Puddle Muddle

 

The weather has turned wintry over the past week and for the most part, I’ve been enjoying the changes and minor challenges it presents. Forecasts had threatened but thankfully not delivered ice. I set out on Friday morning a little later than usual for a longer meander around the lanes.

Harsh winds, sleet and snow showers greeted me as I warmed up along the winding descent. I’d opted for these Primal Dawn Men’s Bib Knickers BUFF PACK BIKE CAP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and Oxford Products Ox socks OXFORD OX SOCKS | cycling, but not usually racing (sevendaycyclist.com). Up top I opted for a short sleeve base layer with windproof panel, long sleeve jersey and technical jacket. For some reason, I switched gloves and meant to grab my Belgian style cap but stuck with the Buff Pack Bike Cap BUFF PACK BIKE CAP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com).  Perfect conditions for evaluating the FLR defender.

On the outward leg, roads were wet, greasy but I quickly upped the tempo and cruised along. Ten miles in a flooded causeway and seemingly stranded Audi signalled a quick U-turn and alternative route. Checking the fixed’s chain revealed a stubborn but increasingly filmy layer of Muc-Off ebike Wet weather Ceramic Chain Lube and I was yet to be serenaded by the faint metallic tinkling, so charged up another climb and along some very windswept, lonely lanes.

Three miles from home and the narrow lane had become a river. Calve-deep by the time I’d done a proper risk assessment. Riding was too risky, so I shouldered the bike and trotted through cyclo-cross stylee.

Two miles later and I was home. Soggy but relatively warm feet meant I treated the bike to a thorough wash, and I stripped the chain of the residual lube and embedded gunk. In fairness, this particular wet ceramic doesn’t overly attract drivetrain gobbling muck but there’s no sense allowing it to reach that stage, especially since the bike needed washing anyhow.

One thing lead to another and I decided to swap the excellent Redshift Sports Shockstop Suspension Seatpost REDSHIFT SHOCKSTOP SUSPENSION SEATPOST | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) for the Kinekt 2.1 seat post (with a long Cane Creek 25.4-27.2 shim not the 25.4-26.6mm, pictured) and this bespoke Dill Pickle Store Bag that has been doing the rounds, very capably for a few years.  

Shims have a slightly dubious reputation in some circles and having witnessed some frame popping caused by the very minimalist designs, back in the early-mid 90s, can appreciate why. If you are going this route, spend a tenner and get something decent. People risking a decent frame for the sake of a few quid astound me.  I would not go this route with carbon-posts, let alone framesets.

The Cane Creek shim is 100mm long, and very nicely machined, which should eliminate risk of additional stress being placed upon the seat tube, especially, since there’s ample post inside the frame. I’ve used a light grease between post and shim, shim and seat tube. To avoid the risk of galvanic corrosion, between an alloy sleeve and steel frameset, go for a synthetic, or PTFE infused, rather than lithium-based prep. 

Talking of lubes, I was also stunned to discover a phantom creak. I initially attributed this to the front hoop’s q/release having worked loose, permitting minor movement of the wheel, causing the rotor to catch the pads. To my astonishment, said sound was traced to the Kinekt stem. This seemed to ease out, as the miles progressed, silence restored of its own accord some five miles later. However, I’ve since added a precautionary drop of Green Oil Slip Eco Lube GREEN OIL SLIP ECO LUBRICANT (sevendaycyclist.com) to the unit’s linkages.

 I’ve also switched to the Halo White Line and Shutter Precision PD8 wheel  HALO CLASSIC RIM & SHUTTER PRECISION DYNOHUB DISC WHEEL BUILD (sevendaycyclist.com) and shod it with the 38mm Vee Tire Co Zilent MK2 Tyre up front TESTED: VEE TIRE CO ZILENT MARK 2 TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com)   Chain lightly lubed, a quick shot of maintenance spray on cables and cleat mechanisms-job done and warm bath for me, before I ran the cold gauntlet.  Talking of which, Steve has been impressed with these Showers Pass Crosspoint GlovesSHOWERS PASS CROSSPOINT GLOVES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) . More next week..

 

 

Spirit Guides & Stem Swaps

 House purchase complete, deeds transferred, and I’ve moved. Garage requires more regimentation, but storage is arriving, and bikes are readily accessible. I’ve been following my nose along the quiet, seemingly civilised lanes and B roads and a correspondingly civilised hour.

