Primal Stirrings

Despite the seasonal increase in lost/stolen parcels, these Primal Dawn men’s bib knickers made it through. Formative feelings are very positive.

Bridging the gap between shorts and thermal bib tights, ¾ lengths are perfect for autumnal and early spring rides. Milder winters too. (That said; Primal cite an optimal operating temperature range, between -7 and +24 degrees) In fact, ¾ lengths my preference over bib tights, unless wind chill/air temperature really bites. Our medium fit my 1m81, 70 kilo-frame perfectly.

The bibs offer ample coverage to the vital organs, the braces, unrestricted movement. Though less common, these days (especially at this price point) the elastic in some designs can be overly firm. To the point of feeling restrictive. Several in my collection, leaving unsightly tell-tale branding, after a couple of hours riding.

Panelling and cut seem equally precise. I managed 16miles in 45 minutes during our first outing and on the fixed. Much of that fuelled by very controlled rage, induced by an inflammatory communication, from my ex-wife. Nothing particularly new there. Another example of resilience, which I touched upon in my last entry. The season of goodwill generally slumps during December, on the roads, too.

I wasn’t surprised to find myself on the receiving end of some crass overtaking. Now, simply put, if you want to kill someone without experiencing punishment, incarceration, or indeed, loss of licence-do so with a car, or larger vehicle.

The occupant of a Mercedes Sprinter began overtaking (on a bend) but then decided he might collide with an oncoming vehicle, so just swung back. I’ve had closer encounters but was fuming at this display of elephantine ignorance.

The Sprinter remained stationary, engine running for around thirty seconds, blocking my progress. A baleful “Sorry mate, are you OK?” was offered on three occasions. I remained silent and unresponsive, partly in the hope my contempt would register. Life is very short, responding would only serve to ease his awkwardness. Hopefully this experience gave him food for thought/improvement.    

On the alternative lubes front, after 480 miles that familiar, subtle metal-on-metal tinkling struck. This coincided with a well-deserved sudsy scrub, for Ursula, who was sporting a fair bit of accumulated grot around the fork legs, bottom bracket shell and chainstays.

This was dismissed with some Pro Green MX Cycle Wash https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pro-green-mx-triple-pack . Fenwick’s foaming chain cleaner and Green Oil bicycle brush https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/green-oil-bicycle-brush  had cassette and chain gleaming, ready for chainsaw oil.  Applied via dropper bottle, this went on in a fashion, reminiscent of Weldtite TF2 extreme wet chain lubricant https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-extreme-wet-chain-lubr  and some others adorning my shelves.

However, I was surprised by the initial clean up required. There was a fair bit of excess clinging to the side plates and a spattery patina (reminiscent of that effect employed by Kona on their late 1980s mtb frames) adorning the Univega’s chainstays. Less drizzle n’ go than bike specific blends but not markedly worse than the motor oil, in many respects.

On some levels, its to be expected, but the fixed has been running much cleaner and the lube is really clinging to the chain’s dimpled galvanised texture. Several wet rides in, the chain has almost “bedded in” and the initial gravely patter, replaced by a serene swoosh.

Talking of gravelly, (and before the so called “beast from the east” sweeps in Steve has just reviewed these GoodYear County https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/goodyear-county-premium-tyre  

Ison Distribution have been investigating my SP PD8 dynohub wheel https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-rim-and-shutter-dynohub-disc-b  and confirm the hub is fine. However, the rim appeared to be pulling itself apart (albeit, very slowly). Therefore, they’re stripping the wheel and rebuilding with a new hoop.  I’ve also decided to revisit the Univega’s front stopper.

Though the IRD CAFAM 2 cantilevers https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ird-cafam-2-cantilever-brakes  are beautifully engineered, their mechanical advantage better suits traditional levers.

My Univega’s existing Microshift are shallower reach. Great for smaller hands, but Avid Shorty 4 and M system designs are better pairings. The humble cantilever is becoming harder to come by, although still has a solid following in ‘cross circles.  Some Shimano CR50 presented themselves, so we’ll see how they fare.

