Cagey

 This Super Sparrow lightweight thermos bottle arrived and having established incompatibility with broadly standard, composite cages, I decided it was time to revisit Ursula’s downtube setup. I’d gone for the Fidlock Magnetic bottle holder TESTED: FIDLOCK MAGNETIC BOTTLE HOLDER AND BOTTLE (sevendaycyclist.com) and popped a chain checker there- a talking point for some, while still leaving me scope to mount a couple of composite cages on the underside and seat tube.  

This didn’t overly impair my ability to carry water/similar fluids. Now, I’m very fond of the Topeak Modula XL and the now discontinued BBB Fuel Tank XL LONG-TERM TWELVE MONTH TEST: BBB FUEL TANK BOTTLE CAGE (sevendaycyclist.com) cages, since you could whack a 1.5 litre bottle of mineral water, or indeed a similar soft drink in situ, without fear of their ejection (or indeed, knackering a traditional cage).  

However, they will often prevent mounting one on the seat tube. The Free Parable Monkkii Cage FREE PARABLE MONKII CAGE REVIEW (sevendaycyclist.com) is another useful choice, provided you’re not lugging too much weight. 1.2 kilos (as distinct from the 1.5 kilos cited) which should entertain a full 750ml (about 25.36 oz) flask or bottle. An obvious “from the box” solution. I’ve hauled disposable Argon/Co2 welding gas bottles in them, although placed some bubble wrap between cage and bottle to rule out any potential dings in Ursula’s down tube.  

However, to my astonishment, both the BBB and Topeak were too roomy to hold the (bottle) securely. After some rummaging through the cage stash, I whittled it down to a Van Nicholas titanium (Elite Ciussi pattern), a side entry Zefal and this Boardman winged carbon fibre design.  

Lo and behold, the Boardman won!  The main issue with the 6061 and Ti models boiled down to scratching the bottle’s finish. I’d bound some old bar tape around the Van Nicolas and strangely enough, that spark of inspiration proved fruitful.  

Then, along came this Topeak Modula Java.  

It’s an adjustable composite model, which on paper should lug the thermos in question without missing a beat, or launching it mortar style at the first hint of lumpy trail. I also received the brands’ Gravel 2 Stage Mini Pump, which as the name might suggest has two modes- high volume and high pressure, so you can recover from a flat efficiently.  

90psi is top whack but aluminium construction bodes well for longevity and means it stands a sporting chance of hitting these pressures. In some respects, mini and midi pumps have ruled the roost for good reason. Aside from supporting a clean aesthetic, being stashable in a jersey pocket, or bigger wedge pack means the valve end needn’t get caked in crud.  

Many road-biased riders use Co2 as their first line of defence, pump second. Makes sense, especially if you’re needing lofty pressures, although bear in mind you will need to reinflate given though Co2 will rescue you, it will escape butyl much faster, so expect to be busy with a track pump the next day, as they’ll be close to pancake flat. Many mini-pumps will genuinely achieve road realistic pressures too, although, around the 100psi mark, my biceps have felt close to comedic explosion.  

I still have firm fondness for Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HVG (High Volume) and high-pressure models, which resemble track pumps that have been put through a matter-shrinking device. CNC machined construction marries strength and great looks but they’re around 216g (including mount) and on mine (c. 2015) their composite mounts felt a little whippy, meaning the head could rattle against the seat or down tubes “Woodpecker” fashion when riding across washboard tarmac and of course, dirt roads.  

Placing “helicopter” tape, such as this Zefal Z Armor ZEFAL SKIN ARMOR ROLL | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  over those areas of the frameset will deaden this, while protecting it from potential finish damage. Talking of protectants, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well the Weldtite Rapid Ceramic restored the anodised finish on Ursula’s faithful Lezyne Tech Drive HP pump.    

 

In my book, frame fit pumps still have their place and hugely different from the giveaway models sold with complete road and touring bikes 20-30 years ago. The sort that might deliver 60psi with herculean effort before locking out uselessly, or worse still succumb to a bent piston.  

Steve and I are very fond of the Zefal HPX High Pressure Frame PumpZEFAL HPX HIGH PRESSURE FRAME PUMP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  and I find them aesthetically pleasing on an older steel-tubed road/touring build. These tend to be Presta but could tackle a Schrader valve, more commonly found on trailers/tagalongs with an adaptor, like that belonging to the Merida multi-tool I’ve resurrected.  

Then of course, there’s the Specialized that I acquired back in the late 90s and ultimately euthanised itself beneath the wheels of a passing double-decker London bus. I was offered one recently that “appeared to be working” and mine for £44. I laughed like a hyena and went about my business. In common with Kirk Precision framesets and of course, Specialized’s Rock Combo, I’d give it a loving home but not paying fancy prices.  

