Salvage

After several attempts with Southern scrappies, I managed to persuade a Midlands based vehicle dismantler to let me photograph his yard in action. Arriving with steel toes, hi-viz jacket and assurances I would take only my images met with surprisingly little resistance.

Fiats, Alfa Romeo, Vauxhall and even the odd X type Jaguar sat in neat piles, their empty bodies squashed like discarded soft drinks cans. Teenage lads peered inside elderly Nissan Micras (not the most obvious Yoof wagons!); while I pondered the lives of three mk1 Ka stacked nearby and pressed the shutter at desired intervals.

Rediscovery of my Cyclo tyre removal and fitting tool’s replacement head has spelt an end to tyre torment and prompted the resurrection of these26x2.1 Kenda Small block eight for some off the beaten track fun with the Geonaute.

As their name suggests, the small block 8 are a closely spaced knobbly designed for optimal speed and control across hard surfaces with operating range between 30 and 80psi. They’ll quickly clog and become slicks in gloopy mud but this was academic given full-length mudguards preclude anything trickier than dry woodland trails.

Said tubby tourer’s drivetrain has also developed a phantom squeak. Crank arms are tight, chain properly dressed (in Muc-Off Hydrodynamic lube, which has evolved into a seemingly hygienic wet potion these past 120 mixed terrain miles). Definitely not those Time ATAC pedals but rotating the cranks suggests the fit n’ forget UN55 bottom bracket might be culpable.

Not obvious sources of grief, since these (and their UN52/54 predecessors) enjoy legendary reliability-10,000 miles or more in some cases). Faulty seals/bearings are possible, albeit unlikely since I avoid jet washing like the plague. Will monitor for now and may even plump for an FSA or Stronglight next time round.  

Things they say; happen for a reason and while wrestling with the anaconda that is writer’s block, I sought solace in my austere, though practical concrete plot known affectionately as the Soviet block and began testing the degreasant claims of some bike wash formulas. Experience leads me to conclude that concentrates harness best-of both worlds performance, though require careful alchemy.

Pre-mixed blends are generally bang on for speedy cleaning of non/organic stuff thrown up from the roads and trails but their neutrality to all frame materials and finishes means they can’t cut through the sort of congealed claggy grot harboured by winter/fixed/cross and mountain bikes fed tenacious ceramic or even, old school wet lubes.

Common sense dictates starting with the bike’s transmission; otherwise you’ll just coat the rear triangle in mucky spatter and smear it over the frame. Therefore, I decided to whip out the Ilpompino’s rear wheel for minimal faff. Good thing I did –closer inspection of the 32mm Kenda Kwicker Bitumen revealed the iron cap casing was riddled with flints that could induce puncture of epic, tube-binning proportions!  

Murphy’s Law reasons this would strike several miles from home on a wet and windy night. The casing is reparable and I will fashion two boots from offcuts of scrap tyre at a more convenient moment.Generally speaking, 32mm is the limit with full length mudguards but being a slick, a 35mm Vittoria Voyager Hyper fits without touching anything-just, we are talking tighter than a hipster’s trousers.

Some WD40 drivetrain degreaser had arrived during the week and having achieved predictably lacklustre results using two generic bike washes; I shook, aimed and fired in two short blasts. Several months’ congealed gunk ran like mascara from the stainless steel track sprockets. Breathtakingly quick, though cautions suggest minimising contact with seals and similar rubberised/plastics.

Then of course, after several years’ faithful service, the pressure gauge on my Revolution floor pump is singing its swan-song and this rather likeable Axiom multi-tool literally blew its guts while slumbering in my rack bag. Again, I’ll attempt reconstructive surgery shortly but thankfully, Axiom offers original purchasers a lifetime warrantee against manufacturing defect.

Integral gauges tend to be the Achilles’ heel of budget track pumps, which generally soldier on for several years before heading up to that great bike shop in the sky. Standalone gauges are more reliable in any case.

Spring may have brought longer evenings but the advent of some much needed temping means tweaking one’s ride schedule. Time to resurrect the big guns for spirited back road blasting methinks…

Spring Has Sprung-Seize It!!

