New Guards & Big Flaps

Ended up stripping the Univega of the mighty Tortec chrome plastics, while I waited for these superbly solid SKS BLUEMELS SHINY 26″ 60 BLACK SET to arrive. Good thing I did too, since the front was one rattle away from falling atop the tyre, and launching me over the bars.

Sans guards it has a very rugged, raw simplicity. Arguably closest to the original 80's concept that fired my teenage imagination, its trail potential was fully realised, along with some seriously big grins for a few evenings. 

The first was quite cold, frosty, although rains returned the following two nights. Thankfully I've been testing these Funkier Aqua Water Repellent Tights. Very welcome (Competent too, especially considering the asking price (£74). 

Talking of the 80's, though frame fit pumps have largely disappeared (thanks in no small part to compact geometry framesets, and mountain biking's other influences) Zefal HPX High Pressure Frame Pump remains quite relevant. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-hpx-frame-pump 

I returned from Tuesday night's mud spattered meander to find the SKS guards waiting. 

Not the sort of job I wanted to embark on, then. Wednesday morning came and I wasted no time in un-boxing and weighing the guards, which are 50g lighter than the Tortec. 

Next my beloved tubby tourer was popped in the workstand, stripped of wheels and given a rich, sudsy bucket wash. 

Rinsed and dried, I turned my attentions to the front guard. Fitting mudguards can prove fiddly, rather than difficult. In this instance, it's complicated by my preference- a Gusset Uni Head system, rather than the Star Frangled Nut (SFN). 

Now, these might carry a weight penalty over the humble SFN, or expandable wedge type systems. However, they offer improved security. I've never had one work loose and they're also reckoned to keep things together, in the event of a steerer crisis. One of many experiences I would like to keep academic. 

However, it does preclude attaching mudguards via the fork drilling. I judiciously cut out the riveted stainless steel mount, using a hot blade. Given the quality of chrome plastics, and valuing my own digits, this had to be done in three stages. 

Having established the uni-head's bottom nut would slide snugly through the hole, I began bolting the guards in situ. Measure twice cut once when tackling the stays but otherwise everything bolted together smoothly, sans faff.

Achieving graceful, flowing lines is very simple with this calibre of mudguard too. 90, rattle free miles in, and despite the absence of mudflaps coverage is surprisingly good. Nonetheless, presented with a scrap Panaracer tyre, I decided to cut and fashion a set. 

Arguably pop-riveting would've been the neatest method but I settled on a high-strength glue, left clamped and curing for 24 hours. Though not a precision cut, they're neat enough and I've been refining things, gently sanding excess glue-at least where it can be seen. Besides, blasted with dodgy looking water, diarrhoea like mud and other greasy midwinter muck, they'll blend in nicely!  

Talking of which, the Weldtite TF2 Performance all weather lubricant https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-performance-all-weather has fared much better than the Juice Lube Ceramic Juice Chain Lube in comparable conditions. 

The Ceramic Juice hit 185 before the dreaded squeak struck but I should point out, its actually blended for dry to moist, rather than wet weather. 

Therefore, I will reserve judgement and resume testing once (some might say, if) we get a decent dry spell. Meantime, I've switched to their Viking Juice, which they say, is the most durable of their range. 

Application is reminiscent of early ceramic blends in the sense its applied in stages. Whereas some required you to ride around, before adding a final layer, Viking Juice takes but a few minutes. 

Between 2 and 4 coats are recommended, so having established we're in the depths of winter, I've gone the whole hog. 

Its a really runny formula too, designed to seep deep within the chain, so keep some clean rag handy and resist any urges to apply indoors. My Univega's drive train feels suitably frisky but staying prowess is another thing entirely. 

Been rather impressed by their JL69 Bike Maintenance Spray, which seems versatile, durable and very competitively priced. Cleat/mechanisms, locks, cables and jockey wheels have all cheered up with a squirt. Electroplated Allen bolts and similar fasteners have also remained taint free.  

