Fresh Goods Sunday - Assos TACTICA Socks T5 (Black Series & Foundation Green I)

 

If you have followed my blog over the numerous years you will know that I have mainly moved over to Assos cycle clothing now and have have replaced most of my older items with Assos items. This also includes my socks. I normally do not wear high socks through the summer but this year I have opted for a higher sock for my off road riding. I got a pair of these TACTICA socks for my Christmas from Jane and liked the look of them so when they were in the sale at Westbrook Cycles I bought another pair in plain black. Looking at them I thought they were like a thicker summer sock but after wearing them they are defo a thinner summer weight sock. They come in loads of different colours and three different sizes. They was and dry very quickly. They are comfortable in use and don't slip down my calf's. The only downside is grass etc seems to stick and easily gets trapped in the ribbed material on the upper calf sections. As ever with Assos the RRP is just eye watering and they are never worth £19 in a million years, but as ever shop around and you will find them reduced. 

RRP £19 and I paid £10.92 from Westbrook Cycles inc 24hr p&p and £19 from BikeTreks for the green ones. 

Manufacturers Blurb - 

A breathable, protective off-road cycling sock, engineered for abrasion resistance in exposed areas with increased cooling across the foot.

Combining cooling comfort with abrasion resistance and light impact protection, the TACTICA Socks T5 provide a barrier against trail obstacles with an ultra breathable design equal to XC and gravel racing in hot summer conditions.

The robust Shield Tec 3D textile wraps your shin and ankle while a lighter, more breathable mesh boosts cooling airflow on the foot.

I am back and out on the bike taking in some cool riding

 

Yes I am back after a 20 day break from the bike. I had a few days off before we went away for a four day break over in the Lakes. First time we have been away this year since being referred to Sunderland and South Tyneside District NHS Trust at the beginning of February. After a few days of being back home and getting caught up with a few jobs I was back in A&E at Sunderland Royal for tests. Less than two days later I had to go back to Sunderland for more blood tests. Then I was told I was not going home as I needed emergency surgery involving four procedures. Well I am back home now and the pain etc is being managed by tablets. Hopefully got the all clear for my next surgery in September. 

Anyway enough of that crap I decided to sling my leg over the saddle this morning after taking a few tablets to see how it would go. It was very steady away and much cooler temperatures after our 5 day heat wave. There was heavy overnight thundery rain so the old railway lines were mainly damp. It was a ride of two halves, first half was on the old railway lines then the second half was on tarmac country lanes. 

All in 23.50miles in 1hr 42mins with 1400ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps, enjoy and hopefully more soon- 

Fresh Goods Sunday - Sram X-Sync 107 BCD (Sram) Road Chainring 42t Blast Black

 

Following from last weeks Fresh Goods Sunday on the new Sram XX1 chain on my first Creo 2 this is Part 2. I checked the specification on the Creo 2 for the smallest front chainring size spec you can fit and it was a 42t. The standard ring from the factory is a 44t. I never use the bottom end of the rear cassette so thought I would drop the front chainring size to make it slightly easier on the hills, not that I was really struggling for gears. I decided to keep exactly the same manufacturer / model of chainring as fitted from new. Wolf Tooth make one but the prices on the internet were more expensive than what I could by a Sram one for. The model of chainring is X-Sync and has a 107mm SRAM BCD. It comes in two colours black or grey. The quality looks spot on and seem to last well. There was very little wear signs on the 44t I took off. As for the rrp it is just unreal, how can they justify £100 for a lump of machined alu, crazy. As ever shop around and see what bargains there is out there. I looked for months for a second hand one on ebay etc but there was never a 42t come up. 

Fitting is simple enough, loose off the torque head chainring bolts from the rear of the chainset and remove over the spidur / arm. You them loosen the bolt on the chain guide and drop down one notch and retighten the bolt. You do not have to remove the crank arm etc to remove the chainring. Fitting the new chainring is the reverse of removal. Once fitted and after a few good rides I can say I cannot notice any difference in the bike / gearing. 

RRP £100.00 and I paid £73.19 from Winstanley Bikes inc 48hr P&P. 27% discount. 

Manufactrers Blurb - 

SRAM X-Sync 1X chain rings provide the highest level of performance and durability. The SRAM X-Sync tall square teeth edges engage the chain earlier than traditional triangle shaped teeth. The sharp and narrow tooth profile, as well as rounded chamfer edges, help manage a deflected chain. To provide the best possible performance in muddy conditions, the X-Sync chain rings have been designed with mud-clearing recesses for the inner chain links and rollers. Engineered in Germany, X-Sync rings are an integral part of the SRAM 1X drivetrain.

Features

• SRAM X-Sync wide-tooth, narrow-tooth chainring technology provides maximum chain control
• Laser-etched chainring finish is more durable
• X-Range gearing technology gives you more range and a smoother gear progression, so you're always in the right gear
• Can be installed with a single tool, making gearing changes a breeze

Specifications

• Bolt Circle Diameter: 107 BCD
• Speeds: 12
• Material: Aluminum