Issue 6 of Seven Day Cyclist (www.sevendaycyclist.co.uk http://www.pocketmags.com/searchresults.aspx?search=Seven+Day+Cyclist) has just hit the digital newsstands. We’ve a thorough test of the Genesis Croix de fer 2.0, a Hope hydraulic brake service, an interview with Martyn Brunt Sustrans’ NCN manager, tours, products and lots more besides.

Chill Easter weekends are something of an institution on these shores but a blaze of spring-like conditions have swept in behind, prompting resurrection of my Geonaute G-Eye action camera. Image quality and ease of use are definite plus points given the modest outlay but let down by a protective polycarbonate housing, incompatible with Go-Pro patterns, which has made handlebar mounting trickier than necessary.

A threaded base would’ve enabled direct fitment to this Minoura (easily the best mount I’ve come across); or surprisingly effective bodge bin specials made for pennies from old blinky brackets, assorted screws, nuts and washers.  Maybe, I’ll find another casing on ebay; or the patience to file the existing unit’s lug so it will mate nicely with Go-pro pattern brackets. Reportage will be fair weather for the time being.

The National Society for The Protection of Cruelty to Cleats (NSPCC) would’ve been pressing charges if they’d caught sight of these dog earned patterns. 

Months of neglect, salty coastal roads and constant di/engagement, it was small wonder they’d lasted this long.Suspiciously easy exit suggested I was pushing my luck-especially on the fixers and the arrival of these Stiletto white XLC proved the decider. 

Murphy’s Law dictated that every last trace of grease had been whittled from the screws, locking them in a passionate tryst with their hosts (the universe’s way of telling me not to be so self-righteous!) Mercifully a blast of penetrant spray and Torx driver secured their release without resort to drilling.

Packet fresh WP98A spun home (fasteners fed a generous dollop of ceramic grease!) and feet engaged with that familiar “Clack” we were off on these “Stiletto” white XLC pedals.

Closer inspection suggests they’re rebadged and painted Wellgo WP801; albeit without the magnesium options. No bad thing since these Ritchey Logic homages were delightfully faithful-I ran a red pair for several years on “The bird shit special”- my much loved 1X8spd cross inspired MTB workhorse.

They even became my go-to set when testing bikes-until someone pilfered them. Over the years, I’ve run worthy patterns giving change from £17 but the XLC’s casting and bearing quality seems decidedly superior. Cro-moly axles feel a wee bit stiffer under explosive acceleration and sustained honking too.

Powder coating is an obvious choice for pedals when properly applied-it’s cheap, rugged and generally very attractive. White can be a very tricky customer since there’s so little pigment. 

Inexperienced sprayer will apply too much powder in an attempt to counteract this, resulting in an orange-peel effect. No trace of that here. Obviously, the cleats are digging in at localised points but there’s no suggestion it might flake or peel further along the line.

Muc-Off have also sent me their latest “Hydrodynamic” lube, which is reckoned to be the ultimate all conditions lube particularly to suited to cross and road duties. Theoretically, it has the stamina of a wet lube but with superior cleanliness and friction.

Exact composition is Coca Cola secret but apparently petrochemical free, so won’t hurt aquatic life or otherwise pollute the environment. In keeping with others of this new breed of super lube, recipient chains need to be surgically clean before a drop is spilt.

From the spout it emerges with a blue taint and has a four hour curing period (I find overnight is ideal) whereupon it assumes a clean but glossy state-similar to those fortified with PTFE but much cleaner. 

Hydrodynamic has clung to my Ilpompino’s stainless steel chain very convincingly-often lubes can migrate to the slippery metal’s outer plates. Eighty miles in and I’m certainly warming to its potential but at this end of the market, I’ll be disappointed if it doesn’t return at least 500 variable weather miles per re/application.

With the longer evenings, it’s easy to overlook lights and then get caught out by a deviation/puncture or good company. I’ve noted several riders- experienced enough to know better, succumb to dusk’s unexpected curtain recently. 

Always pack a set of blinkies just in case-they’re potent, dirt cheap and could save your life. Right, there ends my public service announcement-I’m off to put an assortment of bike washes through their paces-see how the cope with various genres of gunk.

  

STEPPING UP

While politicians peddle their very stylised, polished and heavily choreographed campaigns in an attempt to woo a cynical electorate; we’re busily evaluating the options for everyday riding and putting several walk-able step-in systems through their paces.   

