War Of The Waxes...

The Fixed Gear Winter Trainer is sticking with the Peaty’s Link Lube All Weather Premium lube since it’s an exceptionally clean, stoical formula ideally suited to a wealth of riding contexts thanks to its durability and cleanliness. Qualities that are seemingly ideal for high-milage bikes generally and daily drivers specifically.   

Improving weather has meant the Holdsworth has also seen more regular action. I’ve treated the Holdsworth and Ursula to Blub Wax and The Teenage Dream the Peaty’s Link Lube All Weather. Both need surgically clean drivetrains but are otherwise self-cleaning, easily topped up and generally low maintenance. 

The Blub Wax contains wax and water in an emulsion. Traditionally (although this is changing) waxes took a long time to cure. Blub reckons 5 minutes (at least in temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees, which many would consider ideal conditions). In my experience, at the lower end of this scale, its closer to 90-minutes, the wax turning from a creamy, candlewax white to a glaze. Blub say it also employs a petrochemical part that improves adhesion, or to use their words “fixation” to the transmission.  

In common with the Ceramic stablemate, the Wax seems relatively durable, at least so long as you’re riding at least every other day. Not an issue on a daily driver, or training rig but not for a best/weekend pet. Suggests the lubricant almost regenerates with use, in the same fashion a highly sophisticated synthetic motor oil that gets regenerated under the oil pump’s pressure (and explaining why this breed of motor oil is not suitable for bicycle chains).  

Looks like I may be topping up the Holdsworth’s quite regularly, maybe something like the Wolf Tooth WT-1 Chain Lube for All Conditions is a better bet… Staying with the Holdsworth, switching its BBB Razor for the 137mm Smanie GT was an inspired choice, proving more supportive at key points.  

I’ve also decided to switch the Hutchinson Hutchinson Challenger Tyre | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) in favour of the Schwalbe One 365. AS budget tyres go, there’s a lot to like about the Hutchinson, but in my experience, they are quite vulnerable to sharps. The Schwalbe One 365 are a little lighter, too, despite being 28mm (the Hutchinson are 25) and the “original” fork blades permit much bigger rubber than the Carbon Acor. Not that I’d want to go bigger than 30c, given the bike’s a sunny day’s plaything but nice to have the choice. Otherwise, I have no plans to change the spec…Famous last words.    

I’ve had some unexpected problems with the Ravemen XR6000 battery Ravemen XR6000 Front Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com).  I initially thought it had succumbed to some ingress, since it wouldn’t power up and the battery charge indicator window was disturbingly dark, even when plugged into the mains for a couple of hours. Following my hung around possible water ingress.  

I treated the charge port and plugs to a short blast of MO94 Muc-Off MO94 Multi Use Spray | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). WD40 or Joker 440 Motorex Joker 440 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) were the other options. Any synthetic water displacer would suffice, provided it didn’t contain PTFE since PTFE (Teflon) impairs electrical connectivity. Still nothing, despite leaving it overnight. Bob Elliot & Co (Ravemen’s UK importer) were really supportive, liaising with Ravemen’s engineers and feeding back.  

Ultimately, we’d reached the point where a new battery was offered. For some reason I asked to hold fire, some force urging me to place it in the airing cupboard and revisiting the next morning. If this didn’t result in the battery springing to life and charging, I would’ve admitted defeat and gratefully accepted a replacement.  

Seems the gods of high-power lighting systems looked kindly upon me. Plugging it into the mains, the charge indicator came alive and suggested it was receiving charge. This was a little slower than I’d expected, requiring 7.5 hours but the display denoted fully juiced. I unplugged and decided an evening ride would be the acid test.  Relieved, everything came together and a sustained two- second press of the XR6000’s remote brought the lamp to life.  

I toggled down to 500 lumens, threw a leg over the top tube and scooted off, battling a headwind but pleased all seemed well with the battery once more. I concluded the ride by treating the port and connectors to another light, precautionary squirt of MO94 before popping Ursula away and putting the bins out.  So far, its operating normally and I hope this continues.  I’ll leave here with my review of the Cycology 8 Days Handlebar Tape Cycology 8 days Handlebar Tape | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Spring Has Sprung?

