Up n’ Down. Like the Weather

 

 

The ice took longer to materialise but a loss of traction while grinding up a climb on the fixed signalled spikes. It was the rear tyre, not the front thankfully and being fixed, the added feedback meant I could reclaim control without going rubber-up or filling my bib longs.  I’d reached for the fixed since Ursula’s rear Ice Spiker Pro was mysteriously flaccid. Something I traced to a pinched tube. Easily sorted- swap to a fresh tube and patch the pin prick.  

Then order a few fresh tubes...I'd seen some Bontrager going for £3 apiece, so swooped and bought 4. I’d also broken the last of my long-handled Lifeline tyre levers. Before we get too critical, after a decade or so’s faithful service, they hardly owed me anything. The ice relented within a matter of days, roads reverting to a wet, mulchy state, so I switched back to the fixed.  

Third outing and I was surprised to find the CST Expedium 6 CST Xpedium Tyres | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) succumbed to something sharp. Thankfully a tiny pinprick meant it was a very slow flat and only became tangible when I’d returned.  Cue a switch to the Halo Aerotrack wheel (also shod with a CST Expedium), a tube switch for the Mavic/Halo and a patch for the wounded tube. Off the list, no time the present and all that...Glad I replenished my supply of vulcanising solution and patches.  Cue a sudden interest in these Pirelli Angel DT Urban.   

These, as the name implies are intended to withstand the cut n’ thrust of urban riding. There is a wealth of sizes but given the fixed’s clearances, I’ve gone for the 32mm. Then of course, I was intrigued by how well the 5mm Hyperbelt would fare against flats, compared to that of the Kenda Kwick Journey KS Plus KENDA KWICK JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  not forgetting the CST. I decided I'd switch the fixed over to its Halo White Line/ Shutter Precision PD8 wheel HALO CLASSIC RIM & SHUTTER PRECISION DYNOHUB DISC WHEEL BUILD (sevendaycyclist.com) and give the SL9 a break 

I was even more surprised to discover the Halo Spin Doctor’s hub- freehub mechanism getting the grumbles. It had lost the familiar “tick” and was, well, not freewheeling properly. I initially thought a gummed up rear mech might be the culprit but despite some gloopy mulch, it was performing normally...One thing led to another, and I found myself stripping the Ryde/XT hub, repacking the latter with some Juice Lubes Bearing Juice.  

Aside from being tenacious, it holds bearings securely in the races- no issues with them falling out when sliding the axle through. I decided, given deadlines and similarly pressing stuff, to hand the Spin Doctor over to Mick Madgett and have him tweak the spoke tension, while it's there. Everything seemed in good health otherwise.

Presented an opportunity to give Ursula another deep clean-paying particular attention to the mechs, which are right in filth’s firing line. Having tickled these, chain and cassette clean, I replenished the Silca Secret Formula Chain Lube, which continues to impress with its silence, low friction and cleanliness.   

These Shimano MW501 mtb booties also arrived bang on cue, along with Madison Roam 2.5 Layer Waterproof Jacket. In some respects, it's along similar lines to the Showers Pass Elements Jacket SHOWERS PASS MEN'S ELEMENTS JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

Both have a more relaxed (but not baggy) cut, several pockets and hoods.  It’s priced closer to that of Oxford Venture OXFORD VENTURE JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and that’s reflected in the fact the Showers Pass has waterproofing and breathability ratings of 15000. The Oxford and Madison are 10,000 apiece. These features, coupled with subtle colours lend them to general outdoor wear, too.  

Ours was Dark Olive, continuing this narrative but black, or Chili red are the alternatives. Back to the booties.  I’ve always had a soft spot for mtb models during the darker months, even on a road bike. I’ve occasionally been tempted by road-specific versions, but the stiffer soles and exposed cleats lack the same convenience, dare I say security when dabbing a foot down, or walking short distances. Retro-reflective panelling is another nice, if unexpected touch on an mtb design and incredibly effective, too.  

 

Winding Roads & Wintry Stuff

 

Aside from being a product tester/reviewer, I’m something of a perpetual fettler, so fitting and switching components comes with the territory but I stick to horses for courses, seasonally appropriate-tyres and lubes being prime examples. Substituting the fixed’s rear Maxxis Re-Fuse in favour of The CST Xpedium Level 6 700x35C Single Compound 60tpi Wire Bead CST Xpedium Tyres | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) proved a good move. The Xpedium are a surprisingly compliant, grippy tyre, the level 6 with a very comprehensive puncture-repelling belt. I’ve quickly warmed to the Enve Handlebar tape, too. 