Various manufacturers/distributors have been extremely forthcoming but anything sent via a certain logistics company is guaranteed not to arrive. This appears attributable to a new breed of “lifestyle” parcel sorter/courier, seemingly supplementing theirs by “intercepting” packages. They even sign for them on your behalf, so show up as delivered on the tracking system (!)

In common with other kinds of pilfering, this behaviour is justified on the twisted logic of entitlement “it’s insured; so no victim”. My heart sank when I saw a large online retailer was sending my camera equipment via this firm, though thankfully our local postie arrived clutching it under his arm. Talking of which, I must pursue ebay purchases that haven’t materialised…

Other couriers have delivered these rather striking dual sided Genetic and composite bodied Time ATAC. Testing aside; the simplest approach is to choose a particular system and adopt it throughout your bikes. 

Designs may be different, reflecting riding purposes/genres and require at least two pairs of shoes-one specialist, the other for everyday. However, it’s one less distraction when getting ride-ready.  

Twenty years back, Shimano and Look were increasingly becoming the dominant systems, though several manufacturers were still offering their own unique cleat patterns. I snapped up a couple for silly money and enjoyed their build quality but replacement parts; cleats in particular were rare as the proverbial rocking horse dropping.  

Look’s ARC and Keo patterns were once my road bike default thanks to copious float and support. However, even the Holdsworth has now switched to SPDR for sheer convenience. Something of a homage fetishist, I’ve acquired some Wellgo RC713-cosmetically identical to Btwin’s now discontinued “Automatic Touring Pedal”; right down to their inscriptions.

I suspect they are genuinely identical, since VP and Wellgo supply a wealth of other brands too. Their magnesium bodied MG8 were more intriguing but unavailable at the time. Small surface areas work best with uber-stiff soles and offer improved ground clearance, which comes in particularly handy on a fixed. However, I find broader platforms more comfortable given 60miles or so’s steady slog.

Elsewhere, Mr Gandolfi’s widow has been in touch, thanking me for my tasteful photographic coverage of her late husband’s funeral in January. It was an unusual request and a tricky assignment to conduct-the last thing I wanted was to intrude upon mourner’s grief, or appear ghoulish; hence my use of a CSC with 50-200mm 5.6 lens.

I also found time to visit Rutland Waters in Leicestershire. We’d gone to explore the viability of potential venues for another significant occasion-one was ideal but thwarted by the other’s mediocrity. However, it boasts a superb, traffic-free 25mile circuit, where cameloids, walkers and riders co-exist harmoniously.

This reignited an interest in mtb derived production tandems. Hmm, I’m thinking along the lines of a low mileage mid 90s Dawes Kickback II would be ideal but there’s a serious storage issue. Something with S&S couplings would be better but hiring one as- and- when is the most practical solution for now.

Back down south, I tackled the Ka’s other sill and dropped in on Col Velo collective at the Church St HQ. Col Velo is a small but expanding club founded by Rob Harwood and Will Morgan in October 2014. Their ethos is upon inclusivity-people bonding over their love of cycling, bikes, coffee and other stuff. Regular rides through the still relatively picturesque North Essex/Anglia regions are underpinned by a strict no-drop policy.

Velo Café is run by Rich, an extremely experienced mechanic who wields spanners for recycle during the week. Classic frames adorn walls and ceilings and there’s even a beautiful, unrestored road/path bike with period components in the workshop window. The traditions of eclectic machines and members means there’s plenty on offer, assuming you didn’t harbour racing pretentions.

    

Flatulent tyre Ahoy…More Leverage Please!!!

After several weeks, I’m still coughing like a chain smoking beagle. This hasn’t stopped me from getting the miles in and various sets of tyres on, mind. 

Issue 5 of Seven Day Cyclist has just hit the digital newsstands and includes an interview with Dani Foffa, CEO of Foffa bikes and grass roots tours of Ireland and Cheshire. http://www.pocketmags.com/viewmagazine.aspx?catid=1038&category=Sport&subcatid=234&subcategory=Cycling&title=Seven+Day+Cyclist&titleid=2582

The more miles I do on those Vittoria Voyager hyper and street runner tyres, the more endeared I become-sporty casings combine magic carpet ride with low rolling resistance and a surprising turn of speed. Despite a road centric cassette, the Univega now feels a little under-geared; or rather I’m running the big ring and catching traditional roadies unawares more often.

