The Wheel Issue

Switched the fixed gear winter trainer back to the Mavic/Halo Fixed-G Track Hub HALO FIX G TRACK HUB | Seven Day Cyclist Tourin Tests Commuting and I’d fed the chain some BAT Wax chain lube. Now, sweeping, broad strokes statements are inaccurate by definition. Caveat established; traditional wax lubes tend to be remarkably similar in terms of application, durability, and performance.  

The biggest similarity is their need for surgically clean host transmissions. Particularly true of emulsion/water-based blends, which will simply float away, if there’s the faintest trace of petrochemical product clinging to the rollers.  

In some instances, say, if I’ve been running a wet lube for a few weeks prior, I may well remove ring(s) and cassette(s) and leave them soaking in a degreaser stock, such as Squirt Bike Degreaser Concentrate SQUIRT BIKE CLEANER CONCENTRATE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) or in the context of stainless/polished components, a master-blaster potion, such as Green Oil Agent Apple extreme Immersion Degreaser. TESTED: GREE OIL AGENT APPLE EXTREME IMMERSION DEGREASER (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Drivetrain immaculate, the wax can be applied. Bat follows the traditional shake and allow four hours curing time narrative. However, though the flow rate is good, and it seeps deep into the links, the thicker viscosity means it clings to the chain, rather than engulfing the floor and anything else in proximity. This could be attributable to the sudden dip in temperature but then I wouldn’t expect the wax to flow steadily. Will be interesting to see what the next few weeks bring. 

A few fast blasts over the easter weekend suggest it's smooth and friction is low. Whether it will rival some ceramic blends, such as Weldtite TF2 Advanced Ceramic Chain Wax TEST & REVIEW: WELDTITE TF2 ADVANCE CERAMIC CHAIN WAX (sevendaycyclist.com) remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the Bat Wax has made me sit up and take notice. Nice to have the Fix-G set up right again. Present gearing (700x32 165mm cranks and 16T) is now 70.9 inches, which translates as 19mph average and means I’m not busting my knees on shorter, sharper climbs.   

Not a new model by any means but I love the system’s design, which allows precision chain line and therefore, zero noise. An eccentric bottom bracket is the other solution but not one commonly employed on fixed gear builds.  

The Univega’s eagerly awaited XT/Rigida Sputnik wheel also arrived this week. I planned to leave it waiting in the wings while getting my final miles from the cheap but very cheerful Mach/Deore pairing. I went to consult my equine guru regards Ursula’s gearing. Seems I have been shunned, so will stick with the 12-25 until hyper-intelligent horse people say otherwise.    

Being a bank holiday, plans changed. Closer inspection suggested the rim was beginning to show signs of fatigue. Decision made. Out came the Pedros Vise Whip and trusty Cyclo cassette tool. Despite a liberal helping of Park grease on the lock ring, a quick blast of GT85 was needed before it would release.  

In keeping with other, bike (and non) related work, there are a wealth of views re-greasing freehub splines.  

I’m of the “add a thin layer” camp, although as many will point out, there’s little risk of galvanic seizure between the two components. More important is to grease the lockring threads with a suitably stout prep. Assuming you’re not using exotic components, old-school lithium should be fine, but I err towards synthetics for peace of mind.  

I also prefer tools with guide pins, since these afford more stability and ensure tool and splines engage flush, so no risk of slip damage.    

Cassette, rim tape, and skewer swapped, I disposed of the old hoop and fed the chain some Bat Wax, since I was there and because I am curious to see whether it will behave like other waxes on a derailleur setup. Temperatures in the mid-teens haven’t impacted on the lube’s flow rate or seen the lion’s share on the concrete beneath, which is a very welcome surprise. However, the proof of any lube is in the riding, so I’ll plod on.   

 

Springing Surprises

 

Spring is here and along with it, longer days and traditionally changeable weather. Something of a British obsession, although I've found Belgian and the Netherlands less predictable through Spring. Mild enough that I’ve been temperate in the evenings wearing a full-length base layer and jersey. This Prendas Ciclismo Bordeaux Paris Long Sleeve Jersey PRENDAS CICLISMO SHORT SLEEVE JERSEY | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  Though a micro jacket, or this 7Mesh Cypress Hybrid Jacket 7mesh Cypress Hybrid Cycling Jacket | Seven Day Cyclist usually comes along-either from the start or stowed away in the Zefal Adventure R5 Waterproof Saddlebag ZEFAL ADVENTURE R5 WATERPROOF SADDLE BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and it’s bigger R11 counterpart. Both are becoming serious favourites and the R11 is surprisingly stable, given it secures to the post via a single strap.  

