Road Path to Enlightenment

Stripped

2012-01-25T02:37:00.000-08:00

In between prolonged typing to an eclectic blend of Ska, Progressive rock and indeed radio4, I’ve been out sampling some lovely kit and the wonders of an unseasonably mild January. A gentle tinkling became steadily more audible, demanding a quick twenty-minute tweak of the Univega’s indexing-a not unfamiliar chore for triple set ups run year round. Budget squeezes are the default rationale’ for everything at the moment but the pothole infestation is running rampant locally- a moot point on the Univega with it’s buxom 1.75inch trail inspired Vittoria but super skinny road rubber calls for cat-like reflexes. Speaking of which, the Ilpompino’s front-end transplant might be on the backburner but I’m toying with the idea of a tyre swap-something 700x35 for super compliant passage over these inclement road surfaces and whipping the rear wheel round to take advantage of a more becoming, mid seventies gear ratio for those long, steady climbs that serve as an eloquent metaphor for life. Besides, I’ve long held an interest in massage/reflexology and look to invest in this particular discipline, although since I don’t come from a sports science or beauty therapy background, finding suitable foundation level courses is proving particularly elusive. I’ve sought out some background teaching materials for my own curiosity but need another stimulating vocation, supportive to my mainstay professions of word-smithery and lensmanship running in parallel.

Rain and slurry call for fenders and waterproofs/luggage and in this age of parental over-protectiveness, I was heartened to see a father and children commuting back from school on their bikes bedecked with fenders, racks and waterproof TPU panniers. Sadly I can’t bring you the images since photographing children outside of strictly regulated settings is deeply taboo. As both parent and image-maker, I have mixed feelings about this and understand the competing arguments.

On the one hand generic legislation has freed many, many children from highly exploitative and harmful situations but the McCarthy-esque “Perverts behind every viewfinder” is borderline ridiculous. Some of the best documentary photography capturing life and times- the morays, mood and living standards of any given era have frequently captured children playing candidly in the street. Contrast that with my own detention by Police Community Support Officers who interrogated me as to my intentions-why I was taking photographs of my own son in-spite of him smiling, waving and clearly referring to me as “Dad”.

Sure, you’d be insane to point a camera anywhere near a school without express, written consent and there have been some deeply distressing high profile cases of “photographers” using the profession to lure and groom vulnerable people but unfortunately, sections of society are ruthlessly exploiting or endangering their children through regular exposure to pornography and inappropriate adults within their kin/friendship circles. Such behaviours are all too often “normalised” within families, leading to generations of very damaged/damaging adults. Richard Ballantine’s brilliant Piccolo Bicycle Book (Sadly long out of print) had a beautifully balanced chapter steering children to recognise there are good people, bad and really bad people-to be vigilant but not paranoid. Children in particular need a gradual exposure to controlled risk in order to grow as rounded capable adults who recognise potentially dangerous people and situations; side-stepping them accordingly.
Calling in at the spray-shop, another classy looking Cro-moly mountain bike frame caught my attention. Devoid of decals, I scoured the frame ends for clues as to its identity but to no avail. This was in for a wet spray, two-pac finish since removing the cross threaded Royce titanium bottom bracket would’ve meant re-cutting the bottom bracket shell (from British to the relatively rare Italian-a common fix but make sure you buy a few bottom brackets there and then since replacements are relatively tricky to find). The alternative (assuming it had been a UN52/72 square taper pattern) is to install a pressure-fit model specifically designed for worn/stripped or otherwise damaged shells. On the subject of wet and dry stuff, the squirt chain wax has held up well to everyday riding, typically returning 180miles from each application and aside from some congealed lumps nestling between the Univega’s cassette cluster; it has the good grace to drop off once contaminated with seasonal grime.

Stuff ‘em in your Sack

2012-01-02T16:19:00.000-08:00

The arrival of these understated Louis Garneau Lathi gloves prompted me to reflect on the contrasting approaches of two riders when it came to condition specific illumination. I’m not calling for legislation compelling us to don day-glow and engage lights during daylight hours since this serves to perpetuate perceptions that cycling and the great outdoors are hazardous by default. Compelling motorcyclists in Scandinavian countries to do just this had a very short-lived effect before they once again became "invisible" to swathes of much larger traffic. Proponents of these and similarly ridiculous measures are myopic to the fact most cyclists are also car owners/drivers, sometimes motorcyclists and truckers too!
The rider pictured blazing a trail through the 4pm December murk couldn’t be more conspicuous (In fact, temptation urged me to draw alongside and ask what systems he was using but didn’t, since in his cleats I’d construe such behaviour as driver harassment). Driving back from assorted quick stop-offs during the sleepy corridor that leads us to the New Year; I was horrified to encounter an arguably more seasoned Cannondale rider with literally zero illumination. Any of us can (and probably have) been caught out by a snagged dynamo wire, expiring lead-acid battery or similar act of god but to find him bereft of even the thinnest slither of Scotchlite, let alone contingency blinkies at half-past dusk stops short of reckless. Most micro LEDs are visible from around two hundred and fifty yards, often more but driving at 40mph in 60mph zone and with unhampered vision, I only noticed him at forty yards. What if my approach had been more cavalier or my reactions/senses hampered in some way?

Cyclists and similarly “minority” traffic take disproportionate “stick” from various lobby groups as it is and the majority of us keep our houses very much in order but these incidents are precisely what gives credence to buck passing us n’ them pressure groups’ cries for greater anti cyclist legislation. Unfortunately too many careless, uninsured and sometimes unlicensed/inebriated vehicle operatives walk away from court with a few casual nods of remorse to the judge. The mighty little blinky cost next to nothing, doesn’t detract from the sleekest steed and may be the difference between a warm soak in the tub with the rides’ highs lows swooping through your consciousness or a cold, clinical mortuary slab. Stuff ‘em in your sack.

Happy New Year!

Fifteen Days Later...

2011-12-27T02:18:00.000-08:00

The past ten days could've been plucked straight from a George A Romero zombie flick as endless precession of automatic SUVs converged on out of town supermarkets, stocking up for the seasonal famine. Reasoning retail giants were closing indefinitely, armies of the undead lined the aisles, oft sporting iPods and shunting wire baskets along the floor with the Instep of their UGG boots. Flailing arms scattered goods from the shelves to monotonous, piped seasonal in-store music as generations of these poor creatures converged upon the checkouts . Undeterred, I nimbly dodged the malaise, snatching vital supplies of instant coffee to stimulate body and soul. Three precious jars scanned at the automatic teller, I shovelled coins into the slot before fleeing through the automatic doors.

Having made good my escape in the little Ka, this Alpinestars Cro-Mega complete with elevated chainstays and curved seat-tube awaited me at Maldon Shotblasting & Powder Coating. An interesting concept now consigned to the archives, it was thought to overcome the ruinous spectres of chain-slap/suck while a curved seat-tube shortened the wheelbase for gazelle-like climbing prowess.

Underneath its weary lick-and-a-promise grey enamel, the Tange tubeset was remarkably well preserved. A small dent in the top-tube was filled using a combination of weld and Thermabond3 to ensure a really flattering effect but obviously demanded a second trip through the blast cabinet to remove any subsequent imperrfections capable of tainting the fetching orange top coat. Its straight blade Cro-Moly forks were finished in satin black for a classy, timeless contrast. I recall lusting after these and similar concepts of this era while a callow A-level student but as with the Kirk magnesium framesets, wouldn’t pay anything approaching classic or collector prices now. The song remains the same when it comes to several other marques. I’d like a Barry Hoban road frameset from the mid to late 1980s. For the uninitiated Hoban was a Welsh star from the 1960s who later married Tom Simpson’s widow and launched a series of frames bearing his name. To my knowledge these were built from 531Cs tubing at the Falcon factory, who by then had assimilated many top brands including Coventry Eagle, Holdsworth and Claud Butler. British Eagle’s Touristique-a rival to Dawes’ seminal mile munching Galaxy from the same era would be another welcome addition to my fleet. Sadly, the brand is now little more than a decal on sub £100 gas-pipe rubbish.

I managed a decent twenty-five mile daily circuit up until December 25th when contamination struck…Not the retail plague but a severe case of sabre tooth man-flu while tweaking the Univega’s cockpit! The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice the rather striking (and frankly fantastic) two-tone Lizard Skins DSP wrap has been replaced in favour of this Arundel Gecko grip.With a super sticky polymer base and EVA foam backing, this works to the same principle but lacked the DSP's outright refinement, making achieving those graceful, flowing overlaps that little bit more time consuming (forty-five minutes) but the final effect was worth the wait… Time will tell as to their performance, not least since I’ve been refraining from further outings until this particularly serious lurgi has been banished with a regime of red bush tea. The gecko is also available in blue, red, white and yellow if black offends your sensibilities. Knog is something of a not-so guilty secret of mine. From a personal and design perspective, I really love the brand and am sufficiently assured of my own masculinity to parade my fuchsia test samples pride of place on those WTB drops! However, objectively and as a journalist, I accept said charm sometimes exceeds their technical merit and function. This, fine coffee and steadily alternating between test/copy deadlines has thus far fended off the seasonal slump. Those other projects touched upon in my earlier entry have also shown some early signs of fruition so while the somewhat raucous, rowdy interlopers to this here domicile recount strange (albeit highly amusing) drunken tales from the lounge, I’ve been making pressure-free progress from the study, nipping out for periodic socialising, soaps, coffee, mince pies, trifle and more nutritious fuel for body n’ soul to suit. Such is my love of coffee and decay that I’ve even been gifted some of this body wash as part of my Christmas bundle!

Out Of The Darkness And Into The Studio?...

2011-12-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

We’ve now officially entered winter here in the UK (Canadian, Scandinavian and Eastern European audiences may now snigger freely). Up until recently it’s been unseasonably mild, the narrow winding lanes characterised by a glistening, greasy film of water channelled from the fields interwoven with layers of equine and bovine dung. Sticky under tread during the milder weather, this becomes a veritable skidpan when the mercury dips below zero-even 28mm section commuting rubber starts dancing the Samba. This largely explains why I’ve hardly moved from the Univega in several weeks- that and the fact I’ve been busily testing some dual-purpose on/off road kit.

The most exciting being Magicshine’s MJ816E- a retina ruinous front light capable of a whopping eighteen hundred lumens at full power, yet returning a consistent 105minutes from each three and a half hour mains fuel-up. Even allowing for the technological trickle-down, £135 for a system this powerful is remarkable. More surprising are the diminutive dimensions of both head unit and seat-post mounted battery (although if you were feeling flush and yearned for eight-hour playtimes, there’s always the option of a 17.4Ah bottle type). In real terms, there’s sufficient presence in flood setting for navigating rural backwaters at around 30mph, warning of ruts, holes and of course, excrement from around three hundred and fifty yards. Not impressed? Well, oncoming 4x4s dipped their beams from about four hundred yards and with all guns blazing; forest trails were easily tackled at 23mph.

Toggling between modes is child’s play courtesy of the clever handlebar mounted switch featuring an integral colour coordinated indicator, which automatically kicks down to conserve battery life- meaning you’ll always stand a sporting chance of getting home safely. However, careful positioning of the lamp is essential to prevent dazzling and potentially more serious injury to rabbits and other small mammals. The same rule follows through the suburbs and round town, dropping to the sidelights gives plenty of presence to at least 350 yards without being lost among the festive illuminations or causing undue distress to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. Bonita (Sales@magicshineuk.co.uk) kindly supplied our sample but those of you living in a different corner of our globe might like to wander round to http://www.magicshine.com/ for a dealer closer to home. Winter also brings wet, smelly feet. Not everyone likes overshoes or indeed the bootie type road/mtb footwear. To address this particular affliction and therefore, potential social isolation, Stuffits have dropped their shoe-dryers on my doorstep. Basically,these foot-shaped inserts sit in the shoes overnight whereby the aromatic red cedar filling and dual wicking fabric outer suck the moisture out. This extends to the half a pint of sweat (probably more under strenuous riding) emanated by our tootsies, thus keeping odour at bay. Available in a choice of pink, red or black and in men and women specific sizes, early impressions seem favourable, supping away most of the moisture assumed in ninety minutes’ soggy riding in seven hours but I’ll add some more provocative elements to the mix before drawing final conclusions. If you can’t wait until then they’ll command a very reasonable £24.95.

Slipping into a seasonal lull isn’t an option for me and a lot of fellow freelancers seem sympathetic to this philosophy. Continued momentum and avoidance of creative paralysis induced by too much introspection is crucial. This might involve features planning and similarly familiar territory or something more grandiose. My late father wrote several books and without leaving myself open to overtly simplistic “A” level Freudian theory, I’d like to follow in his size nines. Potential collaborators have been only too keen to rally enthusiasm but to date haven’t delivered anything tangible so it may be a question of blazing the trail myself.
The other avenue I’m (cautiously) keen to pursue in an artistic/semi commercial context is fine art/model photography…Traditionally this has proved a minefield thanks to the falling prices of high quality camera equipment attracting the unfavourable “Guy With Camera” who has no other objective than to letch at women for his own personal and deeply sordid gratification. Stories concerning this particularly unsavoury genre of male are legend-the most poignant example being of a model looking to expand her fashion portfolio. Having answered an advert, she arrived at the address (A dingy back street flat) to discover she was expected to assume a wealth of “Glamour” poses (Despite expressing in no uncertain terms she was only prepared to do fully clothed catalogue assignments). When she refused to pose on all fours wearing nothing but a G-string, GWC showed his true, vile colours but thankfully she managed to make good her escape-unharmed.
Unfortunately, semi/professionals with proper credentials, location and a female chaperone to avoid compromised integrity are all too often tarred with this ruinously mucky brush. Running said risk, I would be interested in working with aspiring models on an images-for-portfolio basis in a UK studio setting. Models will need to verify they’re at least twenty-one years old (driving licence, passport or similar photo ID), bring a chaperone of their own and be prepared to sign a model release/consent form before shooting commences. Want to know more? Feel free to drop me an email: Roadpathtoenlightenment@gmail.com

Cometh December, Cometh The Dayglow

2011-11-25T14:54:00.000-08:00

Drifting through to December brings with it the joys of day-glow. Prime examples to land at my door are these Proviz gloves and Altura night vision socks. At a whisker below £25, the former boast a windproof and water repellent laminated polyester exterior and micro fibre palm proliferated with silicone dots for a superlative, all conditions grip. The ubiquitous gel/foam ulnar padding is relatively low density, which works better for me, since the pronounced types are prone to inducing precisely the discomfort they were intended to alleviate. Thinner, wind blocking fabric makes for nimble fingers, enabling photo opportunities and less glamorous roadside puncture purges without necessitating removal. Speaking of which, they’ll resist heavy rain to the tune of thirty, maybe forty minutes-depending on how we’re defining cloudburst but mercifully, things stay toasty inside and there’s no danger of extracting a limp, soggy liner come the ed of an inclement training run. For the feet, Altura have taken their night vision concept to the logical, if slightly quirky conclusion. Available in warm orange (my preference) or the acid trip neon yellow, they’re made of common or garden Coolmax and do most things very well, albeit not on the same terms as Merino wool. However, the safety aspect works best with 3/4lengths which might not be everyone’s first choice in the depths of winter-although again, this is highly dependant on where you are in the world…
Those two frames have emerged from the curing ovens with new red and blue liveries. I’m still none the wiser as to their heritage but the suspected Holdsworth was badly nibbled, especially along the chain and seat stays, disguised by a thicker coat of powder since the customer was reluctant to foot the bill for more extensive filler-based preparation. Graham noticed some imperfections in the final colour coat induced by the seepage of residual oils languishing within the tubes. Fearing another trip through the blast cabinet would induce structural damage (even left softening in the stripping tank overnight) he addressed this by rubbing flat and introducing further, light coats, passing through the oven once more. John Doe’s chrome plate rear triangle and forks were of the lick and promise variety, vanishing with the introduction of gentle aluminium oxide particles. This was a moot point since the customer wasn’t looking to replicate the original effect and the parent metal gives a much better key for the colour coats.

A quick look around their holding bay gives an insight into the country’s wider mood. More and more people are having basic children’s frames refinished and passed to younger siblings. This is indicative of a very different mood that has replaced the buy new ethos for may working families frightened for their futures, economic and otherwise.

Elsewhere, I’ve been revisiting my series of children’s stories penned some years ago and aside from strengthening the characterisation, I’m hoping to generate sufficient publisher interest. Having seen my late father successfully publish several academic titles during the 1980s I am acutely aware of publisher resistance to “unproven” or previously unpublished authors but this is just a phenomenon I will have accept and ultimately overcome.