 Spring is in the air… Well, the dawn is coming earlier, the days are getting longer, and I’m being sent some lighter lubes and lovely summer kit. Saddleback have sent me Castelli’s new Espresso range- well, the bib shorts, jersey and socks. Aside from some extremely tasteful colourways, these are intended with everyday riding in mind and should suit 90% of riding duties. The jersey is made from a stretch polyester/elastane mix which Castelli says offers breathability, comfort and a perfect fit and excellent aerodynamics. I’m also told it features UPF30, which blocks 97% of UV rays. An elasticated waist is designed to prevent gathering and ride-up.   

Round the back, there are four pockets- the traditional deep terrace with a zippered annex for keys and other valuables. These, along with the Espresso bib shorts employ raw cut endings for comfort. The shorts also feature silicone grippers for tactile, gather free tenure. Stretchy bibs feature acres of mesh for ventilation, while the ProgettoX2 Air Seamless pad is reckoned to provide all day comfort.  

 

There’s also a pocket for change and similar essentials. Pockets have become a slow, but increasingly common feature on shorts in recent years. Gravel designs, such as the Madison Roam Madison Roam Men's Cargo Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) feature pockets along the legs and bib sections.   

I’ve found the Roam’s well executed. These will swallow larger items-including compact cameras and phones (although I prefer these in a jersey pocket, or bar bag) without ejecting them at the first bump, or frustrating mid-ride access. Staying with the Espresso range, the subtle, classy colours and subtle styling has a refined, some would say “grown up” flavour.   

Now, I really love bold, funky designs-Cycology and others genuinely resonate with me but there’s a lot to be said for calm and classic too. Then of course, the Espresso Winter/Belgian blue compliments the Holdsworth and fixed Gear Winter/Trainer’s liveries handsomely. I’m not one for trade jerseys and haven’t been for a long while. I still retain a tremendous fondness for the team Motorola jersey gifted me on my 18th birthday (yes, it still fits, thank you) and of course, other kit from that era.   

Some other retro prints-Peugeot being a classic example, are another exception to my aversion to being a mobile billboard, dare I say a wannabe. Beyond grass roots competition, I left any fantasies of the pro peloton and the “glamour” associated with it when I was 16, or 17.  

Still watched some of the stage races into my twenties but by that point any kind of “hero worship” or admiration had evaporated. Besides, at that point, I’d embraced ‘cross country mountain biking and what I perceived as its more egalitarian, dare I say inclusive feel. Maybe, I was still looking for a tribe and had yet to realise I am essentially a socially competent loner.   

The more I reflect on this and the times generally, I was essentially still working out who I was and what/who worked for me and who didn’t- the hard way, many would rightly point out. Lessons learned and I’d argue within time. Others would argue differently. I have neither the time, inclination, nor patience to indulge them.       

The Topeak Compact 1.5 litre handlebar bag is proving an excellent addition to Ursula’s Soma Condor2 bars SOMA CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS | (sevendaycyclist.com) and even better pairing than the Cycology Handlebar bag, which will remain tethered to the fixed’s Genetic D-Riser 4 bars GENETIC DRISER 4 HANDLEBARS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). I am needed to adjust the little Topeak for ready access to stuff- worst case scenario, I’ll mount it atop the bars, so it sits on the stem. However, I really doubt that will prove necessary.   

In common with the Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar Bag Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar Bag | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), its easily whipped on/off and features an elastic stabiliser strap. However, the Topeak has a longer zipper tag, which makes access, especially in full finger gloves that bit easier. It’s a single compartment design, whereas the Cycology has a mesh pocket and a handy elasticated cargo net for catching gloves and similar overspill. Arguably a cleaner aesthetic but may be a consideration. 

 

Reflecting upon these things from the saddle, as I do, I’m wondering if this sudden flash of retro excitement is the classic wanting to revert. Reverting to a perceived simpler time, one with endless opportunities and optimism perhaps.  However, while there are some concepts I may like from an era, materials have moved on quite considerably. Woolen shorts and jerseys have their place but save for Merino, it’s not necessarily the most comfortable fabric against the skin.  

Obviously, there are different grades but polyesters wick moisture effectively and are generally easy to wash and care for. I’d also been revisiting the concept of a portable mini compressor for roadside recovery, rather than Co2 inflators, while keeping a mini pump in reserve. The Thumpa unit is still a reliable choice but it's also a little on the bulky (and weighty) side.  Talking of roadside recoveries, here’s my review of the Muc-Off 17-in1 Multi Tool  Muc-Off 17 in 1 Multi Tool | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)