Changing Rubber, Switching Routes

 

My recent reversion to the dependable and moreover, likeable 700x38 Vittoria Adventure Tech and 700x32 Kenda Kwick Journey KS plus KENDA KWICK JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  has proved a wise move, on the reliability front without sacrificing smiles.  Then along came some CST Pika Gravel and Xpedium Tyres. Ours is the skinny, old school cyclo cross 700x32c but there’s a 42mm (about 1.65 in) for bigger, gravel and adventure bike typical clearances.  

They’re a 60tpi dual compound with EPS (Extra Puncture Protection) puncture repelling belt, sturdy looking sidewalls and run between (35 and 75psi). At £31, they fall into the budget boat, so it’ll be interesting to see how they perform. Bickers LTD www.bickersltd.co.uk , the UK importer also sent me CST Xpedium. A 700x35c commuter biased tyre with a tread pattern superficially like Ursula’s Schwalbe Land Cruiser (no sign of the snow threatened by tabloid press outlets, yet.)  

The Xpedium feature a very comprehensive Aramid belt, which follow a narrative closer to some commuter/touring favourites from Schwalbe and indeed Vee Tire Co Zilent TESTED: VEE TIRE CO ZILENT MARK 2 TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com) although at 715g a bit lighter than both. This season, roads and lanes are paved in dung and similar gooey stuff, add hedge clippings to the mix and yes, the odds of flatting increase quite considerably.  

Blow-outs are relatively rare, although I’ve had a few over the years. Arguably the most hilarious was while riding my hack mtb (based around a Raleigh Maverick frameset and whatever I had, back in 1990/91).  

Hammering through a winding section of singletrack, something pierced the rear tyre’s sidewall and 50psi roared out, inducing a rear wheel slide and a mange et trois...Such weas the force, I was swept into a hedge where a couple were in a passionate tryst. Not sure who was more surprised to see who.  

Replaced that tyre with a 1.75 CST funnily enough- had a beefy 2.1-inch Hutchinson up front. MKS sealed bearing pedals, Zefal clips n’ straps, Weinmann cantilevers, Le Chi levers, thumb-shifters, Exage bio-pace crankset, SR seat post, Turbo homage saddle, 6spd block...A summer distraction while I awaited my GCSE exam results and sold on a year later to fund “The Teenage Dream”, my 531 Competition tubed road frameset.

I digress... A new set of brushes arrived for review, so I wasted no time in getting my filthy fixed lathered up and spruced. Looking in the cleaning bucket, I noted I had a few bottles of cleaner that were basically empty but had enough concentrated surfactant to do one last deep clean. Now, generic car wash n’ wax formulas are a default for me, (when I’m not putting products through their paces).  

 

These cut through the grime and when rinsed, leave a thin protective wax barrier behind. However, after five years regular use, the dregs of Crankalicious Mud Honey Foaming Bucket Wash TESTED: CRANKALICIOUS MUD HONEY FOAMING BUCKET WASH (sevendaycyclist.com) deserved a send-off. The rich later made short work of a week’s slimy spatter and caked on gunge (including some stubborn chain lube).  

The other reason I didn’t reach for wax was that I wanted to lay some helicopter tape atop the fixed’s top and head tube, where the Oxford Evo Top Tube bag was resting. This would prevent any potential swirling, or similar, should the bag move around, or wet gritty stuff get swept between bag and paintwork.  

I also decided the fixed’s KMC Z1 chain was too long, so pruned that by a few links (Claiming a multi tool’s chain function into the bargain. Luckily, I had this Topeak All Speeds Chain Tool TOPEAK ALL SPEEDS CHAIN TOOL | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) so, crisis averted).  

As a side note, I’m fond of multi-tools and especially those with a chain breaker. However, these tend to be weak spots. Even my Gerber Cool Tool’s pin has failed. Final job was a pedal switch.  

Again, I’m attached to the Shimano PD ED 500 Shimano PD ED 500 Pedals | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and though not desperate to save 160g from the build, I was keen to see if the PD M-540 would have any bearing upon my experience with the Shimano RX6 shoes.

