Self Containment

 The present state of siege is presenting opportunities and threats in equal measure. Social distancing has been an ideal opportunity to get out and test kit, fettle the fleet’s specification and forward plan. I’ve been startled by the Pro Gold chain lube’s friction busting prowess.  

Even allowing for the new chain, the transmission and shifting feels that bit snappier. A notch better than the otherwise likeable Zefal Pro Dry lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-dry-lube and marginally cleaner, thus far. Then again, its nearly twice the Zefal’s ticket price, so I’d hope so. 

Little surprise to learn the bond between my posterior and the Cycles Berthoud Soulor Saddle continues to grow. I’m still feeding the hide every few rides to accelerate perfection and there’s a definite patina forming, so all good.  

A puncture (traced to a faulty valve stem) coupled with sunnier, drier conditions prompted a switch to my fixed. The Sugru Mouldable Glue Original Formula https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sugru-mouldable-glue-original-formu appears to have solved the Tom Tom Bandit’s wibbly bracket and I’m enjoying the Soma Condor 2 again https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars   

Now the weather’s more spring-like, I’ve reinstated the Apeman A80 Action camera https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/apeman to the Univega’s bars. The switching of my fixed gear winter/trainer’s Titanium Torus post, back to the very likeable Genetic Syngenic Seatpost https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-syngenic-seatpost may raise a few eyebrows.  I’ve also reverted to the Spa Cycles Aire titanium saddle- it was already in situ, so why not? It’d long assumed my shape-bliss! 

However, look closely and you’ll note the Torus has a relatively pronounced layback. The Genetic is nigh on inline. The most obvious benefit of an inline model is it brings the rider in line with the bottom bracket and theoretically improves power transfer.  

It also brings me closer to the bars. The Torus’ layback also made fitting/removal of the Carradice Carradry SQR bag https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry awkward, which the switch has also solved. This also presented an opportunity to put the Juice Lubes Bearing Grease through its paces. After all, if it's designed to keep bearings smooth and happy, so should last a good while on contact points.  

Ah, but then it’s also lithium-based, which can conspire with the elements, creating the chemical reaction more commonly known as a galvanic seizure. Suffice to say I will be keeping a very close eye on things. Lithium-based preps will also scoff seals and other rubberised components.   

  

When it comes to greases, we tend to test on a mid-long-term basis. This allows us to make a proper evaluation of its staying prowess, reactions to changing environments and riding contexts etc. 

Talking of contact points, here’s our clipless pedal overview https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/stepping-in-a-guide-to-going-cliple  

While social distancing is paramount, some human contact is unavoidable. Last Friday, while my helpful local garage was sorting the KA’s puncture, Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating rescued the slightly scabby spare wheel holder.   

Though generally solid, upon blasting, we discovered the salt monster had been nibbling, resulting in some pitting and a small hole. Little surprise, given it was the original, thus 13 years old.  

However, we decided it wasn’t a structural weakness, so no call for plug welding. Besides, I’d come to them unannounced with a “could you blast and fit in” request.   

The thick zinc-rich epoxy primer and polyester colour coat would lock the elements, and further corrosion out. 

A big thank you to Graham, Chris and the team at Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating for their kindness, can-do approach and exemplary standards. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/aluminium-frame-refurbishment 

https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/after-the-gritters-went-home 

https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/two-tone-frame-makeover 

Ticking Over

The recent pandemic has become a tangible reality, rather than a George A Romero, or David Cronenberg abstract.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSMuwejjiGs&t=1608s 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jV_xEwb0ZiQ&t=235s 

While certain sections of the British Public continue to stockpile toilet rolls and canned foods, others have suggested, with some plausibility that this is an illustration of Brexit induced delays and shortages.  

We’ve certainly found acquiring test products/similar from mainland Europe that bit slower in the past week, or so.  Italy came as no surprise, given that nation’s intensive quarantine policy but it seems to be coursing through other countries too. 

Striking a balance and taking sensible precautions, without succumbing to hysteria is always difficult. Current thinking suggests cyclists should observe a metre’s distance between each other to prevent viral transmission. I’ve also had work (and therefore, income) postponed due to client fears.  

Fully understandable, given the circumstances and I wasn’t overly endeared to the prospect of travelling into the capital for a business meeting on Wednesday. Nonetheless, life without some element of risk is no life at all. 

Back in the saddle, I’ve remained glued to my Univega for several reasons. Primarily since I’ve been breaking in the GB Solour saddle. Much as I thought, after 250 miles and regular feeding, it had more or less assumed my shape.  

Despite being pre-softened, my inner thighs (rather than sit-bones) were slightly vocal about this rite of passage. I’ve broken in four, maybe five traditional leather saddles in my riding career and its much the same experience. As I’ve said in previous entries, some adapt quicker than others, regardless of technique and this id down to the hide’s density. 

The early season has the potential to be very changeable, although it's actually not overly tricky to dress for. ¾ lengths are my default choice of legwear, catering for temperatures between 7 and 14-15 degrees equally well. I also tend to turn a relatively high cadence and a moderate gear, which helps with circulation and ultimately maintaining and ambient temperature. 

I’m not one of for overshoes, although recognise they do a good job of keeping wearer temperate and dry, while protecting expensive shoes from the crap that’s still lining the roads. Although the infrastructure is decidedly battle-scarred, given the perpetual rains and subsequent flooding.  

Right now, it’s too warm for booties, so I’m sticking with these Triban 520 shoes and alternating between “winter weight” socks, such as these Prendas Ciclismo Winter Coolmax Socks https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/prendas-ciclismo-coolmax-winter-cyc and Oxford Ox Socks https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-ox-socks.  

Hands and feet are the first things the body diverts from to conserve warmth and function; hence I stick with middleweight, water repellent full-finger designs.  

A long sleeve base layer and a jersey cum jacket cater for chillier rides (between 4 and 10 degrees), or I might switch to a short sleeve base layer, long sleeve jersey and a thin gilet on top, just to keep unexpected chill and light showers from causing mischief. Easter can still turn bandit weather-wise but I’m usually favouring multi- purpose “Neck Warmer” type garments over a skull-cap.       

Now, no sooner had I finished testing those Wellgo MO94B https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/wellgo-m094 , which are continuing to hold up very well. Though a clear nod in the direction of Shimano M540, the silver ED finish is very good and I also like the 15mm wrench platform, which the M540 and some other, direct homages lack.  

As I’ve said before, there shouldn’t be any issue removing pedals that have been properly, and periodically re-greased. 

However, long-handled pedal spanners make short work of stubborn/partially seized pairings (but remember a good penetrant spray or failing that, a spray lubricant (such as Juice Lubes JL69 Bike Maintenance Spray https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/juice-lubes-jl ) to prevent soft aluminium alloy crank threads getting stripped).  

Talking of strips, I decided my fixed gear winter trainer needed a deep clean and polish. Off came the crud catcher and caked-on organic grime was dismissed and the frame given a generous helping of Naked Bikes Pro Wax Special Edition https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/naked-bikes-pro-wax-special-edition to nourish and protect the powder-coated finish.  

Though very tough finish, using premium quality paint, it still likes a little help to win against the elements. I also found a matching replacement hood for the dummy brake lever. (It was hibernating in my KA’s boot and unearthed while swapping to the spare wheel following a flat) so took that opportunity to replace this for improved aesthetics. 

Elsewhere, I’ve reached my conclusions regarding the Genetic D-Riser 4 bars https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/riser-4-handlebars and during this period of “social distancing” time to mend, or modify some kit, perhaps...https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sugru-mouldable-glue-original-formu