Been rather impressed by this Naked Bikes Pro Wax Special Edition, too. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/naked-bikes-pro-wax-special-edition  . Though hardly cheap, the quality and durability of finish is very impressive. A Christmas gift idea, for the rider who is tricky to buy for.

Mudguard The Mighty

Having repacked my fixed gear winter trainer’s headset with fresh Park PPL-1 Grease, then adding a DIY boot to protect it from winter’s worst, I turned to my Univega’s Stronglight unit. Full length mudguards (fenders) extend service intervals but I’d recommend stripping, inspecting and re-greasing headsets annually. Especially on working bikes.

I’d re-greased the Univega’s bottom race, using Muc-Off Bio Grease https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-bio-grease-long-term-test  when I’d switched to the bike’s freshly refinished, original forks. However, I hadn’t inspected the top race in a good while. Since it’s cream makeover, in fact. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/after-the-gritters-went-home .

I wasn’t surprised to find everything came apart effortlessly. However, the top race’s grease was fast reduced to a filmy gunk. Dismissed with a rag dipped in solvent, I replaced it with the Park PPL-1 and was reassembling everything, when realisation dawned- I’d forgotten the butyl boot! Big MTB sections (26x1.95 or wider) make ideal candidates.   

Fork out, another section of scrap Schwalbe was peeled into place, aided by some greasy overspill. Theoretically PPL-1 is safe on rubberised components, so shouldn’t eat it. 

Fasteners reinstated, fresh front brake cable nipped tight…I swung the Soma Condor bars back and forth, rejoicing in the steering’s buttery smoothness.

Then I noticed the mighty Tortec Reflector mudguard had succumbed to a fatal fracture. 

Thankfully this didn’t strike when I was riding along. Seriously solid chrome plastics. Ones that have survived ten years’ four seasons, hell n’ high water riding. Not a hint of tarnish on the stainless stays, and other hardware, for that matter.

Still, this provided an ideal opportunity to research my Univega’s pedigree a little further. Having found the frame number (and wished I’d noted it down properly, while the frame was at the blast stage of refinishing, back in 2017 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/after-the-gritters-went-home  I discovered it was built in 1997, not 1996-as long believed.  

My Univega is a joy to ride and has evolved into a (relatively) lightweight go anywhere machine. One that responds and handles in excellent proportion, on and off road. laden and otherwise. I’m also drawn to the slightly unusual/esoteric. I always liked Axiom stuff and Axiom Road Runner A2 MTB 26 seem a very good fit.

While I research and acquire a replacement set of guards, I’ve switched over to my fixed gear winter/trainer. An ideal opportunity to see how the Juice Lubes Ceramic Chain Juice performs on a fixed transmission, and in slightly drier, colder contexts.  

So far, it’s holding out rather well, with a nice blend of lubrication and staying prowess. 100 miles in, and I’m really warming to the 32mm Schwalbe Road Cruiser, which are providing a surprisingly swift, yet compliant and grippy ride. Not bad for £19.99  

Long, dark nights bring about a very different focus and helps me reflect. Not just on products being tested but other projects and ventures. There are some things, some experiences that I have found very difficult to process. Not the sort understood by the civilian world.

Those revelling in melodrama would refer to them as demons but I wouldn’t give them that sort of credence, that power. Exploration through fiction and third-party characterisation is the most constructive outlet. 

Not that it’s a philosophy I subscribe to, but observation suggests people are disinterested in the struggles of others. Unless of course, they follow a “rags to riches” narrative. Those looking for a good midwinter read for themselves, or a cycling friend might be interested in Emily Chappell’s book “Where There’s A Will”.. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/where-there-s-a-will

Waiting for The Sun

December is dawning and daylight (not to mention dry weather) is at a premium. Perfect conditions for the indoor trainer then. In some senses, yes. However, these contexts are ideal for evaluating product performance. Lights, lubes and waterproof fabrics being the most obvious. A good measure of waxes/polishes, too. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/naked-bikes-bike-bling

The Pro Viz Men’s Reflect 360+ Cycling Jacket has certainly cut it in the visible and waterproof respects. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-mens-reflect-360-jacket

Save for the odd cold night, no sign of the “big freeze” prophesised by the digital tabloid press, so tyre choice remains unchanged.

