Missing Links & Magic Numbers

Though I’d never say “I can’t do maths” it isn’t my strong suit either and my experience of the school curriculum certainly didn’t help. Anyhow, last week’s quick chain checker intuition revealed Ursula’s was past .7, so time for switching. Out came the 106 link KMC and I was delighted my educated “guestimate” proved exacting.  

Straight up and down the block without undue pull on the short arm Tiagra mech, no sag when dropped on the 22 ring. Confirmed on the following mixed terrain meanders. The work stand is a good gauge, but the real world can throw curved balls.  

I also took this opportunity to replace Ursula’s rear staddle wire- a precaution but cable failures can be nasty- easily and cheaply avoided. Up front, I’ll stick with the TRP Spyre SLC caliper's Shimano pads- get my money’s worth in the wet, gritty conditions, then switch to the Disco Brakes’ semi-metallic Disco Disc Brake Pads and Wavey Rotors | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) .  

Cleats are another small but easily neglected staple. I had a quick check of mine and decided I’d switch to some eXotic Cycles Shimano Compatible SPD Cleats. I’ve long admitted to having a “thing” for pattern products, which started with pedals and has spread to other components, sometimes accessories, too.   

Exhausted KMC binned, I promptly ordered two pre-cut 106 KMC from the supplier, while opportunity and keen pricing presented. A few spare magic links also come in handy- two on the bike, two at home. In practice, two would do and aside from cleaning, lubricating, and replacing chains, I’ve concluded 10 and 11 speeds are best cut once and left alone.

  

This proved an ideal opportunity to inspect the Topeak Hide n’ Tool for signs of corrosion. I was expecting a faint orange taint, but a combination of hardy electroplating and the expander wedge system keeps the grot at bay. Waterlogged lanes and greasy roads were plentiful, so reassuring. I had however managed to “lose” the Hide n’ Tool’s chain spreader but this was reclaimed when tipping Ursula to the side.  

Note to self, add a lick of middleweight (blue) thread lock to subvert this. Talking Topeak, mounted low on Ursula’s seat stay, the Redlite Aero USB Rear Light 30cd is also impressing with its blend of long run times, output, and weatherproofing. Meeting IPX4, I’ve not willfully immersed it (that should be a given) though the odd, unavoidable douching from calve high water hasn’t raised any concerns.  

Waterproof socks have meant the Shimano RX6 Shimano SH RX600 Gravel Cycling Shoes | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) have remained practical and moreover, comfortable. I’ve been pairing the Castelli Perfetto RDS Gloves with some faithful and long serving Gore Tex over-mitts (although the latter’s grippy palms chose this ride to disintegrate).  Then of course, water resistant caps are another welcome addition- ideally a breathable model.  Showers Pass Elite SHOWERS PASS ELITE CYCLING CAP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) being a firm favourite of mine- great wind and rain cheating peak too, so great beneath a road-biased lid.   

The Perfetto RDS seem to hold back light to moderate rain for around an hour- if it's looking rougher, or I’m out for longer, then I’ll reach for the over-mitts.  In terms of socks, I’m disappointed Muc Off decided to phase theirs out-arguably the best fit with sportier shoes and boots.  

That said; I’ve had good experiences with  DexShell Pro Visibility Cycling Socks DEXSHELL PRO VISIBILTY CYCLING SOCKS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and The Gecko Wear Ankle Length Waterproof Cycling Socks Classic GECKO ANKLE LENGTH WATERPROOF SOCKS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Coinciding with chain replacement and Storm Babet’s rude arrival, I’ve reached for the  Weldtite Bike Cleaner concentrate and Zefal Extra Wet Nano Ceramic Chain Lube  ZEFAL EXTRA WET NANO CERAMIC CHAIN LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) to avoid wash off, although I’ll admit to not being overly keen on PTFE as an additive. It’s not the kindest to the planet, aquatic life, and people alike... I also gave the old girl a quick wash, since I was there and finished with a quick post-wash silicone protectant. I was short on time and this Motoverde blend is designed to be applied on damp surfaces.  

Torrential rains have also seen me considering switching to the Carradice Carradry SQR bag CARRADICE CARRADRY SQR BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)- especially since I’ve ditched the full-length chrome plastics. It also means I can post cards, letters etc mid ride without fear of them getting soggy.  I also have the Carradice SQR Super C Tour, bought in November 2001 and save for some characterful, “lived in” patina, going strong 22 years hence.  

