Ticking Over

The recent pandemic has become a tangible reality, rather than a George A Romero, or David Cronenberg abstract.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSMuwejjiGs&t=1608s 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jV_xEwb0ZiQ&t=235s 

While certain sections of the British Public continue to stockpile toilet rolls and canned foods, others have suggested, with some plausibility that this is an illustration of Brexit induced delays and shortages.  

We’ve certainly found acquiring test products/similar from mainland Europe that bit slower in the past week, or so.  Italy came as no surprise, given that nation’s intensive quarantine policy but it seems to be coursing through other countries too. 

Striking a balance and taking sensible precautions, without succumbing to hysteria is always difficult. Current thinking suggests cyclists should observe a metre’s distance between each other to prevent viral transmission. I’ve also had work (and therefore, income) postponed due to client fears.  

Fully understandable, given the circumstances and I wasn’t overly endeared to the prospect of travelling into the capital for a business meeting on Wednesday. Nonetheless, life without some element of risk is no life at all. 

Back in the saddle, I’ve remained glued to my Univega for several reasons. Primarily since I’ve been breaking in the GB Solour saddle. Much as I thought, after 250 miles and regular feeding, it had more or less assumed my shape.  

Despite being pre-softened, my inner thighs (rather than sit-bones) were slightly vocal about this rite of passage. I’ve broken in four, maybe five traditional leather saddles in my riding career and its much the same experience. As I’ve said in previous entries, some adapt quicker than others, regardless of technique and this id down to the hide’s density. 

The early season has the potential to be very changeable, although it's actually not overly tricky to dress for. ¾ lengths are my default choice of legwear, catering for temperatures between 7 and 14-15 degrees equally well. I also tend to turn a relatively high cadence and a moderate gear, which helps with circulation and ultimately maintaining and ambient temperature. 

I’m not one of for overshoes, although recognise they do a good job of keeping wearer temperate and dry, while protecting expensive shoes from the crap that’s still lining the roads. Although the infrastructure is decidedly battle-scarred, given the perpetual rains and subsequent flooding.  

Right now, it’s too warm for booties, so I’m sticking with these Triban 520 shoes and alternating between “winter weight” socks, such as these Prendas Ciclismo Winter Coolmax Socks https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/prendas-ciclismo-coolmax-winter-cyc and Oxford Ox Socks https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-ox-socks.  

Hands and feet are the first things the body diverts from to conserve warmth and function; hence I stick with middleweight, water repellent full-finger designs.  

A long sleeve base layer and a jersey cum jacket cater for chillier rides (between 4 and 10 degrees), or I might switch to a short sleeve base layer, long sleeve jersey and a thin gilet on top, just to keep unexpected chill and light showers from causing mischief. Easter can still turn bandit weather-wise but I’m usually favouring multi- purpose “Neck Warmer” type garments over a skull-cap.       

Now, no sooner had I finished testing those Wellgo MO94B https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/wellgo-m094 , which are continuing to hold up very well. Though a clear nod in the direction of Shimano M540, the silver ED finish is very good and I also like the 15mm wrench platform, which the M540 and some other, direct homages lack.  

As I’ve said before, there shouldn’t be any issue removing pedals that have been properly, and periodically re-greased. 

However, long-handled pedal spanners make short work of stubborn/partially seized pairings (but remember a good penetrant spray or failing that, a spray lubricant (such as Juice Lubes JL69 Bike Maintenance Spray https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/juice-lubes-jl ) to prevent soft aluminium alloy crank threads getting stripped).  

Talking of strips, I decided my fixed gear winter trainer needed a deep clean and polish. Off came the crud catcher and caked-on organic grime was dismissed and the frame given a generous helping of Naked Bikes Pro Wax Special Edition https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/naked-bikes-pro-wax-special-edition to nourish and protect the powder-coated finish.  

Though very tough finish, using premium quality paint, it still likes a little help to win against the elements. I also found a matching replacement hood for the dummy brake lever. (It was hibernating in my KA’s boot and unearthed while swapping to the spare wheel following a flat) so took that opportunity to replace this for improved aesthetics. 