While quicker, lighter and supposedly better protected from malevolent sharps, they swept me back to the mid-late 90s spent belting along London’s commercial road on Nokian City Runners. I favoured 1.5 sections, which seemed an ideal compromise-sufficiently generous that they’d iron out minor imperfections and rider error, yet adequate for 20mph cruising and swift getaways when the lights changed. 

Road bikes were decidedly out of favour at this time, to the point where many of us were popping drops on our cross country workhorses. I liked the all-terrain concept but it also helped ensure otherwise nick-able bikes stayed under thieves’ radars.  

Triples were also completely unnecessary-even with a trailer, hence another trend for running a single 42/46/48 (Purple anyone?) ring and 7/8spd block, Ritchey copy VP pedals… Lightweight, low maintenance and fast; for inner-city tarmac terrorism at least.

Good times from a relatively dark and difficult era. Fast forward two decades and I was surprised at how stubborn the street runner’s final section was on two separate occasions, the most recent being serenaded by that familiar heart-sinking hiss along a lonely lane.

Now is the point where we regret not doing a full trunk bag inventory-thankfully I had a spare thorn resistant “builders hose” type tube, three tyre levers, including Crank Brothers speedier lever and this Revolution midi pump. Personally, I loathe mini pumps-fine for those who run Co2 cartridges as roadside staples and infinitely better than no pump for dire emergencies but otherwise impractical.

This Revolution resembles a track pump put through a matter shrinking device but will genuinely achieve moderate to high pressures extremely efficiently, so 75psi barely raised a flicker.  

Strangely enough I found myself equally frustrated by the realisation I’d forgotten my compact camera and the opportunity to document the events frame by frame! Having returned home it prompted a long overdue make do n’ mend tube re-commissioning- you know the drill; repair once, more than two patches-chuck, or reinvent as chainstay protectors.

Generally speaking, the speedier is a marked improvement over the old speed lever, which, for the uninitiated was a retractable ladder design that slid onto the quick release skewer, while the head either scooped the bead off or pushed it back on with a hooked claw and only moderate force. 

Alas, the composites were a little willowy and prone to fatigue-I snapped two in under ten swaps, which was disappointing. Obviously, these are roadside assistants, not workshop staples but I’ll reserve proper judgement until we’re at least eight or ten tyre swaps of various genres down the line.   

Talking of resurrection (well, we are hurtling towards Easter afterall), I substituted the Univega’s BBB Fuel tank cage for standard Boardman and Burls carbon models.

This wasn’t a weight saving exercise and those PET types are super convenient for touring but they do consume considerable amounts of main triangle, especially on a small, compact geometry mtb frameset.

I’ll be keeping it handy though since the Fuel Tank XL is definitely one of the most rugged and a fair bit cheaper too.

Right then; I’m going to see how this Carbon Pro heavy duty cleaner deals with two filthy workhorses and organise some newbie friendly step-in pedal systems for a group test. Hmm, time the KA’s sill received a sixth coat of high build grey primer too…   

Quest for Tyres (& forks!)

Sourcing commuter/everyday tyres for a group test feels reminiscent of the Commodore 64 classic about a uni-cycling caveman called BC, who weaved around prehistoric, pixelated canyons amassing replacement rubber. 

Just as grass roots racing still stars bikes brewed using an eclectic mix of reciprocal parts hung on older, though worthy framesets; there are no hard n’ fast rules.  Some folks with mechanically sensitive riding styles prioritise minimal rolling resistance and are willing to accept greater vulnerability to sharps, holes and other nasties.

Others prefer the belt n’ braces combination of a really tough 30tpi casing, aramid belts, thorn repelling inner tubes and a slightly stodgier ride.

One thing everyday rubber needs to be, is dependable otherwise you won’t fancy riding. No matter how proficient or prepared you are, there’s nothing pleasant about roadside tube swaps and patching damaged casings fifteen miles from home when its pitch black and minus 5! 

