More Bars & Bargains

 

No, not the sort licenced to sell intoxicating liquors. The quiet of Christmas is very welcome and without fail, results in bike-related revisions- whether it's midwinter maintenance- wholesale cable replacement, rings, chains etc, or more specific upgrades.

The festive season can also give rise to expensive flights of fancy- framesets, fork(s), groupsets- unplanned stuff that seems like a great idea in the moment but can contribute to the January fiscal hangover.  

 I turned my attentions to bars. While generally very attached to the WTB Dirt Drops, I find the drop and reach slightly off- too long and deep. It’s worth noting that I am broad across the shoulders but proportionally short in the torso, so getting the front end blissful can require some trial and error. Bike fits are an excellent investment and certainly reduce the guesswork.

Given both the Soma Condor TEST: SOMA CONDOR HANDLEBAR and WTB “in stock” there wasn’t any outlay, just experimentation. I wanted to continue this tradition, without being pointlessly tight. Genetic D-Riser 16 GENETIC D RISER 16 BARS | cycling-not-racing was the obvious contender with its 75mm reach and offered an extra 20mm rise.  

However, I fancied something with a shallower drop. Some NOS Ridgeback Gravel Drops going for proverbial pennies came under my radar. While the Ridgeback don’t feature any rise, they have an 8-degree flare, mm reach, drop. I’d also had half an eye on Genetic’s Digest, which feature a very favourable 76mm reach and 110mm drop.  

One thing led to another, and I found myself acquiring a set of each. It didn’t take me long before I switched Denise’s WTB Dirt drops for the Genetic Digest. Thankfully, though it took a while to port everything over, prune a brake cable outer and similar quick tweaks, no replacements required- this also applied to the Ergon Orthocell Bar Tape Ergon Orthocell Handlebar Tape | cycling-not-racing.

Out on the road, the Digest’s flare is very discernible and gives tremendous leverage, which, aside from trail duties is particularly helpful if you’re towing a trailer, or tagalong. That said, coming from a traditional road bar, steering will feel barge-like to begin with.

Another similarity with On-One’s Midge, they open the chest cavity, which really helps when powering up the climbs- great for cyclo cross, or indeed climbing on the fixed. The only other significant consideration is that greater width can make navigating tight spaces trickier- negotiating congested traffic, or indeed doorways.  

I’ve decided I’ll keep the Ridgeback as spares, should Muffins’ D-riser 4 show any signs of fatigue. As with Ursula, I’ve reach and height absolutely bang on for my needs. Though I’m a fettler, the old saying “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” resonates strongly.      

Another thing to consider when choosing drops, at least for mixed terrain, or indeed, dedicated trail duties (as distinct from cyclo cross, where there’s a lot of dis and re-mounting when things get more technical) is the bar’s uniformity, meaning that lights and other accessories are easily mounted-at the desired angles. 

I’d contemplated retiring the Giant Continuum 9 function computer, but found replacing the batteries, giving the contacts a quick squirt of maintenance spray restored the original performance and appears to have addressed some connectivity issues, especially when riding through areas of high electrical interference. A New Old Stock Blackburn Atom 4 (the wireless version) may well be finding its way to Ursula, assuming I can successfully troubleshoot some minor niggles.

 New contact points and indeed, adjustments always feel different to begin with, hence I leave things set that way for a couple of hundred miles and tweak accordingly

Obviously, a longer threadless steerer and spacer play will have the same effect and overcomes some of the limitations of quill stems and in this instance, adaptors. However, I should also point out, higher end models such as this Profile design are infinitely superior to the generic types found on auction sites. Yes, I’ve used those and they’re adequate, but that’s it.   

Several months down the line. I’m also very impressed by the Wolf Tooth Morse Bottle Cages Wolf Tooth Morse Steel Bottle Cage | cycling-not-racing. Ours were the stainless versions combining a timeless aesthetic with high degrees of adjustability and bottle tenure is excellent. 

 

Curly Bars & Fat Tyres

 

Hybrid certainly applies in the context of Ursula and drop bar mountain bikes have been around since the mid-1980s. There is a solid argument, (even if you don’t necessarily agree with it) that gravel bikes are in fact hybrids of road and mountain bikes. I lean toward them being the love child of cyclo cross and rigid 90s cross country mountain bike. The trend for converting 90s cross country mountain bikes to drop bar gravel machines is perhaps predictable. Something I can certainly get my head around.

Afterall, Denise is a late 80’s mountain bike frameset modified to run 700c wheels. That said, like most trends, I’m of the opinion there should be nuance and not a cult or heard like wholesale movement. Early 90s cross country mountain bikes were very capable and engaging machines that handled beautifully.

My 1990 Kona Lava Dome was a case in point. There was a genre called hybrid, which featured flat bars and slowly died a death as the 90s wore on. The higher end models boasted Reynolds 531 and similar grade tubesets- closer to a flat bar tourer with bigger tyres. However, the majority tended to be marketed as commuter steeds with an upright stance, wider saddles lower grade tubing and components.

Mudguard and rack mounts and with clearance for 35-38mm meant they made serviceable town hacks and utility bikes.  I was quite drawn to the Orbit Frontier, which was a drop bar 531 tubed rough stuff tourer with clearance for 700x38c tyres inc full length mudguards.

Marketed as the best of both worlds, the press felt it was too compromised, master of none, essentially. Top-mounted thumb rather than bar end shifters were an example of this and a really strange choice for a drop bar small scale production build. The most commonly remembered frontier was their 531 tubed mountain bike dressed in Shimano XT. Quality control was problematic during this period but turned around under Lee Cooper’s supervision.  