Elsewhere, I’ve reached my conclusions regarding the Genetic D-Riser 4 bars https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/riser-4-handlebars and during this period of “social distancing” time to mend, or modify some kit, perhaps...https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sugru-mouldable-glue-original-formu 

The Chain Again

 

As I predicted, two weeks hence, the chain tool tolled judgement day for my Univega’s chain. The blend of flooded, silty roads, wet lube and long, steady miles had done the deed. I was rather hoping this would coincide with the arrival of a 38 tooth CNC machined ring, but hey-ho.  

No sense shortening cassette, derailleur and ring-life. Since I’m running a 1X setup, ring wear is less of an issue compared of a double, or triple. A few minutes rummaging in my freshly reconfigured transmission spares bin and I emerged triumphant, with a nice shiny KMC.  

I know a lot of folks like the “magic links” and they can be super-convenient. I just prefer the security of a traditional pin, so pruned and joined accordingly. This served to highlight a very palpable, matted layer of wet lube and accumulated contaminant engulfing the cassette.  

Out came the Juice Lubes Dirt Juice Chain Cleaner https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/juice-lubes-dirt-juice-chain-cleane. 

Transmission stripped bare; I’ve decided in favour of a more basic middleweight ISO/PTFE lube. Less stoical than a wet lube but much cleaner, and March is looking less challenging weather-wise.  In any case, I will be switching to this Pro Gold Pro Link Chain Lube, which should be a good fit, season-wise. 

According to their blurb its  

“A thin-bodied lubricant which utilizes metal friction reducer technology for smooth shifting and a quiet drive train. Does not build up or become tacky; sheds dirt, mud, and abrasives. Also repels moisture and prevents corrosion”. Will be interesting to see how it performs in the real world. 

Surprising just how much difference a new chain can make to the transmission. On many levels this is obvious, but the existing chain had only just reached pensionable, rather than being completely shot. Shifts were immediately snappier and more reliable. More remarkable was just how quickly weather and contaminant euthanised it.    

I’m still looking around for a 38 tooth 94BCD ring, which will afford a more seamless choice of gears. For years, Chris Bell produced precision-engineered bespoke elliptical and round rings but sadly, succumbed to prostate cancer in 2016. 

By the same token, while I’m keen to keep solid components going, a new, external bearing crankset, might prove the most cost-effective solution. Assuming of course, I can’t acquire a 5-arm Stronglight/similar at a favourable price.  

The other option is to plump for a smaller ring and road-biased cassette. I’ve run this configuration in the past. However, unless the former was seriously cheap, it would also mean replacing the cassette.  

A moot point, if both were edging close to retirement, but they’re not. While I love a well-stocked spares bin and the economics/horizons this presents, I don’t want to be hoarding heaps of stuff that are too much of a compromise (and thus won’t get used, let alone worn out).  

Rounding up the drivetrain theme, this Topeak All Speeds Chain Tool also arrived for testing. Aside from the industrial good looks, it includes a chain hook to hold the chain together while you drive the pin home.  

I was also pleased to note there’s a spare drive pin that’s threaded into the base. Not only does the design promise to tackle chains from single, through to 12 speeds, this includes Campagnolo 11speed hollow types.

  

This purging also prompted me to polish and wax the frameset.  

Grit can slip behind cables, leading to paint-chew. Protective cable rubbers and clear stickers/ “helicopter” tape are the simplest, most effective preventions. In my experience, thicker ready-cut frame protection patches are quite durable.  

Eventually, PTFE rich maintenance (and other solvent-based aerosol products, for that matter) will dissolve their adhesives-especially those around the head, seat tube and chainstays, inducing lift and peel. This time round, I plumped for a supermarket wax, primarily because it was within easy reach. Bargain basement but easy to apply, and supposedly suitable for all surfaces.   

Staying with cleaning a moment, Steve and I have been very impressed with Rock N’ Roll Miracle Red Concentrate Multi-Purpose Bike Cleaner https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/rock-n-roll-miracle-red 

An incredible versatile that will clean everything from scuzzy steeds and grimy hands, to carpets and clothing.  Those who want to add a little electrical assistance to their commute, or utility ride might be interested in our review of this Raleigh Stow E Way Folding E Bike   https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/raleigh-stow-e-way-folding-e-bike