Winter might be a time when the best bike(s) go into hibernation but for me at least, it's also a time of quiet, but purposeful review. I found myself toying with switching the fixed’s D-Riser back to the On One Midge- a big, wide, swoopy drop whose buxom charms I first fell in love with back in 2005.  

Those were 25.4mm diameter and a little whippy, compared with the 31.8 and like a lot of lasting loves, it was initially slow burning but ran very deep. I’d sold both sets of Midge during the pandemic on the basis I’d had a glut of bars and was best served recouping money and space. Undoubtedly the right move but I was genuinely tempted by another set of Midge-black of course.  

However, chances are their greater width would necessitate longer cables and similar faff. More so, had I taken Ursula that route. Ruled that out on the basis the Soma Condor 2 hit the all-rounder sweet spot by a country mile. Besides, I’d just replaced the brake lever and cable and for time being at least, l am leaving the Souma leather handlebar tape in situ.

  

I wouldn’t describe myself as someone on the peripheries, or on the margins of society but beyond a certain point, I’ve never felt a compulsion to “fit in”.  Sure, I’m diplomatic and emotionally intelligent in my dealings with people and commercially, am something of a chameleon. Outside of that, I am very particular about my circle of influence, or who consumes my time/energies.  I have learned to be kind, but for want of a more fitting expression, take no shit.  

We must navigate through these and other rabbit holes to recognise who we are, our motivations and values. Some people travel through life never knowing. Others are heard animals, simply going along with whatever is presented before them and without critically evaluating anything. Rebelling against something simply because lots of others are doing it, is equally myopic.  Being in a relationship where there is coercion, control, and generic abuse to feel “normal” is a classic example of this. I contemplate all manner of things while I ride but there are (and always have been) some definite constants.  

  

As mucky, dark, and superficially bleak as winter can feel, the darkness can be very liberating. Once upon a time, some hardened riders advocated “running a cold out on the road”. A practice widely rebuffed as dangerous now, but I have been known to cast my darker thoughts, more malevolent demons throughout a ride and along deserted roads. In my early teens, cycling was my escape, from school, from bullying and anything else I didn’t want to confront head-on. It was also a means of cultivating self-esteem, a sense of clarity, and a fascination with whatever technology would improve the experience.  

  

I’ve long concluded that bullies are cowards. Some who I allowed to bully me subsequently developed heroin addictions rather than confront their own demons. One developed a heroin habit and served a custodial sentence rather than tackle his own sexuality. An illustration of how going against who you fundamentally are serves no purpose. Hard though it is to admit, I chose to marry someone unsuitable and paid an extremely high price, emotionally and financially.  

However, these things also taught me a great deal about myself, honed and about trusting intuition. It’s what we take and employ from these experiences.  She too was a bully and ultimately, I received the spanking some would say I needed. Yes, I have some very tangible regrets, some that hit most mornings as I wake but similarly, I’m not bitter. It's not about seeing the worst, I just read people, their intentions, and situations very carefully.  

People can leave us, and we have only moderate control over this. Marriage's end-either in death, or divorce, we must cultivate the skills and healthy coping mechanisms to navigate these and other of life’s challenges.   I digress... 

  

450 miles along, it was time to check Ursula’s chain, especially since I’ve been running stodgy wet lubes. These tend to attract mud, grit, and indeed light amounts of aluminium oxide from the rings.  

Aluminium oxide is the stuff of grinding discs, so said cocktail’s a recipe for accelerated wear. The Birzman Chain Checker is registering just below 5, so I’m hoping I’ll get through January before I’m reaching for another 106 link KMC.   

I’ve also switched from the SKS Lube Your Chain TESTED: SKS LUBE YOUR CHAIN (sevendaycyclist.com) to some Silca Super-Secret Chain Lube that arrived with the tape and Wolf Tooth Precision Bike Grease. Timely for re-packing hubs and headsets, in particular. Most stiff greases tend to be long-lived these days, but I find six-monthly inspections useful-especially during a very wet winter and if you’ve been venturing off-road.  Time I was dipping my fingers in the pot...