Resilience & Roadax

 Resilience, the ability to keep going, regardless of what’s hurled our way, is one of those attributes that cycle, and motorcycle touring/racing nurtures. By the bucket load.

Battling an epic storm, lashing a busted rack back together, or remounting following a nasty spill. All part of the ride, develops character, coping mechanisms and self-knowledge. 

I don’t meditate in the commonly accepted sense, but as the miles and asphalt whizzes past, so ideas are explored, and solutions arrived at.

With the right kit, winter can be a very engaging, or miserable experience, depending on your chosen attire and bike prep. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/winter-wonderland-2-destination-spr  

420 miles in, my Univega’s chain still sports a decent layer of 5w/40.Aside from a gungy beard, cultivated during the first fortnight, it’s attracted surprisingly little contaminant.

I’m still bargaining on another 100 miles, before replenishment’s called for. At which point, I will switch over to the chainsaw oil. Unless of course, something bike-specific lands on our test bench.

Gritting lorries have been spotted, these past few nights, a clear indicator that winter means business. Take this opportunity to treat painted, plated and polished surfaces to a hard paste waxing.

Pressed for time?

Car Wash n’ wax shampoos will clean and impart a waxy barrier (remember to rinse salt spattered bikes with fresh, cold water first). Pro Green MX after shine 101 can also be used on a damp, freshly washed bike. Simply spray a light film and leave to cure. No buffing, or polishing required. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pro-green-mx-triple-pack   

My elderly feline is also beginning to nuzzle these Schwalbe Winter but we’ll see… https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-winter-spiked-tyre     

With SP PD8 hub https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-rim-and-shutter-dynohub-disc-b  receiving expert care, from their UK distributors, Ison Distribution www.ison-distribution.com I’ve popped the Halo SL9 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-evura-shutter-precision-sl9-dy  in its place and putting the Passport Galvanised chain though its paces.

Unsurprisingly, given its half the KMC X1’s asking price, the Passport lacks the same level of refinement. However, this is only apparent when under load. Climbing out of the saddle, with my full 70 kilos dancing on the pedals, or accelerating hard. Crucially, it feels solid, during this, or transmission braking. 350 miles, or so, before I reach any solid, tangible conclusions, though.

Staying with wet wintry stuff, Steve has been putting Silkolene Premium Cycle Lube Wet  through its paces https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/silkolene-premium-cycle-lube-wet   

Winter and working bikes are a big draw for me. Machines built to be ridden, day in, day out, rain or shine. The sort of working bikes that you love but don’t induce palpitations, when locking up in the street.

Reynolds 520 frame tubing might not hold the wow factor of 853, or similar tubesets. However, its blend of performance, price and durability lends it perfectly to the design brief.

Up front, there’s a carbon fork (with alloy steerer) continuing the lightweight, compliant theme. Although, on steel framesets, a bent derailleur hanger is easily coaxed back into line with an alignment tool, Jeff has gone for a replaceable hanger. Another sensible move, given the design brief.  

Clearances for 700x42c tyres, cyclo cross/gravel bike genre geometry, braze-ons for four-point carriers, full length guards… Hydraulic discs, capable of stopping rider (and trailer/tagalong), on the proverbial sixpence. Oh, and a decent spread of gears to ensure you can winch up hill, bomb down dale and cruise with similar ease.

I think Jeff Rutland has cracked this design brief with the Goldhawk Roadax.   

I met Jeff in Spitalfields, a London district I once knew very well. I still retain a strong attachment to the East End, and its side streets. Superficially, these have been gentrified beyond all recognition. Three minutes away and things felt reassuringly familiar. Environments where the Roadax thrives. However, the versatility of its design also bodes well, far from the maddening crowd.

In a nutshell, I can’t wait to swing a leg over its top tube, and do some serious mileage.

