Goldilocks Moments

Maintenance is a core component of riding. Little adjustments and checks keep things sweet and mean more time in the saddle, rather than on the workbench. I was switching Ursula’s wheels back to the Maxxis and suddenly felt compelled to check my fixed gear winter trainer’s CST Pika Gravel Tyres CST Pika Gravel Tyres | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com).  

The front was decidedly soft, much softer than I’d expect after a fortnight on the hook.  I initially thought this might be a quirk of the Pirelli Centurato Reinforced Smart Tube. PIRELLI CENTURATO REINFORCED SMART TUBE (sevendaycyclist.com) but 20 strokes of the track pump later, an audible hiss confirmed a slow flat. Usual checks- rim tape, foreign objects in the casing. Ruled those out and popped in a box fresh butyl tube.  

Wheel reinstated, tyre inflated, brake checked, and skewer tightened to 9nm, I topped up the Motoverde PTFE chain lube. Next, I decided the fork's “low rider” drillings needed plugging if only to keep the aluminium alloy inserts from corrosion. Thought the red anodised bottle screws I’d picked up for a song would do nicely.  

A lick of Peaty’s Bicycle Assembly Grease PEATY'S BICYCLE ASSEMBLY GREASE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) on the threads, I whizzed them home-just right-the Goldilocks moment.  

See Sense had sent me another mount for the Beam+, so I decided the fixed should receive that, Ursula would stick with the Magicshine. So far, the replacement feels a precise fit, suggesting the original was just a rogue sample. 

 

The Beam+ puts out 1500 lumens and is more compact (though not radically so) than the Ravemen LR1600 Ravemen LR1600 Front Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), which I’m a huge fan of. Direct comparisons are a little tricky, unfair even, since the Beam+ can be further tuned by a downloadable app, which enables the light to alter output to suit conditions, theoretically giving the best return of visibility and navigational prowess and of course, battery life.  

I’ve been astounded by just how long the battery has lasted, between charges- 40 hours on the reactive flash, which has been my default, since I’ve been pairing it with the K-Lite Dynamos- even then, it hadn’t dipped to red, which gives an hour's grace, before powering down.   

The light’s sensor also seems more accurate than most- reading conditions and adjusting light accordingly- picks up when it senses vehicle lights, road signs and similar, which is great when you’re tackling roundabouts or entering the flow of traffic.   

The app can also alert a designated emergency contact, in the event of it sensing a crash. It will also send an alert if it senses the bike being moved, which is another useful feature.  

 

Having run the Muc-Off All Weather Lube until it had reached a filmy state- 500 miles through a salty, wintery January, I decided it was time to give Ursula a good wash. In common with some others, The All-Weather Lube requires stripping, then reapplication- it can’t (or at least, shouldn’t) be topped up like an old-fashioned middleweight.  

Despite the filmy state, it was holding back the dreaded taint, save for the side plates, obviously. Out came the Weldtite Bike Cleaner, bucket and the dregs of some degreasers that needed using up. This was also the opportunity to see how the Weldtite Rapid Ceramic Shield would perform on Ursula’s cream powder coat finish, which wasn’t treated to a clear coat...After The Gritters Went Home | Seven Day Cyclist 

February can be a tricky month weather-wise (ask my mother who delivered a sibling during the UK’s winter of discontent in February 1979) and after a quiet lull, the temperature has dropped quite sharply, so the salt-spreading fairies have been busy again.  Ditto hedge clipping, so I’ve been pleased (dare I say, relieved) to discover the Maxxis Overdrive Excel holding their own, even in minus 3, the lanes littered with iced mud. I’d also dialled the Disco Brakes Semi-Metallic Pads Disco Disc Brake Pads and Wavey Rotors | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) a fraction closer, which gave already dependable stopping a boost.   

 

Back to tyres, Steve’s been impressed with the CST Czar CST Czar Tyres | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

The Rapid Ceramic Shield also seems to be holding its own, preventing dirt and other stuff clinging to Ursula’s tubes. I’m trying to get a handle on its alchemy, but it doesn’t appear to contain silicones, like some protectant formulas can. 

Continuing the Weldtite theme, I went for their Performance All Weather Lube TF2 PERFORMANCE ALL WEATHER LUBRICANT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), since in my experience, it’s a good middleweight choice.  

Doing well, I decided a stem spacer switch, to move the See Sense Beam+ and K-lite dynamo switch K LITE BIKEPACKER PRO V2 FRONT LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) for a cleaner aesthetic. For the time being, I’m forgoing the bar cam until I can find a suitably tidy alternative mount. I’m sure I’ve a suitable candidate somewhere... Meantime, here’s my review of the Madison Road Race Super Light Men’s Waterproof Softshell Jacket Madison Road Race Jacket | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

 

Caps & Other Staples

Cycling caps are one of those unsung heroes of a rider’s ensemble. Showers Pass sent me their Elite model for testing. It’s one of the more sophisticated, three-layer waterproof and breathable models.