Getting Some (Carbon) Fibre in Your Diet

2011-11-18T15:51:00.000-08:00

It seems you can’t move for the once precious composite these days, although in stark contrast, budget/unbranded ‘cross forks have become rarer than the proverbial rocking horse dropping. Imagine my joy having uncovered this ITM Visa. Languishing in storage for a few years, some telltale tarnish was evident around the bosses but easily purged with a gentle tickling from the wire brush so they’ll be adorning the Ilpompino come the first available opportunity. Detailing is generally to a better standard than the OEM type, especially the polished alloy ends, although I’ve no doubt these emerged from the same factory in the far east simply dressed in different decals. Transplant surgery will be performed by Riverside Cycle Centre come the New Year since I have more pressing matters at hand and he has the full compliment of headset tools… Elsewhere on the carbon front comes Blackburn Airstik SL. Weighing a ridiculously svelte 57g (including bracket), it sports the marques legendary build quality and lifetime warranty, so the perfect stocking filler for bikes/riders on calorie controlled diets that puncture infrequently. Blackburn claim 160psi is possible and I quite believe them, although I collapsed in a heap after 120psi and five minutes sustained, rhythmic effort. Speaking of which, rain, sleet and snow present all manner of hazards, not least greatly impaired visibility and this is true whether you wear prescription or standard, polycarbonate three-lens systems. The old lick of washing up liquid around the rims of goggles, glasses and visors is a great homely remedy that goes a long way to curing annoying and potentially dangerous fogging but this high tech Sal Clear TTX hydrophobic spray leaves behind a glossy, water repellent barrier that sees rain-water, mud and spray slide from prescription lenses, generic sports eye wear and even camera lenses. Since it works on gravity, not speed utility riders have as much to gain from its’ properties as first category road racers. Safe on polycarbonates and similar plastics, it’ll buff a helmet to a water repellent, showroom shine in a matter of minutes and works a treat on mirrors and humble bar mounted computers too. Longevity is in piece of string territory since it will depend where you and your bike live and a host of similar environmental factors but I’m still cruising around on the first application-three weeks and three hundred or so miles on

Meanwhile, back in the spray shop, Maldon Shot blasting & Powder Coating have had a procession of interesting frames through the door recently, most notably a classic Raleigh steel chassis and this contemporary Specialized fixer-both undergoing a satin black rebirth.Every so often a beater catches my imagination and this sorry looking John Doe with tarnished electroplate rear triangle is a prime example. There’s no obvious clue as to its heritage and the forks may/not be original…Destined to be reborn in 5012 “Ninja” Blue, I suspect the existing electroplate will be stripped to the parent steel and painted accordingly…

Arguably of better pedigree and possibly hailing from the late 1950s is this battle weary red frameset. I’m not sure since surface corrosion around the bottom bracket shell obscures any numbers but it could even be a Holdsworth of similar vintage to my Zephyr …Watch this space.

The Big Squeeze

2011-11-09T14:20:00.000-08:00

Well, if you weren’t hunting down a quick discourse on compression/less housings and their significance in bicycle control cables then chances are you’re a first year economics undergraduate seeking some inspiration or possibly salacious carnal misinformation. Let’s be clear, I have nothing whatsoever against higher education or indeed the seemingly unlimited powers of the Internet, which has revolutionised the way in which we communicate, research and approach life. However, before I examine a bevy of beautiful blinkeys (not to mention more potent see-by systems) in greater detail these Jagwire Hyper brake cables induced a sudden, slightly surreal flashback to 1993. Low compression improves modulation and feel by a good notch or two. However, brakes require some degree of compression at the cable for proper function. This is not the case with derailleurs, so you can appreciate the dangers of mixing and matching them. Recovered from his strange delusion that stripping Cro-moly framesets of paint would save weight without detrimental effect upon corrosion resistance-especially in a cross-country mountain biking context, a friendly acquaintance at Polytechnic justly decided wholesale cable replenishment was in order due to weathered, kinked housings and frayed ends having a pronounced and unwelcome effect upon braking and shifting. With that all too precious grant cheque a couple of weeks over yonder, imagine his excitement having acquired several metres of outers and a bundle of inner wires…gratis.

Owning a decent set of wire snips, it wasn’t long before he beat a path to my front door asking me to cut inners and outers at strategic points. Nothing particularly significant there, nor the intermittent discussion around component choices, build projects and other incidental gossip common to those afternoons. Job done and cud chewed he shot off home to perform the operation, only to discover a distinct lack of feel from the lever upon engaging the brakes at a busy junction…
As the clocks chime the onset of winter, it is timely that I should receive a bountiful supply of lights for testing. Rest assured, I didn’t hit the lanes all guns blazing, ensemble on full beam (Although one poor soul thought he was entering the Twilight zone... Just breathe into this bag for me sir...) These here Genetic road bars boast lights for most tastes and purposes. Suffice to say I’ve been suitably impressed relative to their design brief, from cutesy Knog Boomer rechargeables with their 50 lumen outputs to the super-commuter types from Cat-Eye and Lezyne belting out a whopping 200 and 450 respectively in exchange for £100 and a full USB fuel-up.
Time was when this sort of technology commanded several hundred pounds and required hefty bottle/frame mounted battery packs. Run times between charges are middling, although three to five or so hours is quite feasible if you were prepared to toggle to a lower setting (My preference, at least with the Lezyne would be to procure a second, fully charged battery in my jersey pocket and swap over for extended playtimes). With great power comes great responsibility…don’t mount either of these to helmets-on their highest settings at least since you will blind oncoming drivers. Some might, in your minds-eye deserve this sort of rebuke courtesy of a pronounced inability to dip beams or otherwise display anything resembling road-craft. This latter construct isn’t concerned with passing the basic test(s) for the vehicles you operate but the ability to use them with care, skill and consideration for others.
I have seen too many drunk, incompetent, careless drivers who kill with seemingly casual indifference go about their lives without prosecution or consequence. Now, I understand the legal rationale and concepts of public interest but it seems to me that a driver who ploughs into a cyclist, phones a friend to come and collect her, leaving the rider to die in agony and without reporting the accident to the police was treated with phenomenal leniency on the grounds she was pregnant. I accept the judges’ reasoning that the unborn child was an innocent in all this and therefore, didn’t deserve to be born into a prison environment but still feel such casual indifference needs to be tackled on a collective level and with very stiff penalties for those who treat others with such blatant contempt. Sadly, if government plans to make the MOT inspection bi annual reach fruition, the death rate is likely to rise quite dramatically when un-roadworthy vehicles and drivers come into the equation…
Polaris has introduced a hi-viz collection dubbed RBS (Really Bright Stuff) to their range of high quality attire. I’ve been playing with this incarnation of their classic Hoolie glove and am suitably impressed. Not by the retina ruinous road-worker yellow and black livery so much, although this is a godsend on really gloomy November days but because of superior gel padding designed to protect the vulnerable Ulnar nerve from tingling and more serious carpel tunnel injury.

Deceptively flat, the gel offers commendable comfort over long distances and variable terrain, while the wind and water resistant polyester/nylon shell offers excellent protection from the elements without feeling bulky or remote at the controls. That said, dexterity’s not quite up to addressing punctures or similar roadside mechanicals and some suggested Scotchlite detailing should extend along the finger tips but frankly, in practice this has been a moot point with my hand signals perfectly visible to the majority of traffic.

Friends Reunited

2011-10-12T01:59:00.000-07:00

No, not the infamous and now defunct social networking site, I am of course referring to the return of Izzie, my beloved Ilpompino. Basically a cyclo-cross bike with track ends and plentiful braze-ons, it has a geared sibling known as the Kaffenback; which differed only in terms of livery and frame-ends. Some will sneer and mutter TIG welded, Taiwanese 4130 in house tubing. However, folk forget that several decades of outsourcing to the Far East has given rise to a new manufacturing order and one that isn’t likely to be reversed in our lifetime. Johnny and Joanna come lately wannabe artisans have yet to grasp what skilled craftsmen and women have long known; that there will always be demand for bespoke steel framesets and frame repair but businesses do not survive on romanticism alone.

While it’s true that steel is relatively easy to repair and refinish, contrary to clubroom oracles, many builders will not retrofit fixed ends to fusion-welded chassis due to the extensive prep time. Silver soldered and brazed types can simply heated until the donor metals soften and the ends removed. Fusion welded joints demands more involved and time-consuming surgery…
Izzie sports some owner specific quirks including these dual sided (SPD/Look) spinning pedals. These emerged from storage with a few tiny spots of corrosion on the nickel-plating but nothing that won’t vanish with a few rides. Similarly, the Brooks leather wrap absorbs road shock and has a timeless quality but requires periodic feeding to retain its supple lustre. Arguably the quirkiest of features is this Selle SMP droop snoot saddle, which delivers armchair comfort to those sensitive areas without compromising pedalling efficiency. There’s sufficient clearance for 700x38 sans guards so I could whip studded snow tyres aboard should we experience another adverse winter. Speaking of tyres, these Freedom Urban thick slicks arrived on my doorstep this week and early impressions are favourable. 25mm wide, they slip aboard the rims without tools or blood oozing from the cuticles and run at a relatively modest 110psi. Don’t be rueful of the unfamiliar name, they’re made by WTB and reckoned to be the most dependable of the genre characterised by ultra thick casings and a puncture preventative belt.With both wheels removed, it seemed the ideal opportunity to purge the hub cones and surrounding areas of congealed gloop that’s drawn to wet-lubes courtesy of Purple Harry’s bike floss. Made here in Blighty, these pipe cleaners on steroids get right into those intricate areas other brushes cannot reach. That said; they collect and can redistribute filth so inspect and replace regularly while taking care around paintwork. There’s a softer, carbon specific sibling and bigger brands are getting in on the act too… Watch this space and the Univega’s cassette cluster as winter creeps that little bit closer.
Contrary to my wet lube rule, I’ve cleaned Izzie’s Miche chain and treated it to some super dependable Squirt dry lube. Devoid of nasty petrochemicals and solvent carriers, it’s closer in consistency to an emulsion than the traditional Wax types.
Start by running the chain through the solvent bath and drying with a clean rag. Give the squirt a brief shake before drizzling it on. Common to ceramic types, it initially requires two coats, leaving five minutes in between. Don’t panic if you’ve gone a little OTT, since the excess will congeal and flake off as you ride. The first ninety-odd derailleur miles suggest it’s the most stubborn of the dry types and should be hardy enough for single-speed/fixer set ups too. Rumour suggests its quite good on control cables too… Decided to treat the Univega to a new set of Jockey wheels, these from Hawk racing to be precise. Made from 7075 series aluminium and boasting stainless steel bearings (as removed from the seemingly mandatory ceramic type) they seem to work rather nicely with the tubby tourer’s slightly quirky eight-speed configuration.

Fitting is simply a question of splitting the chain and removing the existing OEM models from the mech-keep the retaining bolts since being aftermarket, the Hawk don’t come with any. While you’re at it, put a slither of grease on the threaded sections and slot the hawk into position with the lazer etched detailing facing the hub side. Snug everything down, reinstate the chain, checking everything clicks up and down smoothly and you’re ready for the road. They’ve certainly brought the otherwise dependable shifting along several notches with a really swift, dependable change under load. Seeing as you can buy a replacement Deore Lx for around £50, these are arguably most cost efficient on the Dura Ace and Sram forces of this world.

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On a Budget

2011-09-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

Now there’s a phrase that pretty much embodies the times we live in and I’m going to stick with its positive, as opposed to negative connotations. A childhood friend has recently fancied dipping his toe into the road bike pond and invested in this cheap but very cheerful shop branded model. Plain gauge 7005 series TIG welded aluminium frames with hi-tensile steel forks aren’t going to set anyone’s Lycra ablaze and don’t merit wholesale upgrading. However, dressed in a pleasant starter groupset give a taste of spirited riding, plenty of smiles per mile and can be relegated to a serviceable winter/trainer when the time comes thanks to sensible clearances (700x25 inc fenders).

The only obvious low-point are the resin Shimano 600 pattern copies with ultra agricultural bearings but he plans to substitute these for double sided SPDs at the earliest opportunity. Bonding with one’s bike is a crucial part of riding and subsequent days have seen the introduction of bottle cages, mini pumps, wedge pack and a seat collar cosy crafted from off cut of redundant MTB inner tube. This will prevent dirt and ingress thrown up by the rear wheel entering the seat-tube and causing corrosive havoc, although fenders are likely to follow as fall advances. It’s nice to see a newbies develop as the bug bites that little bit deeper with every turn of the cranks so we’ll pop back and forth to sneak a peek at their blossoming relationship.
Leaving dry cells dormant inside nearly destroyed this brilliant budget One23 blinky. Mercifully genocide was narrowly avoided with some contact surgery, replacement cells and cursory lick of Vaseline. The Good folk at Moore Large (http://www.todayscyclist.co.uk/) have sent me One23’s three-mode Intense bright 1 front lamp. Closer inspection suggests it’s markedly similar to RSP Steradian- by no means a bad thing, neither is the collimator lens which is increasingly approaching industry standard these days. First impressions suggest peripheral illumination is among the best of this genre but some serious late night testing will give a better flavour of it’s capabilities. Curiously we’ve been promised a bitter winter here in the UK and “snow” (as distinct from that familiar to the populations of Scandinavia and North America) could be knocking at our doors come October. Heeding this warning and while opportunity presented itself, I’ve applied a liberal helping of Waxoyl to the KA chassis and inside ferrous framesets. BRRRRR!
My classic road bike has just turned twenty-one and I’m looking to complete the makeover with some good quality vinyl lettering and a set of Crud Racer II full-length fenders. Think it’s time those Magnesium bodied Genetic keo patterns made a return too…
Talking of retro, this Rossin frameset dating from the late 1980s arrived at Maldon Shot blasting &Powder coating ready for a makeover. Built from Columbus Gara, a thicker walled, lower end Cro-moly marketed at the touring and training fraternities and dripping in period chrome detailing (Ironic since the Italian tube maker forbid electroplating) it presents a wealth of potential headaches since the shiny stuff doesn’t magically end and paint commence

Enamellers typically employ acid etch primers to forge good union but the slippery electroplating eventually wins. Slight fading and inevitable chipping aside, this had been well loved and everything was basically sound. To avoid pitting, Graham mummified the chainstays and lower fork legs in electrical tape before passing the frameset inside the smaller blast cabinet. This uses less aggressive aluminium oxides to remove the enamel while providing a decent key for the chrome/paint overlap. Fifteen minutes later, it emerged clean and ready to receive zinc chromate and subsequent colour coats. Timeless gloss black, although hardly flamboyant is classy, affordable and extremely practical nonetheless. Here’s to another twenty-three years faithful service…

Adapt & Survive

2011-09-10T02:30:00.000-07:00

I’m not one for meaningless marketing speak but sometimes less is genuinely more-especially when it comes to computers. Models that pretty much make the tea are a joy to play with and really effective training tools when used properly but there’s a lot to be said for simplicity. Urban has become the buzzword for minimalist chic and RSP CX3.0 seems to embody this perfectly. Including wireless, sleep and two bike functions (allowing it to be swapped from best bike to winter workhorse) amongst the nine is perhaps gilding the lily but the super clear display and “telling you straight” accuracy complete with motivational pacer arrows means its great for everyday riding and training duties.

Playing devil’s advocate, many brands offer seventeen function wireless types for the same money but having survived repeated September downpour and an unintentional trip through the washing machine; suggesting build quality is a notch higher than most. Simple rubberised rings hold the mounting plate securely to even these WTB and are so vastly superior to low-rent cable-tie affairs, it’s difficult to grasp why this method of attachment hasn’t become universally popular. Mode and set buttons are well conceived too, easily operated in gloved hands without being overly sensitive to accidental knocks. Night owls such as myself will mourn the omission of a backlight and on a wider note; I’m disappointed by the distinct lack of models without a cadence function…wired or otherwise. Debatable around town and on short haul time trails, maintaining a steady cadence is remains pivotal to efficient cycling. Seem to recall managing 188rpm turning an eighty-one inched fixed on a mile long descent several years back.

Maybe I’m showing my age but once upon a time there was a game for the Commodore 64 called “BC’s quest for tires”. The central character was a uni-cycling caveman who had to ride his way through various canyons collecting tyres and avoiding hazards en route. I’m thinking of producing a sequel for the modern age, imaginatively entitled “ Michael’s quest for (big) tyres. Why? Because I’m relentlessly searching for the ultimate go-anywhere, minimum compromise semi slick capable of bombing along asphalt and through forest alike. 1.75 inches wide, 85psi maximum pressures for asphalt duties with a stout puncture preventative belt being my design brief.

To date, Vittoria Randonneur trail are the closest I’ve come to this particular Nirvana. Several thousand miles later, ours still look as fresh as the proverbial daisy, which is all the more impressive at £20 a pair. Rolling resistance is noticeable alongside a slick on smoothly paved roads but the tread doesn’t turn skittish through bridle path and forest trails at moderate speeds. Really sharp flints can cause mischief, although three flats hardly constitute a blot on their copybook. More than can be said for a small-scale publisher doing everything they possibly can to avoid paying me…Then we have the problem of undercutters, those so desperate to enter the creative professions, they will literally work for free (or nigh on) without a thought as to the consequences for these extremely skilled vocations or their sustainability. This certainly isn’t limited to photography or to a lesser extent, journalism. Some fifteen years ago, Universities were able to draw upon a wealth of students who “Loved to teach” sans recognised professional qualification or tangible experience. This reserve army of labour was happy to accept short-term contracts for £10,000 less per annum, pro rata with the obvious decline in standards.

During last weeks’ production line laundering of technical garments, I resurrected these Scott sport-touring shoes. Classic road looks met with old school sneaker pattern sole and SPD drillings for an unusually practical hybrid on and off the bike. Acres of mesh aren’t ideal for the darker and undoubtedly wetter months but from memory they’ll entertain overshoes so I’ll let serendipity and pedal choice guide me. This might only be a week or so away given the relatively rapid wear rate of these otherwise amiable Keo copy cleats. Speaking of weather, the fall is a busy time for winter hacks, prepped and preened with new bar wrap, cables and other precautionary upgrades. Having completely exhausted my supply of clean lube, select and coordinated rummaging in the garage unearthed a 75%full bottle of nytralube slick caramel- a thin lightweight PTFE derived racing blend. Other options included White Lightning’s epic ride and finish line’s one-stop degreaser and chain prep aerosol but the nytralube will remain my weapon of choice until I get the opportunity to play with the amusingly monikered but widely revered Squirt brand.

