Drivetrain Dramas & Rubbery Delights

 One thing led to another-we know how those sessions go. A chance inspection of Ursula’s chain revealed not one, but several crumbling links, which would explain some jumping at certain points along the cassette. Not the time I’d expected to replace it, but I decided this was the safest option, relegating the existing part-worn KMC to salvage/spares duties-into the SQR tour (via a resealable bag), it went.  

Now a skipping chain can be down to several things. Could be a stiff/damaged link, a worn cassette/sprocket, a kinked, or similarly worn cable, or a bent derailleur/hanger. I had recently replaced the inner and outer wire, we hadn’t been in a spill, so not a hanger issue.    

The Velo Orange Rubbery Bar tape is certainly making a positive impression.   

 

Reminiscent of the Lizard Skins DSP in terms of texture, it’s 3.5mm thick, yet weighs 147g (including plugs) and is markedly easier than most to wrap. I was seriously impressed by the Control Tech’s overall performance, but it wasn’t very malleable, thus required patience and very firm pressure to fit. No such problems with the Velo Orange and even the rubbery finishing strips were decent quality.   

Length is suitably generous too, a good six feet, so I had plenty left after dressing the Soma Condor 2. I was almost tempted to dress the right-hand chain stay, to protect it against accidental chain slap. However, this was a solution looking for a problem. I figured it would come in handy later down the line, so it went to the appropriate spares box.  I also decided to mix things up by switching from the K-Lite Bike Packer UltraK LITE BIKEPACKER ULTRA DYNAMO LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), to the K-Lite Bike Packer Pro V2 K LITE BIKEPACKER PRO V2 FRONT LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

I am pleased, dare I say relieved that the new seat collar and binder bolt appear to have cured the fixed gear winter/trainer’s post slippage issue. 

Glad I bought another spare collar and hanger, since the price was keen, and these small parts always fail at the least opportune moment. The System EX Security SkewersSYSTEM EX SECURITY SKEWERS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) have also been a useful addition. Sure, they’re not going to offer any real defence against a tea leaf wielding a 5mm Allen key, but they hold a disc wheel very securely, prevent opportunist theft and practical jokers.  

Cleats are another small but significant part that lead tough lives and only court attention when their hardware seizes, or they don’t engage/release reliably. I discovered two spare Shimano sets in the small parts drawer, while I was rooting around for post hardware. Existing cleats are OK, but I may pension off come October, as precautionary, seasonal maintenance.    

I also unearthed this Tern Vizy light, while rooting contemplating switching Ursula’s K-Lite Bike Packe Ultra for the Bike Packer Pro V2 K LITE BIKEPACKER PRO V2 FRONT LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) since I was in the mood for mixing things up a bit and maximising handlebar real-estate. The Vizy is an interesting concept light. It pumps out a maximum of 60 lumens and combines a rear light with a big red arc around the bike and rider.  

It lacks the outright presence of Magicshine See Me 200, (presently adorning my fixed gear winter/trainer’s right-hand seat stay) but still has some charm. I’ve chosen to post, rather than wishbone mount, since this seems to project the light’s arc most effectively, so for now, it stays.   

Peaty’s Link Lube wet continues to impress me with its staying prowess. I’m easily 500 miles in and there’s no call to top up the fixed’s KMC chain. Contaminant is moderate, although less than typical of wet types-wiping the side plates every week hasn’t been necessary to date, although the depths of November may say different.  I remain impressed with the Peaty's Speed Grease, too PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

I was also searching for a VDO sensor, so I could pair the second M3.1 head unit and run it on Ursula. This proved truly elusive. However, a few days later, some Sigma goodies arrived for testing.   

The BC9.16 wireless computer is aimed at those riders seeking to improve fitness but without online connectivity. It has 11 functions- current speed, average speed, comparison of current/average speed, maximum speed, distance, total distance, ride time, total ride time, clock, calories and total calories burned. All I will need, save perhaps for a backlight.  I was suddenly struck by just how similar the mount and sensor were compared with the VDO M3, so I tried pairing the VDO head unit and sensor, without success but satisfied my curiosity. 

 

Then we have the German marques Blaze and Infinity Rear Lights. The Blaze promises visibility up to 500metres, daytime running modes and a “braking function”. The Infinity, promises 16hour run time, StVZO approval and claimed visibility to 500metres.  

Autumn is creeping ever closer.  With it, another sequence of shortages. The hospitality industry is not only struggling to find suitably qualified staff but supplies of beer and CO2 gas are also in increasingly short supply. This also bodes badly for welders/metal fabricators, since CO2 is a commonly used in shielding gas. Argon/CO2 being a blend I am particularly fond of.    

