Displacing The Load

Pleased to report that my DIY shim/protector made from old inner tube has had the desired results (a) Eliminating sway with the Aero Post Rack, while placing less strain on the SQR clip, since less torque (and therefore, stress) is required to keep everything snug and solid.  

Using the larger, full-size SQR clip probably helps, on account of its larger surface area. I’ve slipped a spare into the side pocket, just in case. In the absence of the mighty Carradice Carradry SQR bag https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry, I’ve gone for a bike-packing configuration, courtesy of this Merida Travel Frame Bag.  

It’s the large version and arguably, the medium would be a better fit, since it obscures the seat tube bottle cage (although switching to side entry models largely corrects this). The hardy, lightweight TPU material seems genuinely waterproof and the internal layout also suits me.  

The Velcro straps feel a little low rent, although bolstered by the seat and downtube counterparts draw tight enough to prevent sway. I’ve been impressed by the design ‘s rigidity (although would appreciate thicker straps) I’ve not needed to effect a knees-out pedaling style, so no issues maintaining an efficient cadence.  

Experience with webbed strapping (the sort common to top tube bags and years ago, high power rechargeable battery lighting) suggests minute amounts of sway can leave tan-lines in lacquered, or painted surfaces. This is easily addressed by dressing these areas in helicopter/similar clear protective tapes, first. Zefal Skin Armor Roll is a good, affordable workshop staple https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-skin-armor-roll  

I continue to appreciate the qualities and refinements offered by higher-end suspension seat posts and am endeared to the Redshift Shock stop https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/redshift-shockstop-suspension-seatp and Cane Creek Thudbuster  STG4.  

Though not essential, their supple zing is very welcome on longer rides, especially given the condition of local roads. Now lockdown has been eased, road patching (as distinct from resurfacing) is becoming quite prevalent. I have toyed with the idea of acquiring a G3 for the Univega, while they’re still available and not at collectors' prices. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cane-creek-thudbuster-suspensuin-se 

Nonetheless, the present uncertainties mean it would need to be at the right price to justify the outlay, since the tubby tourer’s big tyres do a pretty good job of ironing out the bumps and the existing Selcof holds the Cycles Berthoud saddle securely. Therefore, want over need. 

I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the Juice Lubes Chain Juice Wax this time round. I’ve used it some years back and indeed, more recently, during a wetter spell, which on some levels, was a little unfair. Afterall, these are designed for dry/dusty conditions. This time round, I’ve applied ours in two coats, leaving ten minutes curing between them, then observing an 8hour curing period before riding.  

Thus far, I’ve managed 250 predominantly dry weather miles and its running very clean. 

This hasn’t rivaled dry formulas, such as Weldtite TF2 Ultra Dry Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tf2 but then it seems unaffected by higher temperatures (unlike Zefal Pro Dry Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-extra-dry-chain-wax) or Muc-Off Dry Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-dry-chain-lube. Cleanliness is good for chain health and to some extent, extends maintenance intervals (save perhaps for reapplication, depending on the lube’s staying prowess).  

The KMC in question has gone past the 1,000mile marker and if the weather remains predominantly dry, I’m confident I’ll get at least 1,500 before its ready to collect its pension. 

When it comes to chains and cassettes, I get a quiet satisfaction from just in time replacement of chains and cassettes i.e. getting my money’s worth but replacing on time, before they can consume more expensive parts. Since the Pro Gold Pro Link Chain Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pro-gold-pro-link-chain-lube  dressing my fixed’s chain was beginning to look a little filmy, I added some Zefal Pro Dry Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-dry-lube to see whether the two would react negatively. I’m gambling on the solvent content being strong enough to strip the other, thus rendering this academic but we’ll see.   

With the roads being more congested now, I’ve also reinstated the Orp Smart horns https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/orp-smart-horn to my fixed and the Univega. Primarily so I can gently warn pedestrians of my approach along the lanes and sometimes, dissuade a small minority from crossing high streets without looking. 