Peugeot framesets managed to market themselves on a successful pro pedigree during the 1980s but the production bikes were never particularly special. Some sported nice Reynolds and Columbus tubesets (I always had a secret yearning for the Perthus Pro) but were plagued by poor quality control-fork steerer failures and badly scored seatposts weren’t uncommon during this era. At the other end of the market is this old HLE/Carbolite 103 model. Basically a high tensile steel tolerant of the marques distinctive welding technique, it’s the stuff of winter hacks and a popular choice for first fixer conversions too. Arriving in a very sorry state, a gloss black powder coat not only gives this one a new lease of life but an intriguing air. Right then, I’ll totter off, figure out how to lash a Mont Blanc carrier to my much loved, mile munching Ka and brew some more corrosion inhibitor from the garage.

Tales of The Unexpected

2011-08-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

As promised I have swapped to the magnesium bodied keo type Genetic courtesy of pattern cleats with a whopping nine degrees of knee-friendly float. Not the most obvious companions for a tubby tourer perhaps but they're something different for the summer months. On our first late evening saunter I stood mesmerised by this majestic sunset when the screech of brakes and splintering of wood tore through our serenity. A group of kids had over cooked the bend in their ageing Peugeot with the obvious consequences.Given the occupants' hasty exit and camouflaging of said vehicle(lack of insurance or similar documents being the obvious motivations) calling for assistance was pointless and frankly, I was just glad to be observing from a safe seventy yards. Darkness is now arriving with little warning, so I've been taking this opportunity to put some LED systems through their paces. Arguably a steady evolution but USB rechargeable models pretty much dominate the market, boasting commendable outputs and run times. Ideally suited to desk bound commuters and freelancers like me, dry cell models boasting thirty plus hour run times from single Cr2032 or AA batteries retain the trump card when touring and/or on long haul audax duties but with prices tumbling and technology improving at a comparable rate, who knows what we'll see in the coming twelve months.

Competition, most notably from China has driven quality to the point it's genuinely difficult to find bad models and these Revolution flash silicone LED lights are prime examples. Commanding £9.99 a piece and boasting a prodigious ten lumens (max) at the front; six the rear, build quality rivals, if not shames designer brands. Monocoque construction offers a genuinely superior grasp of oversized bars and seatposts with visibility nearing three hundred and fifty yards on a clear night without being lost in the neon confusion that characterises our urban landscape. Ultimately, finite five hundred charge life cycles might deter some but with run times close to eleven hours in economy settings, they'll still return two years faithful, service.
However, the charge cables are hopelessly short, especially for those of us refuelling at towers, (as opposed to laptop/notebook) but otherwise I'm genuinely smitten.
Some equally fetching computers from Raleigh's RSP brand have fallen into my eager mitts recently, the most notable being this wireless computer/HRM combo complete with crystal clear display and pretty much every function aside from cadence and tea making. Accuracy seems bang on, buttons are user friendly in gloved hands. My one minor gripe concerns the Heath Robinson handlebar mount. Arguably very secure in situ, installation proved fiddly in the first instance and a few spare cable ties would've been welcome too. Mother Nature's effortless transition toward autumn sees me washing Gore Tex and similar technical apparel in preparation for the cooler, changeable yet deeply enticing sepia season. Riders seeking to beat the early morning chill without resorting to winter weights training gloves should look no further than these BBB Race shield. Polyamide/Polyurethane mixes are hardly exotic but wash well and keep windchill firmly at bay. Extensive reflectives make all the difference when signalling while the rubberised palm and digits ensure excellent all weather control. Dexterity is sufficient to allow roadside adjustments, pannier rummaging and even unhindered photography.

Speaking of fettling, the Feedback sports chain gauge has presented the Univega's hard working Gusset chain with a clean bill of health. A mere .2mm wear in twelve hundred unforgiving miles is testament to their build quality, although good transmission hygiene shouldn't be overlooked. Predominantly fed on a diet of wax lubes, I'm confident of reaching 2,500 before .8mm signals retirement, although 0.06 will hail the ordering of a successor to keep the drivetrain healthy.
So then to our fetching Klein road frameset. I had hoped to bring you a full photo love-story makeover but alas, the edited highlights will have to suffice. Given a thorough vapour blasting, the owner elected an equally enticing blue, complete with sparkle lacquer topcoat. Since the star fangled nut remained lodged in the steerer, it was feared the intense curing temperatures would cause havoc, thus calling for two-pac. However, closer inspection revealed it was metal and so a false alarm. Aluminium isn't the easiest of materials to re/paint since the non ferrous tubes can generate imperfections in the final curing stage but this jewel-like effect is genuinely flawless.

Another customer opted for "Kawasaki" green with sparkle topcoat, both finishes illustrating the quantum leaps in powder coating since the early days of basic primary colours.

Riot & Revolution

2011-08-15T10:13:00.001-07:00

Unless you've been living in some muddy backwater, starved of Internet or similar modern communications, most will be aware of the "rioting" which spread like wildfire across the UK's major cities. Debate rages along two overtly simplistic models-"system" (instigated by poverty and neglect) or mindless criminality induced by morally bankrupt "youth". In reality, academic/moral arguments are overridden by devastation on unprecedented levels for many people. Cyclists and cycle retailers were sadly, if perhaps predictably targeted because of high and easy resale values. Participants in the frenzied chaos could simply hop aboard and sprint away into the night with no thought to the feelings of their rightful owners but then thieves lack the basic values of mercy, empathy and compassion. Rioting in response to colossal injustice(s) is one thing, wanton aggression and consumerist looting are quite another. The loss of stock, spiraling insurance premiums and cost of re-fitting can be ruinous-especially for already squeezed small businesses. While left and right of the political spectrum spout rhetoric, supporting your local bike shop and refusing to buy those suspiciously cheap Cannondale touted on eBay/street corner lock ups are small, simple but positive steps we can all take.

Gone are the days when budget shoes meant patent leather uppers that roasted feet within an inch of their lives and parted company with the sole at the first enthusiastic yank on the upstroke. Memories of mid-ride rest stops, being ushered through to the beer garden with our bikes by landladies only too happy to fetch washing up bowels of cold, refreshing water in which to soak our feet once we'd ordered a hearty meal and promised not to interact with families and similarly respectable patrons... Time RXT might retain the faux hides but sport plentiful mesh for consistent, cooling airflow while acres of Scotchlite detailing are perfect for extended summer playtimes or soldiering on through a dry December's gloom. Thermoformed footbeds are marketing speak for insoles that mould to the rider's feet but in fairness do so in a matter of rides and while hardly exotic, reinforced nylon soles promote excellent power transfer without painful hot spots and seem genuinely hospitable to most standard Look/SPDR pattern road cleats. Mesh is a double edged sword though and overshoes are a must in anything heavier than a passing shower. Twenty minutes and they're saturated, demanding eight hours at room temperature to resume an arid and wearable state.Continuing this theme of misty-eyed nostalgia come these rather fetching handlebar and stem from Genetic. Beautifully finished and modestly priced, they're supplied here in the UK by ison distribution and perfect for older road and touring bikes. Common to most contemporary quill types length is limited to either 80 or 100mm but meets the needs of most riders sitting either side of average. Standard (26.0) clamp diameters make sense but riders unable to part with their favourite 25.4s can use one of Nitto's high quality shims. Will Meister has some (http://www.hubjub.co.uk/)

So to something home grown-but definitely not herbal. This here's a titanium brake bolt designed so older framesets can enjoy the pleasures of dual pivot braking without the pain of drilling fork crowns and seat stay bridges. Made in Bristol from 6A14V (an alloy of titanium, aluminium and vanadium) it measures 73mm long and is cut to Shimano RX100, R450 &R650 patterns but also entertains some Tektro and Miche. Fitting is simply a matter of removing the OEM bolt and slotting the aftermarket model in place, remembering liberal licks of Ti paste to prevent galvanic corrosion-especially on daily drivers. Contrary to claims from clubroom oracles, excessive "whip" has been a moot point and I've not so much as lain tools to it in three weeks and 280 miles.

Elsewhere, the otherwise dependable Veloset computer seemed unduly affected by electrical interference.Replacing both head and sensor batteries restored reliable and consistent readings. The eagle eyed will note the return of my once grey Look pedals from 1991. This was in the interests of putting those Time RXT through their paces and rewarded with higher cadences, more efficient power transfer not to mention red faces as we hurtled past some dyed in the wool types despite hauling several kilos of kit in the mighty Knog Dry Dog pannier. However, just as soon as some Keo pattern cleats arrive, I'll opt for these Magnesium bodied Genetic, shaving a few grams and improving ground clearance into the bargain. Much as I like the cleanliness of wax type lubes, I'm running perilously low on White Lightning's Clean Ride but remain convinced there's a few similar types languishing somewhere in the garage. What they lose to wet types in staying power, self cleansing types won't turn to a cannibalistic grinding paste when things turn gloopy.

In amongst a wealth of tatty exotica arriving at Maldon Shotblasting and Powder Coating came this surprisingly sound Klein road frameset. Aside from some unavoidable little scrapes its original "Angry Custard" yellow livery seems remarkably well preserved. Not sure what the Klein's new clothes will be just yet but hopefully I'll return with a photo love story in the coming weeks...

Flight of the Condor

2011-07-24T01:57:00.000-07:00

This week Graham at Maldon Shotblasting & Powder coating brings the 80's Condor back to life in French blue.

Three minutes in the blast cabinet and it's bare, ready to receive the chromate...
Chromate applied, ready for the first oven baking.

Curing alongside a Fuji Mtb frame and swing arm

Here comes the French blue, on with the show- good health to you!

The final bake....

Baggy Trousers & Blasting Frames

2011-07-16T04:31:00.000-07:00

No, nothing to do with Madness, the 80's Ska inspired pop band-we're talking messenger knickers/three quarter lengths (delete as your road/mtb heritage dictates). Lycra remains a firm favourite for fast blasts on the Holdsworth and Teenage Dream but there's much to be said in favour of stylish modesty as my thirties thunder by. The one downside to this genre of respectable leg-wear is the attention it draws to furry pins-hence my endearing love affair with Veet!

Missing teeth aren't particularly fetching either...Despite a varied and reasonably balanced diet, my cola consumption was on par with Dennis Hopper's appetite for liquor during the 1970s. The loss of a prominent and very expensive dental crown has ended a twenty year dependency upon this evil mistress.

Polaris Transition bear remarkable similarity to Protective Washingtons, although they're fashioned from water repellent rip-stop polyester which has a distinctly "technical" feel compared with the German marque's brushed fabric. Pockets are the bog standard hip for change, keys and stuffing the hands when mooching around town while the positively cavernous cargo type gobble everything from larger compact cameras, wallets and smart phones through to road maps- er, that's retro GPS for the uninitiated. Stretch panels minimise bunching even-fully laden and hammering along at ninety-plus rpm while the rip-stop lives up to it's reputation, shrugging at brambles and other feisty foliage. They're as chic, civilian and water resistant as you'll need in the urban jungle, although the Protective have the edge for more formal meets. Sizing is a major consideration though and in their infinite wisdom, Polaris have done something very strange for the men-folk. My thirty-two inch waist, thirty-three leg isn't particularly outlandish and I've always managed a medium...I squeezed into our sample sans unsightly muffin top and given a few longish outings, the fabric relaxes. Measurements seem more consistent for the ladies but nonetheless try before parting with your hard-earned.

Diesel strength coffee and regular visits to Maldon Shotblasting & Powder Coating have been keeping the soda scourge firmly in check. In amongst a flurry of rusty motorcycle frames, panels and tanks sat this weary looking '80s Condor road frameset ready for a "French Blue" rebirth.Construction and attention to detail are to a standard "Johnny come artisan" can only dream of. Note the accuracy of brazing- no runs or drips here (more than can be said for the Teenage Deam-at least around the original fork crown). My inclination would be to reconfigure the top-tube cable routing but then perhaps the owner wants to retain its originality and besides, identikit machines/increasingly identikit people are equally undesirable.

The same is true of dirty/squeaky transmissions and I'm pleased to report we've been returning around two hundred miles from White Lightning's "Clean Ride" through the drier months. Maintenance has been little more than a light drizzle on every link and periodically wiping any sludge from the outer plates. However, I'm edging closer to the bottle's end and must make a decision whether to continue, or substitute for a more tenacious gloopy offering for the darker months that creep nearer.

Elsewhere, Knog's mighty dry dog remains a near permanent feature aboard the Univega's beefy cro-moly rack. Summer cloudburst, river crossings and the general hurdy gurdy of rough-stuff touring have made no impression on the fabric or moreover, contents. Its thirteen inch sibling has the edge when it comes to the cut and thrust of commuting since it slips through gaps that bit easier and doesn't foul the floor when wheeling the bike through tight apartment corridors but bigger brother is bang on for weekend touring.

Right, well a kindly editor has bestowed a lovely box of goodies for testing and the wide blue yonder is calling me.

Water Sports.....

2011-06-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

No, look elsewhere if you're after the sort involving bodily fluids. We've been hit by a band of low pressure, bestowing monsoon rainfall of the type more commonly associated with epic melodramas. Harbingers of doom proclaim the end of summer but these are perfect conditions for real-world conditions for product tests.

The good folk at Moore Large (http://www.todayscyclist.co.uk/) have left me Knog's Dry Dog to play with. Our seventeen inch version is big enough to hop inside and on the strength of recent long, steady rides-completely waterproof (even submerged during river crossings) thanks to the sonically welded 1200 denier PU fabric. Acres of bold, reflective detailing ensures 180 degree visibility, which is an absolute godsend whether chasing along country lanes in the dead of night or tackling the usual town centre malaise. Similarly, Rixen Kaul click-fix systems inspire confidence over the roughest roads and trails, accommodating most gauges of rack with a deft flick of the Phillips screws. Asymmetrical design allows it to ride either side and this extends to the webbed shoulder strap which shares a similar profile to the pig-dog. A splash of cartoon nudity is the only thing likely to divide opinion and for my part, I'm indifferent but some office/environments might not be so liberal.

Having discovered the Univega's Kenda Ultralite tube mysteriously perished at the valve stem, it now lives on as a top-tube protector, which ironically coincided with the purchase of another patch kit. Mean and rueful of the glue-less breed, finding they either don't adhere at all, or slowly peel away, I'll stick with that little tube of vulcanising solution. Leaning bikes by their top-tubes is something I avoid wherever possible but on those occasions calling for intimate relations with street furniture, the old inner tube trick protects paintwork and thin-walled tubing from unnecessary nicks, scrapes and dings.

Freedom to choose (or at least make genuine choices) should never be undervalued. I've been exercising my right to ride sans lid these past few weeks and it has raised a number of interesting points. Firstly, other riders seem more inclined to acknowledge me-regardless of genre or tribe while drivers pass with greater caution and distance. Having worn helmets for the best part of twenty-three years, going totally bareheaded doesn't come naturally-hence the traditional clubman's cap, providing protection from the sun's glare and wind-chill. However, the lid has been resurrected to coincide with these rather tasty new lights from Moon. The creatively monikered X500 is a five hundred lumen, five mode, high power commuting lamp designed for either handlebar of helmet fitting.

Early impressions suggest commendable build quality and output relative to competitor brands, although I have some reservations concerning the lack of peripheral illumination-a moot point perhaps when used as a secondary system but otherwise a consideration when emerging from unlit side-roads, junctions etc . This aside, a choice of wall or USB charging is particularly welcome, although run times in the upper modes don't favour extended nocturnal playtime. Several weeks' thorough testing will reveal all. Elsewhere we've the five LED Mask with detachable covers for perfect colour contrast/coordination and its sixty lumen Shield sibling. Perfect on paper for desk-bound commuters I'm looking forward to putting these through their paces. Our samples were supplied by Raleigh UK (http://www.raleigh.co.uk/) should you fancy a more detailed run down before I return with a more detailed evaluation complete with "Beam" shots.

"I reject your reality and substitute it for my own" is an undeniably witty retort and I am fully aware that stupidity cannot be legislated against. However, there are people who cannot see the correlation between Russian roulette and overtaking on a blind bend. The photograph here depicts the aftermath of a head-on collision between an MG sports car and Ford Mondeo, resulting in critical injuries, necessitating three hour road closure. I realised the gravity of the situation upon spotting a lone stretcher and two police officers gesticulating in between periods of protracted discussion. Nineteen years previously, a cyclist in his early twenties was killed having struck a postal van. Talk focused upon the rider's helmet omission and according to eye-witness reports, the stationary vehicle wasn't badly parked-a genuinely tragic accident resultant from a momentary lapse in concentration.

There prevails a curious myth that simply passing the car test (along with examinations per se) qualifies individuals as competent drivers when in fact it merely proves they were assessed as being suitably safe to be allowed to operate a vehicle on public roads without supervision. There are no shortcuts to road craft as the proliferation of fatalities amongst thirty-somethings who acquire motorcycle licences via intensive course and on large capacity (typically 750cc) machines. By contrast cyclists and motorcyclists who adopt cars as another mode of transport generally "read" the road to a better standard, showing greater empathy for others.