Vittoria have always enjoyed a strong following and their UK importer has kindly sent me their 26x1.6 street runner and 120tpi 700x35c Voyager hyper. The street runner is basically a fast rolling urban mtb semi slick, whereas the voyager is marketed as an “Ultra-light touring tire has most of Pro Series race technology. Grip, comfort, handling, reliability, good look: this tire has it all!”

Hmm, proof of the puncture resistance and overall performance lies in daily service but both seem pretty keen so far. Also begs the question of where my workshop tyre wand has vanished to...

Irrespective of product, someone will always find limitations (as distinct from fault). Some people are just genuinely harder on equipment than others. Back in the late 1990s, I regularly attended the Brixton Cycles “Beastway” mountain bike racing series held at London’s Temple Mills Lane and recall one rider saying he’d destroyed countless pairs of high-end cross country race wheels.

There wasn’t any obvious explanation-yes; he had an aggressive technique, though hardly abusive. Then, during the course of conversation, it transpired he exceeded 90 kilos-markedly heavier than might be expected of a man standing 175cm (5’9) tall.

Staying with surprises, those 32mm Kenda Kwicker Bitumen have proved their worth these past fourteen months, only puncturing once in 5,000 miles-easily remedied with a sturdier tube, suggesting the Iron cap technology is genuinely effective.

Lacking the outright invulnerability of their Iron Cloak (Aramid) series, or indeed Schwalbe’s slightly portly “smart guard” system (that actually deflects sharps rather than drawing them inboard) Iron cap denotes comprehensive puncture preventative strip spanning bead to bead but with vastly superior wet weather manners compared with some similarly priced rivals.  

Rolling resistance isn’t bad for a 60tpi casing either (when run at their 85psi maximum) either. Sure, the tread is beginning to sport some obvious signs of wear along the centre-strip but I reckon we’ll reach 8,000 before retirement beckons. Popular lore advocated alternating front and rear tyres for uniform wear/optimal economy. Indeed, it was an enticing argument since, depending on rider/braking technique, the rear can be exhausted almost three times as quickly.

Alas, just as fork, rather than frame failure is most likely to result in serious injury, the same goes for a front blow-out. Thrifty folks, desperate to get their money’s worth and who employ similar pairings can extend their lifespan by replacing a worn rear with their existing front and letting the factory-fresh unit lead. Exhausted tyres are best reincarnated as belts or “boots” (cannibalised strips used to bandage and reinforce nasty lesions in otherwise healthy casings).

Two suitable disc specific fork candidates with mudguard eyelets (for the Ilpompino’s front end transformation) have arrived at once. Imports intrigue me but I’d sooner do business with a domestic supplier. Ticket prices may be higher, though faults/warrantee matters are straightforwardly addressed and there’s no nasty import tax hangovers further along the line. Making do and retrofitting to the fixers ITM Visa blades seemed another tangible option. In reality, the band-on breed seems decidedly low-rent.   

Contrary to my earlier remarks about TRP’s HYRD being too prestigious for said build, the lure and practicality of a self-adjusting open system seems way too enticing and for me at least, justifies the additional cost over a mechanical calliper. Donning bandanna, huge hoop ear-ring and gazing into my crystal ball, I see a machine built front 32hole hoop, laced two cross to Shimano’s venerable M525 (Deore) cup n’ cone hub…

Deore, rather like its STXrc predecessor is a very serviceable, inexpensive groupset that delivers plenty of smiles per mile but doesn’t dictate re-mortgaging should something break. Cup n’ cone hubs have been superseded by sealed cartridge types but are mechanically simple and very smooth when striped and fed decent quality waterproof grease at regular intervals.    

Aside from some intensive brand management/promotion of “Seven Day Cyclist”; I’ve been introduced to an artist who might be willing to bring “Claud the Butler & Friends” to life on a royalties basis. There’s been renewed interest from publishers too; although the whisper of self-publishing has intensified into a gentle roar.

Arguably an internet phenomenon but we’ve all become very comfortable with the notion of free goods/services. I am a firm believer that people’s time and skill need recognition and should be remunerated, or at least repaid in kind.    

Laid Up with a Lurgi ?