Winding back roads are thickly carpeted in mud, reminiscent of Belgium classics (especially in the mist) and cyclo cross meets. The Kenda Kwick Journey KS Plus are surprisingly sure-footed in these contexts, providing excellent feedback and traction. The ½ link chain seems to have settled down and the Muc-Off E-Bike Ceramic Lube is staying put keeping things sweet and serene. Stoical, its seemingly unaffected by muck, subsequent washing and is attracting surprisingly little grot.  

Temperatures are now broadly seasonal, so bib tights it is. I’m defaulting to the Funkier Polar Fleece Bib Tights and the Showers Pass Elements Jacket SHOWERS PASS MEN'S ELEMENTS JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), the FLR defender continue to do their thing pretty convincingly, save for a few curious quirks.

Pandemic and social distancing aside, people seem helpful but non-invasive, which is the right balance for me. This horse seemed very approving of my fixed gear winter trainer’s spec, but seemingly insistent I switch the Redshift Sports Shockstop Suspension Stem TEST & REVIEW REDSHIFT SPORTS SHOCKSTOP SUSPENSION STEM (sevendaycyclist.com) for the Kinekt Suspension Stem!  

The latter has a more industrial aesthetic and a broader profile, requiring some subtle repositioning of the Geonaut G-Eye Action Cam, which ultimately resulted in a sleeker aesthetic. Spec-wise, the Kinekt in question is 90mm long and with a road typical 7degree rise. The stem components are made from heat treated 6061 aluminium alloy, has an anodised finish and laser-etched graphics. Springs are powder coated and offer 15-20mm of travel.

I’m 70 kilos and sticking with the stock, medium spring for now, since it’s plush without bottoming out, or bouncing around like a pogo-stick.

However, I may experiment with a stiffer spring, since replacement seems extremely straightforward and unlike the otherwise excellent Redshift Sports Shockstop Suspension stem, can be performed with in situ.

The Kinekt is also offered in 105 and 120mm (7 degree) and there’s a 30-degree option in any length you like, so long as its 100mm.

I also took this opportunity to replace the VDO computer’s head unit battery, before it finally gave out, losing all my ride data. To the designs’ credit, it had been registering low battery and had entered hibernation to conserve essential power. Thankfully, a quick rummage through the welsh dresser unearthed a pack of CR2032 button cells.

Batteries swapped and data retained, I needed to reduce the sensor/magnet gap to restore the usually seamless readout. I chose not to replace the sensor battery this time round but will go this route (adding a lick of Vaseline/silicone grease to the contacts) should readouts turn erratic.

I’ve also switched the front wheels around, in favour of the 35mm Continental Contact Plus TESTED: CONTINENTAL CONTACT PLUS TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com) and Shutter Precision SL9 dynohub HALO EVURA & SHUTTER PRECISION SL9 DYNOHUB BUILD (sevendaycyclist.com) 32mm section tyres are generally ample for winter and country roads. The default option for touring bikes during the 80s and 90s (although “fast” tourers often used 28mm). However, some additional cushioning is welcome along the wet, greasy sweeping backroads and the Kinesis DC37 forks KINESIS DC37 DISC FORK | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) have ample clearance for 42c TESTED: VEE TIRE CO ZILENT MARK 2 TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com)

 

 

Fine Tuning, Neurosis & Touch Ups

 November nearing its swansong and its remaining unexpectedly mild (save for a few, very cold starts). Strange then, that I should switch to the FLR Defender Winter Booties. However, UK winters err on the wet, rather than bitterly cold and I also want to see how they regulate temperature in milder weather. Before I went into temporary exile, I collected some packet fresh consumables, including these Look Cleats.

Marked “Easy Release”; these follow the Shimano SPD pattern and came with the Look Geo Trekking Pedals I was testing this time in 2019. Since the Shimano and Wellgo bolted to my shoes were fully compatible, I had put the Look on ice. In my experience, even the more basic patterns return a decent mileage. However, they tend to expire at the least convenient moments, especially in winter.

I introduced these with the Zefal Extra Wet Nano Ceramic Chain Lube. Grease is more stoical but heavier duty wet lubes make convenient and passable substitutes. Just remember to strip and re-lubricate more frequently-at least every three months. Otherwise, you’ll be reaching for penetrant sprays, or resorting to more extreme measures, such as drilling them out…

The thicker soles common to this genre of boot may mean raising the saddle a few millimetres to compensate. I chose to perform this move post-ride and the binder bolt chose that precise moment to expire. Being specific, it seems the collar’s aluminium thread had stripped its threads at a crucial point.

