Good Moves

So, as predicted, I switched chain lubes, from the Zefal Pro Dry Chain Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-dry-lube  to the Weldite TF2 Ultra Dry Chain Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-ultra-dry-chain-wax which also led to closer interrogation of chain length. 

I decided to prune the KMC by another few links, which made for crisper shifts but without putting the rear mech under undue load. Ironically, the Weldtite TF2 Ultra Dry Chain Wax also coordinated with the celeste Jagwire Pro Road Brake Kit https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/jagwire-pro-road-brake-kit cables and See Sense Bar Bag’s cargo net. 

April has been markedly drier and quite sunny, compared with previous months, so the cleaner running dry wax seemed an obvious choice, entering May. It’s one of the cleanest, temperature stable wax formulas I’ve used. Meanwhile, Steve has been putting Rock n’ Roll Holy Cow Chain lube through its paces https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/rock-n-roll-holy-cow-chain-lube     

During a moment of (lockdown?) madness, I contemplated adding another (22-24 tooth) 94 BCD ring to the old school LX crank and wiring up a front mech (probably the Microshift centos).  

Yes, I would’ve had an even greater range. Gearing with enough grunt for riding up down and along the Great Wall of China, with low slung trailer en tow. However, the faff of trying to get a road front mech to play nicely on a frameset intended for top pull front mechs (Yes, I know Problem Solvers make a fetching adaptor), the added weight and complication means it's staying on the drawing board.     

A subsequent 20mile loop affirmed trimming chain length paid dividends.  It also confirmed switching to those Continental’s nigh on slick tread have improved my tubby tourer’s responsiveness, while providing a supple, magic-carpet ride, ironing out washboard and more overtly pock-marked tarmac.  

Just how much speed and ride quality preside over puncture resistance remains to be seen.  I’ve also been playing musical rubber on my fixed gear winter/trainer. This time, we have these 60tpi Kenda Kwick Journey KS+ in 32mm sections. Slightly narrower than my 35mm default but frees up some space at the rear triangle.  

In common with some old favourites, these employ a 5mm thick puncture resistant belt. That said, it only covers the centre strip, rather than running edge to edge, which might leave them more susceptible to sharps.  Thus far, they’re reasonably swift and corner better than I’d expect. Mucky, gritty stuff and stones get impacted within the tread, leading to that annoying tick-until it’s ejected, or extracted. Those folks who are particularly puncture prone might like to bolster otherwise sound tyres with the Tannus Insert Armor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tannus-armour   

Having resurrected those Scott Sport shoes, I was surprised to find the sole’s lip coming adrift. Thankfully I had some suitable glue, you know, the one for the toughest jobs on the planet...However, I couldn’t find a way of binding it to the upper... Enter, this old nylon toe strap. So, hang on to them if you’ve gone clipless, they’re surprisingly useful. The glue had seemingly set two hours later but much like the lube, I left it curing overnight-just to be sure.150 miles in and it’s holding up just fine.  

Mother, I’ve had the clap!

Ok, so I’ve had more difficult conversations with my mother, and I don’t mean VD. I am of course referring to that strange Thursday night phenomenon that is applauding keyworkers, during the UK lockdown. I understand this is well-intentioned and induces a sense of morale and cohesion. However, if people want the NHS and other front-line services to continue, they need to target politicians and lobby for proper, sustained investment.  

Obviously, model portfolio-building https://stenningphotographic.blogspot.com/2020/ and similar, social photography is out just now, so I’m supplementing my other freelance income with some temping. In short, an agency rang to discuss my experience in a previous front-line trade, offered me some work (I needed the money) and here we are.  

Spleen vented, back in the saddle... 

Much as I predicted, after another 150 miles, the Giles Berthoud Saddle has conformed to my sit bones, church pew numbness a long and distant memory. Nonetheless, it’ll be another few hundred before it assumes the same, subtle support provided by this Ti railed Spa Aire but compliant enough for now. Some might say masochistic, though I’ve found strangely satisfying. 

Checking my Univega’s chain, it’s in very good health, 600 miles in. On present form, I’m reckoning another 1200 before it passes on, to The Great Bike Shop in The Sky.  

I’ve another KMC waiting in the winds and was tempted to load up on another, when I remembered seeing a packet fresh, gold Sun Race unit, during my last rationalisation of the garage. Unless I spot something suitable going for the proverbial song, I’ll use existing resources. 

I’m sticking with a two-coat helping of Zefal Pro Dry lube for now, since the weather’s turned damp again. I’m also thinking in terms of switching to Weldtite TF2 Ultra Dry Chain Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-ultra-dry-chain-wax if conditions remain arid, Weldtite TF2 Performance All Weather Lubricant https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-performance-all-weathe if the forecast favours precipitation. 

It has this week, which has presented the ideal opportunity to put a budget waterproof commuter jacket through its paces. £70 generally buys a garment that is more waterproof, than breathable. That said; I’ve been able to bowl along for 20 miles or so, at a steady 18mph without feeling “boiled in the bag”. 

Commuting continues to rise in popularity, given the present situation and desire to avoid crowded public spaces/transit. Brompton’s iconic small wheeler is a solid contender for those looking to ride shorter distances and wanting something that will go, stop and handle in good proportion. We’ve been putting their B75 through its paces. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/brompton-b75      

Zefal has also kindly sent me these crank and paint armor, which should keep my mile munching mainstay looking fresh. I’ve gone over to these Continental Speed Reflex tyres, to see whether they’re any sprightlier than the mighty Schwalbe Marathon Mondial Double Defence https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-mondial-tyres  .

Formative impressions are of a quick rolling, compliant tyre with decent grip but 400-500miles will give much better insight into their characteristics, pros, cons etc. 

I’ve also switched to these long serving and slightly careworn Scott sport shoes. They’ve served 12 years, on and off. They’re a twin bolt road model with stiffer soles than the Triban 500 I’ve defaulted to, these past few months.  

They've also got a set of specialist insoles which corrects the (minimal) femur imbalance, which can otherwise induce misalignment and shoulder pain, on longer rides.  Took the opportunity to whip on some new, genuine Shimano cleats, too. Despite nylon washers and other, vibration thwarting goodies, mudguards and other little fasteners still work themselves loose.  

Some low level but annoying chatter was traced to my Univega’s SKS Bluemels Shiny Mudguards. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sks-blumels-shiny-mudguards Though most fasteners are now Allen, or Torx, mudguards are still 10mm nuts. I always carry a Y type socket wrench. (I’ve had it for 30 years) but Topeak Alien ii still has the 8,9 and 10mm ring types for these little jobs and I’m really pleased to see it, still in production.