Cube E MTB - Power Tube strip down & Cycle Republic - Gateshead & New bar tape for the Mason

Last Sunday we had a spin up to the Metro Centre / Allison Court. We had to go to Evans Cycles as Jane wanted to try on a new long sleeved jersey but was not sure on the size, more on that in Fresh Goods Sunday in the coming months. She decided on which size and the job was sorted. Must admit it took some getting served as three of the staff were all looking at us and never asked if we needed any help so I just stood and waited to see how long they were going to continue talking to each other. After a minute or so two of them walked away still looking at us and left the third lad messing about with a stand, after another 30 or seconds or so he finally stopped what he was doing and asked what we wanted! Not very good to say the least. On a plus note the stock and selection in back to the way it was years ago when it first opened. The last time I was there you would think they were closing down. From there we went next door and I mean right next door to the new Cycle Republic shop. As soon as we got through the door we were greeted and asked if we wanted any help or just looking. It is the first time I have visited one of their branches as there was none up north. Tbh it is just a fancy Halfords store with a better selection of stock etc. The workshop was big and had loads of Shimano parts / spares. Half way around again we were asked if we wanted any help by another member of staff. What a difference to Evans.

Yesterday I had a nearly 3 hour hike in the sun and wind and was suffering at the end. Today it was supposed to be raining nearly all day so planned in door jobs etc. I have been meaning to have a look at the battery on the Cube e mtb since buying it but never really had the chance. So I washed / dried it then started stripping it down. I cannot really see the point of taking the battery out unless you are storing the bike in a cold place over winter and not using it. It was worth stripping down as I cleaned it all out as there was a small amount of mud / water ingress. I also took all the bolts out which were visible and copper greased them all. The battery is a ton weight! I also checked the front and rear pads and they will need replacing very soon.

 

The Mason's bar tape is starting to look very scruffy so been looking for some bronze coloured tape for a while. I cannot find any to match the colour of the logos on the forks so decided to try this honey brown tapeinstead. Hopefully it will last longer than the crap from eBay the last time. I was going to fit it but could not be bothered in the end.