John and Jane are selling
their beloved Tandem Trike. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/love-resurrection-john-moss-s-tandem
If you are genuinely interested, please
contact me in the first instance. Either via this email roadpathtoenlightenment@gmail.com
or Michaelsevendaycyclist@gmail.com
Tuesday, 9 April 2019
Wednesday, 3 April 2019
Schoolboy Errors, The Brexit Blues & Big Bars
Schoolboy error, indeed. I am
of course referring to my Univega’s chainline.
In my haste to instate the new Talon ring, I accidentally mounted it to
the outer spider. Yep, threw the chainline right royally out. Very apparent when dropping to the lower
ratios.
Eureka moment struck and ring
repatriated, shifts are crisp, clean and predominantly silent. What you’d
expect from a new chain, ring and cassette, essentially. Corrections made, I’ve concluded that the
gearing is now, where I need it for most contexts.
An 11-30 (rather than 11-28)
will be my next move but otherwise, the existing setup offers enough grunt,
cruising and bombing prowess. Solo and with Bob Yak homage en-tow. Can
comfortably cruise up a 1in7 at 13-14mph, 20 plus on the flat.
Straying from variable gears
but staying with gearing and chainline... Those looking to optimise precision
with their fixed are well served by Halo Fixed -G Track Hub. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-fixed I’m extremely impressed by the concept and its
execution. Some might consider it a bit pricey for winter/hack duties but it’s
a better option for nicer conversions.
An acquaintance used to own a
1948 fixed gear Freddy Grubb. Beautifully made, with original gloss black enamel,
ornate lugs and an interesting, road friendly fork rake, it had horizontal,
road ends…An ideal candidate.
So, with a looming dental
appointment, and the UK administration following the British Leyland model of breath-taking
incompetence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsizoYrceOg , I needed
a distraction. Off came those Soma Condor 2 Shallow drop bars https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars and in their place, these Genetic DRISER-16
bars.
Their flatter, semi aero
profile top sections provide better mounting points for lights and other
accessories. Using the Genetic Neuron, I’ve been able to mount the Trelock
dynamo switch https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/trelock-ls906-dynamo-front-light and route its cabling more neatly, too. The Genetic
DRISER-16 are marketed as a great option for cyclo cross and gravel racing,
while also suitable for touring and commuting.
They’re made from heat treated
T6 6061 aluminium alloy, the 20mm rise supposedly works to the same principle,
as the Soma. Namely, providing a higher riding position, without faffing about
with spacers.
The top, semi aero section is
designed with cruising on the tops, in mind. 16-degree flare in the drop
supposedly provides an additional control, which would tally with the design
brief.
Ours is the widest, 44cm
version. I typically go with 46cm upwards, so we’ll see. For the time being,
I’ve dressed them in some salvaged Lizard Skins DSP 2.5mm wrap. However, we’re
expecting some competitor test-tape to arrive very shortly, and the Easton Pinline
Foam Bar Tape is well suited to my Univega’s mixed terrain, daily driver duties.
https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/easton-pinline-foam-bar-tape
While the UK isn’t affected by
rapid and extreme changes in climate, early Spring can still prove a very
changeable period. I’m still sporting ¾ lengths, Lake Winter booties, Buff,
winter weight jersey cum jacket and full-finger gloves. Prendas Cyclismo https://www.prendas.co.uk/ have
also sent us some Jerseys, bib shorts, socks and other Spring goodies for
testing but with the mercury struggling towards 7/8 degrees, they’ll have to
wait until things thaw a little.
After last week’s sad demise
of Frankenpute, Paligap www.paligap.cc
kindly sent me this VDOM3WL. Setup was intuitive, following their You Tube
tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA_JqUSNGko
Wax based/emulsion type
lubricants have come a long way in recent years. Most noticeably in the context
of stoicism. Both bikes are still on their first helping of Squirt Long Lasting
Dry Chain Lube. 200 miles apiece, neither chain looks thirsty, and on this
basis, I’m reckoning on 300 plus before topping up is required.
Squirt has transferred more
readily to hands and clothing, than some petrochemical blends and required a
couple of machine washes to shift it. Bodes well for longevity but Something to
consider, if you commute in light coloured trousers.