Having consumed my stash of patches last time round, I wasted no time in putting fingers to keyboard and ordering some more Rema tip top patches. There are cheaper, and I’ve found some store brands refreshingly reliable.

However, I find the Rema that notch higher. Since the Kenda thorn resistant tube was a Schrader valve, I seized the moment, removed the valve core and pumped a liberal helping of latex sealant inside.

Three serviceable spares apiece for my fixed gear winter/trainer and Univega now. Two patches are my cut off point before I consign them to the bin; or repurpose (Protective “boots” for headsets and seat posts, or top tubes being three obvious, bike-specific uses). I have striped and re-greased my fixed gear winter trainer’s headset and added a butyl bottom race boot, for additional protection. Replaced the front brake cable, while I was there.

However, I will often carry one tube with more patches, for dire emergencies, or passing to a stricken rider.

Yes, we should regularly give machines and spares stash a once over. Yes, we should be independent. However, things happen, to the best prepared machines and riders. I have been stuck by the roadside, miles from home. There’s nothing warmer than a helping hand.

Roadcraft seems increasingly patchy and intolerance at an all-time high. Discretion is often the better part of valour. One driver, refusing to recognise my right of way, pulled by and announced, “Roads are for cars bruv!”

Tempting though it was to point out, that roads are for everyone- cars, motorcycles, bicycles, horses, HGV etc…No sense arguing with an ignorant hot head, encased in two ton of steel. Better to ride on, rather than let rip and be rendered paraplegic.

I spent three years battling a Portuguese haulier. One of their drivers crossed into my lane, along the M25 motorway, sweeping my KA onto the front of his 30ton Mercedes. Thankfully I was able to walk away. Death is an inevitability; the phrase “life changing injuries” turns my blood cold. His insurers finally admitted liability, when court papers were served.

I’ve defaulted to the Univega these past few weeks. Primarily, since its dressed for the deluge, not to mention, an increasingly battle-scarred infrastructure. 

Having crossed the 400mile mark with the Weldtite TF2 All Weather Lube, the Univega’s chain was on the cusp of thirsty. I saw this as the first opportunity to evaluate the Juice Lubes Chain Cleaner’s prowess, pitted against a middleweight petrochemical lube, and its modest accumulated contaminant.

Lubes-wise, I’ve switched to the Juice Lubes Ceramic Juice and will see how many miles I can amass, from a single application. It comprises of “blended base oils” and hexagonal boron-nitride.

Lubricant qualities supposedly comparable with graphite. Thus far, it seems slick, refined and tenacious. Its apparently thicker than previous incarnations and feels so. Still light enough for cables and cleat mechanisms.

Talking of which, I’m increasingly endeared to the quirky Look Geo Trekking pedals. These are the baseline models, yet the composites offer excellent support and don’t feel whippy under-load. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the ease of intentional release, even using VP and similar pattern cleats.

Critics will suggest there are a wealth of dual sided designs commanding £20 odd, which will do commuting and similar duties perfectly well. In some respects, I’d have to agree. Thinking out loud, I still love Time’s All Road Gripper Pedals. I still have mine and liked the concept. However, their short production run suggests they weren’t overly popular.

North of November

November is literally vanishing before they eyes. Darker, wetter days have been the norm. Trees have shed their leaves almost unnoticed, and these have interwoven with dung, coating rural roads in interesting, impacted mulch. One that harbours hedge clippings, flints and other sharps, that infiltrate tyre casings as we ride.

Even the Univega's front Schwalbe Marathon Mondial Double Defence tyre     had succumbed.  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-mondial-tyres

Another spare tube retrieved and the injured party ear-marked for patching, this presented an ideal opportunity to give the bike, a good wash. 