On your Marks, Get Set…Winter

Winter technically begins on the 21^st of December. While the weather follows the UK narrative (i.e. mild and wet), I’m prepping the fleet for the kind of apocalyptic conditions predicted by our red top, tabloid press. Talking of which, here’s our guide to winter, bike preparation https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/winter-wonderland-one

First up, I’ve replaced my fixed gear winter/trainer’s KMC Z1 inox https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/kmc-inox-chain  chain, which has served several thousand miles.

Why? Well I received this Passport Galvanised unit, which tips the scales, at a reassuringly substantial 309g. 133 less than the KMC. Weight wasn’t the motivating factor. Its also half the KMC’s asking price, so I’ll be keeping a watchful eye on longevity/durability.

I’ve used “rustless” galvanised designs to good effect, on my Univega. However, they still require regular, light lubrication. I also noticed a tendency for them to succumb to the dreaded orange taint, once the galvanised component, finally wore through. I say finally, since I racked up 2,000 wet, grotty miles from a budget 8spd model.

Nigh on dry from the packet ensures fitment was a very clear affair and proved the ideal opportunity, to start testing that chainsaw oil.

My hypothesis is that it will prove more durable, compared with the 5w/40. After 285 miles, that applied to the KMC was almost spent. However, my Univega’s electroplated Sram has cruised past 300 and at this rate, I reckon its good for another 150.

Obviously, snowy, slushy conditions may well reduce this. Its worth pointing out that the factory lubricant most chains are impregnated with, is similarly tenacious. Makes sense to run that, get your money’s worth and then use your chosen tipple.   

Workstands make maintenance and repair considerably easier, since machines are held securely, and at a convenient height.

Price dictates quality.

The needs of a home enthusiast, who may use theirs a few times each week, are different to the demands of a shop/pro mechanic. My lightweight Revolution (Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op) unit continues to serve me very well, after 10 years.

There’s some tell-tale flex, apparent when tackling high torque applications, such as bottom bracket replacement, or seized contact points. Otherwise, its solid, convenient, and very portable.

Oxford products have sent me their Torque Workshop Stand. This also retails at £99.99, employs a similar composite head but is considerably heavier.

This translates as superior rigidity. Ideal when tackling those more stubborn tasks. Less convenient for popping in the car, say for race day. Several weeks of intensive fettling will provide more tangible insight/conclusion.   

Now for the rider. Oxford also sent us these Bright Gloves 3.0. They’re a relatively slender, nimble waterproof design with a tech friendly index tip. I was slightly surprised to discover the gloves have an operating range of between +5 and 10 degrees, less than the Lusso I’ve been testing. On the other hand, its more typical of a milder, British winter. Oxford will be sending us the 4.0 too, which are theoretically windproof, too. 

Temperature is also a very personal thing.  An hour or so, at +4 hasn’t left me with chill hands but crosswinds and other factors may say different, especially on longer outings.

Some folks are more sensitive than others; or find temperature harder to regulate. Wind chill can render numbers academic. Dexterous digits are another definite plus when choosing winter gloves. I’ve had some “duvet” types, which have been blissfully comfortable, when the mercury’s slipping close to zero.

Unfortunately, a flat, mechanical, or phone call can dictate their removal, resulting in precisely the numbness, and cold they were intended to counter.

Staying with cold weather kit, Steve has also been very impressed by these Stolen Goat Deep winter Bib Tights https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/stolen-goat-deep-winter-bib-tights

So, thoughts turn to Christmas. Any of these make decent main/stocking filler presents but if you are struggling to buy for those riders in your life. The sort who appear to have everything, then how about the re-hook tool. Hardly essential but its designed to reclaim a dropped chain, reputedly in three seconds. No mess, no fuss. www.rehook.bike/guide

Alternatively, Stenning Photographic Offers high quality 100x100cm (Other sizes available on request) canvas prints  https://michael-stenning.format.com/store   

Lighting, Lubes & Log Cabins

So, I’ve reached our conclusions regarding the Ugoe 2000 headlight https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ugoe-2000   and The Oxford Bright Stop rear LED light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-bright-stop-rear-led-light I’ve turned my focus to mile munching with the Schwalbe Marathon Mondial https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos/1367504860051913/  which are performing convincingly, both on and off road. https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos/324364064784396/c

No, they’re not a trail tyre, in the cross country mtb sense. Rather they’re go-anywhere, all-terrain rubber. Sure, they’re not going to carve through the gloop like an aggressive knobbly, or glide over asphalt with the same speed as a slick.