Thursday, 28 March 2019
Command Centre
Having recovered from crank
extracting efforts, I switched to my Univega and away from the increasingly
maddening crowd. An ideal opportunity to see how well Squirt Chain Lube copes,
in changeable conditions. This Apeman A80 Action camera had also arrived for
testing. Initial impressions are favourable, relative to price point.
It seems intuitive to use, and
image quality broadly comparable, with this Geonaute I’ve owned for a few
years. The Apeman A80 comes with a lot,
as standard, including 2nd battery, weatherproof casing and several
mounting options. I’ve opted to fit ours via this nicely finished Minoura VC100
Quick Release Camera Mount. Works well with compact cameras and Go-Pro homages.
This Genetic Neuron Accessory
Bar arrived and prompted some tidying of my fixed gear winter/trainer’s
cockpit. The old resin accessory mount had served me well, but was slowly
falling apart and ultimately, consuming unnecessary space.
I simply mounted the Trelock LS906
Bike-I PRIO Dynamo Front Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/trelock-ls906-dynamo-front-light and bracket to the Soma Condor 2 bars https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars ,
then ported “Frankenpute” and Xeccon Spear 900 front light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/xeccon-spear-900-front-light aboard the CNC machined Genetic. The 22.5mm
bar is designed to accommodate computers/GPS and other “lightweight”
accessories.
In real terms, it seems
perfectly happy with a 200g payload. Standards of construction and detailing
are impressive, especially for the money. CNC machining and anodised finish
aside, it comes complete with aluminium spacers (rather than the crude, but
generally effective rubber type), to achieve rock solid, scratch-free tenure to
26.0 bars.
Alas, my beloved Frankenpute,
then decided it no longer wanted to live. Mysteriously ejecting itself from its
mounting bracket, and beneath a following SUV. Sentimental soul I am, I
retrieved what remained and was astonished to discover some functionality.
A few days later, this very
simple, lollipop shaped Cat Eye Quick Computer arrived for review. Professionally, I’m interested in the latest
“Make the tea” technology but personally, lean towards simpler stuff.
The Quick is a five function,
wireless model. We’re talking current, average and maximum speed, trip
distance, total distance, total distance, moving time, and clock.
I’ve had plenty capable of scrutinising
every scrap of ride data, and I understand how useful that can be. However,
though I love riding, racing hasn’t been part of that diet some years.
So then, the Genetic Tibia
Track Cranks. Well, any component change generally makes a bike feel different.
Ours were the 165mm versions but there are 170 and 175mm alternatives.
These are arguably better
suited to taller riders and/or road biased builds. With this in mind; my
working fixed, originally sported 175mm SRAM cranks. Given the frame’s lofty
bottom bracket, spirited cornering didn’t lead to “grounding” or similar
fun-disruptive nastiness.
Some studies suggest moving to
a shorter crank, can improve comfort. These cite reduced scope of motion at the
knee, hips and lower back. Sounds good to me, all things being equal.
However, if you’re not sure,
or suffering discomfort, go for a bike fitting consultation and solicit medical
advice/as appropriate.
I wasn’t surprised to find
myself turning a slightly higher cadence during my formative twenty-mile test
runs. Neither do I run knee-popping ratios, in any case. Nonetheless, a good
fit, now feels that bit better. Not that I have any intention of wholesale
fleet conversion.
Squirt chain lube is proving
clean and relatively stoical. Both tubby tourer and fixed gear winter/trainer
are still on their first helping, 180 miles in. To be frank, given the
relatively dry climate these past few weeks, I’d expect even the most basic formulas
to last 200miles.
However, cleanliness seems
excellent, with little evidence of contaminant. In common with other emulsion
types, I wasn’t surprised to discover my Univega’s cassette cultivating a waxy patina.
One that will hopefully, protect the bright electroplating from light tarnish and
can be reclaimed by the chain in due course.
Despite incessant promises of
balmy days, the mercury is still struggling to nudge 12/13 degrees during the
day, so I’ll have to wait before I can do these Primal Onyx aero gloves justice.
Labels:
action cameras,
crank lengths,
cycle computer,
GPS,
handlebars,
lubes,
mitts,
organisation,
Primal,
Squirt,
Track cranks
Tuesday, 19 March 2019
Rings & Ratios
My Univega’s gearing has
always been something of a compromise, since 2017’s new paint and 1X9 makeover.