Juice Lubes Dirt Juice Bike Cleaner, complete with a new, foaming trigger spray was an obvious candidate. Now, there's an argument that says foaming solutions give a very visual impression of dissolving gunk and grime. Whereas, less visually active solutions are more effective, since they sit on the hosts, breaking it down on a molecular level.  Juice Lubes advise the dirt juice is designed to foam up, though cling to the hosts.

Credit where due, left for the full two minutes, the dirt juice did a decent job of dismissing some ingrained organic and petrochemical grot. Nocturnal temperatures have been tumbling close to freezing, which in turn has coaxed the gritting lorries out. 

I may switch to the Schwalbe Marathon Winter, should slippery roads become a prevailing feature. Lanes carpeted in iced bovine dung and compacted leaves, can induce the wrong sort of excitement.

Next, I dialled in the Univega's front brake. Not that the Genetic Cantilevers were anything but crisp. I just wanted fractionally more bite. This also presented opportunity to use the Juice Lubes JL69 maintenance spray to work. Most maintenance sprays promise to be all things, to all folks. 

Perfect for post wash lubing of cables, pivot points, displacing water, while leaving a protective slippery barrier behind. Many claim to loosen rusted parts. Some are better than others. 

Royally stuck stems, seat posts and bottom brackets, call for oceans of Plus Gas/similar high strength freeing oil. Often some liberal deployment of judicious force, too. 

Maintenance sprays tend to fall into two basic camps. Insipid brews, which are fine for post wash duties, or super stocky stuff with lashings of PTFE. The latter tend to be quite effective, in terms of protection and reducing friction. They're also relatively cheap. However, they're not particularly kind to seals and other rubberised components.   

Juice tell me the JL69  contains no PTFE, so nicer all round.  Constant use and exposure to warm sudsy bucket loads tends to strip lubricant from my long serving work stand, making erection and collapse feel slightly arthritic. 

A localised squirt has freed things nicely. I'd be inclined to strip and re grease a binding rear brake, regardless of genre, but a quick shot on the inner wires and pivot points also seems to keep things slick and glitch free. Talking of glitches, logistics firms are recruiting their seasonal army of couriers, primed for Black Friday and pre Christmas blow-outs. 

I've worn that particular hat. 

Bustling back and forth with a Mercedes Sprinter laden to its limit. Sullen and miserable as the day's targets, tracking devices, stressed out, chain-smoking controllers and ignorant members of the public consume reserves at alarming pace. 

Never has " Stop The Cavalry" been more appropriate...Save perhaps, for the school nativity back, in 1981. I'm also confident that £185 per day* is achievable (assuming of course, you can operate three vehicles, headed in wildly different areas, simultaneously).

Empathy waned a bit upon discovering dick heads Ltd couldn't be arsed to deliver some test products, on Monday afternoon. Yes, I was destined to receive them between 16.51 and 1751... Only to discover a cancellation email in my inbox...Thankfully, a regular face turned up, bang on cue the next day. 

Be kind to your courier, make their life easier and generally treat them as you would hope to be.   In this particular stash, I found  Some interesting lights and these Look Geo Trekking pedals. Dual purpose designs employing a resin body and SPD centre-piece. A bit of a deviation for the French marque and seemingly aimed at the E-bike/trekking market. 

In common with their rival, Time, they've devised some quirky models. I'm still have a soft spot for these now discontinued Time All Road Gripper Pedals and of course, these "Lego-Like" Look. The latter I bought for £10, including cleats some 25 years, or so back.Time I was going out to play with these lights. 

Oh but before I go, here's my review of the K-lite Bike Packer Pro V2

https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/k-lite

Sticky Fingers

A few weeks back, I established the Soma Condor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma  swap was the icing on my Univega’s cake. No change in several hundred miles, since. However, the reclaimed Lizard Skins DSP bar tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/lizard-skins-dsp  was beginning to look slightly tired in places. Time was when a cable change meant the bar wrap (especially budget) was also bin fodder. Most bar tapes seem tolerant of being re/wound, even after they’ve weathered a bit.