The balance of blame lies solely at my door-overtightened due to neurosis and forgoing a torque wrench. Thank heavens for the internet and next day delivery.

Given this incurred a £4 charge, I decided to buy two of these Brand X (one as a spare, just in case. I also have a blue Salsa lip-lock in storage). Muc Off Mechanics Gloves MUC-OFF MECHANICS GLOVES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) donned, I gave the frame’s seat tube a quick blast of maintenance spray, gently splayed the clamp and eased it in situ.

The former added some slip, thus reducing the risk of scratched paintwork. Treated the post to a quick lick of Muc-Off Bio Grease TESTED : MUC-OFF BIO GREASE (sevendaycyclist.com)  since I was there, reinstated everything and snugged the collar bolt tight, resisting any neurotic urges.

Though the Univega’s Interpon 601 powder coat cream finish After The Gritters Went Home | Seven Day Cyclist is incredibly tough and well applied, it’s not completely bullet-proof (no finish is) and there are a couple of small chips.

One along the chainstay and another on the right-hand seat stay. My initial drift was towards Revel/Humbrol type hobby enamels but these looked to be a shade or two out, which is no use. I’d be better off applying a primer coat to protect the metal and waiting for the right match. As I was wandering around the web for something else, a 30ml RAL9001 cream bottle turned up at a very keen price, so I wasted no time in buying.  

Curing times are cited as being 2hours between coats. Two or three thin coats are always better than a single, thick one. Wherever possibly, leave these overnight and then add subsequent coats the next day. Ideally, leave a further 24hours. In short, best done during a time when that bike is enjoying some well-deserved rest.

Elsewhere, the Zefal Z Adventure Z5 continues to impress with its blend of rugged, motion free tenure and simple, sturdy mounting. Steve’s also been impressed with the BTR Water Resistant Handlebar Bag BTR WATER RESISTANT HANDLEBAR BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

I’ll close this entry with some photos of my thankfully, temporary exile…Better organise some bike storage for my new permanent home, before demand spikes and delivery times extend, given the seasonal rush.    

November nearing its swansong and its remaining unexpectedly mild (save for a few, very cold starts). Strange then, that I should switch to the FLR Defender Winter Booties. However, UK winters err on the wet, rather than bitterly cold and I also want to see how they regulate temperature in milder weather. Before I went into temporary exile, I collected some packet fresh consumables, including these Look Cleats.

Marked “Easy Release”; these follow the Shimano SPD pattern and came with the Look Geo Trekking Pedals I was testing this time in 2019. Since the Shimano and Wellgo bolted to my shoes were fully compatible, I had put the Look on ice. In my experience, even the more basic patterns return a decent mileage. However, they tend to expire at the least convenient moments, especially in winter.

I introduced these with the Zefal Extra Wet Nano Ceramic Chain Lube. Grease is more stoical but heavier duty wet lubes make convenient and passable substitutes. Just remember to strip and re-lubricate more frequently-at least every three months. Otherwise, you’ll be reaching for penetrant sprays, or resorting to more extreme measures, such as drilling them out…

The thicker soles common to this genre of boot may mean raising the saddle a few millimetres to compensate. I chose to perform this move post-ride and the binder bolt chose that precise moment to expire. Being specific, it seems the collar’s aluminium thread had stripped its threads at a crucial point.

The balance of blame lies solely at my door-overtightened due to neurosis and forgoing a torque wrench. Thank heavens for the internet and next day delivery.

Given this incurred a £4 charge, I decided to buy two of these Brand X (one as a spare, just in case. I also have a blue Salsa lip-lock in storage). Muc Off Mechanics Gloves MUC-OFF MECHANICS GLOVES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) donned, I gave the frame’s seat tube a quick blast of maintenance spray, gently splayed the clamp and eased it in situ.

The former added some slip, thus reducing the risk of scratched paintwork. Treated the post to a quick lick of Muc-Off Bio Grease TESTED : MUC-OFF BIO GREASE (sevendaycyclist.com)  since I was there, reinstated everything and snugged the collar bolt tight, resisting any neurotic urges.

Though the Univega’s Interpon 601 powder coat cream finish After The Gritters Went Home | Seven Day Cyclist is incredibly tough and well applied, it’s not completely bullet-proof (no finish is) and there are a couple of small chips.