Both have an impressive 10-kilo payload but in extreme conditions, the Carradry’s welded seams and zippered side pockets have a definite edge. Lining the SQR Tour with a dry sac (bin bag, in a pinch) largely eliminates incremental creep but the side pockets’ design means small items can escape, given the right circumstances- think packets of spare links/fasteners, the odd slender composite tyre lever etc.  Oh, and while I love the SQR system, it's one for metal posts only- no issues with suspension models, including the Kinekt 2.1, or indeed, Cane Creek Thudbuster.  Right, I'll close with another lighting link. Steve's review of the Exposure Race Mk17 2600lumens Front Light Exposure Race Mk17 2600 Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)    

Darker Side

Daylight is becoming increasingly short and brings a mix of pros and cons. Great for testing lighting, but also other products- from chain lubes to socks, shoes, tyres and indeed clothing. The farmers are doing their best to fill in the crumbling infrastructure with mud, dung, and similar mucky, slimy infusions, so I’m defaulting to Ursula, since this also means I can roam, exploring the many bridleways and green lanes dotted around.  

Escape has always been a central narrative of my riding- free the body, free the mind. I think quite deeply, which is a double-edged sword and the inner dialogue during some rides-where I’m putting things into perspective, or mentally drafting a script would chill some. Thirty years on, there are a few things that still haunt me. We cannot change our pasts, only our relationships to them.  Either way, I’m usually returning with a big inner grin and renewed sense of purpose, so not cause for concern.  

1,000miles (about 1609.34 km) later and according to the Birzman chain checker the KMC is due for retirement-I'd bargained on November, so I’ve parked the 106 link, pre-cut unit in an obvious place. Hopefully see me through to March, mileage and conditions allowing, obviously. I’ve decided the Muc-Off –50 degrees chain lube will remain my default.  

Switching to the 145mm wide BBB Echelon saddle was an inspired choice, serving me well on and off road. I'm always banging on about simple and rugged being a recipe for reliability during the darker months and sometimes this goes for things like lights too. Topeak Redlite Aero 30Cd USB Rechargeable Rear light has been around for a few seasons but is a prime example of this principle. It’s bright but only has two modes-constant and flashing. No need for memory functions-I'd go for constant through built-up areas and on group rides, flashing in the sticks. Simple.  

This supposedly translates into 10.5 and 40 hours from a full charge (There’s also an AAA-fuelled cousin, should you prefer to ditch the ubiquitous micro-USB cable). The three super-bright LEDS also have a slightly old-school feel but coupled with the lenses’ surface area translates into a surprisingly bright arc of light. 

 

Not sure about the aero credentials but it will accommodate round or aero posts, pencil-thin seat stays, helmet mounting too. IPX4 might be lower on the winter cheating scale but shouldn’t be an issue with full-length mudguards (fenders) and/or periodic shots of Joker 440 Motorex Joker 440 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) or WD40 to the charge port.  

For now, its sitting low on Ursula’s seat stays, so we’ll see how it fares in the coming weeks and months.  Fancy something more exotic, here's Steve’s review of this Exposure Boost-R ReAkt & Peloton Rear Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/exposure-boost-r-reakt-peleton-rear-li 

 

Topeak's Redlite Mega is still serving me well a decade down the line. Mine runs off 2 AAA cells. Great for touring, since they’re easily found, pretty much anywhere, assuming you’ve forgotten to pack spares. There’s also one with a rechargeable lithium-ion cell. Both boast 72 cd output, employs 5 LEDs- a 1 high flux red LED and a further four-two red, two yellow.  

Five modes include a nice hybrid (steady/flashing) although there’s no memory function. In common with the Redlite Aero, it has impressive run times- 44 and 89 hours (50 and 100 cited). Of the two, the Mega would be my choice for recumbents, tandems and trailers. 

    

Temperatures until now, have been uncharacteristically warm for this time of year. Even at 5am, I’m typically dressed in ¾ lengths (sometimes bib shorts Madison Roam Men's Cargo Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)) short sleeve jersey, base layer and thinner full finger gloves, such as these Madison Roam News about Seven Day Cyclist  

Saddleback, Castelli’s UK distributor has just sent me the Italian marque’s Perfetto ROS Glove, which is a thin pile design using Gore Tex Infinium Wind Stopper fabric. Detailing is to a high standard, but no less than I’d expect at this end of the market. They’re a very snug fit for precise control and nimble digits.  

Fleece lining for comfort, there are silicone grippers for extra purchase, touch screen compatible fingertips, and their Castelli Damping System (CDS) designed to protect the median nerve.  Windproofing seems excellent but miles and more wintry conditions will reveal just how water-resistant they are. I'll close with my review of the Ravemen PR2000 Wireless Switch Control Headlight Ravemen PR2000 Wireless Headlight | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)