I also noted the Sigma Infinity Rear LED Light SIGMA INFINITY REAR LED LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) had mysteriously powered down. So frugal, it gets forgotten, not a fault, or victim of water ingress. Since I’m talking rear lights, here’s my review of the Infini Metis Infini Metis 1-465R Rear Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Fixed beautified, I decided it was time to hop back aboard Ursula and to judge whether another pair of long-serving bib tights had become bin fodder, courtesy of a knackered insert. Chafing around my inner buttock was the clue and confirmed during the next ride. This also coincided with an early morning road closure.  

Inconvenient, especially on a Monday morning, when I needed to be home by c. 545. That said; I followed the diversion, upped my tempo and was seemingly guided by some benevolent force along the even darker, narrower lanes. Having pulled up outside my house, with time to spare I considered it a blessing in disguise and looked forward to indulging in its charms, while works continued.  

Filth, Flats & Fatter Tyres

November has crept in stealthily. Temperatures struggle to reach double figures, skies are sombre, and the roads are strewn in a mucky slurry. The sort that sticks to frames and tyres, encouraging flints and other sharps to burrow inside, inducing flats. I’ve had three in as many rides.  

Two post ride-one apiece up front in the 28mm CST Czar and Vittoria Roubino Pro Control Graphene 2.0 Vittoria Rubino Pro Control Graphene 2.0 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and most recently, the rear Vittoria on the return leg, 2 miles from home at 5.30 am. Presented the opportunity to see how conducive the Shimano RX6 shoes were to running in- well, as it happens.  

While running alongside my fixed gear trainer, I pondered the solution and concluded I’d go for the Kenda Kwick Journey KS Plus KENDA KWICK JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) on both rear halo hoops (since the frame’s rear triangle will only accept 32mm and mudguards. OK, 35mm at a pinch.) and the Vittoria Adventure Tech Tyres. These carry a joint weight penalty close to a kilo.  

However, both roll remarkably well and have excellent puncture resistance, albeit their puncture-repelling belts (5mm and 3mm respectively) only cover the centre strips. Obviously, tyres need to roll and handle in decent proportion, but reliability is imperative. There's nothing more morale-sapping than a series of flats in freezing rain, miles from home.  

Or, for that matter, a long walk home. I carry at least two new tubes and a patched spare. CO2 inflator and cartridges save time, although a decent pump should never be overlooked.  I also like to keep these close to hand, and easily accessible. Small bar bags, tool bottles can be more convenient than the wedge pack (although I tend to distribute kit evenly across the three).  

Oxford Products have sent us their Evo Aqua Adventure range of luggage. Following the access narrative, I’ve gone for their top tube bag. It’s made from 400 denier Rip stop TPU, features welded seams and is weather resistant to IPX6.  

1.5 litre carrying capacity, which is generous. “Bolt on” packs like the Apidura that tether to a frame’s bosses (or via these Tektro Versa mounts) are the most secure, overcoming any risk of movement, especially when filled close to capacity. Some pedalling styles can also result in occasional knee contact, which is another consideration when choosing one. On the stability front, some Velcro models favour larger diameter/ flatter profiled top tubes. Only time and miles will tell but giving change from £20, the EVO Acqua looks a good deal. 

   

Thankfully, temperatures have held around 2-3 degrees overnight, so I haven’t shod Ursula with spikes just yet. I have mounted one to the Alfine dyno hub Shimano Alfine UR700 Hub Dynamo | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) wheel in anticipation- makes switches faster later down the line.  

I also took the opportunity to strip the old girl’s Deore Crankset and trailer wheel, replacing the Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) with some Juice Lubes Bearing Juice. A synthetic grease blended specifically for, er bearings.  

It’s thick and tacky, so great for packing hubs, headsets, bottom brackets and pedals. It’s also apparently tested to marine standards (meaning excellent adhesion and sealing properties) and suitable for contact points.  

However, something like Park Poly lube PPL1000 TESTED: PARK TOOL POLYLUBE 1000 LUBRICANT FOR BICYCLES (sevendaycyclist.com) or Peaty’s Bicycle Assembly Grease PEATY'S BICYCLE ASSEMBLY GREASE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is a better bet for threaded components. There was a surprising amount of Speed Grease clinging to the Deore axle, and a liberal helping of degreaser was needed to strip it convincingly, too.

Continuing my prevention better than cure narrative, I wanted to get these jobs done before winter got one step ahead.  Right, while I contemplate a chain replacement, I’ll leave you with my review of the Infini Tron Infini Tron Rear Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)