However, rolling resistance is considerably lower than their weight and 26x2.0inch profiles would suggest. Off road, they’ll take unmade tracks, bridle path and less intense forest trails, in their stride. The stuff that really turned me on, to mountain biking as a teenager. Also explains Gravel’s appeal (much the same principle, just tackled on bikes with more cyclo cross in their DNA).

Lightweight, rugged machines that could go anywhere and perform with similar finesse. Slower across asphalt than a road or touring rig but the ability to vanish at speed along a dirt road. Feeling the ear to ear grin grow and leaving the world behind.

Powerfully enticing now, much less a bored teen, stifled by school’s rigid conformity. I wasn’t disinterested in education, just the context and curriculum. Thankfully, there were a few suitably disruptive students, for teachers to actively “zoo-keep”.

This left me to read the latest Specialized or Cannondale test, sans introspection, let alone chastisement.  My sincerest thanks go to Jane Wright (as she was, then) who rose from her seat and burst into the Communards’ “Don’t leave me this way”. Surreal, in the Dennis Potter sense. Perfectly timed, mid-afternoon, during double French, with Miss Diaper...

Back to 2018…

As things turn wetter, thoughts turn to waterproof kit and we’ve also been putting some wallet friendly panniers, https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford  mudguards https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-full-length-mudguard-kit  and tyres https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/vee-tire-co-easy-street-tyre  through their paces. Aimed at commuters, all three seem to offer a decent amount of bang, for modest buck.

  

The motor oil challenge continues and much as I expected. The 5w/40 remains very stoical but is collecting moderate amounts of gunk, which are being purged on a weekly basis before it becomes a drivetrain gobbling, grinding paste.  Stoicism aside, shifts are very slick and silent, I latterly dribbled a tiny drop into every link.

There’s no one formula, for every occasion, in my experience, hence I like to alternate between lubricants, depending on the season. Self-cleaning wax types are particularly appealing. Low friction, lower maintenance (save for more frequent reapplication).

Home brewed variants are also extremely cheap to make (once you’ve got the consistency right). However, some commentators forget that the time and materials invested in this, have a cost (not to mention, mess) implication, which pushes their real “start-up” cost considerably higher (although I fully appreciate this can be recouped quite quickly over time).

Similarly, if you are unsure of correct brewing procedure, buying stock products is much cheaper than an explosion. The sort, resulting in an open plan terrace, and strained neighbourly relations.   

One of the major advantages shared by motor oil, chainsaw oil and more traditional wet lubes, is the ability to drizzle on, wipe and scoot off. Perfect during late autumn and winter, where daylight is at a premium.

Speaking of forest fun, Sharon booked us a Forest Holidays break, in Nottingham last week. https://www.forestholidays.co.uk/?channel=ppc&gclid=Cj0KCQiAoo7gBRDuARIsANeJKUZ7A2ySyU__cEKkSfGO4ECVjym1pua6fPB-flh5RolooJh1ngRO6IYaAt14EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Despite some poor light, and inclement conditions, I managed a fair bit of mooching and captured a bit of trail action, for good measure.

En route up, I dropped my Shutter Precision PD8 dynohub wheel, with John Moss. Unfortunately, John says the hub is poorly, rendering spoke tensioning academic. Thankfully, Ison distribution www.ison-distribution.com have come to my rescue and will sort, under warrantee…

Strip n’ Sniff

No, things haven’t taken a sordid turn. If you’ve come looking for that, I’m delighted to disappoint. Having swapped the dynohub wheels over, I decided it was time to strip, inspect and ultimately re pack, my fixed gear winter/trainer's headset. Park PPL1 polylube is a tried and trusted formula, well suited to these applications. An obvious choice too, since it was already plugged into my grease gun.

