Gripped

The weather is showing some signs of a spring-like renaissance, which is nice, since I now have the Teenage Dream running like, well, the machine I remember so fondly. Discovered the front hub had a little play, so eradicated that and then investigated some boxes that had been left in a corner of the garage since moving.  

Much to my delight, I found a mixed bundle of better-quality tubes –700x18-25 and mid-section 23-40. All packet, so I’ve added those to the appropriate clear storage box and one apiece to the wedge packs. I’ve also decided to switch the Teenage Dream’s PDW (Portland Design Works) Big Silver Road Pump for this Lezyne Road drive Alloy Mini Pump.  

A few millimeters shy of 300, both are best described as midi, rather than mini pumps and in my experience, the PDW has an edge on the resuscitation speed and pressure fronts. However, I’ve found the bracket tenure a little less than ideal, so incremental creep has seen it shuffling down and “wood-peckering” the front mech. Distracting and unwelcome.

  

Interestingly, the Lezyne proved a better guest in the Portland’s bracket, so stays for now. I’ll be carrying CO2 cartridges along though, since I don’t fancy trying to deliver 110psi plus into the bikes’ 700x25c following a flat, although hopefully these will be infrequent, warded off by the pump, tubes, and similar rescue apparel. One thing led to another, and I began foraging for lights.  

Not that it’ll be seeing the depths of winter, but a compact 450/500lumen unit with backing singer and a decent rear blinky are wise precautions from a seen-with perspective, especially enjoying summer evenings. Time flies and light fades when you’re having fun... 

For the time being, I’ll alternate between this Moon Meteor and Bontrager Ion 350 RT front lights, although the Ravemen LR500S front light RAVEMEN LR500S FRONT LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) has a bit more clout, thanks to clever lens technology. Chances are I’ll be running them in their frugal flashing modes but a bit more oomph is always useful.  

I found an old but very worthy AA cell model for hanging on the wedge pack and an Oxford Ultra torch Mini+ USB Rear Light 15lm. The latter is a five-mode (one steady, four flashing) rear light that is a good bit brighter than the numbers alone might suggest.  

It's small enough not to interrupt the clean aesthetic. Was never totally convinced the Fuschia pink Knog wireless computer sensor was the best fit aesthetically, but never so offensive as to induce change. Mid rummage, I unearthed a black counterpart, so fed it a new LR44 button cell and swapped them over. 

Minor cosmetic stuff but worth doing, since I was there. It communicates very well with the elderly but very solid decathlon head unit. Not that I would advocate the “Frankenpute” route but I’ve had a few that have performed very reliably. 

Several weeks down the line, Ursula’s shifting had suddenly gone a little “off”. I knew the chain, cassette, ring and derailleur were fine but suspected the cassette’s lock-ring needed snugging down slightly. Job done; I stripped the Weldtite Ceramic, with a liberal helping of Muc-Off High Pressure Quick Drying Degreaser Chain & Cassette MUC-OFF HIGH PRESSURE DEGREASER | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) Zefal Extra Dry Chain Wax ZEFAL EXTRA DRY CHAIN WAX | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  was the substitute of choice. I also honed the front Genetic CX Cantilever TEST & REVIEW: GENETIC CX CANTILEVER BRAKES (sevendaycyclist.com)   for some additional bite, since opportunity presented.  

A week later and I’d forgotten that wet roads can have a zapping effect upon more traditional wax lubes. Nothing that wasn’t cured, once the flaking residual wax had been reclaimed, and worked into the chain.  

Zefal have also very kindly sent me some luggage- The Z Adventure C2 and Z Adventure C3. These took longer than expected since one carrier refused to bring them into the UK. Much of Brexit’s impact is being hidden by the pandemic but is presently “knee-capping" the UK economy.    

At 2.2 litres, the Adventure C2 is arguably a better fit on a bigger frameset, where it can cosy up against the headtube. However, Zefal also suggests it can be mounted in other ways. I think it complements the Univega quite well, doesn’t obscure the down tube bottle cage/bosses.  

The C2 is water-resistant, rather than proof, so will be interesting to see how it fares on wetter rides, not to mention my garden hose torture testing...  Testing aside, I’ll go with a dry sack to seal the elements out, full stop.  

 

Sundries & Finishing Touches

Bob Elliot & Co Bob Elliot Co Ltd - Suppliers of high quality bicycle supplies to registered traders (bob-elliot.co.uk) have kindly supplied me with some of their KranX Stretta Primo-High Grip Anti-Shock Handlebar Tape, which was the other stimulus for change. The KranX employs an adhesive backing, which may be a deal-breaker for some. Double-layer construction promises excellent grip and damping. Any colour you like so long as it’s black.  