A 34-tooth ring and 11-30 cassette would’ve been too low.
The 44x11-28 gives a range
between 103 and 40.5 inches, which is generally practical for road duties,
although, I’ve missed the additional torque offered by the 30- tooth sprocket. Especially
when climbing a 1 in 7 and battling a headwind. Plenty of the latter, this past
fortnight, or so.
Having just replaced the chain
and cassette, buying another would’ve been silly, so I turned my attention to
the front ring. 94 BCD…Nothing suitable “in stock” but a witching hour wander
round the web, unearthed a black 42 tooth Talon for £9.99. Apparently, these had been purchased from the
distributor, in huge quantities and originally retailed at £35 apiece.
I was relieved to discover the
old Shimano ring’s mounting hardware released with minimal effort. Moreover, though
most patterns are accurate these days, I was pleased by the Talon’s fit.
Anti-seize on the crank bolts, snug tight with a long 5mm Allen key-sorted.
Gearing now ranges from 98.3
and 38.6 inches without major jumps (38.6, 45.1,51.5, 60.1,67.6,77.3,
83.2,90.1, 98.3).
Arguably a 40 would’ve been
better still, offering a 36.8-inch bottom gear. However, I’m not going to lose
any sleep over it and will probably switch to a 11-30 cassette, next time
round.
Continuing this theme, I’ve
been fortunate enough to receive some lovely Genetic Tibia track cranks (and Tibia
7075 T6 ring). The cranks are JIS (Japanese Industry Standard) rather than ISO.
Indeed, to my knowledge, this is comparatively rare. Though not overly
problematic in the general sense, its worth noting that ISO tapers are slightly
longer than JIS. This means you will need to buy another bottom bracket, to achieve
correct chainline.
I was sent the 165mm arms. 5mm
shorter than the System EX Track https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/system-ex-crankset
, I suspect these were selected because of the road bike designation. My
working fixed has a relatively tall bottom bracket, so less problematic (The original
build had 175mm arms) but shorter arms provide additional cornering clearance
on a conversion. I simply raised the saddle by 5mm to compensate.
Shimano’s UN55 is ideal (read
all you need) for these duties. Inexpensive, the sealed cartridge bearings have
been known to reach 10,000 miles, before slop sets in. The existing unit is
still in rude health.
However, rude, agricultural
language followed when I tried to remove the long standing, and very likable
System EX. Self Extracting crank bolts are an absolute godsend. Univega and
working fixed do not feature these, but their cranks are seldom removed.
Save for bottom bracket
replacement, and periodic re-greasing of the bolts. On this occasion, after 29
years, my Sugino crank extractor finally died. Stripped tool threads meant it
couldn’t divorce arms from tapers.
Enter this cheap, but cheerful
X tools replacement, which arrived the very next day. Credit where due, it did
the job handsomely. Nonetheless, prising those cranks from their tapers, still required
copious amounts of penetrant spray, a very long 8mm Allen key and the sort of
primal grunting more commonly associated with a labour ward.
Now, I don’t grease tapers but
the bolts themselves were given a liberal helping of Park PPL-1. Ditto the reinstated
ISSI pedals. The 44 tooth Genetic ring keeps gearing at 78.3 inches.
Taller than text book perhaps
but avoids knee trouble, yet tall enough to dodge comical, warp-speed spin out
along 1in7s. The new setup weighs 717g (48g heavier than the System EX) but I’m
suspecting there will be other, tangible benefits…
Thursday, 7 March 2019
Revisions
Chain and cassette replaced, I
still had a good 250 miles or so to go before nearing anything like a
conclusion regarding the Halo Fixed G hub and fat cog system. Wet, greasy lanes
with waterlogged sections, mulched equine dung were perfect and rather welcome,
given the mild February we’d been experiencing. A subtle “phantom” squeak
permeated my serenity. Snugging the track nuts and 8mm crank bolts down proved
the antidote.