One thing led to another and I exchanged its Torus Titanium stem https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/torus-titanium-stem  , for The Redshift Sports Shockstop Suspension unit https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/red . Timely too, since the titanium stem and Soma bars had formed a surprisingly stubborn union. For some reason, I’d forgotten the all-important, light coating of assembly paste…

Thankfully the Gods of galvanic seizure were feeling merciful and the swap straightforward. Trench helmet is another thing that doesn’t strike very often but I had been haunted by a faintly funky odour. While tethering this Sigma Buster 700 front light, to my Bontrager helmet, said funk was attributable to the lid’s padding.

Off to the elderly Miele it went!

The Buster is proving an interesting light. A little under-powered on paper, for serious backroad, let alone trail antics. However, the actual beam quality is good enough (as a sole source) for rural navigation at 17/18mph on a clear night and seemingly, a big step up from its predecessor. Four modes might not get pules racing, given the race for tunability.

However, they’re easy to locate. Standard is 350lumens, certainly enough to be seen with and adequate for navigating less taxing, semi-rural roads. Low is 170 lumens, which is sensible for the suburbs and town (assuming you didn’t want to slip into flashing).

Flashing is impressive too, easily good enough for use as a daylight running mode.  The ability to “dip” straight down from 700 to 170 lumens, with a quick, double prod of the switch cum battery life indicator, is another definite plus. Composite construction saves a few grams, so its less obtrusive than some, worn atop a helmet.

In this context, it’s proving a welcome, compliment to my Univega’s Shimano Ultegra/ Exposure Revo MK1 dynamo setup. The Revo produces a very credible 800lumens, at relatively low speeds. In fact, its probably the only dynamo lamp, good enough for moderate trail duties. Or at least, the only one I have come across to date.

Temperatures are turning more typically autumnal range and my middleweight winter tights are becoming a more frequent sight. Issues of Tendonitis etc aside, to some extent, legs (especially when riding fixed) are perpetually in motion.

Blood’s circulating nicely, and (assuming it’s not raining dogs, or dipping below single figures) we’re still temperate. 

Hands, head and torso are relatively static, so layering/warmth is more critical here. Steve (co-editor) has been very impressed with Stolen Goat Climb & Conquer Grid Winter Jacket https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/stolen-goat    Recent weeks have proved mild enough for me to chase along the lanes in long sleeve base-layer and technical jackets, sometimes a gilet has been sufficient.

Late October, through to mid- November, it hasn’t dipped below 13 degrees in these parts. That said; I’ve opted for full finger gloves and with some minor misgivings, these Lusso Windtex Terrain Red gloves are delighting my digits.  

Windproof, water resistant and breathable, they’re reckoned to deliver in temperatures between 0 and 14 degrees. A tall order and one begging for bluff-calling. I always prefer garments (gloves in particular) that are weather resistant but wick fast, over “impervious designs”.

Same goes for socks, which in my experience results in athlete’s foot and similar fungal nasties. Unpleasant but caught quickly, easily dismissed by pouring alcohol-based mouthwash over the affected areas. Talking of socks and with Christmas just around the corner, Steve’s been pleasantly surprised by these https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/bridgedale-waterproof-socks   

I also unearthed these Scott sport/casual SPD shoes and this Pro “Sleeping” hub while on another mission. Extensive mesh precludes the Scott’s service, for a while but the “sleeping hub” will come in handy during deep cleans and other jobs, dictating wheel removal.

Finally, an update on the “Motor oil challenge”. True to expectation, the 5W/40 is collecting a bit more gunk and grime, compared with more sophisticated ceramic types. However, nothing a weekly cat-lick of the side plates, doesn’t sort. Its also a necessary duty, with more traditional, hell n’ high water, bike specific wet lubes, including Weldtite TF2 Extreme wet https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-extreme-wet-chain-lubr

Meaner Season

Autumn has progressed, with a much wetter flavour. Local authorities/highways departments are scrambling to patch battle-scared tarmac, while climate, conditions and budgets permit.