One along the chainstay and another on the right-hand seat stay. My initial drift was towards Revel/Humbrol type hobby enamels but these looked to be a shade or two out, which is no use. I’d be better off applying a primer coat to protect the metal and waiting for the right match. As I was wandering around the web for something else, a 30ml RAL9001 cream bottle turned up at a very keen price, so I wasted no time in buying.  

Curing times are cited as being 2hours between coats. Two or three thin coats are always better than a single, thick one. Wherever possibly, leave these overnight and then add subsequent coats the next day. Ideally, leave a further 24hours. In short, best done during a time when that bike is enjoying some well-deserved rest.

Elsewhere, the Zefal Z Adventure Z5 continues to impress with its blend of rugged, motion free tenure and simple, sturdy mounting. Steve’s also been impressed with the BTR Water Resistant Handlebar Bag BTR WATER RESISTANT HANDLEBAR BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

I’ll close this entry with some photos of my thankfully, temporary exile…Better organise some bike storage for my new permanent home, before demand spikes and delivery times extend, given the seasonal rush.    

 

Subtle Changes, Great Results

Little n’ often is the way when it comes to winter maintenance. Many problems can be swerved, simply by keeping bikes clean and lightly lubricated. Brush tyres down to remove sharps before they can burrow into the casing and cause flats, remove grit from brake pads, wipe the chain’s side plates, especially if you’re running a wet lube. Mudguards (fenders) and big flaps, such as these RAW https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/raw-prismatic  also offer considerable protection to bike and rider alike.

The Zefal Extreme Wet (Ceramic) is proving reassuringly stoical-filmy given 325miles or so but on a derailleur set up, the chain reclaims the excess coting the cassette. I noted the indexing had gone slightly off. Cable tension tweak-sorted.

Funny how things can be textbook perfect on the workstand, yet prove out, on the road/trail. Zoned in, I also turned my attention to the brakes since regularly tackling waterlogged roads sees brakes and other mechanisms coated in dodgy, grimy stuff. This can gum things up, causing the brake arm to drag/stick. The front Genetic CX Cantilevers https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-cx-cantilever-brakes are great stoppers but needed a quick bit of TLC. Balance screws tweaked, I gave the screws, springs and inner cable a quick shot of heavy-duty maintenance spray, which has brought stopping back up to scratch.

Braking sorted; the Schwalbe Kojak grip the wet, mushy leaf carpeted lanes like the proverbial leach. I have finally retired the rear Continental Contact Speed Reflex https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact-speed-reflex-ty  due to a succession of small but rather deep, sharp induced gashes. Thankfully, Monday morning’s puncture proved a slow affair that struck less than 5 minutes from base.

I was aware of a faint hiss but put it down to the swoosh as we glided through the puddles. Any loss of pressure was undetectable until several hours later, when I noticed the rear was sitting pancake flat on the lino floor protector. Aside from being quick rolling and grippy, there’s no tread to catch glass, thorns and flints.

However, slicks with very supple casings are more vulnerable to cuts. Brush them down regularly-Oxford tyre scrub https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-products-tyre-scrub  is probably the best I’ve used to date (not surprising, given it’s tyre specific. Some If slicks aren’t your thing, Schwalbe Marathon Racer might light the spark… https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-racer-tyres

Elsewhere, Bob Elliot & Co www.bob-elliot.co.uk have sent the these FLR Defender Winter Shoes (mtb booties in my book) to test. Timely, in many respects, since my much-loved Lake finally came to the end of their life (sole) after ten winters. Talking of which, no winter cycling discussion would be complete without an overview of lighting  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/blank-ypcqd 

Road versions would be a more obvious choice in some respects, but I only use twin bolt pedals these days. Besides, I want a sporting chance of staying upright when temperatures dip and winter takes hold. Not so easy to hobble back and forth to your bike with an exposed Look/pattern cleat.

I’ve switched the long serving and very likeable Passport Cycles Bike Packing Seat Pack Medium https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/passport-cycles-bikepacking-seat-pa  for this Zefal Z Adventure R5. As the name hints, it’s a 5 litre model (compared with the Passport’s 7) and  a simple, single compartment design, which may prove less convenient. However, it promises to be waterproof, rather than water-resistant and the simple mounting system is intuitive. Incredibly secure with zero sway-despite the single strap and on narrower post diameters.  

Elsewhere, despite the present UK “Lockdown” Town centres seem to bristle with pedestrian traffic and a surprising number of “non-essential” shops/businesses remain open. Not unexpected, given the UK government’s consistent mishandling of the pandemic, U-turning and subsequent loss of public trust. However, in stark contrast to the initial lockdown, where road traffic fell to 1950s levels.    