Sermon over and since it's pouring with rain, I'll go testing.

Burls Next The Sea....

2011-06-06T09:03:00.000-07:00

Took a break from the monotony of chasing invoices and writer's block to pop in on Justin Burls. He's recently relocated, albeit only by a mile or so to more spacious premises complete with centrally heated indoor workshop. Arguably still relevant as a frame material, steel has been eclipsed by unprecedented demand for his bespoke titanium range/complete bike builds. However, it was this ferrous fixer that captured my imagination Built in the late 90s using Columbus tubes, it's quaintessentially a road frameset with track ends. All Justin's work is one-off and made to measure but we live in times of extensive badge engineering whereby, often the only features distinguishing one volume produced frame from another are the groupset, livery and decals. Taking the pragmatic, market forces approach, this has kept things ultra competitive in the consumers favour. Ten years ago, road bikes boasting 6061 aluminium tubes, carbon fork and a low-mid range groupset would command £1500 whereas £550 buys the same specification today. Given a few miles and some gradual component replacement, said machines arguably evolve so long as the owner hasn't slavishly replaced like for like. Without falling into the over simplistic and hackneyed "Extension of the persona" cliche'; Justin is very matter of-fact about the build, suggesting it was conceived from whatever was lying around or available cheaply. Take a closer look at these Campagnolo track cranks which were found along with the seatpost unloved and under a covering of tar in someone's outbuilding.Judicious use of the grit blaster, coupled with a new ring restored them to their original glory- living proof that very fetching bikes are possible with imagination, skill and very modest outlay. Stopping is courtesy of this entry level, yet aesthetically pleasing Campagnolo Mirage calliper and New Old Stock Shimano Exage levers, whereas the cockpit is classic road territory-Cinelli quill stem and 44cm drops dressed in cork wrap. A wired Cat-Eye might offend his clean lines ethic but offers unrivaled accuracy without corruption from external currents.
Old faithful is the embodiment of those characterful winter hacks and a machine I would gladly re home and er, partially rebuild. The drivetrain has succumbed to the salt monster but otherwise nothing a good bath, hard paste waxing and some waxoyl sloshing around the tubes wouldn't sort. A mid range Microshift groupset would complete the transformation perfectly...Ahem, Thou shalt not covet another man's bike....

Tea flowed against a backdrop of gentle burbles and bleeps from his bread maker interrupted only by sporadic telephone calls concerned with the evening's competitive road run. Conversation otherwise revolved around the irony of skilled artisans earning a living from teaching/materials (DVDs, Training manuals etc) rather than commercial practice. Casual observation suggests these "Black Arts" have become fashionable pass-times amongst a well-heeled professional class seeking a romanticised distraction from virtual stocks, shares and bonds.

Having confirmed the precise location of the evening's run, Justin reasoned there was sufficient time for an enthused swim in the North Sea. Partaking in this ocean's dubious charms had as much appeal as immersing my testicles in acid so I remained on Terra-firma and clicked away at ISO 100....

F is for frustration...Oh and fetish!

2011-05-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

The onset of warmer weather rekindles my desire to press onward with the Holdsworth's rebirth. Repair to the shell, bottle mounts and of course, new finish. I'm leaning toward a chrome effect powder base-coat with a two pac 5012 top coat to give the impression of a plated triangle but without the harmful processes. However, while I'm renown for creative solutions and lateral thought, some things require capital investment and the behaviours of one small-scale publisher is testing my patience to the absolute limit. This came to a head last week when a second copy of the current issue dropped through my letterbox sans cheque! In stark contrast, Moore Large have sent these butyl tubes gratis since they couldn't supply me with the thorn resistant Kenda on time. Being Knog's UK distributor, they've also left me this veritable hum vee of a bag to play with...

Knog never cease to amuse with their bizarre but oh so clever marketing and that promoting their Pig Dog 15.5 messenger bag is no exception. The blurb suggests the PR boys and girls have been enjoying too many rides on the magic roundabout but if you can wear the hefty £96 price tag, it could prove the perfect urbane companion for riders seeking a stylish, waterproof town satchel on and sans bike but without messenger pretensions. Made from hand stitched, hard wearing 1200 denier cotton duck, full to bursting capacity is an eye-popping twenty-four litres. Being a social chameleon, it can be taken anywhere, especially through airport security with the minimum of fuss which is more than can be said of an otherwise fine example made from hemp with that oh so distinctive aroma....

Polar opposite in their marketing strategy, BBB Ultra tech bib shorts are the embodiment of professional with twelve panel construction, flat seams, silicone grippers gracing every contour perfectly for maximum comfort and unrestricted movement. Inserts can make or break a short. Common to similarly priced designs, it's gender specific, mapped out with the full compliment of supportive/pressure relieving grooves. two layer construction consists of a moisture wicking top-sheet that retains a cool, dry inner climate while the " Silver protection" combats bacterial build up, maintaining good hygiene and odour control. Music to my derriere these past few weeks and six hundred miles, the two tone livery might not be every one's cuppa and some reinforcement would be welcomed around the seat but they're a shrewd option for long days in the saddle without the boutique pricing. Beset by occasional but unnerving bouts of writer's block, I've been seeking inspiration from all manner of places and with Joshua at a loose end, we headed to Maldon Shotblasting & powder coating too see what was on offer. Nestling amongst the rows of freshly TIG welded go-cart chassis awaiting blasting and painting was this Trek. Determining the year of build was tricky since it's made from Cro-moly, the rear stays have an early 90's heritage and curiously the well finished vertical ends sported a disc mount....

Further intrigue came courtesy of Justin Burls and this frameset made for two...I'll arrange to come and visit him at his new premises and if I ask nicely perhaps he'll fill me in. In the meantime should you fancy something bespoke from the finest grade Russian titanium then have a look at his site: http://www.burls.co.uk/

Ending on a surreal note, SKS airchamp pro is a very fine way of raising a flaccid road tyre to 110psi in eight seconds. A clever thumb switch enables controlled release, as opposed to jettisoning an entire cylinder which might not seem ideal when trying to rejoin the peleton but comes into it's own, out with the chain gang. With hydraulic arms you've cajoled eighty-five psi from the hand-pump but it's locked out and that race rubber's begging for 125. Plug on the airchamp and top-up (checking periodically with your tyre gauge to avoid blowing it from the rim!) There's even a safety catch to prevent unintentional discharge...So, there was I bowling along the lanes when whooooooooooooooooosh- the cartridge engaged in my messenger knickers, refreshing the parts Co2 inflators weren't intended for and at £2.50 a hit, this won't develop into a fetish!

Enter Spring, Enter The (Dapper) Commuter

2011-05-02T03:44:00.000-07:00

Demand for street smart, performance cycling apparel has mushroomed in the past couple of seasons and these Bontrager commuter jacket and lightweight trousers raise the bar that little bit further thanks to superb, tailored cut, plentiful, yet discrete pockets and everyday practicality. Designed for three-season's (April to September) service, there's some trade off between climate control and weather protection but the Nylon/Polyester/Elastane mix feels surprisingly temperate when the mercury nudges twenty-three degrees, dries pretty quick following a sharp shower and embedded charcoal neutralises nasty niffs between low temperature machine washes. Scotchlite detailing is minimalist but effective and genuinely faithful to the civilian design brief. Pockets a plenty Will entertain compact cameras, phones, wallets and other everyday essentials without those unsightly, pronounced bulges while those at the hips mean hands stay cosy when mooching around town.The trousers work to the same principle but are designed to be rolled up when riding a'la messenger knickers. this requires practice to avoid the " British tourist at the seaside" faux pas and while they've a double seat, undershorts are a must for anything other than the shortest hops across town. Detailing is every bit as comprehensive-there's an elasticated waist, belt loops, button closure, U lock caddy strap, two large butt pockets and two inch scotchlite reflectives on the turn ups. Roll them down and sashay past the boss, meet friends in town/for Sunday lunch without a single raised eyebrow. Better still, they're available for both genders.
Continuing our chic, casual theme come these Keen Arroyo SPD sandals courtesy of Karen at Karma communications. Enclosed toes and waterproof nubuck uppers coupled with the twin bolt recessed cleat drillings make extremely practical generic touring and trail companions while permitting that otherwise classic middle-aged man sandals with socks no-no. The soles are blissfully comfortable for walking, although there's some inevitable compromise with pedalling efficiency and engaging with the pedal's cleat mechanism felt a little remote to begin with but they're for recreation, not racing and I've really warmed to them over the past hundred miles at a steady 18mph. Shaun the sheep here wasn't nearly so impressed and clearly preferred old school merino threads. Bowling along the serene, deserted lanes, he sprung from nowhere into the middle of the road. Expecting a rampaging heard of cameloids to follow suit, I slowed to walking pace but his brethren stayed put...As did he, necessitating a deft release and foot-down. Eighty per cent of communication is non-verbal and it became very clear he'd take exception to my passing. A fellow rider approaching from the opposite direction was served a similarly stiff rebuke before said animal cantered back into the field and we beat a hasty retreat.

Sustained testing of the Green Oil White lube seems generally positive, although it does need more frequent reapplication with top ups called for every eighty or so miles-forty short of its petrochemical competitors in comparable conditions. However, convenient dimensions mean it sneaks conveniently inside the pannier ready to silence the dreaded tell-tale squeak.

After some close but no cigar moments, this nail varnish is the perfect shade for the Univega's tasty but tricky to retouch metallic red. Alas, the bottle seems unduly fragile so I've rushed the remaining contents to an alternative receptacle, taking note of the brand and colour for next time. Now, you'll excuse me while I order a fresh batch of those Kenda thorn resistant tubes since it appears puncture season has begun and I'm down to my last of the brand's ultra lightweight siblings which aren't so resilient to flints and other sneaky sharps...

April's Advances

2011-04-15T05:39:00.000-07:00

After several months in hibernation, the Teenage Dream was gently roused from its slumber for some frisky back road frolics. Fifteen miles without so much as glipsing a John Dere. Still, I'm sure we'll relive those heady days of old school tractor racing in the coming months. Arriving home, it became apparent that the rechargeable lighting system designed to facilitate extended early season play times was aeathetically unbearable and needed tidying with immediate effect. Running the cabling beneath the top tube courtesy of black zip ties seemed the obvious solution but then I didn't fancy bringing the bike into the kitchen every time the ni-cad battery needed mains charging. Rummaging through the spares bin returned a better reward in the form of two Velcro pump ties-perfect! Elsewhere, a tweak of the Allen keys sees a bottle mount nipped tight with the Cinelli Mini Sub 8 re-aligned for greater speed and comfort.

While not my choice for trophy steeds, pattern parts are often perfect for winter/trainers and the Look copies are prime examples. Bikes are works in perpetual process- how many times have we upgraded the pampered pet and passed the older part-worm stuff along the fleet? Every so often I'm taken by the urge to perform wholesale drive train cleansing in favour of something more contemporary.

Objectively this would bring the "quaint by modern standards" race frameset bang up to date but doing so misses the point- there's memories, not just miles tied up in those Mavic rims, Campagnolo Athena hubs and Victory Mechs. Contemporay groupsets excite for different reasons, not least as there is a fine line between appreciating the past and living in a romanticised version. Emergent brands, most notably Mircoshift and Sun Race (the latter assumed Sturmey Archer) compete handsomely on price and performance with the established marques. Should the household names assume a dismissive complacency last witnessed within the British motorcycle industry some forty years ago, these newcomers could change the landscape of mid-high end groupsets forever.

Joshua's independence brings with it a burgeoning interest in racing and technical skill. Joining me in the garage, I swapped the Univega's mainstay Schwalbe for the 1.75 section Vittoria as he expressed a quiet disdain for the tag-along, citing a lack of comparable control/engagement. This is to be expected and I've a feeling on this occasion a more refined model wouldn't alter his view.

His single speed BMX continues to serve him well and will remain the mainstay machine until he acquiries the necesary experience and mechanical empathy required for competitive riding. I am determined that his next mount will not be off the peg but based around a used 4130/7005 series XC MTB frameset refinished in a powder coat livery of his choosing and carefully selected components from the spares bin. Six/Seven (or possibly eight) speed drivetrain, 24" hoops affording a good choice of narrow slicks and trail rubber coupled with big wide drops. This might sound an unusual combination but neans with a change of tyres/cassette he can taste road, cross and XC racing all on one bike. Should he wish to specialise, it will serve as a very dependable and relatively inexpensive everyday mount.

Much Ado About A Dynamo

2011-04-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

After hunting high and low for a suitable replacement for my spontaneously combusting Basta, the good folk at Raleigh generously gifted me one of these lovely 25lux offerings in time for Easter. The integral switch means it can be fed straight from the hub, thus making the otherwise venerable Nexus unit redundant. Fitment demanded some quick, lateral thought though. Being as I run a headlock type system, the lamp couldn't be mounted via the fork drilling but an old NR bracket came to the rescue and sees it sat pride of place aboard the handlebars. Taking delivery early this afternoon, there's been no time for anything other than a few quick spins to confirm connectivity but I'm looking forward to the call of noctural skies.

Many voyages by definition induce chain wear which, left unchecked can wreak havoc with ultra sensitive ten and eleven speed derailleur transmissions. Traditional steel checkers and/or rulers provide some indication but are somewhat hit and miss-vulnerable to user error/misinterpretation. Enter Freedom Sports digital chain gauge. Made by KMC, it gives a definitive reflection of chain health in either metric or imperial. Child of the early seventies and somewhat semi-metric, I configured it to millimetres and got busy. Powered by a single 1.5 volt watch type cell, the sprung crescent end dips between the rollers first while the other follows suit some eight links along. Readings between 0.00 and 0.40mm indicate a chain in it's prime, 0.40-0.80mm middle aged and anything exceeding 0.80mm needs pensioning off pronto. Absolutely accuracy has been difficult to ascertain since I didn't have another calibrated and checked model to use as control. However, readings have been consistent on factory fresh chains (measured at three different points) and should be sufficient for all but the most obsessive. £50 either represents sound investment or simply keeping up with the club-mates (depending upon the size of your fleet/groupset value) and the ergonomics need tweaking so it's easier to read in situ.

Lube is another important consideration and I'm developing a genuine leaning toward those that aren't derived from petrochemicals. Green Oil have released "White"; a dry wax lube formulated from plant solvent that works to precisely the same principles. Curiously it's just as flammable so store away from naked flames, combustible materials and sources of ignition.

Wax types aren't intended for the most challenging conditions (not my first choice for fixers either which benefit from a stout wet lube to keep things running serenely) but nonetheless keep transmissions clean and lubricated with more frequent/liberal applications. Common to the breed; White is really, really thin, requiring a steady hand and three applications for adequate coverage. Green oil recommend leaving it seven minutes or so to cure (longer in winter) but using White Lightning's clean ride as my yardstick, I'll reserve judgement for a few hundred miles or so.

Reflections in a Freelancer's Mirror

2011-03-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

I am very fortunate to have such a ready supply of interesting goodies to play-er, I mean work with. Take this pump-spray lube from Green oil. In place of harmful isobutane propellants, the contents are pressurised by pumping the top-cap ten times- the same motion as inflating tyres with a mini-pump. Being of comparable dimensions, it slips effortlessly inside panniers and seat packs while being permitted for air travel. Filling it with petrochemical products goes against the ethos somewhat but has proved a a boon for quick, impromptu lubing of chains, cables, pivot points etc. Talking of which, the White Lightning Clean Ride lube not only keeps transmissions clean but works a treat on my barber's clipper set too. Having performed the annual Waxoyling of the Ka chassis, consuming the remnants of my last home-brewed batch I had to pop out and purchase some commercial product to treat the door cavities, wings and boot. The remainder was blown inside the fleet as a quick "While I'm at it" top-up with the Univega receiving the lion's share-frame forks and racks were all given a generous helping of the amber nectar to keep Joe and Joanna rot purely academic.

P clips might lack glamour but they're an extremely effective way of attaching racks and fenders to bikes without eyelets. Time was when I was literally drowning under an avalanche of the rubber coated gizmo's but they've reached a state of inexplicable scarcity now that a high end low-rider rack comes into my possession. Mercifully, a wander round the web has unearthed a supply so hopefully the Univega's front end will soon sport said TIG welded lovelies....Obviously I won't be hauling their 15 kilo maximum payload but they will offer more carrying capacity without my venerable trailer becoming the default option.

Taking a more exciting deviation, I'm delighted to see manufacturers continually recognising and moreover, embracing the mantra that Lycra, while lovely on the chain-gang isn't quite so endearing round town. This waterproof, breathable budget jacket from Madison and Lezyne's Town Caddy satchel being prime examples. Finished in a very fetching blue, the jacket combines cycling cut with civilian practicality- pockets that fall conveniently to hand when mooching round the shops or taking a trail side breather immediately curried favour. That said, I've only been a few miles in it so conclusions are somewhat premature.