Temporary traffic-light control; raised ironworks and roughly lain tarmac is certainly testing rider skill, wheel build quality and tyre casings. 15 months on, my Halo White Line/Shutter Precision PD8 dynohub build https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-rim-and-shutter-dynohub-disc-b   could do with a quick tweak of its spoke tension.

John Moss (who built the wheel) has kindly offered to whip it on his jig, while I’m on an East Midlands mission. I’ll swap over to the Halo Evura/SL9 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-evura-shutter-precision-sl9-dy  for a couple of weeks (and may take that route). I’ve switched to my Univega and getting some serious mileage on those Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tyres.

These continue to impress with their smooth, compliant personalities. On and sans asphalt. True, they have a puncture repelling rating of 6, whereas the 365’s are 7. However, rolling resistance is vastly superior, and I’ll be very surprised should I flat in the coming months.    

The “Motor Oil Challenge is working out, as I envisaged, 200 miles in. So far, a decent amount of 5w40 still clings to my fixed’s stainless steel chain. I’m anticipating at least 400 before replenishment’s required.

My Univega’s electroplated chain is more accommodating of lubes generally, so I’m wondering if I can sneak past the 500mile mark, on a single helping. Assuming a 9/10spd chain is good for 1100 miles, potentially two helpings of motor oil could last its lifespan. River riding, snowy, slushy conditions will put a dent in this, dictating more frequent top-ups.

Of course, price is not the only determinant when considering lubricants. I’m particularly fond of waxy ceramic types, which, when cured, are relatively dry to touch and generally maintenance free. Much nicer, when tackling a rear puncture/similar road/trailside mechanical.

I’m firmly of the little n’ often approach when it comes to maintenance and servicing. Tuning and replacing stuff as I go, rather than having set schedules. Nonetheless, I always ensure seat posts, headsets and pedals are liberally greased-twice yearly. Not to mention those little fasteners- mudguard, rack and bottle bosses.  

As we hurtle closer to winter, I’m thinking of retiring my fixed gear winter/trainer’s stainless-steel chain. Leaning toward something galvanised…May even plump for another, slightly lower fixed sprocket. Note to self…Remember to baste the hub’s threads with a luxuriously ceramic, grease!

Lithium based preps, commonly used in automotive contexts, are cheap and fine, if mating metals of similar parentage i.e. steel with steel, 7005 series aluminium alloys etc. Problem is, they’ll gobble rubberised components, including seals.

I much prefer a stout ceramic, such as White Lightning Crystal grease. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/white-lightning-crystal-grease  Green Oil Eco-Grease https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/green-oil-ecogrease-long-ter-test  is a surprisingly stocky, non-toxic alternative.  Staying prowess is good. I’m happy using it on contact points and indeed, headsets/bottom brackets, provided the bike(s) in question are running full-length mudguards.   

Reliability and convenience are key, when it comes to enjoying winter. Treating framesets and components a liberal waxing and treating bikes to weekly sudsy bucket washes (cold water rinses first, to remove road salt and similar caustic stuff) is another sound idea.

This will lock the elements out, making it harder for gloop to stick and subsequent washing easier. Time poor riders, may find a system, such as Green Clean MX is the way forward https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pro-green-mx-triple-pack These are also available singularly, and I’m particularly endeared to the Cycle Shine. This can be applied to a freshly washed (and rinsed) bike. No buffing or polishing required, simply allow it to cure naturally.

Post wash; quick squirts of “maintenance” spray, to cables and mechanisms, should keep them happy and dependable. Not everyone has time, or the inclination to do their own maintenance/servicing.

That’s when a good mobile mechanic, or local bike shop is worth their weight in gold. If you’re in the Tendring area, Justin Burls now offers servicing and repairs, alongside his bespoke titanium bikes/framesets http://www.burls.co.uk/sandr.html