[ktache]

I think the -ol denotes an

I think the -ol denotes an alcohol the iso- and the -2- are the same thing in that it means the -ol (OH) group is in the second position.

We make the 70% ourselves, using our big bottles, winchesters (2.5l) of (mostly) duty free Absolute Alcohol.  It works as a cleaner, but as a whole we use it to get rid of bacteria.

[ktache]

Changing the inner is never a

Changing the inner is never a bad thing to do and as a first thing to do it can sort out a lot of shifting problems.  Inspect the outer, and especially if it’s short cable runs, changing the outer near the rear derailleur is easy and a thing to do whenever changing the inner.  It’s the place that wears the most, because of the tight turn and the closeness to any filth.

Luckily you tend to get far more outer than you ever need with a cable, so getting an inner on it’s own and using the scraps left over works.  Especially if you add some Middleburn Cable Oilers, which means that very small peices are required, and you lengthen the life of your cables and can easily lubricate them.  Win Win.

Your shifter seems quite recent so it’s probably not the lubrication in the mechanism.  But being someone who likes to use almost vintage parts to keep my early 90s Getting to Work bike going, Shimano grease turns into some claggy nightmare over the long term, even on some New Old Stock items.  An good clean with a degreaser, some dry degreaser and then using an almost pure PTFE product gives everything a lot more use.  I like Finish Lines Pedal and Cleat spray for this.  It’s great for the very long term care for my brake lever pivots too, I have worn far too many of these irriplacable components over the years and getting longer life out of them is important.

[ktache]

Tends to be isopropanol.

Tends to be isopropanol.

It’s quite an effective solvent and not too harsh.

When needing to clean things at work, I have a ladder of solvent, water, 70% Ethanol, 100% Ethanol, Methanol, then Isopropanol and if is still not shifting the tops is Acetone, which is one of the most effective, but harsh and will disolve some plastics, the brittle sort are the most suceptible, clear polystrene being an example, which is the main makeup of stripettes and universals or bijoux.

Though from Methanol up it’s best to use in the fume hood.

I believe that the science would suggest that they are moving up in degree of polarity.

One of the more effective home cleaners, especially to get rid of the sticky from labels is lighter fuel, the non aerosol type used for rilling Zippo type petrol lighters.  Stinks though.

[ktache]

Car tyres don’t seem to be a

Car tyres don’t seem to be a thin or as light as most of our bicycle ones.

Car tyres would seem to be able to resist our weak British thorns too, but for me, when not using my tubeless set up, they can be proper ride ruiners.

[ktache]

Have you tried using the

Have you tried using the reamer that is on your wolf tool extra special quick link pliers?

[ktache]

I’m hoping it’s about

I’m hoping it’s about compulsory motoring helmets, which can of course be big and heavy enough to provide good protection.

I mean, if it saves just one life…

[ktache]

I have noticed that on wet

I have noticed that on wet roads motorists often seem not to have slowed at all.

I always take at least a gear off, not push as hard, especially on corners and am even more careful when approaching junctions.

My cantilever brakes were very affected when water got onto the rims, and then there is a lack of adhesion with the tyre on tarmac, so meaning a faster lock up of the wheel when using disks.

[ktache]

Not just a jogger, off duty

Not just a jogger, off duty PCSO…

[ktache]

Wow, accessed by level

Wow, accessed by level crossing maybe.

A big determination to get away there.

[ktache]

I have used them at work for

I have used them at work for both cleaning and resuspending sticky biologicals, they work great.  One of the workshop blokes used to clean his golf clubs in it.

Good if you have a seperate room for using it, they can easily lead to headaches, the noise annoys.

Bit of an outlay, but it will cut down on the amount of cleaning products you use, get into the difficult to get in areas and reduce some of the elbow work.

[ktache]

Dave, you know it doesn’t

Dave, you know it doesn’t work like that…

I too have come across drivers blocking the road just to have a friendly chat, and taxi drivers blocking a cycle route to do the same.

[ktache]

Lots of water, tea in an

Lots of water, tea in an insulated stainless steel bottle, long ride cold can of coke in a can cozy.

Real food too, homemade brownies and flapjacks, and sandwiches.  Jelly Babies for something to carry around “just in case”.  Bananas in BananaGuards.

[ktache]

Both stationary and fast

Both stationary and fast enough to be termed “runaway” and to smash a window?

[ktache]

Not enough Hi Viz or warnings

Not enough Hi Viz or warnings?

Looks to have been a few hits on this one…

[ktache]

I use the one given to me

I use the one given to me free by Waitrose to collect the mud and general filth from the bike and my fettleing.

I sometimes catch myself reaing a bit, just because it’s there, and I have to stop myself…

[Author]

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