Lezyne's Town caddy is a stylish bag marrying messenger kudos with office practicality-space for laptops and "storage by numbers" compartments for tools and other everyday nick-nacks-there's even a bottle opener integrated into the cam buckle. Beautifully chic but I'll have to rack up some miles before we are bewitched by its designer charisma. Long, steady mixed terrain meanders suggest the DSP dual colour wrap is every bit as good as it looks. The tactile rubberised texture not only offers insulation from rider fatiguing road and trail buzz but unparalleled grip in heavy rain. Objectively, it requires greater care when applying and ingrained dirt mustn't be removed using the time-honoured soapy water and brush routine (this will strip the technical coating). Playing devil's advocate £28 is a lot to shell out on bar wrap and two-tone effects are easily created using two packs of traditional bike ribbon. Nonetheless, it seems very hard wearing in either 2.5 or 1.8mm guises so should last a few seasons-even on the everyday bike.

Shrouded in romanticism, being freelance has a much darker side-one synonymous with the "creative professions" generally. My reasons for pursuing this route are complex but on a strictly personal, day to day basis, my love for the written word, cycling, photography coupled with un/related passions brings its own reward. Most of the time, the sense of being driven is positively intoxicating-especially when copy flows like the proverbial waterfall. Equally, hunched over a keyboard editing copy and images into the wee small hours, the continuous need to produce bigger and better features/explore new audiences can quickly distort a sense perspective. Not everyone has the temperament to cope with the relative lack of social intercourse/camaraderie taken for granted within staffed studio and office environments. Then there's getting paid-I've been relatively fortunate but am still owed a sizable amount by one publisher who seemed surprised when I politely advised I would be delighted to contribute but only upon receipt of three month's outstanding money. Loving my work is one thing, being a busy fool is quite another.

Spring Cleaning & Phantom Squeaks...

2011-03-09T15:25:00.000-08:00

Inspired by my last entry, I'm pleased to report, said charger is directly compatible with the NR150 which means there's much less traffic at my computer tower-trivial but strangely satisfying. By contrast bike theft is anything but and set to get worse as the economy plummets.

Timely then that this Pinhead security kit should arrive at my door. It's a very clever system that limits the need for a jailer's key fob, safeguarding expensive wheels and finishing kit from all but the most determined tealeaves. Working to the same principles as the common or garden Yale employed in external doors, each has it's own unique nine digit combination and matching key (Be sure to register this online before venturing out into the big wide world in case you should need a replacement!). Fashioned from stainless steel and tipping the scales at 200g per set, installation is simply a question of removing the existing skewers and slotting the Pinheads in place with the logo visible from the right hand side.

Drop some machine oil on the threads before slipping the washer and threaded nut finger tight. Using the key, torque everything down (between half and one and a half turns) giving components a quick tug to check purchase. Operationally, they're no slower than conventional cams so punctures/ generic servicing/adjustment is a moot point. Domed caps prevent tools gaining purchase and/or leverage and unlike chrome plated types, they're not foxed by powerful magnets.

Lightening the mood somewhat, Alan has laced the Rigida rim to the dynohub and to date I'm very impressed- there's markedly less resistance compared with the venerable Nexus it replaces. That said, it's one of those "close but no cigar" stories since I haven't procured the front lamp yet, although I happened upon my old Nexus switch so when it comes, I'll wire everything up and (hopefully) rejoice in the ability to generate my own light. That said, I won't be ditching the NR or helmet mounted systems since the lanes here are virtually pitch black and besides, even the most reliable can fail unexpectedly...

Integrated systems are not limited to the bike either judging by Bell's new Muni lid. Bell define it as an "Urban sports helmet"- it incorporates two very bright LED lights within the retension cradle, there's a mount for Blackburn's flea within the peak and our "Safety Yellow" model looks really rather fetching, proving that the word "commuter" needn't translate as "Oliver Cromwell Piss-pot". In mould construction coupled with its conformity to CE1078 and CSS are pretty much a given these days. Twenty-one vents with an insect net ensure a comfortable inner climate while the peak defends the eyes from sun, rain, sleet and ferocious foliage. Versatile, it features everything you'll need for urban duties while being practical for touring, mountain biking and general riding but I'll give it a good few weeks before arriving at any firm conclusions.

Self confessed polishing zealot, it will come as little surprise to discover Joshua has embraced bucket and brush and we've been pleasantly surprised by Muc Off's Silicone spray which goes on in a flash, locking in a lasting shine without enticing dirt. Sure, you'll collect traces following a wet ride but this wipes away effortlessly using kitchen paper or damp cloth. These qualities suggest it's the obvious preserve for seasonal playthings hibernating during the darker months-Watch this space... Being a leggy chap, we've raised his saddle a couple of inches and since we had the spanners out, added these rather fetching Crank Brothers Cobalt grips for greater refinement.Elsewhere, I have been driven to distraction by the onset of an infuriating squeak that seemed to reappear just as I thought I'd identified the culprit and brought him back into line. Stopping by the roadside, I discovered the Univega's twin bolt clamp bolts were fractionally loose so snugged them fully home with the corresponding 4mm Allen key... A mile or so later, just as we lined up for the descent... There it comes again(!) This time it was my uber long 8mm offering to the rescue, nudging the drive side crank arm tighter, at which point, the Crank brothers M17 was pressed into service, checking and tightening every bolt large and small from carrier to stem.

Satisfied of perfection, the serenity of silence was rudely interrupted.... Convinced it was the soles of my sport touring shoe chafing slightly against the nylon platforms of these otherwise Superb dual-purpose Time All Road, I resigned myself to putting a drop of oil on the mechanism upon reaching home. Closer inspection exonerated the mighty ATAC derived pedals and revealed a slightly sloppy cassette body- easily addressed with the mighty Cyclo tool. Having exorcised the demon, it was time to change the bar-wrap....

Charge of the Light Brigade

2011-02-11T16:04:00.000-08:00

Reputedly a creature of the night, lighting is an evergreen subject, not restricted to the depths of winter. Generally speaking I'm really taken by the convenience of systems feeding from USB ports-an indisputable boon for desk jockeys, although docking space at my PC tower is too scarce to mention. Watching the dog-walking Li-on unit charging from the kitchen socket, it suddenly occurred the adaptor should be a universal fit and hey presto, the Vis 360 now guzzles straight from the mains!

There's something deeply satisfying about generating your own power and lighting is a logical extension. Chance acquisition of a mid range Rigida Snyper rim looked the consummate partner to this 105 grade dynohub. Presently bereft of wheel jig and stainless spokes of the corresponding length, I have entrusted the build to Alan at Riverside Cycle Centre. Let's be clear, aside from crazed lacquer there was nothing wrong with the venerable nexus unit. Nexus was a fabulous commuter groupset capable of lasting many years with some basic TLC. Unfortunately, it tended to be run into the ground and criticised contemptuously for expiring!

Identifying an inexpensive, yet adequately powerful lamp as replacement for the spontaneously combusting Basta has proved difficult, although this model from RSP looks very promising. Unlike old-fashioned Sturmey Archer and the super smooth Schmidt units, Shimano cannot be turned off which means minor perpetual drag but installing an intelligent switch that engages come the onset of darkness will hopefully maximise bulb longevity.

Speaking of intelligent systems, these Uvex Sphere glasses are fantastic across the board and suitably stylish sans bike too. They're made from Makrolon, a sophisticated polycarbonate employed because of it's impact/temperature resistance coupled with absolute optical clarity. The latter is hard to quantify and takes several longish rides to fully appreciate but its superiority "litemirror" technology works to the same principles as automatic welder's darkshields, ensuring perfect tone and contrast.

Elsewhere, our home brew citrus bike wash has developed a hiccup, well mould to be precise so I need to introduce an inexpensive, natural preserve to the blend. Mercifully there's still plenty of commercial prep in the garage for now... Just as well seeing Joshua has disconnected himself from the dubious delights of his Nintendo and taken to thundering along the lanes at an impressive thirteen mph. Amazing what a handlebar mounted computer and new helmet can inspire!

Lubes, Lotions & Love Potions

2011-01-16T14:28:00.000-08:00

Steady (as distinct from miraculous) recovery from sabre-tooth man-flu coincided with the arrival of these three lubes from White Lightning best described as diet, regular and over proof! The clean ride goes on wet before turning to a milky white paste, shedding accumulated dirt, grunge and grime and can be reapplied with the minimum of fuss without recourse to solvents and chain baths. An obvious favourite for those lazy, hazy days of summer, it's just the ticket for derailluer driven cross and winter workhorses with top-ups around the eighty mile mark.

Their Epic ride formula is something of a curiosity trying to marry the best of both wet and dry worlds in a semi synthetic blend that doesn't attract dirt and reapplied without recourse to extensive wiping and/or solvent baths. Great for mile munching Audax riders, the four ounce sample slips effortlessly inside jersey pockets, wedge/saddle bags/ panniers. Early indicators suggest these non-toxic base oils and petroleum distillates meet their objectives but require copious rag and a steady hand to prevent considerable wastage.

Nigh on thermonuclear protection comes courtesy of Wet-Ride extreme which, taken at face value could be the river rider's wet dream. Super economical to apply, it doubles as a nifty grease substitute for cleats, threaded components/ fasteners/locking mechanism while remaining steadfast and true over high mileages in salty, coastal climes. Control cables and pivot points call for something lighter but foul weather fixed/single-speed pilots and end-to end checkpoint charlies won't be disappointed.

Having mastered production of corrosion inhibitors, a wet, miserable Saturday afternoon prompted my first batch of citrus based, paint friendly bike wash. First impressions weren't so favourable- impotent even, but adding some freshly squeezed orange to the mixture saw it devouring acres of congealed mud. Three minutes and a warm-water rinse later, Joshua's Raleigh was literally squeaky clean!

The expression " Cheap as chips" couldn't be more apt when describing the tumbling prices of electronic technology. Only a few years back, twelve function wireless computers would've commanded the lion's share of £35. In 2011, this pair of Veloset units give change from £25! Chinese made to a pleasing and extremely user-friendly standard, the cheaper 212 seen on Joshua's bike incorporates a really useful back light and large easy-to-read display. Adequate weather seals are readily improved with a customary lick of petroleum jelly on the electrical/battery contacts and a placing a thin freezer bag atop the head unit should be sufficient to counteract all but the most torrential downpours. Common to the sharper styled and better sealed 213 adorning the Univega's cockpit, it boasts a thermometer, although the jury's out as to whether this is genuinely useful-aside from the obvious group-ride bragging rights.

By contrast, these Altura kids gloves weren't so inexpensive. Weatherproof, three layer construction, rubberised non-slip palms and fingers, thunsulate linings make for the perfect technical glove whether cruising through the lanes together on the tag-along or indulging in those rites of passage snowball fights... Alas they've been mislain- more accurately one is thought to be lonesome in his school drawer. Oh the folly of youth and the joys of parenthood!

Cometh The New Year, Cometh The Man-Flu

2011-01-09T03:42:00.000-08:00

Quite a bit has drizzled my way these past few days, from this T-shirt gifted me by Richard at Urban Hunter, some Sugru silicone putty and Guy Andrews' " The Custom Road Bike". Alas, with notable exception, riding has been somewhat limited to the virtual kind thanks to the sudden and deeply debilitating onset of sabre-tooth man-flu. Us don't work, don't eat contract types tend to be fairly stoical so I'm pleased to report nominal impact upon features/copy/photography. After a few months' break, Joshua has resurrected his passion for cycling, taking the trail by storm while demonstrating maturity and confidence beyond his years on public roads. Children outgrow their wardrobes with alarming regularity so these Altura Cruiser Winter tights have replaced his season-too-short Polaris. Made from a rugged fleece-lined polyester; these winter versions incorporate a water-repellent (shower proof) coating for comfort and practicality while a looser cut transcends road, mtb and touring genres nicely. Sensibly positioned Scotchlite detailing provides welcome nocturnal visibility-especially at higher cadences and young protege's find stirrups easier to negotiate than zippered ankles.
Early impressions of this Sugru silicone putty seem favourable, effecting good repair/modification of light brackets and similar lightweight resin accessories. Conceived by Jane, it's basically soft touch rubber reckoned to mould and set permanently with/to aluminium, steel, ceramics, glass, wood and some fabrics/plastics...Not simply "Make do and mend" making a fashionable return in these times of austerity but a creative tool powerful enough to improve existing products.
With this in mind, I've been creating some DIY "cable cuffs" to prevent unsightly and damaging abrasion where outers make contact with the frameset. Claimed operating temperatures between minus 60 and plus 180 degrees suggest a wealth of applications around the workshop. Run around the seat-collar it could provide as weather-tight seal for bikes run in all weathers without mudguards (fenders) thus preventing water, salt and ingress channelling inside the seat-tube.

Peeling open the packaging reveals twelve complimentary/contrasting colour sachets containing the goo. Make sure your desired surface is free of the usual contaminant (dirt, dust, grease etc) before moulding the soft putty around the surface(s) and allowing twenty four hours curing at room temperature. Other possibilities include the semi permanent fitment of cable guides and other low-stress applications. However, don't be telling me tall tales of reuniting broken frame tubes by the roadside...For that you'll need a welder and a wealth of skill.

Transferable skills and plenty of 'em are the way to successfully weather economic nose-dives. MIG (Metal inert Gas, or more accurately Gas Metal Arc Welding seeing as oxygen isn't an inert substance) wouldn't be my tool of choice for constructing lightweight bicycle frames as the temperature is less controllable than oxyacetylene, inviting premature fatigue or simply blowing gaping holes in thin tubing. That said, I've seen some very fetching framesets built this way using off-cuts and leftover paint. Crudely, MIG is a semi automatic process-if you can draw a straight line using a marker pen, then you're capable of producing passable welds with a bit of practice and basic tuition.

The real skill lies in metal preparation- clean, well-mitred joins, dexterity and a decent quality weld unit. The difference between cheap and expensive models is ease of use- on the lowest settings, I have been able to fashion prototype touring trailer chassis from basic grade Columbus tubes with a 140amp semi pro model. Seasoned coach builders and similarly skilled metal workers might achieve the same results using a more rudimentary 110amp unit but it's a lot harder and frankly, we always reach for the tools nicest to use.

Devised for use in WWII munitions factories, the process quickly won favour within manufacturing and later, auto-repair shops thanks to it's ease and speed of use-especially on relatively thin car panels. It's possible to build all manner of nice things from scrap steels-work/storage stands, racks, chairs etc. Many motorcycle frames are constructed this way too...

Ten years on from my early prototypes, I am looking at returning to trailer design on a hobby/cottage industry basis. This time from electrician's conjugate which is of comparable weight to basic Cro-moly, yet so much easier to weld. As a rough and ready reckoner, conjugate is like comparing Peugeot's in-house Carbolite 103 with Reynolds 531- the former was marginally lighter, easier to mass produce but lacked the outright responsiveness and strength to weight ratio. Touring/utility trailers need good handling characteristics and while 4130 of the same weight is less likely to fail, basic hi-tensile steels can be repaired in the back of beyond by pretty much any roadside garage...

Slip Sliding Toward the New Year

2010-12-28T03:31:00.000-08:00

While the snow has retreated, the landscape remains characterised by acres of sheet ice to the extent I haven't been able to take full advantage of the seasonal lull. Clubwo/men have been conspicuous by their absence and those braving the roads have sensibly shunned their sprightly winter steeds for more upright mtb configurations shod with two inch knobblies.

Against this picturesque, seasonal hysteria, we've been brewing more corrosion inhibiting formula from the comfort of the kitchen, taken delivery of the mighty skyscraper in-line seatpost and contemplated a new cottage industry but more about that in the New Year. Available in a kaleidoscope of sizes from 25.4 to 30.8 in .2mm increments, the aptly monikered skyscraper is phenomenally rigid and boasts a markedly superior finish to most at this end of the market. Hauling my seventy kilo mass coupled with tag-along and SQR type saddlebags failed to induce the faintest hint of whip whether swooping into descents or cantering up the climbs so it's a boon for powerfully built riders looking to take advantage of smaller compact framesets. By the same token, two hours' spirited green laning suggests it doesn't transmit shock like the proverbial pneumatic drill either, although riders of plain gauge aluminium might tell a very different tale.

Being a night owl, lights are very much my bag and while Topeak's Hi light, powered by two CR2032 watch type cells doesn't turn night into day, it's perfect for those "Out longer than I anticipated" winter afternoon excursions. Consuming nominal handlebar real-estate and delivering around 90 hours in flashing, the three ultra bright LEDs make worthy compliments to dynamo systems and won't cramp the style of ultra minimalist fixers either. Weather resistant as removed from waterproof, they benefit from a lick of Vaseline on the contacts but there's little to grumble about considering the front and rear combo gives change from £20.

The same could not be said of the emergent 2.5% hike in VAT (Value Added Tax) commencing in January which will do little to bolster consumer confidence and moreover, spending vital for sustained economic growth. Doubtless some huge corporations will absorb the blow as a sweetener for the first quarter but this remains cold comfort for small businesses and individuals. Cycling is oft dubbed a recession product but unlike thirty years ago when it faced extinction, manufacturers have responded with a wealth of innovative, practical and extremely affordable utility mounts for everyday transportation.

In the right context, this could give rise to a more intelligent, integrated transport system, similar to those employed in countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands that enjoy high standards of living and cycling as a respected, everyday mode of transport. However, such models can only evolve in accordance with the mindset and will of its citizens and sadly I'm not convinced the UK is ready to embrace this cultural shift.

