinter remained stationary, engine running for around thirty seconds, blocking my progress. A baleful “Sorry mate, are you OK?” was offered on three occasions. I remained silent and unresponsive, partly in the hope my contempt would register. Life is very short, responding would only serve to ease his awkwardness. Hopefully this experience gave him food for thought/improvement.    

On the alternative lubes front, after 480 miles that familiar, subtle metal-on-metal tinkling struck. This coincided with a well-deserved sudsy scrub, for Ursula, who was sporting a fair bit of accumulated grot around the fork legs, bottom bracket shell and chainstays.

This was dismissed with some Pro Green MX Cycle Wash https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pro-green-mx-triple-pack . Fenwick’s foaming chain cleaner and Green Oil bicycle brush https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/green-oil-bicycle-brush  had cassette and chain gleaming, ready for chainsaw oil.  Applied via dropper bottle, this went on in a fashion, reminiscent of Weldtite TF2 extreme wet chain lubricant https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-extreme-wet-chain-lubr  and some others adorning my shelves.

However, I was surprised by the initial clean up required. There was a fair bit of excess clinging to the side plates and a spattery patina (reminiscent of that effect employed by Kona on their late 1980s mtb frames) adorning the Univega’s chainstays. Less drizzle n’ go than bike specific blends but not markedly worse than the motor oil, in many respects.

On some levels, its to be expected, but the fixed has been running much cleaner and the lube is really clinging to the chain’s dimpled galvanised texture. Several wet rides in, the chain has almost “bedded in” and the initial gravely patter, replaced by a serene swoosh.

Talking of gravelly, (and before the so called “beast from the east” sweeps in Steve has just reviewed these GoodYear County https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/goodyear-county-premium-tyre  

Ison Distribution have been investigating my SP PD8 dynohub wheel https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-rim-and-shutter-dynohub-disc-b  and confirm the hub is fine. However, the rim appeared to be pulling itself apart (albeit, very slowly). Therefore, they’re stripping the wheel and rebuilding with a new hoop.  I’ve also decided to revisit the Univega’s front stopper.

Though the IRD CAFAM 2 cantilevers https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ird-cafam-2-cantilever-brakes  are beautifully engineered, their mechanical advantage better suits traditional levers.

My Univega’s existing Microshift are shallower reach. Great for smaller hands, but Avid Shorty 4 and M system designs are better pairings. The humble cantilever is becoming harder to come by, although still has a solid following in ‘cross circles.  Some Shimano CR50 presented themselves, so we’ll see how they fare.