Just crossed the three hundred mile marker on the Croix de fer 2.0 when Joshua’s viral infection decided I was its next host. While a less catastrophic assimilation than those depicted in John Carpenter’s seminal 1982 shocker “The Thing”; nonetheless I spent two days and a further three nights in a feverish and convincingly comatose state, moving only to expel gallons of phlegm into the dog’s previously empty water bowl…

Reverting to more appetising propositions, these past few weeks with the Genesis have awakened a strange and irrational yearning to equipping the Ilpompino with a disc-braked front end. 

By my own admission, such urges belong firmly buried in the “want” vault since we’re talking new fork, wheel build, calliper, cables and related disc components. Then of course, a single, well-honed cantilever is more than adequate for stopping a speeding fixer and 70odd kilo pilot.

We’ll blame it on the fever for a moment since these usually induce a strange, contemplative state of euphoria somewhere in their gestation. Is Northern Soul simply an excuse for wearing big trousers and recreational use of amphetamines? Why does the scriptwriting process for certain “flagship” TV soaps apparently employ so little hard research? Has mainstream politics lost its legitimacy?

Joking aside, those TRP HYRD fitted to the Croix de fer, were the real catalysts for this proposed upgrade. For the uninitiated, they’re a hybrid design employing an open hydraulic calliper-with all the obvious benefits yet commanded by a high quality cable, thus maintenance/repair are pretty straightforward and they’re fully compatible with standard road/brifters.

Costs for this sort of specification aren’t outlandish by any stretch of the imagination but too exotic for said fixie. A quick wander round the web suggests something Deore flavoured with corresponding front hub and a shop branded carbon composite fork/aluminium alloy steerer is a more cost effective and therefore, realistic proposition. Not a priority, rather one to seize should a suitable ensemble come under my radar and moreover, at the right price.

Maybe it’s just another illustration of the “Confirmation bias” in full flow-the notion that “When men wish to construct or support a theory, how they torture facts into their service! (Mackay, 1852/ 1932, p. 552)” However, further trials of driver-less vehicles add fuel to my particular belief that Public Service Vehicles (Buses, Trams etc) along with Heavy Goods Vehicles will become fully automated within ten years.

This has a wealth of implications and contrary to widely held opinion; technology and development is not neutral. It does not exist in a separate sphere but driven by the inventors’ (or corporations) own ideological leanings.

At the moment there are questions of their hazard perception programming/equipment. How will they recognise, or indeed distinguish between cyclists, motorcyclists, horse-riders, pedestrians, children/adults etc? 

When will these calculate is the optimal point/distance for overtaking? Human error is to blame for a great many accidents but at some level, computers are still potentially flawed in exactly the same fashion as they’re programmed and developed by humans.

Because the technology has come on stream, does this mean it will flourish by default? Does it actually toll the bell for commercial drivers as I first thought, or is it a proactive response to a dying trade, aging operatives not being superseded by young blood?

Computers are excellent at fast paced calculations and repetitive tasks but while they can operate within pre-set tolerances, they still cannot determine whether something is correct beyond this coded framework.

I can see the possibility of android operatives, housekeepers, companions and pets a’la Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, though feel humans will not be replaced, or made redundant in the flavour suggested by proponents of de-skilling theory. Public perceptions of photography fuelled by falling prices and point n’ shoot technology implies there is no longer any mastery required…  

Another thing that’s been with us since time in memorial and similarly variable in quality is the humble paint defending patch-kits. You know the sort; they stop cable outers chewing through your head, seat tube but were notorious for peeling come the first hint of a muddy trail, sudsy bucket or lick of solvent. 

Technology filtering through from other industries (“Helicopter tape” being the most obvious example) has forced manufacturers to develop vastly superior versions.

Zefal skin armour large shown here is a comprehensive ready cut set made from 250 microns thick polyurethane, which is supple and extremely stretchy at moderate temperatures. Good, unhurried preparation is pivotal but proved delightful to fit and hasn’t shown any obvious signs of cultivating that fuzzy, filmy outline to date.      

Elsewhere, issue 4 of Seven Day Cyclist hit the digital newsstands this week: 

http://www.pocketmags.com/viewmagazine.aspx?catid=1038&category=Sport&subcatid=234&subcategory=Cycling&title=Seven+Day+Cyclist&titleid=2582


I’ve also been up to the midlands following some leads for my book exploring the lives of ex car workers and capturing some shots of the Fosehill district since opportunity presented.