This gold anodized Halo skewer
presented itself, so I thought “why not”. Cured some very minor pad rub, which
pipped up, when I was out of the saddle, and dancing up the climbs. Disc rotor
was true, cables and callipers were correctly adjusted, and everything behaved
impeccably on the workstand (doesn’t it always?).
Therefore, perhaps a tighter
union at the dropouts…Niggle, and episodic tinkle muted. The passport anti rust single speed chain
continues to do its thing silently, and the galvanised surface does an
excellent job of retaining lubricant.
I was a little surprised to
discover some orange taint. Especially since Weldtite TF2 extreme wet lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-extreme-wet-chain-lubr is one of the most tenacious (albeit not the
cleanest) wet lubes I’ve used to date.
The watery corrosion vanished,
upon contact with a clean rag. Some Squirt chain lube arrived for testing, so I
treated the transmission to some Green Oil chain degreaser jelly, as part of a sudsy
bucket spruce-up. Talking of which, Steve’s been putting Silkolene wash off, to
the test https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/silkolene-wash-off
A reminder that Spring can
still prove very wet and mucky, so I’ll leave the KMC dressed in its factory
lube. Once that’s thinning, I’ll swap to the Squirt. Dressing appropriately for
the changeable conditions, is another challenge. Thankfully, softshell jerseys and ¾ lengths
with water repelling top layers plug the gap.
Early morning outings are
still quite chill too. I’ve always found this very refreshing and for the time
being, I’m still sporting a “Belgian style” cap beneath my lid and Oxford
Bright 4.0 gloves https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-1 . I
pack a buff and the Oxford bright waterproof cycle gloves 3.0 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-bright-3-0-gloves on longer rides, when temperatures can climb
into the low teens.
Full length guards make a
world of difference, keeping bike and rider, presentable. Cue the Univega and
putting miles on the Selle Italia Sport Gel Flow FEC-Alloy saddle.
Thus far, its proving music to
one’s derriere, whether I’ve been cruising along the asphalt, or tackling more
technical terrain. Soft, yet supportive, which can be a very difficult balance
to strike.
The relatively narrow profile
is also very conducive to fast tempos, although I’m generally cruising along at
85-90rpm. Another intermittent phantom squeak (traced to the M45’s jockey
wheels), prompted me to carry a small dropper bottle of simple lube.
Saddles and pedals are the first
components I replace, on off the peg bikes (purchased, rather than tested). The
Inbred, fitted to my stock MKII Ilpompino, was a notable exception. It
eventually migrated to my MTB based crosser, with similarly pleasing results.
That had 46cm road drops,
which were up to the job in the “Use what you got” tradition. It was On-One
Midge drops, that really turned me on to the big, swoopy sort. The 25.4mm
versions were a bit whippy but the 31.8 firmed things up a treat.
WTB Mountain drop bars are
another firm favourite of mine. Especially for a rough stuff tourer, or
tagalong/trailer tug, although to my knowledge, they’re no longer made. No
surprise then, that I was generally impressed by Soma Fabrications Condor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma .
Something of a talking point, the
shape generally suited me. However, the original pastern had some drawbacks. Soma
have revised the shape. The MK2’s top sections are also straighter, allowing
easy fitment/alignment of lights, and more hand space. That said; drops and
hoods, are my go-to defaults.
Speaking of revision, it’s
been a good few years since I towed Joshua behind, on the tagalong. He turned
16 this week and will be sitting his GCSEs this summer. That chapter of my life
remains ingrained, almost thirty years hence.
Provisional places on courses
at FE college. The opportunity to study subjects I was interested in, focused
my mind. Riding kept me sane in between revision, exams and anxiously awaiting
results. Whether examinations, is the best means of assessing knowledge, or
competence, is somewhat debateable.
Nonetheless, undertaking
previous papers, to strict exam conditions, will hone these skills, and is,
like time trialling-the race of truth. It will reveal where your weaknesses, and
gaps in your knowledge lie. Everyone’s different but don’t sit more than two
“mocks” per day, tops.
Remain structured, it’s easy
to kid yourself your knowledge is better than it really is. Or, at the other
extreme, hammer yourself into the ground. Papers aside, set revision in two-hour
blocks, and slot in regular food and sanity breaks.