This means you won’t get a wet bonce when it rains, or boiled brains when you’re bombing along on a balmy day. There is some debate when it comes to seams. Some say taped seams are the way forward, others point out this results in a bulkier aesthetic and makes them trickier to park in a pocket.   

Features, such as peaks, should never be overlooked either. A broad, but not obstructive peak will offer good protection from rain, wind, sun, and dust. Elastics need to offer generous stretch and solid tenure, without feeling like your head’s in a vice, given 40 minutes or so. I’ve had this unenviable experience a few times but not in the recent past.    

Bargain bin cotton types can be bunged in a pocket, or bike luggage and passed to riding companions. With the peak facing backward, it will also help protect against heat stroke/sunburn. This is particularly significant if younger children are en tow, since they may not be aware of the sun’s strength until it’s making itself painfully known.  

Then, of course, you can always use one for impromptu ablutions a 'la Tom Simpson- just don’t hand it back!

Or be prepared for palpable discord and to be shunned. Not that this would ever cross my mind, the Au Pairs and wizened farm cats raised me better. Old cotton caps with sensibly sized peaks can still lead positive retirements, protecting the wearer’s neck from welding spatter. Only cotton, mind. Semi/synthetic weaves will catch fire with agonising results.  

Weather is a very British talking point and as the weeks and miles have racked up, I’ve been unexpectedly impressed by the Madison Men’s Road race Softshell Jacket and Maison Bib Tights, especially given the asking price. Sometimes I deliberately start testing things “blind” I.e., without pouring over the specification in case this might lead to unconscious bias.  

This applied to the jacket and the waterproofing/breathability ratings (20 and 30,000 respectively) explained why I was so wowed by its ability to block rain and chill, while still breathing incredibly efficiently. In fact, it's one of the few packable models that has traditional technical jacket performance.

  

Many of the packable genre, though still particularly useful tend to be compromised when it comes to waterproofing, but so far, no such trade off. Unlike some laminates, including this likeable Oxford Venture OXFORD VENTURE JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), it doesn’t “sweat”, resulting in clamminess-most apparent when worn atop a short-sleeved jersey. That being said; especially if you’ve packed it mid ride, remember to hang the jacket out, so it can air out.  

Talking of which, (and this goes for technical fabrics generally) it’s good to wash them regularly. 30 degrees and minimal detergent is a good default (but check and follow manufacturer instructions). This will remove grime from the fabric, ensuring they can protect and wick moisture at optimum efficiency.  

 

Similarly, it prevents things like zippers getting clogged and being temperamental. Adding reproofing products every few months is another sensible move. Talking of which, some fabrics like to be tossed in the tumble drier (this reactivates their properties), but a lot don’t. The Madison certainly falls into that latter category. A few hundred miles before I form any definite conclusions.  

Multi tools can be godsends, but I’m attached to some more than others. I’m saddened (but not completely surprised) to discover Gerber no longer produce the Cool Tool or produce a contemporary equivalent. In some regards, it is a little dated but still truly relevant for fixed gear builds, thanks to the adjustable wrench cum headset and cone tool.  

Then there’s the chain breaker, the 4,5, 6mm Allen keys, and Phillips end. Admittedly, given a much wider range of Allen Keys and Torx drivers proliferate modern bikes, I’ve tended to pair it with another, simple multi-tool. However, I’m as attached to it now as my original, gifted me thirty years ago. Besides, a custom tool kit has its own, obvious advantages.  

Another clever model is the Torque Covert 7 Crank Multi Tool TORQUE COVERT 7 CRANK MULTI TOOL | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), which is innovative since it makes clever use of the otherwise dead space in a Hollowtech II crankset. This also means a greatly reduced chance of being without a tool when you need to tweak something by the roadside.   

While I much prefer it to those secreted within the stem cap/steerer tube, it is right in the firing line of wet, nasty stuff. (A quick shot of maintenance spray or oily rag wipe-over prevents the hardened steel bits tarnishing). In my view, the magnet could be stronger, preventing some very minor chatter. 

I tried slipping a rubber “doughnut” over the top, with varying success. Will probably revisit this when the opportunity presents itself.

Talking of revisiting, I resurrected this See Sense Icon+ Rear Light SEE SENSE ICON+ REAR LIGHT (sevendaycyclist.com) from 2016.  

The battery and other components were still good, and I was curious to see how well it had aged/kept pace seven years down the line. Aside from the tuneable nature (controllable by smartphone app) and bombproof build quality, it's capable of delivering 250 lumens. Yes, I know with great power, comes great responsibility. However, this kind of tuneable output is fabulous for foggy mornings...February can be an unforgiving month weather-wise.