Workshop Wins

 March arrived and I decided it was time to inspect the Teenage Dream, so it would be ready for the sunnier, drier roads. Old school freewheels like to be lubricated annually, so I drizzled some Weldtite TF2 All Weather Lube with Teflon into the mechanism while the wheel was spinning at a decent velocity.  

There was also the distinct possibility that it could be nearing the end of its life. With this in mind, I thought it best to get something in stock, just in case I needed to switch. Besides, the last thing I wanted was the Regina to blow its guts miles from home.  

Happened to a friend during my teens. Belting along a 1 in 7, there was a steady tinkling as 100 bearings made their bid for freedom, bouncing across the tarmac. Now, I can appreciate why some folks rebuild a treasured example-either out of sentiment, or to stretch themselves. Kudos to them, too. However, it’s not something I’m prepared to do, unless absolutely essential.  

IRD still make some very pretty screw-on freewheels but a little steep for my needs. If I were doing big mileages, maybe. However, the Teenage Dream is very much a sunny days’ plaything. Nostalgia comes at a price, and I wasn’t prepared to fork out retro money for another, used Regina BX.  

After some deliberation and research, I decided this inexpensive electroplated Sun Race was the way forward. I’d also heard good things from someone who’d ridden a couple of Eroica events with theirs.  

For the time being, I’ll see what magic the Weldtite TF2 All Weather can work, before switching to the 14-24 Sun Race. Now, this will be a little under-geared for some and in some respects, I’d agree. However, screw-on freewheels aren’t so readily available, so choice of ratios follows suit.  Slightly lower ratios won’t do my knees any harm and should also mean more time on the 53 ring.   

I’d expressed an interest in testing the CST Cito tyres. These are 170tpi folders and offered in 25, or 28mm (about 1.1 in) sections. Given the Teenage dream’s clearances, I went for the 25mm (about 0.98 in), which tip the scales at a feathery 252g apiece. They also feature the same EPS puncture-resistant technology as the Pika CST Pika Gravel Tyres | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com).   

This is essentially an added layer of proprietary rubberised Poly fiber between the tread and the casing. A system, which is designed to offer the best balance between ride quality and puncture resistance. I’ve had one flat with the Pika, but that was using a TPU tube, and I couldn’t find anything embedded, suggesting it was a hedge clipping that had just grazed it.

  

I also switched from the Lezyne Road drive pump in favour of Ursula’s Lezyne, since this rather fetching Topeak Gravel2 had arrived for testing (and was arguably a better fit for the tubby tourer). An ideal opportunity to add a lick of Peaty’s Bicycle Assembly Grease, to the bottle mounting hardware.   

 

We weren’t done there. I’d been wanting to fit a Stronglight A9 headset to the Dawes Edge frameset.  

I was concerned about the fork falling and getting damaged, so coupling the two, then popping some plumbers lagging around the tubes made for safer storage. Thankfully, I still have traditional headset spanners- a Campagnolo and a pair of BBB. I’d had the Campagnolo for over thirty years and the wallet-friendly, yet accurately machined BBB were sent to me for review fourteen years back.   

Bit of an Easter Egg Hunt but similarly satisfying-found them in two boxes.  Nice when a plan comes together. Headset was treated to some of the Juice Lubes Bearing Juice I used to pack the XT and Deore hubs.  

I also treated the frame to some internal preserve and the paint to a liberal waxing using this Naked Bikes Pro Wax Special Edition NAKED BIKES PRO WAX SPECIAL EDITION | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and checked some of the frame threads, since I was in the mood. Now was the time, after all.  

Talking of threads, I decided it was time to exorcise the 16-tooth Ti track sprocket that had been wedded to the Halo fixed hub for a decade. Given the neglect and constant exposure to wet, wintry roads, I feared it was right royally stuck, or release would take the hub’s threads too. A liberal helping of penetrant spray was left for a minute to marinate.  

I introduced these Feedback Sports Cassette pliers and heaved anti-clockwise. I’d assumed the priest performing an exorcism stance. You know the one, verbally commanding the demons free. It was either going to relent, or I was going to expire... Movement came suddenly, yet predictably, inducing an elated cheer.  

I spun the sprocket free, cleaned the threads and applied a sensible amount of Peaty’s Bicycle Assembly Grease PEATY'S BICYCLE ASSEMBLY GREASE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) before spinning it back in situ. Snugged tight, the fixed’s spare wheel is now right and ready to go. Seems the temperatures are bombing again, so best I get Ursula’s spikes back on...Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Tyres | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and reflect on whether it’s time to for sintered pads DiscoBrakes Sintered Brake Pads | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)