 

Tubes, Lubes & Tape Tribulations

 

I’ve been taking advantage of primarily dry conditions and defaulted to the Teenage Dream’s skinny-tyred charms. Down tube friction shifters aren’t everyone’s thing but these and the Campagnolo Victory mechs they command, are slick and reliable.  

Sure, I wouldn’t race with friction setups, but for training and general riding along open roads, fine. Went to pluck it from the hook for a dawn ride, only to discover the rear tyre was pancake flat.  

No matter, Ursula needed a run and I needed to double-check the Micro shift/Sun race/Shimano drivetrain was still playing nicely.  

Dialling in a stiffer spring tension was definitely the way forward. Not that I was pogo-ing, just a little too reactive for my tastes and the machine’s loftier stance. Crisp, seamless and predictable shifting, a big grin across my face as my mind roamed freely. 

Sorted the Teenage dream’s flat on my return-a sharp had nicked the rear tyre’s casing and grazed the tube, so pressure loss was, thankfully incredibly pedestrian. Struck away from the seam, so easily patched. Back into the wedge pack, as a spare. The chain was beginning to look a little thirsty.  

Nothing serious, but now was convenient. I stripped the chain with solvent, dried and switched to the Peaty’s Link Lube Dry PEATYS LINK LUBE DRY CHAIN LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). Curing times are less convenient than the Tru Tension Banana Slip All weather LubeTRU TENSION TUNGSTEN ALL WEATHER LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) but its clean and surprisingly durable.  

In common with other waxy type dry lubes, residual stuff clinging to the freewheel/cassette gets reclaimed by the chain, extending topping up times. Ursula is still running the third helping and I exceeded 400miles on the second. Chances are, I’ll switch to The Peaty’s Link Lube Wet, come the next replacement chain, which will probably coincide with October.

  

The Link Lube Wet is proving a great fit for the fixed’s KMC chain-keeping it serene and quiet. Both machines sport silicone bar wraps and I’m a huge fan of their damping and grip-hell and high water. The one minor downside, especially with bright colours, is the ease at which they accumulate grimy patinas.  

On the plus side, they can be tossed in the wash at 30 degrees, when really sullied. However, this is hardly the most desirable route when you’ve just fixed a flat by the roadside and grabbed the bars with slightly oily digits.  

Dark colours are the best bet, especially for daily drivers but then again, I like something quite bold for winter. Foaming type waterless cleaners get the worst out but be prepared to give them a regular tickling with a medium stiff brush (I’m really fond of Oxford Products Tyre ScrubTESTED: OXFORD PRODUCTS TYRE SCRUB BRUSH (sevendaycyclist.com) dipped in neat degreaser/bike wash concentrate and rinse with warm, then cold water.     As if by magic, some Velo Orange Rubbery Bar Tape arrived in the post-Thank you Connor.  I’ve gone for black but white, or a tan brown are the alternatives. Rubbery texture aside, it’s also 3.5mm thick, which promises excellent damping.  

The nights and mornings are gradually becoming darker. I run the K-Lite dynamos during the day but now the mornings are getting darker, blinkies are engaged for most rides-usually the Ravemen CL05RAVEMEN CL05 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and CL06 RAVEMEN CL06 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) but I’ve also taken to mounting the Moon Sheild X Ultra MOON SHIELD X AUTO REAR LIGHT REVIEW? (sevendaycyclist.com) on Ursula’s Carradice SQR Tour.  

A nice height, closely aligned with driver eye levels. It’s a model that is slightly “Marmite”. Some (such as yours truly) think it’s fabulous, others feel it’s anything but user-friendly. There are 9 modes in total, which is excessive by some standards, and I must admit, I default to the flashing modes, since for me, they strike the best balance between output and economy.  

I’ve also needed to add a shim between the K-lite Bike Packer Ultra lamp and Velo Orange mount, since the former ad a tendency to migrate upwards-very slowly-washboard tarmac being the main culprit. Aside from being mildly irritating to me, I didn’t want it dazzling oncoming traffic. Nothing a quick delve through the bodge box and two fresh cable ties couldn’t solve.  

To date, I haven’t given much thought to replacing Ursula’s rear Schwalbe Marathon Mondial DD. It’s still perfectly serviceable. The Schwalbe Marathon GT 365TESTED: SCHWALBE MARATHON GT 365 TYRES WINTER UPDATE (sevendaycyclist.com) is an obvious substitution. These are exceptionally reliable and extremely durable. However, they are also hefty, and I fancy something sprightlier.  

There is still a reasonable amount of decent quality 26inch rubber around but it’s losing favour, just as 27inch did, I the late 80s. Supply issues are another problem here in the UK. Masked by the pandemic, European manufacturers are in no hurry to export to the UK, given the added paperwork and delays, which are likely to worsen in the coming months.