Lipstick, Powder n' Paint

2010-12-11T14:22:00.000-08:00

"Red lips, hair and finger-nails, I can tell you're a mean old Jezebel, let's go upstairs and read my tarot cards"...Ahem, well, here's the offending top-tube enamel imperfection in question- insignificant but annoying nonetheless. Much pleading with close female friends, siblings and the odd passer by for good measure drew little more than playful ridicule, so I boldly strolled through the doors of a well-known high street cosmetics chain and scanned the neatly aligned rows of nail varnish (quietly oblivious to periodic quizzical glances) until I happened upon this "New York Color". Not quite a perfect match (Metallic being notoriously tricky) but cures close enough on small areas. Univega's haven't been imported to these shores for a few years but should a genuine OEM colour stick come under my radar at the right price, I'll snap it up there and then. Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating's showroom was positively awash with vibrant, beautiful colours, brightening up the prospect of another day's dull but necessary temping. This glittering pearlescent livery transforms an otherwise bargain basement mid nineties Cro-moly mtb frameset into a thing of beauty. The effect is created using a "flip" powder coat and would cost around £80/90 (including VAT and blasting dependant upon whether a lacquer coat was required). These plain-gauge tubesests aren't particularly rewarding to ride but resist dents and dings better than exotica while lateral stiffness ensures dependable laden handling-especially paired with trailers/tag-alongs.The constant lockings and unlocking take their toll on a bike's livery and while mummifying the top-tube in old inner tube certainly helps, design Maestro's Knog think they have overcome this necessary evil by introducing a range of locks encased in their trademark medical-grade silicone. Pictured is their amusingly monikered mid range Kransky which occupies their " Council Estate" security rating. Complete with "strap-on" carry bracket and tipping the scales at around the kilo mark, it isn't designed to match the outright security of ABUS Steel-O Flex and similar top-flight urban defences but it's really convenient, parking up for shorter periods in prominent areas around town, on club runs, track meets etc. So far so good but we'll see how it fairs under assault from the bike thief's typical arsenal in the coming weeks... Elsewhere, the ETC cushioned cork wrap unveiled last week might just be the perfect finishing touch for long haul tourists and mile munching Audax aficionados looking to trim costs without sacrificing comfort. Generous measures also permit the use of aftermarket MARS type shock absorbing underlays (so long as you didn't mind a slightly chunky look to your cockpit). Real world performance is equally impressive, providing excellent all conditions purchase whether screaming fully laden along wet, winding descents or simply trickling through town.Prolonged rides on and sans asphalt, in gloved or bare hands suggests cushioning rivals that of more exotic polymer blends, although December was quick to leave her calling card upon our pink sample. In fairness, tickled with a medium bristled brush dipped in warm, soapy water returned ours to its original lustre but winter, cross and other bikes in hard service are better served by the more restrained red or blue variants.

Freezing conditions coupled with a modest thaw are once again wreaking havoc upon our infrastructures. Rim ruinous potholes are opening up everywhere and in light of central government spending cuts, local authorities are struggling to cope. Cushioned by two inch rubber and mtb wheels certainly helps but I've had to swerve around a few where the asphalt has seemingly opened up in slow motion!

Persistent low-level vibration succeeded in loosening the RSP Tour light mounting hardware and the recently fitted 12-25 cassette. Both easily cured using 8/10mm wrenches and this rather nifty little tool from Cyclo. Measuring 24cm long, it consumes nominal space in saddlebag or tool board and is so much nicer to use than the traditional hexagonal types thanks to superior leverage, accurate machining and rubberised handle.

Relentless testing of the Gusset 8spd chain suggests the factory lube is one of the most tenacious I've ever come across, still clinging to the links in spite of high mileages in the present climate, although mercy came in the form of Finish line's one stop cleaner and lube to coincide with tightening of the cassette body. Regular audiences will note my sporadic search for decent quality 350/400mm posts in the increasingly obscure 26.0 diameter.

Enter our old friend serendipity and some casual conversation revealed Dutch component brand BBB still offer their aptly named "Skyscraper" in extensive and more unusual sizes (25.4 through to 27.2 in point two millimetre increments). Some may baulk at the 386g weight penalty but rigidity is of greater significance on smaller mtb/other compact geometry designs-especially those that partake in tag-along slavery. Sure, there's nothing, structural or otherwise wrong with the venerable polished and lacquered Kalloy but I've happened upon this model at a very tempting price so, seeing as it coordinates perfectly with the Univega's other finishing kit...

Snow Joke!

2010-12-05T07:35:00.001-08:00

Snow is big news here in the UK, although to be fair, the last few winters have been quite dramatic as a result. The much promised white-out finally hit this corner of the South East on Monday night/ early hours of Tuesday morning. Frustrated by a lack of creativity and working on the basis conditions would be fine so long I took it gently; Univega and I popped out to test some kit and chase the blues away. Once we'd negotiated the lanes, main roads seemed relatively clear so I increased the tempo to 14mph monitoring every tyre rotation for sheet ice and anything else that might result in an intimate encounter with Terra firma. Deserted backwaters are always a bad bet and quickly present a false sense of security. Two and a quarter miles into our twelve mile saunter, Mother Nature reminded me of her unyielding superiority. Negotiating a slippery section, I un-clipped my left foot and was paddling through when the otherwise exemplary Schwalbe lost traction- attempts to counteract the inevitable proved futile. Miraculously, I caught the bike's fall so, completely unscathed, we continued and ultimately finished the excursion as planned. Ironic then that these Continental Nordic Spike 120 should arrive the next day. As the name suggests, these are an extreme conditions tyre designed to cope with ice, snow, sleet and slush. Available in 700c, their 42mm profiles can present compatibility hassles with more traditional 'cross, touring and hybrids while 900g a piece might seem unpalatable to some but with notable exception, they're the safest tyres for treacherous roads and indeed trails. Bearing striking resemblance to the archetypal cross country mountain bike tyre, the open tread ploughs through the snow while 120 steel studs provide the traction, biting deep into the ice beneath. Phenomenal braking and cornering prowess along with ultra dependable three-ply casings inspire confidence and speeds of around fifteen mph, although sharp acceleration-say entering a roundabout can induce momentary losses of grip. Given the level of performance, £80 for a pair is money well spent-especially those of us employed on a "Don't work, don't eat" contract basis who can ill afford time off and a crash damaged steed into the bargain. Being critical, reflective sidewalls would've been a nice touch and I'd love a 26 inch (MTB) version!
Markedly cheaper performance upgrades are these pro series cantilever pads from Jagwire that offer plenty of smiles per mile at £10 for a complete set. To my surprise, they're compatible with all rim types from polished alloy to ceramic and carbon exotica, toeing-In's a cinch and (decent cables allowing) will transform the modulation and feel of older designs (e.g. mid nineties Shimano M system) employing 7mm threaded stubs. Better still, the secret formula all-conditions compounds are cartridges so simply slip out of their shoes with the help of a two millimetre Allen key should you fancy something less generic. Whether a Christmas treat for the working bike or a stocking filler "thank you" to someone special, it's hard to see where you'd go wrong.

Reasoning a top mounted axillary lever might facilitate greater control, enhancing our centre of gravity when scrubbing off the speed in inclement conditions, I offered this rather befitting Specialized model to the bars. Ball burnished satin, black, 31.8 diameter complete with hinged clamp it was the perfect, unobtrusive cockpit compliment... However, said lever scampered back to the spares drawer once it became apparent the WTB are only over size at the bulge diameter.Inviting the tubby tourer into the kitchen for a well-earned polish presented the obvious opportunity to fit this very fetching pink wrap. (Being a test sample, you takes pot luck) but the macho boys will be relieved to hear there's a choice of several primary colours too. Teasing aside, it's remarkably generous and very compliant, winding elegantly around the most extreme drops- perfect for those Midge/ Major Taylor's. Often, less expensive wraps are let down by poor adhesives but these sit just where they're put yet remain tolerant of surreptitious unravelling. First impressions seem favourable but long, steady winter miles are key-especially when it comes to such a pale hue. Now, I'm looking for a nail varnish to match the frame's metallic red... there's this small but infuriating nick along the top tube......

Lord Of The Thighs

2010-11-24T14:44:00.000-08:00

No sooner said than delivered... I am of course referring to a 140mm version of BBB's Razer saddle courtesy of the brands' Dutch headquarters and what a difference a few millimetres make. We've been chasing up and down the highways and byways this past week without the merest hint of discomfort or chafing. Employing the same micro-tech faux leather cover, the black variant is unsealed so feels extremely tactile but is less convenient to clean (cross aficionados and others wandering through winter sans guards take note!).Couriers bearing all manner of tasty test treats have been beating a path to my door these past ten days or so. Given the season, day glow is once again envogue but this jacket, pannier/rucksack cover and helmet from Pro Viz are particularly noteworthy-especially since £55 buys a waterproof garment with electroluminescent technology burning through the dullest days and darkest nights. Sure, being as it comprises of a simple waterproof shell and mesh liner there's some trade-off in terms of breathability and the cut while reasonably generous, is tailored for more relaxed riding positions. However, there's some lovely detailing too and it ensures the elements remain firmly outside.

Capacious side pockets keep keys, wallets and even compact cameras close to hand without impeding progress and the zippered poacher's stash is equally welcome. Fleece lined collar and adjustable cuffs complete the package, preventing wind, rain and chill billowing inside-even when the mercury hovers around zero.

Fifteen miles at nigh on race pace, the inner climate starts feeling clammy but a long way short of "Boiled in the bag". Alas, the electroluminescent technology rules out machine washing, which could turn socially awkward after a few seasons but by this juncture, it won't owe you anything and the outer can be wiped down with impunity. Rucksack/small pannier covers incorporating this technology aren't completely revolutionary- Respro's version is better equipped to resist regular encounter with brickwork, foliage and generic wear and tear.

That aside, the Pro Viz cover still represents excellent value for money, slips securely aboard rucksacks and single panniers with twenty odd litre capacities so could be the perfect Christmas stocking filler. Dressing in garments ruinous to the retina removes the SMIDSY (Sorry mate, I didn't see you) defence but contrary to popular misconception, has little practical effect upon driver etiquette. Recent outings in various attire suggests cars approach faster, overtaking riders sporting helmets and/or day glow with greater indifference. More tangible research reveals a marked tendency for "enthusiast" cyclists and motorcyclists to be targeted for abuse/wantonly dangerous behaviours by a small minority of drivers. Richard Ballantine's 1988 edition of his justly revered "Bicycle Book" indulges in some over simplistic pop-sociology when categorising drivers and their vehicles but anecdotally, there seems a grain or two of truth amongst his sweeping assertions. December the 16th marks the ninth anniversary of a hit and run involving myself and a red three series BMW along Streatham High Rd. Mercifully I escaped with little more than cuts, grazes, scuffed bar wrap and a bent mech hanger. Socio-economically deprived neighbourhoods are a bad bet at anytime and while reporting the incident with police out of principle, the legal process seems impotent when it comes to bringing unlicensed, uninsured and dare I suggest, contemptuous drivers to account.Adding some virility to commuter lighting comes Nite Rider's Minewt 150 cordless. Boasting 150 lumens, integral Li-on mains/USB chargeable cell, impressive performance coupled with nominal clutter means its perfect for fastidious fixers and tidy winter trainers. Output has me really excited; it's the first commuter derived lamp that brings country lanes alive, albeit in the highest setting. Medium is good but better suited to the suburban scramble whereas low is strictly for urban riding and flashing for overcast mornings/emergencies.

A combined switch/battery life indicator flashes when charge dwindles to 15%, typically providing thirty minutes grace before complete shut down, Used in tandem with the helmet mounted models mentioned in my last entry, navigating unlit rural backwaters and midnight green laning has been absolute joy. However, its 250 sibling is the one to go for if spirited nocturnal single track mountain biking/cross fun is your thing. Weather resistance seems equal to more traditional types so long as the charge flap is fully home and more extreme river riding is avoided.

Now to purge the Univega of salt, slime and generic winter road-grime.

Evolution of a Species

2010-11-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

Dull and overcast November brings with it ideal testing conditions for the latest lighting systems. Helmet lamps are really exciting as they allow the rider to precisely attune the beam and in the context of Light & Motion's integrated (front and rear) VIZ360 direct 150 lumens at driver eye-level having the desired effect of registering your presence from afar without blinding oncoming traffic. Mounting effortlessly to most lids there's ample peripheral vision and output in the highest setting is sufficient to navigate forest trail and rural backwater.

However, UK law dictates it must be used in conjunction with bike mounted types. Given the way the legal system operates, a careless driver could be acquitted on such a technicality and even though the four lumen rear is genuinely visible in all contexts, it only takes a split second turn of the head, the approaching driver momentarily distracted for a fatal collision. That said, the Vis 360 has saved my bacon once following main systems failure-impromptu ride, lost track of time etc and to be frank its the perfect companion for this interesting Haloglow helmet. Sure on the face of things the Haloglow is just another very competent universal fit road lid with twenty vents conforming to CE1078 standard. Look closer however and there's an LED type halo around the circumference. Pressing the positive rear mounted switch for a few seconds engages and toggles between static and flashing modes. First impressions are favourable but the coming weeks will cement my opinion in a constructive and informed manner. In the meantime, take a closer look (http://www.moorelarge.co.uk/)

Continued subtle reconfiguration of the mighty Univega sees only the headset, Ultegra bar cons, front mech and Kalloy post remain of the original build. The rear wheel has been upgraded to a disc compatible Mavic/Alivio offering. Detailing is remarkably good, includes disc mounts, extremely well sealed bearings coupled with a satin ball burnished finish serves to illustrate how far lower end components have come in the last decade or so as technology trickles downward. Contrary to popular misconception, the spokes and the rims are to some extent, of greater significance to a wheel's quality than the hubs themselves.

A skillfully built budget offering can be a much better bet than superior components thrown together by a machine or "Saturday boy". That last remark reminds me of a situation some twenty years back when a customer came into a bike dealers collecting £200 worth of bespoke road wheels. Alas the hapless employee omitted rim tape and the subsequent explosion caused raised voices and red faces a plenty. These days litigation wouldn't be an idle threat. The Univega also enjoys a tyre upgrade courtesy of some lovely Schwalbe. With two inch wide profiles you'd expect them to be as responsive as the proverbial snail on mogadon. Oh contraire, they're the fastest two inch rubber I've used to date with superb acceleration and control whether thundering along the slimy rural backwaters or trickling through town.

Positively gliding over man hole covers, shards of glass, speed humps there's been no sign of the dreaded hiss and provocatively sneaking an extra fifteen psi past their 70psi maximum couldn't detract from the graceful, magic carpet ride. The 14-28 cassette left us feeling under-geared though so was substituted for a nickle plate 12-25. Lock ring tools, especially cassette types are so readily misplaced. Mercifully I found this hyper cracker pocket marvel in the spares drawer- It's really designed for touring, using the frame as a giant chain whip to remove (or refit) the ring but salvaged that particular evening's ride.

Contact points are amongst the most hotly debated (and oft contested) subjects when cyclists congregate for any period-saddles being a time honoured favourite. BBB are a Dutch firm doing things slightly different to the rest of the world in a very positive sense. Understated, the brands' Razer comfort lite sports remarkable attention to detail. Cro-moly rails are extremely well finished while the composite base and micro density memory foam are equally impressive. White leatherette covers usually turn my blood cold but this one's encased beneath a thick, durable lacquer meaning greasy finger marks, dirt and general ingress vanish with the first flick of a damp cloth so its practical, even for 'cross.

So where's the rub? Well, it just comes down to the 130mm base that is thirteen millimetres too narrow for my posterior over longer distances, leaving me uttering more "Ooooh!" than the late Frankie Howard (Titter ye not). Those worried about mutual compatibility will need to get themselves over to their nearest Specialized dealer for an assometer measurement or alternatively go the DIY route. Find an old but clean foam off cut. Sit on it long enough to leave a deep, obvious butt-print. Now, mark these points with ball bearings, marker pens or similar reference and measure the distance between the "sit bones" Voila you now have your optimum size!

Allow a little leeway- slightly wider for a more upright touring/mtb configurations such as the Univega but your newly discovered measurement will work just fine in the contexts of track or road mounts...

Now, you'll have to excuse me, I'm off to play with another lid, One23's 1 watt extreme light and Schwalbe's Kojak- who loves ya baby.

Happy Monday- A morning with Maldon Shotblasting & Powder Coating

2010-11-08T03:48:00.000-08:00

Popped over to Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating for a morning's photography. Amongst the neat rows of go-kart chassis, motorcycle components, swing arms and other project works, this frame emerged from the blast cabinet. Horizontal Campagnolo ends, cable guides and intricate lugwork bear the hallmarks of a volume produced 531 tourer from the mid to late seventies.

Rather akin to the hungry little Caterpillar, internal corrosion had chomped holes in the seat tube but Graham skillfully plug welds the affected areas using a MIG unit on the lowest setting before grinding them flat and applying a lick of thermabond3.

Cometh the man, cometh the chromate...
Top-coat

Fresh from the oven...
Total cost of the renovation (including forks) £60. Like what you see? Give Trevor a call on +4401621 841100 or visit http://www.ctc-powder-coating.co.uk/ for more info.

Bother, Bother, Bother That Brake!

2010-10-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

"Father did not riot, he loaded his pannier full with DSLR, lenses, spare batteries, hopped on the Univega and went in search of politicians in compromising positions. After a particularly long and arduous descent, the V brakes rebelled and he replaced them with cantilevers".