Shot peened or sand blasted handlebars also seem to assist adhesion. However, the former process is generally employed to subvert potential stress fractures. The progressive availability of naturally sticky silicone wraps, including the Acros Silicone Wrap Handlebar Tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/acros-silicone-wrap-handlebar-tape?03991cc70fae5915&1a5858d9151d7237&455dde74ef8b80c5&4f3abceb41656d72&632cba28282213  and Genetic https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-silicone-bar-wrap  are easily rewound and reapplied following cable changes and are otherwise durable, too.

As an anecdotal average, I seem to get three cable changes from a mid to upper end adhesive backed bar tape. Around three thousand miles before the material begins looking jaded; loses its specialist properties; or shows more serious signs of fatigue. Leather is more durable (and usually with a consummate price tag).

With periodic use of hide food (which keeps the leather nourished and supple) I’ve had three years and six cable changes before contemplating replacement. Obviously not an option for vegan riders and often slippery to start with. Silicone and sophisticated polymer wrap also requires more care when cleaning.

Strong solvents and stiff brushes with often strip their coatings, or age them prematurely. I’ve found this Oxford Tyre Scrub https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-products-tyre-scrub  and Duck Smart The Black Stuff Chain Cleaner an excellent combination, for lifting ingrained grime. That said; we are talking a gentle, sustained pressure here.

Extra UK www.extrauk.co.uk  have kindly sent me this Fizik Vento Microtex Tacky Tape to test. According to Fizik, the Vento family are “Race bred tapes for ultimate control and reduced weight”. Apparently “The tacky film surface with raised texture facilitates grip in every condition”.

Its 2mm (compared with the Lizard Skins DSP’s 2.5mm) so the comparison will be interesting. Fizik also suggest the smaller density benefits riders with smaller hands. I have long willowy digits, so the latter benefit may be lost on me. However, on paper it’s a tangible benefit.  

There’s a definite knack to achieving graceful flowing lines. Bind carefully, patiently and when free of distraction. Unless of course, you’re a pro mechanic. Now pedants will say black and white are shades, not colours. 

I wasn’t sure whether the white would blend successfully with the Univega’s cream and black two-tone theme. However, by my reckoning, with the SPD pedals, Orp smart horn https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/orp-smart-horn and mudguard detailing, it works a treat. Some minor points aside, I’ve also reached my conclusions regarding the Prendas Ciclismo  Lisboa Waterproof Cycling Cap https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/prendas-ciclismo-lisboa-waterproof-

Continuing this waste not, want not narrative, I’ve decided to run the Weldtite TF2 All Weather Performance Lubricant for the time being, see how many miles I can accumulate, before switching to the Juice Lubes Ceramic. The former is a mix of ISO oils, additives and PTFE, which keeps friction remarkably low.

Presumably it’s the additives keeping it stable in all temperatures. A Canadian rider reckons it’s the first lube he’s used, capable of remaining effective at minus 32 degrees. Viscosity also lends it very nicely to cleat/locking mechanisms, as a corrosion inhibitor for electroplated fasteners and even frame-ends.

PTFE is both friend and foe. The ubiquitous slippery compound is dirt cheap and very effective, in the friction busting stakes. Its also relatively toxic, hence I minimise my own exposure. Latex examination gloves are donned when applying greases and often when stripping lubes. Where possible, I avoid using PTFE based chain lubes in contexts where I’m riding close to rivers and similar waterways.   

Lighting permitting, I’ve always found myself riding faster at night and I’ve concluded it’s psychological. Gradients become smaller because you cannot perceive their size, in the same fashion you would, during daylight. Focus is upon maintaining a decent tempo. Dark roads also inspire a more reflective mood.

