more spanners and the bike winterised

Tue, Dec 23, 2008

I seem to have a cheapo crappy freehub on the Specialized as the 10mm hex wrench does nothing. There’s no bolt inside. Looks like it’s a cheapo and the pitted races mean a new hub will be required but in the meantime I’ve got it to an acceptable state and ready for recommencing the winter commute. But not before I realised I’d lost my small adjustable spanner. Really nice it was too. So another 30 mile round trip to Kyle was required and thankfully the Western Supplies tool truck was still at the Co-op only today it was rather windier than yesterday’s foray for The Monster. There were a few customers in the narrow back of the truck and the wind was buffeting it from side to side, the tools hanging from the walls clanging and banging and the folk stumbling around and holding on to the sides to steady themselves. Such are the perils of shopping on the edge of Europe. Should have called it Pugwash Parts! “aaar, I’ll ‘ave this ’ere then, Jimbo” I almost said as I handed over a couple of doubloons for a couple of adjustable spanners. A toty-wee one to carry on the bike and a heftier one for shed use. “Doubloons? We only accept pieces of eight, mate” squawked the parrot. OK, I’m havering now! I walked the plank out of the back of the truck onto Terra Less-Shoogly and made off with me booty, aaarrr.

Once the cones were tightened, cogs back on, wheel sorted, I got on the with real business of the day. Putting the winter lights back on the bike. 6W and 12W Lumicycle on the front. The 6W lasts all week between charges while I only use the 12W on descents and to remind oncoming traffic that they haven’t dipped. I’ve also got a flasher up front, for when it’s not quite dark enough for the big ones. Rear is the superb Cat Eye. The commute back is 18 miles across some pretty exposed and remote roads so good lights are a must, as is good gear. My favourite gear is Cat Eye for lights/computer and Gore Bike Wear. Altura come a close second for value for money but the jacket I have just doesn’t cut it in winter. A head wind full of rain easily penetrates the unprotected zip. When it’s sunny I like to wear Foska gear.

So in the depths of winter I’ll be clad head to toe in goretex, quite literally. Goretex winter weight bibs, goretex overboots, goretext jacket and goretex gloves. I’ve commuted in snow up to the hubs when the roads were free of cars, just the odd 4x4. Here’s to winter cycling!