My Univega’s front Continental
Speed Reflex tyre succumbed to a slow flat, inducing some squirm and prompted a
switch to the Schwalbe Kojak. It also provided an ideal opportunity to check
pads for any imbedded contaminant etc. To my surprise, the comparable 26x2.0
Kojak are considerably lighter than the Continental (527g against 675g) which
may be attributable to several factors.
While both tyres are wire
beads and similarly matched in terms of puncture resistance (at least by their
respective ratings) the Continental’s sidewalls https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact-speed-reflex-ty seem a little beefier. They are supposedly
designed to entertain tyre driven bottle dynamos, which may account for this
differential. Not that I’ve felt any inclination to try, since I’m a hub dynamo
devotee and wouldn’t revert by choice.
The Kojak seem to roll a bit
faster (not that the Continental could ever be considered remotely sluggish)
but the Kojak can also be run at 70psi, the Speed Reflex a more modest 58psi).
Whether these features will
have implications for durability and puncture resistance remain to be seen,
especially as we transition from mild, breezy conditions to wintry stuff. However,
I’ve also switched to some heavier duty Schwalbe tubes. Tubes are one of those
components easily overlooked. The generic bundle types, though worthy enough
tend to be a little on the thin side, which has implications for puncture
resistance, patching and indeed, pressure retention.
Having reached my conclusions
regarding the Tru Tension Banana Slip Wet Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tru-tension-tungsten-wet-lube
, I’ve switched to the Zefal Extreme Wet Ceramic. Apparently, its’ a ceramic
reinforced, Teflon-based formula reckoned to cling on, rain, shine, snow, and
ice. The latter has been threatened on these shores. Some crisp 5am starts and
glazed surfaces have been a slight culture shock, but confirmed that both tyres
grip asphalt like the proverbial leach
Personally, I’m of the opinion
these adverse weather predictions are designed to grab headlines and online
traffic. Forecasting has also reached the point where it’s so accurate in the
immediate sense, its ironically inaccurate longer term. Either way, I’ll be
sticking with the Pro-Viz Reflect 360 Gloves https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-reflect-360-cycling-gloves which seem to have most bases covered.
I digress, back to the lube. A
little certainly goes a long way. Literally apply a tiny drop of the white
elixir on every, freshly cleaned link, give the cranks a few rotations (wiping
any excess from the side plates) and you’re ready to go.
So, what are ceramics, then…In
this instance it refers to a microscopic layer designed to infiltrate and bond
with the surface, theoretically protecting it from the elements and premature
wear. Thus far, it’s certainly slick and less gloopy than many wet blends but I
suspect good housekeeping (weekly wiping of side plates, jockey wheels and
cages) will be mandatory.
With falling temperatures,
layering is even more important. Primal Europe have graciously sent me these
funky Comic Book arm warmers and Showers Pass, their Elements Jacket.
Apparently designed with mountain bikers in mind but versatile enough for other
disciplines and indeed, off the bike.
It’s a seam-taped 2.5 layer
waterproof/breathable laminate with front pockets, core ventilation points, a
removable hood and features a carbon print lining, which theoretically subverts
clamminess and odours, which can be an issue with some 2.5 layer models, which
I’ve otherwise been endeared to. Lighting is always a big draw, but
particularly as the days are much shorter. I’m still very endeared to the
Magicshine See Mee units discussed last week but this Lezyne Stick Drive is
another neat design.
30 lumens isn’t jaw dropping
by contemporary standards but the optical technology mean its very bright and
useable, even in the lower settings. I’ve deliberated whether the 4lumen mode
could be culled, although in common with some other Lezyne I’ve used in the
past, it could be a life-saver, giving you something to limp home on, should
reserves tumble.
My Univega’s front Continental
Speed Reflex tyre succumbed to a slow flat, inducing some squirm and prompted a
switch to the Schwalbe Kojak. It also provided an ideal opportunity to check
pads for any imbedded contaminant etc. To my surprise, the comparable 26x2.0
Kojak are considerably lighter than the Continental (527g against 675g) which
may be attributable to several factors.
While both tyres are wire
beads and similarly matched in terms of puncture resistance (at least by their
respective ratings) the Continental’s sidewalls https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact-speed-reflex-ty seem a little beefier. They are supposedly
designed to entertain tyre driven bottle dynamos, which may account for this
differential. Not that I’ve felt any inclination to try, since I’m a hub dynamo
devotee and wouldn’t revert by choice.
The Kojak seem to roll a bit
faster (not that the Continental could ever be considered remotely sluggish)
but the Kojak can also be run at 70psi, the Speed Reflex a more modest 58psi).
Whether these features will
have implications for durability and puncture resistance remain to be seen,
especially as we transition from mild, breezy conditions to wintry stuff. However,
I’ve also switched to some heavier duty Schwalbe tubes. Tubes are one of those
components easily overlooked. The generic bundle types, though worthy enough
tend to be a little on the thin side, which has implications for puncture
resistance, patching and indeed, pressure retention.
Having reached my conclusions
regarding the Tru Tension Banana Slip Wet Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tru-tension-tungsten-wet-lube
, I’ve switched to the Zefal Extreme Wet Ceramic. Apparently, its’ a ceramic
reinforced, Teflon-based formula reckoned to cling on, rain, shine, snow, and
ice. The latter has been threatened on these shores. Some crisp 5am starts and
glazed surfaces have been a slight culture shock, but confirmed that both tyres
grip asphalt like the proverbial leach
Personally, I’m of the opinion
these adverse weather predictions are designed to grab headlines and online
traffic. Forecasting has also reached the point where it’s so accurate in the
immediate sense, its ironically inaccurate longer term. Either way, I’ll be
sticking with the Pro-Viz Reflect 360 Gloves https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-reflect-360-cycling-gloves which seem to have most bases covered.
I digress, back to the lube. A
little certainly goes a long way. Literally apply a tiny drop of the white
elixir on every, freshly cleaned link, give the cranks a few rotations (wiping
any excess from the side plates) and you’re ready to go.
So, what are ceramics, then…In
this instance it refers to a microscopic layer designed to infiltrate and bond
with the surface, theoretically protecting it from the elements and premature
wear. Thus far, it’s certainly slick and less gloopy than many wet blends but I
suspect good housekeeping (weekly wiping of side plates, jockey wheels and
cages) will be mandatory.
With falling temperatures,
layering is even more important. Primal Europe have graciously sent me these
funky Comic Book arm warmers and Showers Pass, their Elements Jacket.
Apparently designed with mountain bikers in mind but versatile enough for other
disciplines and indeed, off the bike.
It’s a seam-taped 2.5 layer
waterproof/breathable laminate with front pockets, core ventilation points, a
removable hood and features a carbon print lining, which theoretically subverts
clamminess and odours, which can be an issue with some 2.5 layer models, which
I’ve otherwise been endeared to. Lighting is always a big draw, but
particularly as the days are much shorter. I’m still very endeared to the
Magicshine See Mee units discussed last week but this Lezyne Stick Drive is
another neat design.
30 lumens isn’t jaw dropping
by contemporary standards but the optical technology mean its very bright and
useable, even in the lower settings. I’ve deliberated whether the 4lumen mode
could be culled, although in common with some other Lezyne I’ve used in the
past, it could be a life-saver, giving you something to limp home on, should
reserves tumble.