A means of processing complex thoughts and ideas. I usually return from a ride feeling energised and with a new sense of perspective. Copy I’ve been struggling with, often seems to write itself. I have recently been coming to terms with my elderly farm cat’s demise. Kidney and cardiovascular failure forced the issue.  All we can ask for is a fulfilling life and a merciful end. He had both.  

I’m also an introvert. A much maligned and misunderstood personality type. Contrary to popular misconception, introverts are not shy, or socially awkward. People intrigue me and I consider myself adept at reading people and their motivations. Engaged, loquacious and emotionally intelligent, in professional contexts, I also need time to retreat and recharge. Long steady night rides are an obvious conduit.

Tricks & Treats

Yes, I know Halloween was last week. I have an academic interest in the occult and indeed, film. However, I loathe the commercialised American "door knocking" import. One that has seen a recent resurgence in popularity. 

Despite the K-lIte Bike Packer Ultra's prowess https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/k-lite-bikepacker-ultra-dynamo-ligh (and wearing the Pro Viz  360+ jacket) there were a couple of close calls. Drivers pulling out, without looking, at junctions. I've been riding for 33 years, so nothing new, though never a pleasant experience. 

The K-Lite Bike Packer Pro V2 Front Dynamo Light continues to impress with its power to size ratio. There are some minor shortcomings, but none I'd consider deal-breakers, especially given the design brief.
Here's some footage and a couple of stills. Both were captured using my Tom Tom Bandit. The stills contain a little grain but no shake. The seemingly rare-as-hens' teeth remote would come in really handy.  I'll manage without, unless one presents, at the right price. 

The Knog Cobber Mid Rear Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/knog-cobber-mid-rear-light has proven a good, tune able option for general riding. Sufficient bang for the back roads, and as a daylight running option, yet sensible for town and group riding. Run times are similarly favourable.  

Rains have also returned, after some brief respite. Univega and fixed gear winter/trainer remain grubbier than usual. However, gives an opportunity to really see how durable the Naked Bikes Wax holds up, long term. Its worth noting that all waxes are slowly eroded by salts and other chemicals over time.

Washing with sudsy household detergents being the fastest way of stripping. For best results, stick to a gentler shampoo and rinse machines down using cold water first. Especially during winter, since hot will simply accelerate the caustic properties of road salts. Waxes, sturdier tyres, lubes and mudguards (fenders) all extend ride to maintenance ratios, but laziness comes at a price.  Remember to grease contact points and of course, those little fasteners that often get forgotten. 

Waterproof luggage is another good investment. My Carradice Carradry SQR bag https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry is doing the business handsomely. Steve's also been suitably impressed with Zefal Z Adventure F10 bar bag https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-z-adventure-f10-bar-bag

 
The Zefal Pro Wet Chain lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-wet-chain-lube has certainly clung on, longer than I was expecting, from a relatively inexpensive wet blend. 375 miles from a single application isn't to be sneezed at, given the rainfall we've had here, in the UK. 

First sign of the lube's demise was on the fixed. Wondered why my little legs were struggling to winch us up the climbs. I had a rummage through my lubes box and plucked out Weldtite TF2 all weather chain lubricant. Another middleweight wet formula. One reckoned to cope in extremes of temperature. 

No sooner had I done so, a huge box of goodies arrived, from Juice Lubes.  This included their ceramic. Surprisingly enough, its designed for dusty to damp conditions, rather than winter per se. 

I'm told the Ceramic is a "100% synthetic lubricant containing special additives. Boron nitride features but without getting overly technical, the compound's lubricant properties are similar to graphite. Curiously, its reckoned resistant to salts and other contaminants.  On the plus side, its very straightforward to apply, and curing time is measured in minutes, not hours. 

I've also set aside time to brew up a fresh batch of wax-based corrosion inhibitor. Not that the weather has let up long enough, for me to consider applying it to the KA's underside. Frames also have plenty sloshing aroundtheir inner sanctums.  Nonetheless, its on hand when I need it. Cheap as the proverbial portion of chips, too.