Black is great for hiding grime and patina but there are four subtle undertones. In this instance and offered the choice, I’ve gone for the fluro green. Brighter than might be expected but complementary contrast to the bike’s green/black narrative. Depending on the light, it looks yellow, which is complimentary. On the subject of yellow, its certainly been gilet weather these past few weeks, and I’ve certainly warmed to this Oxford Venture Windproof Gilet OXFORD VENTURE WINDPROOF GILET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) which has a nice blend of features. Decent-sized breast pocket for valuables (Superzoom compact camera being my stowaway of choice) and, at the back, the classic triple terrace.  The cobalt grey detailing is a very potent stealth retro-reflective. Grey by day but turns a very bright, silvery-white when graced by vehicle, or street lighting.   

I also needed a suitable wedge pack.  

A quick rummage through my containers unearthed a filth spattered Axiom Grand Fondo and a similarly silty Dill Pickle Store model, which I have a soft spot for.  

Since I was doing a kit wash in any case, I tossed both in. The Axiom shows some minor signs of wear, where it made contact with the Kinekt 2.1 Suspension Seatpost KINEKT 2.1 SUSPENSION SEAT POST | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). This won’t affect its structural integrity, nor will it permit water/similar ingress inside. Capacity is the main draw here for both models, although I tend to pop multi-tools, tyre levers and Co2 cartridges, spare chain links, fasteners etc inside a smaller, water-resistant sack.  

After some deliberation, I went for the Grand Fondo and strapped it in situ. I put the main tools in this Passport Frequent Flyer TESTED: PASSPORT FREQUENT FLYER WEDGE PACK (sevendaycyclist.com) wedge pack and slipped it inside the Axiom, Russian doll fashion, then added 2 spare tubes. I’d found a fresh stash in a big cardboard box that hadn’t been scrutinised since relocating. 

 I often carry two multi-tools. My main one and a second, easily to hand, should someone need to nip something tight. Old but serviceable, so not insurmountable if its damaged, or lost. Good maintenance and self-reliance are key riding skills that cyclists and motorcyclists must practice and cultivate.  I will always help another rider but unless they are in distress, or particularly vulnerable, won’t get overly involved.  

     

Being as it was holiday Monday and though skies were cobalt, a stiff breeze was holding the rains back. One thing led to another. I noticed the front mech wasn’t as smooth and snappy as it might be. Slackening the mount and judiciously angling the cage slightly brought this back into focus, as did adjusting cable tension/friction at the shifters.  

The rear Victory mech had also become slightly gummed up-residual wax lube. Noting a quick blast of Muc-Off Fast Drying Degreaser and clean rag couldn’t blitz. Chain length was then called into question. Not far out but removing three links proved the cure. Borderline neurotic gear changing confirmed it would skip up and down the freewheel and no problems clambering up and down from big to small rings either.  

Predictably, the rear brake’s new inner wire had stretched slightly, so I pulled that through, snugged it down and pruned the excess with these Jagwire Pro Cable Cutters And Crimpers JAGWIRE PRO CABLE-CUTTERS AND CRIMPERS (sevendaycyclist.com). By this point, the weather was looking particularly bandit, so I repatriated everything to the garage and quit while I was still tangibly ahead. Satisfied all was well, I glued the end and dressed the Salsa Bell Lap with the KranX handlebar tape. In common with Ursula’s (Univega) Control Tech, it’s a surprisingly thick wrap, and getting it started, at the ends took several attempts.  

However, once flowing, it responds well to being stretched and bound firmly. Particularly on a curvy drop, such as the Teenage Dream’s Salsa Bell-lap, or the Soma Condor TEST: SOMA CONDOR HANDLEBAR (sevendaycyclist.com)    or the Genetic D-Riser 16 GENETIC D RISER 16 BARS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

 

Talking of the Soma Condor, glancing down at my Fixed Gear Winter Trainer’s VDO computer, mid-ride, I was greeted by strike action. Well, more accurately, it was insistent I change the battery before all data was lost, which is a welcome safety buffer. Slipped in another CR2032 cell and then, while coursing through the settings, found a backlight option (which had been turned off). I've set it to engage around dusk. Wish I'd turned the cadence function on, while I was there but can't recall what I've done with the sensor unit.