A tootle around my local tracks n trails in warm sun, enjoying life

 

Back out again after the early morning rain. The sun was shinning but still very windy for a local fun ride. I just fancied a very steady away ride from the door around the local area of Durham, Maiden Castle, Crossgate Moor etc taking loads of different types of terrain. It was a lot warmer the last good few rides with the Garmin topping out at 15 degrees and that was with the wind chill factor. I took the S-Works Creo 2 as it was charged and already dirty from the last ride. There quite a few others out n about especially around Durham city centre enjoying the good weather. All in 17.5miles in 1hr 37min with 1100ft of climbing. Below are a few sunny photos of the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon - 

Fresh Goods Sunday - Ritchey WCS XC SPD Pedals

 

If you have followed my blog over the many years you will know that I have always used Ritchey SPD pedals on all of my mtb's and gravel bikes for well over 30 years. There are a few reasons and that is because they work, good value for money, light and never go wrong. The WCS model has not changed design for many years now and have them on a few bikes. The end cap to the axle is removable with an 6mm allen key, this is best part for me regarding servicing. I have never had a pair fully apart and stripped down ever. I just remove the end cap, get some Park Tool grease and push some in with my finger into the end of the axle and the backside of the cap. Screw the cap back in and it pushes the old grease out at the other end where the seal is. Keep doing this until fresh grease starts coming through. Most times it is twice but I do them approx every six months. The only other thing is to tighten the cleat retention adjustment screws when your spd cleats become worn and need some more release tension. The bare alu platform wears after a while but it does not affect anything in my eyes. 

For comparison XTR is rrp £160 but shop around and get them for around £110 to £125 and they weigh 315g+. The end cap is none removable so have to pull the axle etc to service them. 

Wolf ALT xc spd pedals are £205 and weigh 295g with removable end cap. 

All of these pedals you can run normal spd cleats. I have not mentioned Hope’s xc pedal as they use thier own cleat design. 

This is my second pair which are 3 years and 3 months old. My first pair of the same model is nearly five years old now and showing signs of wear and tear but the axles/bearings are just as smooth as the day they come out of the box. 

RRP £127.99 and I paid £103.16 imc 24hr delivery from Swinnerton Cycles. Discount 17% 

Manufacturers Blurb - 

Having powered Nino Schurter to multiple World Championships, World Cup titles and Olympic medals (including gold), the Ritchey WCS XC pedals have proven to be one of the most successful pedals ever made.

The confident engagement system of the WCS XC pedals feature a fixed front claw that provides best-in-class entry and release and excellent mud-shedding characteristics. The axle system offers outstanding bearing life while achieving a low axle-cleat height, and a wide pedal body improves stability. The bushing, needle and cartridge bearing system promises long service life and excellent protection from the elements – and it’s completely serviceable.

Now available in black, the Ritchey WCS XC pedals draw on Ritchey’s rich mountain bike heritage to deliver performance fit for a champion and for all of your mountain bike adventures. As an added bonus, these remarkable pedals are now available at a very attractive price.

Bodyforged alloy

Axle MaterialCroMo

Inner Bearingbushing

Middle Bearingneedle

Outer Bearingsealed cartridge

Float4°

Distance crank-to-center53mm

Pedal stack height15.50mm

Weight298g

Colorblack

Sold as a pair

Cleats included

Compatible with Shimano SPD® cleats

A cold and windy spin up the old railway lines to Hawkburn Head Carpark n back

 

Back out again on Sunday morning for an early spin from Langley Park up to Consett on the old railway line. At the crossroads I turned left and over Hownsgill viaduct to Hawksburn Head car park on the Waskerley Way (C2C). Sunrise lasted for about 10 seconds but once I was near Consett the sun did come back out for about a minute and that was last I seen of it until I got back home. The strong winds have died down but I did have a 20mph headwind on the last few sections of the open moorland heading towards Parkhead. It was lovely and quiet going out but busier around Lanchester on the way back in. The return leg coming back down from the moors with the tailwind was very fast going. The new Pathfinder tyres were performing well again but took it steady on the damp sections and loose corners. 

All in just under 31.50 miles in 2hrs 13mins with 130ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon inc a Fresh Goods Sunday Blog at 4pm. 

Nosey buggers coming over to see me 

This one let me stroke its head, the rest were more cautious