This is a shameless and deliberate play on Norman Tebbit's infamous speech made in response to civil unrest instigated by harsh socio-economic conditions in the early 1980s. Quotes frequently morph or are bastardised with time and a publication's political colours but Tebbit is widely believed to have said " I grew up in the 30's with an unemployed father. He didn't riot, he got on his bike and looked for work and he kept looking 'till he found it". Before embarking on our tale of woe, I've caught some very candid shots of local government figures partaking in midday massages and moonlight meanderings. Several meadows close to Dorking town centre reputedly bore witness to the latter but this could've been small talk and unfounded rumor amplified by poor journalism.

Few can escape the continued focus and speculation around the economy and the extensive rationing of public spending-especially here in the UK. Cycling England which served to promote cycling in all its genres and contexts has become the latest casualty. Cynically one might suggest this was predictable given cycling seemingly rates on par with welly-wanging in the public consciousness (although the British track team's recent successes certainly improved matters). However, responsibility for the coordination of related projects/developments has been returned to local authority control which isn't particularly good news, not least as the present administration seem determined to wield power centrally, thus local governments will become little more than paper tigers. Paraphrasing a line from Jaws "We're gonna need a bigger boat" to keep the momentum going at grass root and national level.

So to matters braking. Dia Compe 988 might seem a curious choice, necessitating new levers, cables and bar wrap but there's a method in my madness. First and foremost, their slender profiles improve pannier and heel clearance compared with their wider and more powerful brethren but secondly, cantilevers cope better than linear pulls in wet, muddy conditions. This is very significant seeing as Joshua loves riding but the tight, narrow roads are heavily trafficked and unsuitable for children his age-ergo much of our time is spent riding, wet muddy farm and forest tracks/trails. Such reconfigurations present the ideal opportunity for more comprehensive annual overhaul before the winter miles set in, although the 988 mounting kit was instantly upgraded and the pads will follow suit so as to bring modulation and feel on par with higher end models. That said, even as stock they're not to be sneezed at-especially for winter/cross builds.

Well-dressed riders and machines form the basis of winter survival and it's been the first week that 3/4 length knickers have been shunned in favour of tights. Hands and feet are the first extremities to suffer in the cold so with this in mind, its timely we take a quick peek at these weatherproof gloves from Altura and Protective.

Both are competitively priced, completely waterproof to the cuffs, offer good insulation from road and trail shock and feature the ubiquitous Ulnar padding. The Altura features a series of hefty gel tablets dotted around the palms whereas Protective have opted for a less pronoun ed and very compliant single cushion. There's no magic bullet when it comes to comfort-we're anatomically unique with different riding styles and so one wo/mans padding is another's pressure point. The first few hundred miles suggests the Protective provide a more sculpted anatomic fit-especially after two hours continuous riding.

Altura's mid-weight night vision technical winter jersey addresses the issue of beating winter chill without incurring increased bulk. Polyester based it's heavily impregnated with Scotchlite detailing-the sort that reflects back when graced by vehicle headlamps, street lighting etc. Three large pockets capture keys, phones, cameras, change and other assorted nick knacks and the middle will even swallow a 750ml trade bottle. Paired with a decent base layer it beats early season chill hands down and resists light showers and moisture management's pretty good-about twenty five minutes following a light shower or machine wash. Another lovely touch is the fibre optic strip that attaches to the garment courtesy of a large Velcro bed. This completes the really neat, integrated appearance and could spell the slow but steady extinction of the traditional LED tab. If only all lighting systems were this simple....

Charging the assorted nimh, li-on and Lead acid systems has proven somewhat more demanding with some losing charge before we'd reached the end of the drive and others just refusing to replenish full-stop. Seven hours-the lion's share of a working day (or night) brings this old school but likable Electron unit to life for a couple of hour's return-not the most convenient for a quick twenty mile chase around the block. No longer made and showing it's age beside this simple, compact Li-on fuelled units such as this from One23; the Electron slips into the bottle cage and alternates between settings via two handlebar mounted switches.

Fine for commuting and winter training, the beams deliver a bright but yellow hue that isn't so effective off road or tackling pitch black rural lanes...Let's take a closer look at the One23 extra bright. This unit is the perfect illustration of why watts are a very outmoded and slightly misleading measure of power/output. The super bright LEDs knock old fashioned ten watt lead acid systems for six, projecting a really pure white beam good enough to belt along the back roads at 20+ mph in the highest setting.

Low isn't radically better in terms of economy but more than adequate for sub/urban runs while flashing saves the day when battery life and visibility to other traffic preside over outright visual clarity. Run times are around three hours in top, four in low and six in flashing. Fully charging the lithium battery will cost a couple of hours at the mains while the helmet mount option and very modest weight opens horizons to nocturnal singletrack and forest fun when accompanied by a handlebar system.

Snap, Crackle.... My Rack Went Pop (aka Midnight at the Lost and Found)

2010-10-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

Pride is said to signal a fall from grace. Quietly smug at my ingenuity in devising a lighting bracket from a retired under saddle bottle caddy, the Univega and I were hurtling through the lanes at warp-speed when our serene silence was rudely interrupted by a disconcerting tinkling. Believing it a rogue mudguard stay bolt we drew into the siding but to my surprise,said oh-so-clever lighting bracket had proven too much for the Topeak's LED tab, shearing it clean off! The immediate solution was to pop the light, complete with bracket into the rack pack, closing the zipper tight enough so the corpulant light remained visible.

Being a resourceful hoarder, a recent rummage through storage recovered this very fetching 4130 aircraft grade cro-moly rack complete with a rear bracket ready drilled to accommodate dynamos and lights of similar proportions. Finished in durable satin black powder coat, it boasts phenomenal rigidity and greater heel clearance with bulky expedition panniers. Fitting was surprisingly straightforward, although the stainless steel arms required cutting to size and some longer hex bolts. Twenty minutes, a quick furniture polish blow-over and we were ready for a twelve mile back-roads tester. In short it's transformed the handling under load and adds extra refinement to the build as does the return of these SPD.

Recent muddy green laning has seemingly taken its toll upon the otherwise charming Ritchey copies (manifest in an infuriating squeak suggesting the goo has got to the bearings) so, they've been swapped for the arguably superior 2003 Shimano. The front Dia Tech linear pulls came out in sympathy too-just a question of stripping, cleaning and purging the hidden witches brew of congealed grease, gunge and grime. Last but not least in my catalogue of resourcefulness comes an unexpected replacement for my beloved four dollar Timex. Hunting through a bedside drawer for a replacement CR2032 computer battery, I stumbled across this Chinese made Heart RateMonitor.

A blank display confirmed suspicions of battery demise but carefully opening the back plate and inserting a replacement cell brought the display surging into life. Ensuring this surgery hadn't dislodged the tiny but significant weather seal, I refitted the casing and whizzed the tiny screws fully home. A new watch cum training tool for the princely sum of £3!

Never sans camera, I happened upon two very different, yet equally compelling machines while going about my business. This Cannondale was found loitering, fully dressed in a town centre alleyway secured only by the flimsiest of cable locks. Reasoning the owner had been dancing to the full bladder shuffle and popped into the toilet opposite, I took a few shots before dropping by the bank. To my astonishment it was still there, unmolested with the full complement of "steal me" accessories when I returned some thirty minutes later. Another machine that caught my gaze is this Bianchi conversion. While familiar with the brands' crossers, we don't see to many here on UK roads and I thought the eclectic mix of Celeste, black and baby pink showed remarkable reciprocity. Racing days seemingly over, parred to the essentials it remains a very attractive and practical working bike. Front and rear cantilevers might seem overkill but the Mole Valley is an area of extreme natural beauty, long climbs and breathtaking descents so a rear set is quite welcome-especially in the event of sloppy shoe cleats... Joshua has taken delivery of his new Cro-moly single-speed. Neatly finished and with basic but serviceable components, it tips the scales at a moderate and ultimately manageable twelve kilos. Being a semi compact geometry frameset, it leaves him less stretched while providing all important stand over height. Single-speeds with rigid forks offer rugged simplicity-perfect for younger children while alloy wheels and cheap but cheerful linear pull brakes keep things lively and dependable. Feedback suggests the saddle and post are due an upgrade but replacements are plentiful-especially in the 25.4 diameter. Maybe we'll have some photos next time..

With lighting up times getting progressively earlier, this season's LEDs have become so good to the point where there's precious little to choose between them-great news from a consumer's perspective, albeit a little bewildering. Those with a robust sense of cynicism would argue this is down to widespread badge engineering, models emerging from the same factories with the same internals but different packaging and pricing accordingly.

These RSP flexlights are amongst my favourites, light, simple, weatherproof and very bright relative to their size. Weighing a mere 20g, they're just the ticket for those one coffee, one tall story too many at the post-ride cafe' stop. Output is good to around three hundred and fifty metres, burn times (at least in flashing mode) are impressive, returning ninety hours from a single CR2032 and they work perfectly when fully submerged.

Surly Seven Year Olds & The Sheared Seat Bolt Blues

2010-09-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

He bid me come out, how could I say no? He said meet me at eight, round at my place, you know...Since my last entry, Joshua goes from strength to strength, racing round tarmac and trail at every opportunity. There's the usual thrills and the inevitable spills but he takes it all in his stride. However, we were preparing for winter, poring Waxoyl into the seat tubes while seizing the opportunity to test this fantastic wrench when he threw an uncharacteristic diva fit, refusing to help in any capacity!

Refitting the Univega's seatpost I set about tightening the binder bolt while asserting some parental authority. Distraction resulted in over tightening the clamp, shearing the bolt in the process. Sensing contained displeasure, my little protege' headed indoors while I searched in vain for a replacement. Every cloud they say has a silver lining, the good folk at Ison charging to the rescue with this arguably nicer Salsa lip-lock which comes in a variety of diameters and several pretty anodised colours.

So to Friedrichshafen in Southern Germany, home to Eurobike, the continents largest and arguably most important trade show. With over 1,000 exhibitors from across the globe, there was literally something for everyone and allowing for periodic bouts of show-blindness, I didn't come close to sampling everything in five, ten hour days. Focusing on the fixed scene, wandering through the halls lead me undecided as to the future of the genre. Literally everyone had one in their range and while some fired my imagination, many seemed content to cynically roll out track wannabes made from non-descript steel and alloy tube sets.

That said, its not all gloom. Sturmey Archer's three speed fixed hub seemed enticing enough and cropped up sporadically on complete builds. Cooper bikes, a new British marque proudly hung this configuration aboard a neatly welded 525 frameset. Sat beside it was a fully chrome minimalist sibling fashioned from Reynolds' thicker gauge 520 tubing, complete with Major Taylor drops and Brooks leather bar wrap. Leather remains a popular trend too-saddles, bags, toe straps, grips and tape were commonplace. Chrome has been riding the crest of a retro wave-fork crowns, blades , ornate lugwork and chainstays were literally dripping in the shiny plating. Aluminium mudguards (fenders) house branded tubing and components have made a comeback whereas wood had, with notable exception literally vanished.

Children's bikes fired my imagination for obvious reasons. Most followed the European tradition of fully equipped town n' trail mounts with full mudguards, carriers and integral lights. By the same token, the road bike revival is fast challenging the mountain bike's dominance. Several manufacturers including Atala and Schwinn have introduced junior machines to their range. A far cry from the ubiquitous gas-pipe, junk component "ten speeds" from the late 70s/early 80s, these sport neatly welded aluminium framesets, serviceable entry level components and price tags that won't require remortgaging.

Neons, fresh from 1989 are steadily creeping back into the mainstream consciousness with Charge, GT and others leading the battle cry. Then we had anodising, oh yes those skewers, binder bolts, brake hangers shunned in spares drawers since 1997 will net you a small fortune on eBay judging by their popularity this year. Stands were awash with mouth-wateringly beautiful high end hubs, headsets, pedals, seatposts, stems and fasteners in a whole spectrum of colours. Frankly, I couldn't get enough of the Far East, 853 framesets with floral livery mingled with titanium,carbon fibre (even the odd bamboo/carbon hybrid) or the halls glittering with thousands of lights from little blinkeys to retina roasting Li-on. Photography wasn't particularly welcomed-presumably on the grounds that copyright/patents were a little sketchy and just as factories churn out neatly fabricated framesets by the container load, doubtless many were producing lights under licence for several household names.

Commuter friendly USB charging types are another really exciting trend with pretty much everyone jumping on the bandwagon. Nite Rider have embraced this technology and applied it to the high power 150/250 lumen Minewt. This year sees rechargeable li-on battery hosted within the lamp's body, meaning it slips effortlessly from the redesigned tool free handlebar mount into the messenger bag or jersey pocket when locking in the street. Docking at the USB for five hours rewards with between to and a half and seven hours burn time depending upon chosen mode.

At the other end of the spectrum we've the Lightning bug and stinger set. Don't be fooled by their sweet, cutesy six colour bug caricature, the lightning bug 3.0 with its pronounced triple bulb design is just sufficient to see by in a sub/urban context. Powered by two CR2032 watch type cells. faithful to quoted, ours have returned between forty and one hundred hours-perfect snuggled up beside the winter bike's dynamo or high power mainstay system.

Back in the UK, upon hearing of the Holdsworth's recent structural woes, Trevor at Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating has very generously offered to strip and refinish the frameset gratis once Paul Vincent's worked his magic.

Now, you'll excuse me, I'm off to play with this bunch of super bright blinkys.

Bragging n' trying not to lie Part II

2010-08-27T05:27:00.000-07:00

After a slow start Joshua has mushroomed in confidence, taking to his solo like the proverbial duck to water. The turning point came during a bitter, frustrated diatribe a week or so back, protesting he couldn't ride (unaware he was coasting along on his own steam!).

Formative wobbles long forgotten, fluidity flows fertile along the lanes and with it the elevation of his confidence when negotiating speed humps and similar obstacles. Grass and green lane have given rise to scenes lifted straight from the keystone cops but his tenacity on wet tarmac is heartening. Manoeuvres and a general sense of road awareness show surprising maturity too, while stopping is generally a controlled, graceful affair.Despite early reservations, the bud brake (linked system) modulator has certainly helped, along with dialing the levers a little closer. A rummage through the spares bin has unearthed some unwanted components which will be passed on and the proceeds ploughed into a new DSLR camera body.

Well folks, you'll have to excuse us-he's just applied his chosen sticker set either side of the top tube and I'm flying to Southern Germany, the home of Euro bike, gap-filler sausage and the dubious delights of techno.

Red Light District

2010-08-17T06:21:00.000-07:00

This latest clutch of LEDs signals autumn and winter’s steady advance; the lighting market being one of the fiercest fought battlegrounds, which is great news for the likes of you and I. The trend is toward high output commuter models that hop aboard the computer’s USB port for a few hour’s charge-perfect for desk jockeys but inappropriate for touring and mile munching Audax where dynamos and double A batteries rule the roost. Light & Motion’s Vis 180 is one such beast, shrouding the rider (and companion) in a cloak of retina reddening thirty-five lumens and one hundred and eighty degrees visibility. At the other end of the spectrum, RSP’s Tourlite has made an equally favourable impression. Tipping the scales at 120g it mounts to rear carriers-at the time of comment, they’re still refining the bracket so I attached ours to my common or garden 6061 Topeak courtesy of a Bor Yeuh saddle rail mounted bottle cage caddy. Output is good for three quarters of a mile and we’re talking in terms of ninety hours from a set of double A in flashing mode. It’s genuinely waterproof passing my hosepipe torture test with flying colours and gives change from £20-perfect for town hacks, tourers and other packhorses. Now, sticking with the darker months and pardoning the arguably unforgivable pun, these clever reflective dots from the Lightweight’s range are a great tertiary source of illumination if day glow’s not really your bag. Available in a choice of eight colours they’re basically self-adhesive stickers impregnated with tiny 3M dots, reflecting the chosen colour when graced by vehicle and street lighting. Weighing around 20g per pack they adhere to most surfaces and will hide unsightly chips and scratches. I chose the Univega’s mudguards (fenders) as my canvas and thus far I’m impressed by their performance. There’s also versions intended for clothing and helmets claiming visibility from 500 metres… So to the Holdsworth… After several twists and turns, further consultation with Paul Vincent suggests as the shell is otherwise undamaged, running some brass into the hairline fracture and sanding it flat should prove the least invasive, most cost-effective solution. However, this will undoubtedly necessitate a re-spray so a couple of bottle mounts will complete the structural surgery before it passes through to Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating for a fresh shot of 5012. Estimated cost £95 including paint and transportation. Putting this into context, a new 531bottom bracket shell, bottle bosses and re-spray crosses the £150 threshold. Arguably economic given the prices of replica framesets but considerably more hassle. Assuming said surgery cuts mustard in the long term, I’ll have the vinyl lettering made and maybe a set for the Teenage dream too…

Monies saved will be ploughed into my other projects-specifically recognised qualifications in massage therapies-something I’ve been eager to acquire for a couple of years. Two local colleges of further and higher education run the required courses but enrolment will hinge on the economics of supply and demand.
"Get on your bike and look for work" was the famous mantra chorused by right of centre politicians some thirty years ago in response to the last bout of chronic social and economic tensions. However, Suffolk constabulary have taken this literally, in a scheme bound to induce rage in anyone unfortunate enough to have his or her bike(s) stolen. Any stolen- recovered bikes within the county are to be distributed amongst ex offenders in order they can “look for work”. So taken to its logical conclusion Terry and Theresa tea leaf can steal your machine, sell it on and potentially get it back, profiting two fold from the rightful owner’s misery! Suggesting hard-core or persistent offenders can “go straight” in this context is laughable and shows a marked ignorance of the penal system’s inherent failures. First and foremost this can only encourage more prolific episodes of theft…

Secondly, the prison system creates a revolving door for many (predominantly young men) whom in due course learn to be more efficient and dangerous criminals. Upon leaving prison there resumes the cycle of criminality-a lack of education, life opportunity and cohesive social network means they only know other ex/offenders. Couple this with addiction and related compulsions, it becomes prohibitively difficult to reintegrate within civil society Ending on a sweeter note we have Finish Line’s one step clean and lube spray-the cycling equivalent of two in one shampoo and conditioner. Simply spray on a filthy chain (and/or cassette for those who admitting to owning machines with variable derailleur transmissions). Leave for a minute and the solvent dissolves congealed lube, grit and general contaminant.

