Fresh Goodies - Sram X-Sync 107 BCD Chainring, Sram XX1 Eagle Chain, Joes No Flats Presta valve cores & Romneys Kendal Mint Cake

 

The other week when I gave all my bikes a good clean and once over I checked the KMC chain on my Creo 2 gravel bike and it was off the scale for stretch. I have KMC on quite a few bikes and they have lasted well but this time it has not. So I have opted to go back to a Sram chain but a better model - XX1 Eagle. I went for the gold option in 126 link 12 speed. RRP £89.00 and I paid £62.50 inc 48he p&p from Merlin Cycles. 

Then I thought if I am changing my chain why not change my front chainring at the same time. I never use the bottom end of the cassette and if you know County Durham is rather hilly to say the least. I checked what was the smallest tooth chainring you can fit to a Creo 2 and it was 42t. The chainring from factory is 44t so not much difference but a little. I looked at Wolf Tooth chainrings but could not find one to fit in a sale. The Sram original one in Blast Black colour was discounted from a staggering rrp £100.00 down to £73.19 inc 48hr p&p from Winstanley Bikes. Even at that price I cannot see where the money is. 

Next up is some replacement tubleless presta valve core replacements. For some reason I either loose them when taking them out to top up the sealant or they clog up. I bought these Joes No Flats ones from Inspiral Cycles at Bishop Auckland RRP 99p each.  

And whilst I was at Bishop Auckland I also nipped into the Army shop for some more Kendal Mint Cake bars 65p each. 

As ever folks I will do a Fresh Goods Sundays on the items once fitted and get a few miles on them. 

I ride over to Seaburn in very mixed weather conditions

 

The rain on Saturday was unreal, I could not even get the dog out for walk, don't blame her! Yesterday was alot better and had a look through to the Farmers Market at West Auckland. Had a lovely sunny but cold walk after teatime. 

Back out again this morning on the bike after some very heavy early morning rain. I set off in the sun, then it clouded over, it was freezing cold and by the time I hit the coast at Seaburn I was riding into a 25+ mph headwind and drizzle. The waves were breaking over the pier and path walls. I had four tops layers on and was just about keeping the cold off me. By time I reached the top Seaburn that was enough and I turned and headed back. Then it started raining again then it stopped. What a ride in all weathers. The tracks n trails were wet and muddy with plenty of puddles. I had to take it steady as I had my slick'ish gravel tyres on, lost the front and back end a couple of times in silty patches. All in just over 20 miles in 1hr 38mins with 950ft of climbing. enjoy the snaps below from the ride and hopefully more soon- 

Fresh Goods Sunday - Assos MILLE GT Wind Vest C2 (Black Series TIR)

 

I have worn gilet's for many years now during my cycling life. I have a selection of quite a few different ones from Scott, Attacus, Gore & Assos. A section of wind/showerproof, thicker and warmer, thin and wind proof on the front, no pockets and one with pockets. I tend to wear them on most rides apart from when I have my full winter shell jacket or rain jacket on. 

I was after a replacement one for my old Attacus model which was very good for late spring / early autumn rides. I wanted it to be light weight, easy packable and windproof on the front. I found this Assos model in the sale and bit the bullet. It has been on and off my back from late summer / Autumn last year and back on again in the last couple of months. As ever with Assos I cannot fault the quality and does exactly what it is supposed to do. The fit is perfect and does not make a noise in the wind. It packs down small and fits easily in a back pocket on a jersey. The zip pull is big enough to grab with thin gloves on. It washes well and dries in no time at all. As ever shop around as the sale prices has dropped to £75 since I bought mine. I could not say it is worth full rrp. 

RRP £100 and I paid £85 from My Triathlon inc 24hr p&p 

Manufacturers blurb - 

An ultra-packable windproof vest developed for moderate protection and minimal bulk, updated with a rustle-free fit, increased breathability, and lighter materials.

We improved our endurance gilet’s fit with a less rigid wind-blocking front panel and a highly elastic mesh rear panel, allowing the vest to wrap the body for a rustle-free fit while also increasing cooling airflow. Updated armhole elastic reduces restriction and ensures no overlap with the MILLE GT C2 Jersey’s seams, increasing comfort and freedom of movement while eliminating friction between layers. The ultralight, ultra-packable design stows in a pocket when not needed, and the new mesh back panel reduces weight to just 75g (size medium).