YoYo temperatures on today local gravel loop in County Durham

 

I didn't think I would get out today but I was back home way early than I thought I would from my hospital appointment at Sunderland. 

A quick change into my biking kit and I was off out for a local loop taking in two of County Durham's old railway lines and a linking road section from Crook to Willington. The sun was in and out for the whole ride. The temperature was up and down like a yoyo. One minute it was 22 degrees then it dropped to 14 degrees. The wind was back out again but not as strong as yesterday. The verges and bushes/overhanging trees on the lines are massively overgrown but the lines are starting to dry back out again. Below are a few snaps from the 22.5 mile loop, 1hr 42mins with 1450ft of climbing. Enjoy and hopefully more soon- 

Fresh Goods Sunday - Sram XX1 Eagle Chain 12 Speed Gold 126 Link

 

A good few weeks ago when I decided to clean, dry, lube, charge up all my bikes and give them a once over I checked the chain wear on my Creo 2 gravel bike and the ParkTool was off the scale. It was time for a new chain, I have been using KMC chains on most of my bikes now and have been performing well and lasting a good few miles. The KMC chain is about two years old and not done mega miles so was quite disappointed that it did not last longer. So I opted to go back to a Sram chain this time, it had to be Eagle version and 12 speed compatible. I opted for the top of range one (XX1) in gold to see it will last a while longer. The finish on the chain looks spot on and comes with a Power Lock connecting link. I removed the old chain and adjusted the length of the new one and fitted it onto the bike with the new Power Lock connector. I have done a few rides with the new chain and cannot say I have noticed any difference going back to a Sram chain. As ever time will tell with a chain. The full rrp is just eye watering so shop around as ever for some discount. 

RRP £89.00 and I paid £62.50 from Merlin Cycles inc 48hr p&p. 30% Discount. 

Manufacturers Blurb - 

Description

It might look normal from the outside, but the engineering inside this incredible chain design that makes possible a gear range previously found only in 2-chainring drivetrains. And it's also the biggest contributor to the Eagle drivetrain's ultra-smooth, precise, durable and quiet performance. The Eagle chain's links have a smooth radius, with no sharp edges or chamfers, which yield a significant reduction in noise, friction and wear on chainrings and cassette cogs. This design also allows for a flatter plate, which means more consistent chain riveting and greater overall strength.

Features

• Groundbreaking chain design and technology
• The Eagle chain has been completely re-engineered, and is produced with new manufacturing technology.
• Eagle Power Lock chain connector with FLOWLINK technology provides better chain-guiding and increased longevity
• The Eagle chain is the quietest, strongest and most wear-resistant chain in the world
• Unique features and design also provide significantly improved wear resistance on Eagle cassettes and rings

Compat - Speed (CN)	12
Chain length (links)	126 links
Color - Outer link	Black, Gold
Color - Inner link	Black, Gold
Chain connector	PowerLock
Inner link finish	Chrome plated +PVD
Outer link finish	Nickel+PVD
Pin variant	Hollow Pin
Chain Technology	Eagle
E-Bike Approved	Yes
Weight (g)	239
Weight Based On	114 links

A brutal second bedding in ride on the S-Works Creo 2 trying to get to Parkhead

 

Friday was catch up day with jobs around the house and yesterday was a family day out down to Stokesley, Great Ayton & Guisborough including Angus's dogo. 

Today though was bike day! The forecast was not looking to good and after another nights poor sleep I was not really in the mood but I said I wanted to get a longer second bedding in ride on the new bike. I set off from Broompark picnic area and headed for the crossroads at Consett. It started off with some sunshine and not too cold then it cloudy over and the temperature dropped. By the time I got to Consett I had a massive headwind and it was cold, 9 degrees. I turned left and over Hownsgill viaduct and up the Waskerely Way towards Parkhead. The forecast was for 35+mph wind and by god it felt like it. It was starting to spit rain and once I reached the carpark I turned off and joined onto the road. The bike is bedding in well I can notice a difference with the narrower tyres and lightweight wheels. The gear changes are faster and cleaner than my Apex axs shifters on my other Creo 2. Below is a map of the route along with a short video clip. I never seen a sole on higher ground. Once I dropped back down to Lanchester there was alot less wind and it warmed back up again. All in 40.5 miles in 2hrs 52mins with 1750ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon but not tomorrow as I am back to Sunderland for a hospital appointment.