Talking of just in time, there seems to be some surprise that a no-deal Brexit will result in Sunderland’s Nissan factory closing its doors. Car factories run on the just in time principle, relying on goods arriving at a precise point. Otherwise, productivity and profits plummet.  

61.3% of Sunderland voted to leave the EU, Nissan is owned by Renault, who (in the event of no-deal) will relocate elsewhere in Europe where trade is seamless. The collapse of a major employer has major ripples for any community. Suppliers, café's and other businesses, which depend upon them will also disappear. Short-sighted and desperately sad, given the demise of manufacturing and its wider consequences, has been so widely documented.           

   

Fastener Fatigue & Deeper Thoughts

 

I’ve been switching between the Thudbuster G4 and Redshift Shockstop Suspension Seatpost https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/redshift-shockstop-suspension-seatp and this has taken its toll on the Aeropost’s Klick Fix mount’s clips. Two have failed, one mid-ride but thankfully, the Altura Aeropost pack remained in alignment for the remaining 15miles. 

Luckily, I had a couple bouncing around the spares bin, but I’ve ordered some heavier duty versions, just in case.  I’ve gone for the slightly beefier SQR type, rather than a direct replacement, since the SQR are beefier, theoretically dispersing the load more effectively.   

I’ve also taken the precaution of binding some old inner tube around the post. This serves two purposes (a) means less torque applied to the clamp, reducing the likelihood of fatigue (b) in turn safeguards against slippage and further cosmetic scarring of the anodised finish.    

Back on my Univega and as predicted, I returned 400miles from the Weldtite TF2 Ultra Dry Chain Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-ultra-dry-chain-wax by which point, I was on the cusp of that faint, metal on metal tinkling. I stripped the remnants using their Dirt Juice Boss Chain Cleaner https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/juice-lubes-dirt-juice-chain-cleane and introduced some of their Chain Juice Wax.   

This has been around for a while and has the advantage of a relatively swift curing period. Technically, you can scoot off after 5minutes but in practice, I’ve found applying two coats, (leaving ten minutes or so, in between) and leaving this to cure for several hours (ideally overnight) reaps a more substantial coating.  

Wax lubes take various forms. Some, including Squirt Long Lasting Dry Chain Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/squirt-long-lasting-dry-chain-lube  and Smoove universal Chain Lube are closest to an emulsion https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/smoove-universal-chain-lube-summer-   

Other formulas melt, then get spread across the cassette, reclaimed by the chain in due course. The latter will return a surprisingly good mileage to application ratio, but evolve into a matted mess, which isn’t particularly pleasant to engage with, especially following a puncture, or similar road/trailside mechanical.  

This incarnation of the Chain Juice Wax seems of the very clean variety. The sort that collects minimal contaminant in the first instance but encourages any residual stuff to scab and fall away.   

I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the versatility of this Merida Aero C bottle cage, which has also proved a competent host to some Thermos types, including this now-defunct (but very functional) Ibera thermos bottle that was designed around a dedicated resin cage. A surprisingly reliable system, per se but since I have no intention of slurping piping hot coffee at 20mph, this setup works just fine. 

The lockdown is essentially in name only now and I’m astounded by how quickly people have abolished any concept of social distancing, at least in private spaces. While mentally shedding the day’s stresses aboard my tubby tourer, I witnessed several social gatherings, including a 5year old’s birthday party.  

Now, I wouldn’t expect children to adhere to social distancing, especially in this setting. However, adults (clearly from different households) were flocked together, in pre-lockdown proximities. Not an isolated example either. However, the UK’s relaxation is politically/ideologically motivated.  

Balancing public health and economic activity was always going to be perilously difficult and with carefully monitored phased returns.  The present administration seems to be ignoring, or muting qualified scientific advice.  

I’ve pondered this during early morning lockdown rides and am quietly convinced they are pursuing “herd immunity” I.e. they want people to become infected (think chickenpox parties, on a grand scale), so in turn, people will supposedly become immune to it. Widely discredited as a dangerous gamble, some figures suggest up to 40% of the population could in fact, perish.