Friday, 1 March 2019
Pads, Cassetes, Cables & Chains
Winter can chomp through
consumables, at an alarming rate. Pads are no exception and I’d bought
replacements, knowing the time was edging closer. Fade struck, along a
regularly traversed 1in7. Decision made. Pads stripped and replaced within
minutes of returning home.
These patterns lasted a year,
or so. Fixed relies less on mechanical braking, thus usefully extending pad and
related component life. Provided you’re not living in a particularly hilly
region, of course. I continue to be delighted by the Halo Fixed-G rear hub.
Perfect chainline also ensures a nigh on silent transmission. Acceleration
feels tangibly brisker, too. I’ve reached my conclusions regarding the Tioga
City Slicker tyres https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tioga-city-slicker-tyres
Richard Peace has been putting
the Carrera cross city folding bike through its paces https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carrera-crosscity-folding-electric-
Pad changing presented an
obvious opportunity to give the bike a deeper clean, than usual. The Velo 21 dirty weekend pre-wash did a
decent job. It’s a subtle formula that doesn’t foam, or anything visually
exciting. Science suggests the surfactants are doing the business. Eating into
the grime, rather than just foaming on the surface.
Suffice to say, it romped
through organic grot and slurry, without needing to agitate. Even petrochemical
based spatter slithered away, left marinating for five minutes and then rinsed.
These Soma Fabrications Condor II shallow drop bar also arrived this week, so I
wasted no time fitting them.
Elsewhere, having averted
potential castration, my Univega’s cassette was resembling one of those “fat
balls” supposedly breeding in our sewer systems. An obvious candidate for
Velo21 degreaser.
Chain, cassette, jockey wheels
and ring came up quite nicely too. Not without a fair bit of elbow grease. It’s
worth noting that Stealth, is a very stoical ceramic. I’ll need to see how it
works on less tenacious lubes, before passing appropriate, fair comment.
I also checked the chain’s
health, using this digital chain checker. Budget analogue units are dirt cheap,
accurate enough too. However, I prefer the pin-point, in a glance confirmation.
Chains don’t stretch, they wear. Consign to the bin, once wear measures 0.8mm.
Time spent undertaking regular
inspections and preventative maintenance is priceless. Aside from extending the
life of expensive components, I’d rather be out, enjoying the miles than fixing
stuff by the road/trailside. Let alone the long walk home.
This housekeeping also proved
the ideal opportunity to fit the Easton EVA wrap and swap back to the Schwalbe
Marathon Mondial https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-mondial-tyres
, now the threat of ice, has greatly diminished. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/after-the-gritters-went-home
Bored with Brexit, red top
tabloids have now fixated on extreme weather. Coastal flooding now tops the
agenda.
After some casual, late night
trawling, I came across an Alivio rear mech, to replace the long serving
Microshift M45. Crucially it was of a higher spec, and at the right price. I’ve
stripped, cleaned and inspected the M45 and there’s surprisingly little slop.
I changed the cable and closer
inspection revealed the SRAM chain was fit for the knackers’ yard, cassette not
far behind (though thankfully, I already had an 11-28) so retired both.
Worth buying a stock of both,
if you do big mileages and/or ride in harsh conditions. However, as I’ve said
before, there’s a fine line between sensible stock-piling and hoarding.
Cassette lock-rings can become
very stubborn, even when they’ve been given a lick of stiff grease. The 11-30
Sram was no exception, benefitting from a quick blast of penetrant spray.
11-28 tooth electroplated Sram
replacement on the freehub body and lock ring greased, I torqued it to 40nms,
reinstated the wheel, then cut and fitted the new chain. I ordered two, so
there’s one on tap, when the chain checker chimes 0.8mm.
While the other 9spd
components are in solid shape, I’ll stick to this grade of rear mech and consumables.
Unless I’m presented with an interplanetary (hub gear) system, I’ll probably
upgrade to ten speed. An Octalink crankset, Deore mech and Sun Race brifters
seem good options. The production Alpina 506’s factory specification, was a mix
of Shimano LX and XT.
At present, it’s an eclectic
mix of Ultegra, Deore, 105 (equivalent) and some slightly lower end but
extremely serviceable parts. Components that make it go and stop in excellent
proportion. I’m a constant tinkerer, and some would say, contrary figure. Who knows what will follow…
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