Farmers are busy harvesting Sugarbeet, and the roads dotted with mud from the fields, which I’ve tended to weave through on the fixed gear winter/trainer, to see if I could fox the frisky Bontrager AW3 Hardcase Lite Reflective Road Tyre. (Short answer’s no, in case you were wondering), and I’ve just relaxed and enjoyed their compliant, speedy characteristics. IRC Roadlite X Guard tyres are another speedy option if you’re looking for a narrower section. INOUE ROADLITE X GUARD TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Staying with the Schwalbe GT365 and Marathon Mondial pairing on the Univega but here are my thoughts regarding the Billy Bonkers SCHWALBE BILLY BONKERS TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com).  

300 miles down the line and I’m almost convinced I’ve got the gearing right for most of my riding contexts and needs. Enough torque for the trailer and/or dignified, seated climbing, bridlepath blasting and without spinning into orbit on the flat.  

I’ve also found it necessary to add another washer to the “cassette” side of the Fix-G hub, since the fat foot sprocket had begun to slide about on the splines. Snugged the lockring down and will keep a closer eye, going forward.  Sticking with the Weldtite Ceramic Lube on both bikes, since it seems a solid seasonal choice. WELDTITE CERAMIC LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

I’ve also switched from the FLR Defender MTB Thermal Dry S-Tex Boot FLR DEFENDER MTB DRY BOOT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) to the FLR Rexton Active Touring/Trail Shoe FLR REXSTON ACTIVE TOURING/TRAIL SHOE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and I wasn’t expecting such a difference in sole stiffness. The Rexton are efficient but the Defender’s increased rigidity are quite palpable. I dare say I’ll be alternating between them, given Easter and April’s tendency towards the unpredictable.  

Elsewhere, I’ve been erring towards ¾ , such as these Funkier Rie Flo Men’s Three-Quarter Length Summer Bib tightsFUNKIER RIDE FLO MEN'S 3/4 BIB TIGHTS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) or the Primal Dawn Men’s Bib Knickers TEST & REVIEW: PRIMAL DAWN MEN'S BIB KNICKERS (sevendaycyclist.com) rather than full-length tights and lighter gloves-the Chiba Pro Safety Reflective Gloves CHIBA PRO SAFETY REFLECTOR GLOVES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  and liner types, depending on whether I’m heading out early in the morning, or during the evening.  

I reflect on many things during my ride. Product quirks and performance are the most obvious, but two-wheeled escapes are very conducive to other forms of contemplation.  

  

There has long been a narrative that automation/digital technology would render many roles, peoples and communities excluded. Car assembly lines are the most obvious examples of this in action. Automation has greatly reduced the need for repetitive tasks such as spot welding- the robot arm being a common sight since the early 1980s.  

More topically, the UK government have announced they will be reducing military personnel. The public likes the “Boots on the ground” rhetoric but, cyber-attacks, the deployment of drone soldiers, rather than humans will be more prevalent.  

Taking things to their logical conclusion, it is more likely that a hostile nation will launch a missile attack from someone’s wi-fi enabled kettle in the recipient country, not send fighter planes. Indeed, taken to its logical conclusion, liability could even be levelled at the unwitting householder.  

Contemporary cars are stolen by digital stealth, rather than physical attack. Nothing to stop a malicious person with the appropriate skills could disable components of the engine management system, inducing breakdowns, disengaging the brakes, using a remote computer.  

Machines, and other technology that can “think” for themselves are very much here to stay. HGV driving will still be a trade, requiring human labour but I suspect this will take the form of a lead driver with two, possibly more couplings tracking behind via a wireless signal. In common with other aspects of logistics, I can envisage the driver, rather than haulier, being required to hold specific liability insurance cover.  

The reality, which some seem unable to accept is the fact many people will quickly become redundant and possibly permanently, economically inactive. Leading to wider, social exclusion. One argument suggests that this need will be met by humanoid companions, both romantically and in terms of physical care. However, this technology is going to require considerable financial means. Means which these strata of people will have no access. How governments will respond (if at all), remains to be seen.