Nah, not taken it apart. Thanks for the offer though. This is a new R7000 derailleur, installed in May. Maybe 6000 miles on it.
I always find it really hard to eyeball derailleur alignment.
Weird behaviour, it's not something silly like the chain you've bought is direction specific or something weird is it? What's the chain?
Without having the plates off then it really can't be that, so does point to towards alignment. It is really really hard to do by eye, you need to 'extend' the hangers surface to judge it (like the tools which screw in). LBS is probably your best bet, although the tools are cheap(ish) it's generally not something you need very often. I've never bothered to buy one. I've bashed RD's several times (my worst fall at speed the bike fell & slid RD side down) but never needed to realign a hanger. But hangers being so different across different brands that means very little... I've just been lucky with tough hangers! I think
@SoliD breaks them for enjoyment!
Given my posh new Northwave winter boots have gone back to the shop (they broke before I even got on my bike), my choice is now between different overshoes...
- Spatz Pro 2
- Castelli Estremo
Anybody have any experience with the Estremos as they might be less sweaty?
What broke on your Northwaves? Was it the boa? I'm sure someone else I was speaking to recently had a problem with a boa on a recent/new Northwave. Mine are the earlier ones without a boaz, just have the pullcord type laces. Possibly for the best!
The Estremo will be more like a traditional overshoe, although they're not Neoprene. I did look at them a month or two ago and decided to go the Spatz route. I previously had a pair of
Tempesta overshoes and although they feature different fabrics, I would say they're probably similar as not neoprene. I found them quite a 'light' overshoe compared to the usual Neoprene types, the materials used are good at blocking cold winds and water, but then I found them quite 'boil in the bag' so would have the feeling of moist feet. Also being quite thin they don't insulate anywhere near as much as neoprene. On damp club rides I'd have feeling of damp socks afterwards without any real water, but also experience cold feet as although good at blocking wind, they still seemed to lose heat in any chill. I don't generally suffer with hot/cold/sweaty feet but found they gave me them in cold weather. I think I've generally concluded I prefer neoprene. Certainly for an 'everyday' overshoe - I tend to live in overshoes from October->March.
Same with the Tempesta leg warmers... They're not 'warm' in the slightest, certainly not in rain, but good at blocking moisture... But that means a tight fit (as the lower fabric doesn't stretch) that my legs get 'wet' on the inside anyway. Regardless of any rain...
I've bought some Spatz Roadman 2 now, although a size 42 shoe I went the M/L size (43+) and I'm glad I did as they fit my legs/calves perfectly and are not 'baggy' in the slightest on my shoes. I think the S/M would've certainly been too tight for my legs, but also meant quite a stretch over my shoes so would've worn easier/higher risk of tearing. The neoprene used is a little thinner than usual overshoes, stretches more and feels quite a bit more rubbery, than fabric coated like other overshoe material. I've worn them 3 times, only once riding and not in any rain yet. I like them but think in efforts during milder weather my calfs will sweat quite a bit. Have yet to see how they deal with that, obviously if that's during rain then it's ok - still expect to feel moist to some extent (just not wet), but in dry/ more humid weather think they will not be very good (but that's not what they're designed for!). The Pro 2 are probably slightly thinner than the Roadman 2 so might not 'overheat' as such, but probably feel cooler. Good for training in the rain, less so for easy riding in the dry.
I'm still going to retain usual neoprene overshoes for cold weather and commuting, the Spatz will be used for wet club runs. I don't tend to do long wet autumn/spring training rides (preferring to ride on Zwift), but they would be well suited to them too.
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