 

 

Concept Realised

Back in March 1987, reading the now long-defunct “Bicycle” magazine, I happened upon the Muddy Fox Trail Blazer-in essence a mountain bike with drop bars, bar end shifters 1.75 knobbly tyres.. Aside from wanting that particular machine, it awoke a deep desire to build a concept machine. One that was lightweight, rugged, go anywhere (Ok, with some trade-off). Fast forward 12 years, countless miles, a degree and other trappings later..I happened upon the Univega frameset hanging in a friend’s shop window. It started off as a flamboyant red enamel bitsa- bits of this, bits of that-a Frankenbike, some might say.

Wheelset handed down from a racing mtb, Stronglight triple crankset from a tourer, drops from said tourer, 25.4 Kalloy stem, Kalloy seatpost, Shimano 600 rear mech, STX front, Shimano bar end shifters, first generation Shimano SPD pedals, Minoura four point 4130 Steel rack.

Its evolved quite considerably and racked up considerable mileages along the way. Ursula has been a trailer tug, winter trainer, daily driver, tourer and confident come sunny days or bitter snowy blizzards.

Save for the frameset, the only thing remaining of the original build is the front cable hanger. However, it has evolved to meet my needs and is incredibly close to the original brief. High power dynamo lighting, full guards, plenty of room for spiked tyres when things get icy 1x10 drivetrain (albeit more a’la carte than some would like). Throughout this evolution, suitable drops were the biggest challenge.

I experimented with a few road blends, changed the stem and then perfection in the form of these Soma Condor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma  just the right shape, width and enable me to stay on the drops with no loss of control on, or off road. On-One Midge (in the 31.8 diameter) might’ve been a good budget option-I’d run them very happily for a good decade, or so on my fixed gear winter/trainer. However, I’d since sold the Midge on and gone for the Genetic D-Riser 16 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-d-riser-bars and Soma Condor 2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars  on the latter.

A while back, I had toyed with the idea of running Cane Creek Thudbuster ST https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cane-creek-thudbuster-suspensuin-se , since the 3^rd Generation short-travel unit was still available in 25.4 and with a suitably high quality shim, compatible with the Alpina 506’s 26.6 seat tube. At the time, I shied away from this (a) On the basis of cost-this was indulgence, rather than an inherent need.

(b) It was incompatible with the Carradice SQR luggage system https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry  I was running at the time. Reasonable quality, perfectly serviceable aluminium alloy models to be found in this diameter and my experimentation was titanium was partially successful.

However, I had acquired some very inexpensive Chinese titanium, which was too thin in diameter for machining down to 26.6. Funny what happens when you’re not looking for it…Along came Cirrus Cycles with their Kinekt suspension post. They still offer a 25.4, thus compatible with a suitable shim.

Spring strength varies according to rider weight-ours is the medium, in accordance with my own 70 kilo frame. Some specifications. There is a carbon model but that wouldn’t be suitable for this application (or available in the desired diameter) hence the 6061 aluminium anodised version.

The Kinekt employs a spring/urethane elastomer system, offering travel between 0 and 35mm. Initial setup seems pretty intuitive and I’ve set mine on the firmer side-enough to take some edge off, without robbing too much power. Whether it will win my heart, like the Cane Creek Thudbuster ST remains to be seen…

They’ve kindly sent me a 90mm stem (7 degree rise), which I have earmarked for my fixed gear winter/trainer. Elsewhere, I’m being won over by this Showers Pass Men’s Elements Jacket, which not only keeps the weather out but there have been no issues with the inner fabric “sweating” as some 2.5 layer laminate models can. It also has a chameleon personality meaning it performs well on the bike without looking overly technical, worn with more casual clothing.

Lots of pockets-two at the hip, three internally continues this theme, although I am still very fond of the “Nelson” types. 15,000 breathability and waterproof ratings are well suited to longer, faster paced rides. 225miles in and the Zefal Ceramic Ultra Wet has clung on very tenaciously, despite November’s slimy conditions. Much as I expected, side plates sport a slightly grimy patina but it’s not overly grotty. Looking a bit filmy but still doing its thing.

Last but not least, here’s our review of the Pro-Viz LED 360 Vega Rear Bike Light. Well worth a look if you wanted a simple but effective two-mode design. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pro-viz