On Track

 Having wandered around the web and along some blind alleys, I settled on a Shimano XT/ Rigida Sputnik rim build. A definite upgrade on the existing cheap, but decidedly cheerful Deore build, which has served me well for the past 5 years. Though Ursula will be sticking with the Shimano cantilevers, I’ve gone for the disc version, since I wanted a modern variant and like options.  

The (XT FH-M756) hub is a 10 speed, which is fine for my purposes and I don’t plan on going for an extra sprocket. It features double contact sealing to keep mud and water from the bearings. Borozon treated races supposedly offer a more precise rolling action. Nice but it’s the weather sealing and bearing quality that’s highest on my list.   

Rigida’s Sputnik is renowned for being very strong and lending itself well to touring, commuting and general riding-whatever that means, these days. 32-hole laced with double butted spokes on the non-drive side, Sapim Extra strong on the freehub side. 

I’ve also reverted to the Schwalbe The Schwalbe Marathon Mondial Double Defense tyres TEST & REVIEW: SCHWALBE MARATHON MONDIAL TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com), since the otherwise charming Billy Bonkers succumbed to another sharp and I fancied a mixed terrain competent change.  I’m also reaching the conclusion that the gearing’s right across the board. Errs on the side of torque but no spin out and I’m using a reasonable spread of the cassette.  

 

Ursula wasn’t the only one to get a tyre switch. My fixed gear winter trainer got treated to this 32mm Bontrager AW3 Hard-Case Lite Reflective Road Tyre. These promise unicorn type performance-supple, grippy, invulnerable to flats and serious speed. On the strength of three recent outings, I’m seriously impressed by their speed, agility and compliance, even at the higher end of their pressure range (95psi).  

Comparisons with an otherwise likeable but arguably more traditional 32mm section rubber, such as the very likeable Kenda Kwick Journey KS, which weight 757g apiece aren’t appropriate, save for anecdotal observation. The latter is a tough and relatively quick design and with a decent puncture repelling belt.  

However, they are over twice the Bontrager’s weight (359g) and described as a trekking tyre, characterised by reinforced sidewalls, 60TPI casings and compatible with 50kph e-bikes. The Vee Tire Baldy TEST: VEE TIRE CO BALDY CYCLE TIRE REVIEW (sevendaycyclist.com), are closer to the Kenda in terms of genre, although 238 grams lighter than the Kenda. Talking of e-bikes, those looking for a retro-fit system might be interested in The Swytch Universal E-Bike Retrofit Kit ProSWYTCH UNIVERSAL EBIKE RETROFIT KIT PRO | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Essentially, the Bontrager seem to be aimed at fast tourers, trainers, cyclo crossers living lives on the tarmac, rather than working bikes/beasts of burden. That said; there is a 38mm option. Will be interesting to see how durable and puncture repelling they are, in the real world. Bontrager says they are 78% more puncture resistant than their predecessors, so I’m expecting great things. 

 

These are on the narrower side of 32mm, so reach for the 25-32c tube, in preference to a 32-40mm. Otherwise, there’s the risk of pinching the tube, inducing a flat. Yes, I learned the hard way, so you don’t have to.  

The Bontrager is offered in other sections, including a 38mm option but 32mm seems the best default for my needs, and the machine’s clearances. 

VDO computer got the sulks, and the head unit went into “transport” mode, this was traced to a dead CR2032 sensor battery-switched for a new one and a lick of Vaseline on the contacts to ward off corrosion-related hassles later down the line. Prevention is more convenient and cheaper than cure.   

A couple of months down the line, I’ve reached my conclusions regarding the Squirt Low Temperature Chain Lube SQUIRT LOW TEMPERATURE CHAIN LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and have for the time being, gone back to the Weldtite Ceramic. Main reason being that I’m wanting to see how the latter behaves in milder, drier conditions, which claims to be an all-weather lube, so want to see how it compares with The Juice Lubes Ceramic Juice JUICE LUBES CERAMIC JUICE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) in drier contexts. 

 

Spitting the Dummy

Having updated the old girls’ transmission, some might say, bringing it into the 21st century, Ursula decided she wasn’t impressed with the KMC and wanted something more refined. A sentiment palpable when said chain imploded 200 metres from home. Some pondering followed by fevered rummaging in the transmission box unearthed this gold superlight model. 

 

One which also feels more robust than the KMC. Of the two joining systems, I much prefer connecting pins over quick links. Both need to be replaced when you’ve performed a removal but being as I tend to get 1250miles from a chain and rarely remove, I’ll stick to cleaning it in situ. 

Performing well thus far, long may it continue. I ran it on the factory lube during the “shakedown” period but went over to the Squirt Cold weather chain lube, since conditions are relevant.  While doing a supermarket run, I happened upon this brush, which looked the right profile for scrubbing chains and cassettes.  

Now, there are some people who dogmatically insist that household cleaning products are the answer to everything. Until of course, the harsh kitchen cleaner dulls expensive finishes and/or damages small components, such as seals. I do, however, recognise there are some useful crossovers. Beeswax furniture polishes being one of my favourite staples. Will be interesting to see how effective and moreover, durable this bargain-basement brush is.

   

As for the gearing, well, it’s a little lower than I might consider ideal for tarmac duties but “spin out” hasn’t been an issue thus far. Some would argue in favour of 2x10 but the whole point of going the 1X route, was a lack of complication while shaving a few grams into the bargain.  

I’m contemplating a planned upgrade of the rear wheel, while we’re at the phased replacement, rather than obligatory stage. The Deore hub is inexpensive and generally reliable but if I’m going to upgrade the hub, I may as well upgrade the complete wheel, since the inexpensive rim will be showing some signs of wear and penny-pinching costs more in terms of time hassle and ultimately, money.     

Drive pins tend to be the weakest spot on multi-tools. The KMC claimed that belonging to this cheerful Topeak Alien Homage. For the time being, I’ve switched to a Crank Brothers F15, which boasts a fair complement of tools catering for most situations.  

However, I still need a 6,8 and 10mm socket wrench to tackle the bike’s corresponding fasteners-brake straddle wires, specifically. The more obvious thing would be to carry a stand-alone chain tool, but I don’t fancy the additional heft and annoying tool kit percussion.  

A reminder to perform regular tool/spares inventories, rather than getting caught out on a cold, dark and rainy night...Talking of which, I’ve reached my conclusions regarding the Ravemen CLO5 Sensored Rear Light RAVEMEN CL05 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

If you need a model with a braking function, its bigger brother, the CLO6 RAVEMEN CL06 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) I’m really fond of both units and find them more than adequate for the darkest lanes. Neither employ an official daylight running mode, which may be a deal-breaker for some, although I still find their presence quite useful, especially on overcast days.  

It's been chill here, by UK standards-single figures, so I have stuck with the FLR Defender MTB Thermal Dry S-Tex Boot.FLR DEFENDER MTB DRY BOOT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) I usually don a heavier weight gilet, atop a jersey cum jacket type layer to block invasive wind chill. 

Chill that can otherwise result in a lingering and painful chest infection. March can be a tricky month weather-wise. Conditions where easily packable gilets, arm warmers, glove liners, etc can make all the difference to rider comfort.