Temptations

 

Google and other search engines have been throwing all manner of temptations my way, although specifically older road fixed gear framesets from the 50s, through to the 80s. Some needing more work than others. The latest being a Geoffrey Butler made from 531 throughout, track ends, mudguard eyes etc- a very practical winter cum trainer but then I remind myself, I already have my beloved Holdsworth and a nice, fixed gear/winter trainer that has been refined and tailored to my tastes, so indulging would be precisely that an unnecessary indulgence.  

 

Left unchecked, window shopping is a dangerous thing, and the internet makes resistance all the harder Besides, I’ve got Ursula’s renewal to get on with before winter comes Since we’re on the subject, all our bikes become custom bikes in the end. Components wear and are replaced, depending on budget, personal taste, riding style. 

  

Sometimes we may upgrade, sometimes stick with the same grade of drivetrain, brakes etc, especially if a bike is being recommissioned as winter/trainer. I’ve said this before, but I’m more interested in the sometimes more eclectic but reciprocal collection of components on people’s working bikes, rather than packet fresh, top-drawer playthings.  

 

Same applied to motorcycles, although obviously, I can fully appreciate a sunny day’s, no expense spared plaything, bespoke tourer, tandem, tandem trike-whatever the build’s genre. As a childhood friend once commented, “Gotta have some want Mike, gotta indulge now and then.” Something my late father would also say and they’re right. The important thing is wanting what you have and enjoying it. 

  

Talking of the past, I recognised the name on an accountants office, it was from school. They had a very distinctive surname, so I was confident it was the same person. They had a beautiful Rosso Red and chrome Olmo that was also dripping in top- flight Campagnolo components when we were seventeen. I recall him out riding it on a slushy January afternoon in 1991-I was returning from a day at FE college on my workhorse Holdsworthy Butler (sans chrome and with dynamo, full length guards, 28mm tyres and rack).  

 

He and I weren’t close, just in the same form and frankly, for me, other than a pleasantry, or kind word, I’m not interested in talking with a stranger-unless it has some tangible relevance now. Smile, nod and move on.    That’s not to say my curiosity isn’t sparked from time to time. Someone may pass through my thoughts but again, these are shared, fleeting histories, nothing more.  

Whooosh! Back to 2024 and I’ve Ursula to package and send to Winston Vaz. I’ve also received these Grip Grab RC Max Short Finger Gloves, which promise to “excel in every aspect expected of summer cycling gloves”.  

Padding is a mix of high-density and memory foam, promising superior protection from vibration and general fatigue. The ventilated palms are a micro suede (synthetic to you and I), while the backs continue this narrative, comprising of an elasticated mesh. The formative, mixed terrain 200 miles have proven very favourable- I've only noticed them in the most positive sense.  Steve’s been impressed by these Sportful Matchy Gloves Sportful Matchy Gloves | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

There are many things my military motorcycle instructor said that have stayed with me. One was about eyes and that we only get one pair, so look after them. Decent quality glasses are our best defence against UV light, wind, dust, rain and of course, projectiles. I’ve been sent these.  

 

Magicshine are most commonly associated with lighting, so given their experience with optics, it’s not that much of a quantum leap. These feature Broad 6 base curve, photochromic lenses for improved peripheral protection, rubberised anti-slip nose, temple tips for optimal fit.  

 

The generous coverage seems to offer comprehensive protection and without attracting grime- the sort that transfers from fingers, along with the usual culprits- rain, spatter, and similar wet stuff. As I’m always saying everything feels “different” to begin with and the miles will reveal whether this difference is beneficial, detrimental, or something in between. I usually enjoy finding out. On that note, I’ll leave you with my review of the Maxxis Ravager Maxxis Ravager TR Tyres | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Waxing Lyrical

 

Conditions had turned wetter and relatively humid, although I was surprised to find the Peaty’s Link Lube Dry clinging on through some wet roads and boggy trails. Steve’s been generally impressed by the Blub Dry Wax Blub Dry Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). The NZero Wax is also pleasing in terms of its cleanliness and rapid curing. 

I’d racked up over 600 miles aboard the Madison Flux Madison Flux Switch Saddle | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and while there are some considerations- it's a little long for quick dis/mounts, the sort commonly associated with cyclo cross racing and unisex is a term always begging for contradiction.  

Otherwise, I’ve been really impressed by the specification and performance, especially given the price point. Nice enough for the best bike but inexpensive (and practical enough) for a working/winter build. On a tighter budget or looking to upgrade an OEM perch? Its Cro-moly railed stablemate may represent even better value. I said this in my last post and stand by the statement. 

I’ve switched back to getting the miles in aboard Denise and the Ergon All Road Core Comp. I’ve been really surprised by how supportive and comfortable it’s proving despite being broader than I’m typically suited to. I’m still seeking a suitable set of chain rivet pliers – the pair I had in mind seem to be out of stock-I also want to buy some other, frame (alignment) tools since I’m there.  

Talking of tools, some cable stretch made itself known and at an unenviable moment- I was braking hard while negotiating a blind bend and an HGV approaching. The CX50 still did their thing but luckily, I was a mile from home. Having returned, I pulled the cable through and took up some minor slack using the barrel adjuster  

Giveaway spanners are truly disgusting from an engineering perspective but an absolute godsend in a jam. My 8mm open ended spanner had gone AWOL but thankfully, I had this rather weathered example tucked away in my pencil case type tool caddy. Think it was originally part of a Lezyne pannier- a nice feature, I like a lot of Lezyne’s designs, but not always their execution.  

 

Within a couple of minutes, I had lever travel exactly to my tastes and oodles of bite from the CX50 cantilevers- I remain impressed by the rear Suntour SE cantilevers- trickier to setup but plenty of feel and controllable bite. It's possible to lock a wheel but in my experience, provided you’ve not paired them with a V brake lever, such as the RL520, there’s ample warning before this happens. 

  

Unlike the Blub, the NZero can be used on cables i.e. where they enter the housings and of course-mechanisms- cleat, derailleur, and trailer hitches, which has some definite benefits, at least during the summer months, since in summer typical temperatures it’ll cure within 25minutes. Significantly faster than many waxes, which also makes it a realistic choice for longer group rides and indeed, touring, since you can just top up at a rest stop and scoot off once you’ve polished off a coffee, some cake and maybe had a yarn with some fellow riders.   

 

In keeping with waxes generally, it requires a surgically clean and dry drivetrain first time round.  The dry bit is less essential with hybrid blend containing an oil component. However, more traditional wax formulas, including paraffin-based types will lock any residual moisture in, resulting in trace, rusty freckling. It’ll disappear quite quickly during the first dry ride but ideally avoided.   

 

The brands’ Bike Degreaser formula is thus far, seemingly economical and effective- at least on chain lubes and indeed, heavily soiled regions of the bike, prior to a sudsy bucket wash. More on par with, rather than superior to some favourites, including the Fenwicks’ concentrate. Degreaser gels, such as Green Oil have an edge in this respect, since they cling to the host surfaces longer, having more time to brake lubricants down.  Steve was generally impressed by the Blub Bio Degreaser Blub Bio Degreaser | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  which is £1 dearer at £13.99 for a litre.