Running the chain through a clean, lint free rag purges any remnants, leaving behind a surprisingly tenacious dry lube. It works a treat on slotted cables, step-in pedal mechanisms leaving them super slick. Results of real world testing over the past few weeks are favourable, requiring reapplication once despite heavy showers and waterlogged roads. However, winter may hum a very different tune and demand weekly top-ups. The mixture’s pretty potent in aerosol form so apply in well-ventilated areas and take the usual precautions, storing safely away from children and pets.

Bragging & Tryin’ Not To Lie

2010-07-26T04:10:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have seen me permanently attached to the Univega-primarily on the grounds of an all weather touring/mtb shoes group test. Realising the hazy days of summer are fast diminishing, I plucked Ninja Blue from its nylon-coated hook and took off for a fast twelve-mile blast. Ironic then that the heavens should mysteriously turn overcast and bestow intermittent warm rain of the sort that nigh on dries the moment it strikes the top-tube. Tractor racing a’la the summer of ’91 has been notable by its absence too and this needs resolving before autumn’s gentle rains and falling leaves. The dry, dusty summer months have delivered a layering of filth and grime seemingly by stealth to the Univega’s livery but mercifully a bucket of warm water, a few capfuls of wash and wax and this eco-sponge from Green oil purged the demon. Derived from the Luffa plant and imported under fair trade from the Philippines, its biodegradable composition feels closer to that of a shredded wheat cereal biscuit. Leave it in a bucket of Luke/warm water for a minute or so and it both softens and swells to more useful dimensions- it’s great on really stubborn grime and should last around a year but feels a little aggressive for more delicate frame finishes.
I keep returning to the idea of reinventing Izzie the Ilpompino for winter. Similarities with the Holdsworth end at the livery but that’s precisely as I’d intended. Mudguard and four point carrier mounts, clearance for 38mm rubber are perfect attributes for the darker months. Remaining pragmatic, such would only coincide with replacing Ninja Blue’s bottom bracket shell and introducing bottle mounts to the down tube, topped off with the fresh coat of 5012- a conversation I shall be having with Paul Vincent in the coming weeks. Talking of winter, these quirky booties from Lake might not win warm applause from the style police but are a surprisingly proficient choice for four season’s riding-especially through rain, sleet and snow. Resembling a closed toe sandal with an integrated sock, the breathable event fabric ensures a temperate inner climate. The soles strike a great balance between power transfer and walking comfort, although curiously cleat engagement isn’t as snappy as some.

The Holdsworth’s stem mounted Blackburn computer hasn’t missed a beat, regardless of my proximity to electricity pylons, phase one nuclear reactors and all manner of high and low frequency interference. These factors might explain how I achieved those heady forty-mph plus readings back in the day but a steady twenty-three fuels the senses, makes the soul sing while just steady enough to compose thoughts, features, test copy and related materials.
Consequently, the cheap but ever so cheerful echowell has found a new home aboard my mother’s partner’s smart new, versatile Ridgeback commuter scoot. There’s nothing remarkable about said machine-an aluminium frame festooned with sensible braze-ons, proven lower end Shimano and in-house components but sturdy Alex wheels and prevalence of sealed bearings mean it’s very practical. This Axiom disc rack happened to be lying idle in my wardrobe as was a canary yellow cage and single pannier. Means he and my mother can take leisurely rides through the summer evenings and in accordance with the male psyche, shout current, maximum, average speeds and of course-distance.

Explaining the significance of the nagging pacer arrow has added to the frisson of excitement and as the proverbial child at Christmas he was permitted to bring said machine through the house before embarking on a twenty minute, three-mile meander around the block. This presented the ideal opportunity to test out some trainer-type touring shoes drilled for recessed cleats. A few leisurely rides, change of pedals, introduce the cleats and he’ll be ready for a few evening rides with yours truly…. Oh how innocently it all starts-before long he’ll be brazing frames together from old tubing and cannibalising washing machines a’la Obree!
Speaking of innocence, summer holidays have seen Joshua regain his zest for riding thanks in part to this bud brake modulator. The manufacturers claim it works to the same principle as car/motorcycle ABS, preventing wheel lock-ups rims overheating and tyres blowing out on long descents etc. The jury’s out on some of these assertions but credit where due, the Jagwire cables are nice touches and moreover, muting the (irrational) fear of ejecting himself over the bars in an emergency has contributed to his improved fluidity/coordination. Confidence battles with concentration sometimes but he’s managing to ride unaided for a few minutes and there’s just a little work to be done in terms of regulating speed to avoid those rights of passage “through the hedge” moments. The two demonic PR boys presently spearheading the present UK government have demonstrated they have little concern beyond their own ideologies. The present agenda of dogmatically cutting every conceivable area of public spending will have grave consequences for every facet of the economy. Cycling superhighways and related civil engineering projects that breathed considerable life into privately owned construction firms- responsible for the promising indicators of economic recovery are fast relenting. Road tolls are a smouldering topic and this too will re-ignite tired arguments about entitlement to use the highways-afterall every one of us pays for the infastructure through direct taxation but this is likely to become lost in the politician’s rhetoric too.
This second economic downturn is starting to bite way beyond that of the reviled public sector. Friends in trades such as plumbing and heating report serious decline is business which they feel will worsen with January’s proposed VAT hike. Housing and other benefit cuts will obviously result in growing levels of homelessness and crime usually accompanies this. The spectre of bike theft is never far away and such an epidemic is likely to remain of little interest to the authorities who seem hopeful of the public taking solace in cheap liquor rather than the civil unrest of the late 70s and 80s.

Torque Talk

2010-07-14T01:29:00.000-07:00

The puncture season has resumed with vengeful blisters thanks to some otherwise superlative Specialized training rubber that goes like the clappers and feels notably narrower than their 23mm profiles suggest but proved the proverbial pig to persuade aboard common or garden Mavic MA2s without exploding thumbs and snapped tyre levers. Further upgrades include the much-revered Thomson post.
A Saturday afternoon characterised by deeply debilitating heavy showers in dispersed with high winds led me to contemplate my powers of persuasion, removing the necessary point two of a millimetre. Thirty minutes concentrated sanding and periodic checking and a lick of this Juice Lubes Bearing grease saw it slide perfectly inside the seat-tube with no evidence of stomach sinking slippage over the past thirty miles. My only regret is not seizing the opportunity before. The product in question is formulated specifically for bearings, subjected to a completely different set of stresses compared with their automotive counterparts-hence why in many contexts, automotive greases are unsuitable for hubs, bottom bracket and headsets. The ingredients are something of a mystery, giving little indication of its compatibility with carbon/composite components but experience suggests a polymer base, equally suited to preventing galvanic and other corrosion between non/ferrous interfaces.

Quietly smug, the Altura rack bag and resurrected Pro-Lite saddle assumed their rightful places The Thomson’s forward facing curvature is perfect for smaller/riders seeking to place themselves over the bottom bracket shell for increased power and in this context it has also corrected the handlebar reach, greatly improving comfort over prolonged periods-particularly when hunkering low on the drops.
Juice ceramic lube seems a good bet for smooth transmissions too. It’s made from a blend of high quality base oils with baron nitride-a synthetic compound similar in properties to graphite. Marketed as a summer-lube it doesn’t overly attract dirt and resists seasonal showers without demanding reapplication but be sure to wipe the outer link plates on a weekly basis. Unlike traditional wet lubes, it doesn’t overly attract grime and means that pretty blue/pink/tricolour track chain will retain its looks-so long as the “Little and often” principle is maintained. Performance seems better than expected off-road- just so long as conditions fall between Death Valley arid and Mumbai monsoon.

Not so many moons ago, torque wrenches were very much the preserve of the professional workshop but as carbon and other composites have become commonplace, the notion of setting components by feel is rapidly becoming as archaic as simple rope tests to ascertain frame alignment. Unlike space-age materials, the trickle down factor hasn’t reached tooling but this little CNC machined beauty from Effetto may well be the alchemist in this sea change. It measures a mere 16.5cm long and costs a whopping £ but this pales into insignificance when dealing with top-flight components-wrecking a full carbon frameset for the sake of a couple of hundred quid is false economy an good tools always repay their investment… So long as you don’t lend them out (!)

Most manufacturers, especially the major players have carbon sussed and modern manufacturing techniques mean its unlikely to break but nipping an alloy cradle too tight could well result in a nasty fracture- is it really worth the risk, much less the expense on a saddle consuming the lion’s share of £120? So, back to this elegant piece of Italian engineering…Accurate to 0.5nm the price includes a wealth of attachments fit for tackling most components aside from more traditional 8mm crank bolts-we’ve got 2,2.5,3,4,5 and 6mm Allen keys, T20, T25 Torx and an assortment of flat and Philips head screwdrivers). These simply plug into the magnetised head. Turn the knurled sphere anti/clockwise to adjust torque-cross reference with the laser etched settings integral to the handle and happy fettling!

Now to some software. Remember those Altura Summit I introduced in my last entry, well turns out they’re really very, very proficient for general riding thinks to superlative ventilation, low weight and hardy materials. Taking the scenic route, involving deserted houses and bridle path long since reclaimed by nature, they’ve laughed at ferocious foliage, wash and dry beautifully. Being primarily an MTB garment they’re nice for touring and general riding but offerings from the like of Endura translate better to urban fixer applications thanks to closer cut, better insert and pocket configuration. Their relatively thin insert feels very comfortable-at least in terms of padding but the silicone leg-grippers could be more tenacious, allowing the garment to bunch up painfully around the crotch. Mercifully, other brands fit perfectly, thus resolving the problem. Despite globalisation and the fluidity of cultural exchange facilitated through the Internet, it is interesting to note alley cat events haven’t caught on to the same degree here in the UK. There’s been frisson of activity time and again and Bob Jackson offers a 631 Fixer frameset with this moniker.Retro has been debated many, many times both here and other column inches. Personally, I like the opportunities it presents to obtain products-or should we say reproductions long since banished to obscurity but it has to be said there’s an underlying sense that we, as a nation-possibly as a global village are being consumed by the desire to hark back to a mythical, romanticised construct of the past or bygone era. I recently happened upon this road path bike while walking through a seaside town. The owner advises it’s a 50’s Ephgrave that was bought during his national service and later re-sprayed a pink by himself courtesy of a homemade compressor. Look closely and there’s some obvious distortion (crash damage?) of the head tube, chrome has long since left the GB stem while teeth are notable by their absence on the chain-ring but that aside, it remains an interesting machine and one the owner had an extremely fond bond with. Tales of track racing, long training runs from London to Norfolk, home-made stainless steel toe-clips and other fascinating details-he’d even used the final drive chain from a Honda 90 motorcycle in place of an inch pitch or 1/8th track offering!
The omnipresent spectre of scandal surrounding European racing from the Giros to the Tour De France have petty much eroded any interest beyond vocational in the professional scene. Without being overly simplistic, the hug amounts of money involved is conducive to institutionalised doping but the authorities appear to have made it their life’s work to conclusively prove Armstrong and more recently Floyd Landis as persona non-grata. Armstrong is understandably distancing himself from Landis who is widely regarded as a bitter, disgraced drugs cheat but some are saying (with some conviction) should the allegations have any foundation, Armstrong’s achievements are then tantamount not to the greatest show on earth but arguably the greatest fraud in sporting history. Armstrong is a very shrewd, self-aware businessman first and foremost-he just happens to ride a bike and will protect his interests at all costs. Similarly, I’ve no idea whether the bike-doping revelations with motors in the bottom bracket shells (supposedly) providing additional assistance on the climbs are little more than a rumour or elaborate hoax but it wouldn’t overly surprise me. Jacques Anquetil once laughed at the suggestion the tour was won on Evian. Equally, cycling is giving other sports from cricket through to athletics a convenient smokescreen to hide behind.

Fourteen mph... The Photographer's choice

2010-06-15T00:52:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks riding suggest the Holdsworth’s structural integrity is very much in tact, although I shall continue to keep a discrete eye on the bottom bracket shell. However, Paul Vincent’s confident he can perform the op without too much disruption- simplicity of repair remains the greatest single advantage of traditional lugged and brazed framesets. He’s also happy to add the bottle mounts and even perform frame end surgery on the Univega too-although this will only occur when the spectre of tatty enamel comes calling. This reconfiguration is the best use of time, money and indeed storage space! Nonetheless, it doesn’t explain my sudden renewed interest in a Kona Paddy wagon. I’ve always liked the brand since the late eighties Lava Domes and Cinder Cones that remain timeless classics well-suited to the wet, soggy British climate. I had a brief flirtation with said road fixer, having reviewed the early model for a publication some three and a half years back. However, finances and storage space prohibited purchase.
A few hundred miles on and the Dhb Southsea jacket has proven its worth, resisting storms, showers and pretty much anything else our peculiar weather system chose to bestow. Being polyester and with waterproofing taking priority over breathability, the inner climate isn’t quite as comfortable as more sophisticated fabrics. Rest assured, we’re not talking mobile saunas here-it just feels a little clammy with sustained efforts in temperatures exceeding the mid teens. Nonetheless, it’s beautifully stylish, practical and represents fantastic value for money.
Continuing the theme of Lycra shy performance cycling garb are these Altura Summit ¾ length baggies. Falling just below the knee and aimed primarily at the mountain bike fraternity, they’ve a host of features useful for general riding, touring and commuting. The past few outings suggest the material is extremely hard wearing, yet very light at 280g and plenty of ventilation promises additional comfort-albeit with greater air resistance relative to road specific cuts. As usual, we’ll continue racking up the miles before reaching any hard and fast conclusions. Our first outing was something of a ride on the wilder side, comprising of secluded lanes and abandoned buildings-hence these from the saddle shots. Retro reflections coupled with some rummaging in the spares bin unearthed this old favourite- the mighty Selle Italia Turbo. This one’s seen a fair bit of service and differs from the latest re-releases in so much as the cover is genuine leather hide. Having turned saddle swapping into something of a spectator sport, I’ve returned to the design classic made popular by five times Tour De France winner, Bernard Hinault.

Firm padding and sensible width more than compensate for the additional eighty grams or so weight penalty and heralding from the same era means it compliments the nineteen-year-old frameset perfectly. There is of course one perch that might lure me away and that’s this Selle SMP offering spotted here on the Ilpompino. It might look extreme; indeed some might say a metaphor for impotence but the pressure relieving cutaway is second to none and the gateway to day long armchair comfort. Half term holidays saw Joshua and I take advantage of the warmer weather with a few longer rides on the tag-along. Long and children in the same sentence are relative but we’re talking fifteen or so miles with periodic rest stops. Aside from the Univega’s front brake gumming up and thus providing some additional resistance training (easily cured with a squirt or two of WD40 on the cables and pivot points) everything was memorable for the right reasons.
In an era when children are, by and large becoming less active for a host of reasons both social and to some extent, technological, I am trying to instill a sense of wonderment, possibility and adventure in him and to this end, heavy (especially on the climbs) the tag-along might be but it’s nonetheless a gateway to shared experiences and riding pleasure. Around the time of the Paddy Wagon, he and I were smitten with Surly’s Steamroller and had considered buying one with a flip/flop hub precisely for these duties. However, the exchange rate and import taxes put me off-IRO had a couple of machines in their range (Rob Roy and 1x1 characterised by strong brakes and sensible four season's gemoetry) during this era that also fueled my imagination. I might still partake in the IRO frameset, should one come under my radar at the right price. Ordinarily, I’d be the first to remonstrate at the very suggestion of using a fixed as a trailer tug beyond the pancake flat metropolis. However, the Steamroller is made from plain gauge Cro-moly. Sure, this doesn’t make for the most electrifying ride but offers enormous lateral stiffness, meaning it will hold its line perfectly even given the additional stresses placed by child/trailers and/or tag-alongs. More often than not, 14mph is a nice speed-fast enough to keep a sense of momentum/purpose, yet sufficiently sedate to engage with and discuss the sights, smells and world around us. As further enticement away from the lure of hand-held games consoles, a spot of compact camera upgrading saw him the proud owner of a J100. Point and shoot but with some basic manual settings and a decent optical zoom, rechargeable Li-on battery etc it should grow with his burgeoning photographic prowess. Competence with his solo fluctuates- largely dependent upon his mood and pattern of concentration at the time and while generally encouraging, I am still convinced a balance bike would break the sudden streak of uncertainty. Perhaps this new helmet and those Odi grips will spur him onwards. As for me, well Lush, a chain of handmade cosmetics retailers have put together this tub of cyclist specific goodies and to poach an expression from a huge beauty multi national “I’m worth it”.