An out n back ride on the Waskerley Way - C2C. Creo 1 gravel bike

 

Well we still have the heat, not as warm and the sun came back out again today along with the wind. It was a simple out n back route from Greencroft on the old C2C up the Waskerley for 10 miles then turned and headed back down again. Durham County Council have started scraping off the edges to widen the track back to its original width when they re topped it many moons ago. The plan was to resurface it with tarmac but its looks like they are not going to do that as the surface is in too good a condition! thank the lords for that. I had a head wind for most of the way up but that meant a tailwind on the way back down! I have finally managed to give my Creo 1 gravel bike a test ride after spending time re adjusting the rear gears and they are finally working near perfect. That has saved me buying a new shifter and or rear mech. Not sure whether to fit the new chain, cassette and chainring now or just run it into ground as they say and replace at that point. There was quite a few others out n about so it was very stop / start ride, not too worry at least I got a ride in. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon- 

All degreased, oiled and adjusted and now indexing perfectly

Fresh Goods Sunday - Thule Chasm 40L Duffel Bag - Black

 

I was after a new duffel / holdall bag for a while now as my very old Trek bag has seen better days to say the least. From memory I bought it from Heron Cycles in Durham and that does go back a good few years ago. 

I found this one on an email flyer from Teams Cyles at Gateshead. I knew Thule used to do some storage bags for the car etc as we bought one many moons ago but never really looked at Thule products again since owning vans where we dont need roof racks etc. 

Well they make loads of different bags and this Chasm range comes in 4 different sizes and loads of different colours. I opted for the smallest of the four - 40l as its just to carry one set of cycling kit ie jersey, baselayer, shorts, shoes, helmet, gloves, socks, rain jacket etc or if I go out in my cycling kit a change into normal clothes and a pair of shoes / trainers. 

If you have ever owned or used Tule products this bag will not disappoint you. The quality and construction of the bag is top notch as with all there other products I have bought over the many years. It has one main large compartment with a double zip which goes around three sides. A fold open top which has one smaller zipped pocket and one larger zipped pocket. The bag goes with its own bag to carry it when empty / folded up, which I will probably never use. It also comes with detachable back pack straps which again I will probably never use. On the outside it has one end zipped pocket which you can access without opening the main compartment. The carry straps have a hand hold which has two press studs to keep the straps together. I have used it several times each week and cannot fault the bag. It does not feel that heavy when empty and hopefully will last as long as my old Trek bag or other Thule products. Shop around as there are some big discounts (around £85 exc p&p) on the massively high rrp. 

RRP £119.99 and I paid £94.73 from Team Cycles inc next day delivery 

Manufacturers blurb - 

A rugged and reliable duffel bag

Easy to pack and go

These duffels can be converted into a backpack with shoulder straps that tuck away when not in use. The wide mouth opening makes it easy to pack all your gear, and the internal mesh pockets help keep you organised.

Durable construction, recycled materials

Built to perform, this backpack is constructed from a durable 900D fabric with a PFC-free durable water-repellent finish to withstand the wear and tear of your adventures and protect your gear from the elements. All the exterior and interior fabrics, webbings and mesh are made with 100% recycled materials.

All the exterior and interior fabrics, webbings and mesh are made of 100% recycled materials

Easy access to gear through the oversized, wide-mouth opening

2-in-1 design easily converts from a duffel to a backpack (backpack straps tuck away when not in use)

Protect contents from the elements with the durable, weather-resistant tarpaulin fabric

Keep small contents organized and easy to locate with the internal mesh pockets

Prevent belongings from falling to the bottom of the bag in backpack mode thanks to external compression straps

Included carry case provides convenient storage and can be used as an accessory pouch inside the bag

Protect belongings from the ground thanks to the padded bottom

Quickly access small go-to items in the large zipped mesh pocket

Easily lift in and out of a boot or a rooftop box with oversized grab handles

Deter theft with lockable zip pulls (locks sold separately)

Dimensions

56 x 32 x 25.5 cm

Weight

1.4 kg

Volume

40 L

Colour

Black

Material

100% recycled 900D polyester, Phthalate-free laminate

Model name

TDSD302

Model number

3204989

Collection

Thule Chasm Collection

A very warm short ride through to Sunderland Bridge / Hett / Spennymoor - Specialized Creo 1 update - gear problems.

 

Well what a week of fantastic weather with some heat, sun, wind, a few rain showers but hey. I had planned on taking my Creo 1 gravel out for a spin as I have been spending sometime adjusting the rear mech as the gears were just not indexing properly on the cassette. I have had a few quick goes before adjusting the cable tension but it was never a 100%. After a few more rides this week it was still not right so washed the bike and degreased the drivetrain, sat down and had another go. This time I re adjusted both the top and bottom limit screws even though the bike was going in top and bottom, I re adjusted the cable tension and it seems to be changing a lot smoother now. I had gone to Infinity cycles for a new rear mech hanger but they gave me a replacement for my Creo 2 not the Creo 1, different hanger! Oh and I had to fit a new Panaracer GravelKing tyre to the front wheel as the bead blew out and luckily it was not out on the trails. 

I had looked at changing the rear mech and shifter but that was last resort. I have a new chain, front chainring and cassette in my spare stock ready to go on as well. I am also going to change back the handlebars to the same model but without the flare when I change the bar tape as its too much of a chew on removing and refitting the tape. The new USE Carbo Duo seatpost is also spot on. 

Anyway after all the work I had done days ago on the bike I forgot to give it a re charge and my range extender battery was in my van which Jane had at work so decided to take the Creo 2 out and put the Creo 1 on charge. 

The sun was in and out but is was very warm but the stiff breeze kept me cooler on the ride. The roads were quiet and so was the old railway lines. They are still bone dry and dusty even with the couple of heavy rain showers we have had. Not sure if it was me or the bike or the headwind but felt like I was going backwards for most of the ride! All in just over 14 miles in 1hr 5mins with nearly 800ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon- 

New parts waiting to go onto the Creo 1 or have been fitted.