Muddy Fox Trailblazer was another curious beast- drop bar mountain bike with bar cons and 26x1.75 tyres. Similar theme to Specialized’s Rock Combo, but a little earlier- I spotted it in “Bicycle” magazine back in March 1987.  Both machines were well ahead of their time and in my view, the epitome of ATB (All Terrain Bikes). Neither I would pay classic prices for, mind. Sentimental I may be, stupid I am not.

Back to 2026 and I’ve reached my conclusions about the Sidi Algor and decided to try a different front mudguard on Ursula. I’d been buying in some consumables and spotted a reasonably sturdy reinforced plastic model, which would also mean free postage, so took a punt. I’ wanted something with more coverage than the existing shorty fender- I’d reversed it to see if there was any improvement in mud protection. No, is the answer, but a worthwhile experiment.

Rain, mud and slurry had given way to icy winds and tumbling temperatures over Christmas-perfect for testing winter gloves and similar attire. The gritters had been out, prompting the switch to Denise and the Schwalbe Marathon Winter tyres, providing dependable grip and feedback as I hustled through the lanes.  Curiosity and the urge to experiment got the better of me, so I raised the bars slightly and whipped some other lights atop the Gaciron Cetus 1700 Gaciron Cetus 1700 Underneath Bike Light | cycling-not-racing mount. 

Not because the Gaciron Cetus could ever be described as lacking, but I hadn't charged it in a while and didn't want to be plunged into darkness several miles from home.  I had the Magicshine Hori 1300 Magicshine HORI 1300 Front Light | cycling-not-racing to hand and was relieved to discover the mount took its 200plus grams in its stride, same story when I substituted for the Magicshine Ray2600, which was a bigger surprise.  Arguably the best fit was this See Sense Beam, which weighs a feathery 59g. 

While dynamos are bright and highly dependable, I like a powerful backup, just in case- comes in handy should I need to tackle a flat, or similar roadside mechanical by the roadside. Similarly, while the Exposure Revo is a beautifully made and relatively powerful lamp, 800lumens is a little underpowered for backroad blasting, adding another 500 or so makes a very tangible difference, while sipping reserves-at least on a more powerful torch-type rechargeable system.

Similarly, I usually carry a spare rear light-failures are infrequent but do happen and are at best inconvenient.  One old favourite is Nite Rider's Cherry Bomb- the 100-lumen version. Aside from being very bright, it was fuelled by AAA cells and enjoyed a seriously generous run times and would withstand being frozen- I left one submerged on a very chill winter day and it passed the ice bucket challenge with flying colours. 

Topeak Redlite Aero Topeak Redlite Aero USB Rear Light | cycling-not-racing and its Mega stablemate are two further good examples of lights with AAA options. The former is only two modes- steady and flashing. Arguably all we strictly need, but sometimes a choice of flashing modes is nice, especially if navigating city centres with competing illuminations, or when fitted to a trailer, or tagalong.

 

Another Year Almost Done....

 

On the cusp of 2026, I’ve been reflecting on 2025.  Many miles in the saddle, there have been lots of subtle tweaks and changes across the board. Ursula’s frame modifications have proved their worth. I’ve switched the rear quick release for the electroplated trailer model. I’ve experienced some occasional disc rub-easily addressed using some simple adjustments.  

Thru axles are the best pairings on the stiffness fronts, which may be a consideration for those taking the modernisation route. Talking of which, many frame builders will shy away from retrofitting disc mounts to older, thinner tubed framesets. By all means ask them and to explain their reservations but (this goes for any other profession, or trade) never try cajoling someone into doing something they are not comfortable doing. There’s usually a very sound reasoning behind that reticence.  

Before concerning yourself with calliper alignment and more involved diagnostics, start with some simple stuff. With the bike set down, undo the quick release and check the wheel is properly set in the dropouts and centred. Next, with the quick release open, pull the brake lever fully home, while simultaneously closing the quick release.

Pump the lever ten times and roll the bike or spin the wheel to test for any binding.  I was happy with the Spyre SLC’s alignment, so felt no need to meddle and on this occasion, all sorted. This had coincided with yet another sudsy bucket clean, since Ursula needed it, after a week belting along greasy, muddy lanes. I also wanted to  strip what remained of the Weldtite All Weather Lube Weldtite All Weather Lube | cycling-not-racing and introduce some Muc Off C3 Ceramic All Weather Chain Lube Muc-Off C3 All Weather Chain Lube | cycling-not-racing- just fancied a change to be honest.

Several months and many miles down the line, the Leatt Endurance 6.0 Clip in Pedals  Leatt Endurance 6.0 Clip in Pedals | cycling-not-racing  which are understated and just get on with the job- no flex, creaking and while mud shedding doesn’t rival Time’s mighty ATAC, they’ll shift boggy clay soil with reassuring ease.

Switching to the Ergon All Road Core Comp SaddleErgon SR All Road Core Comp Saddle Men | cycling-not-racing has proved music to my derriere, and I’m pleased to report the right hand Microshift bar end shifter is behaving properly, so all told, I’ve refined the contact points to personal perfection. Long term use has me concluding CST Patrol CST Patrol Folding EPS Tyres | cycling-not-racing are a better fit for me and my riding style than the Continental Cross King Protection Black Chili Tyres Continental Cross King Protection Black | cycling-not-racing

Phantom squeaks strike now and again- can be something and nothing. Muffin’s creak wasn’t the D-riser 4 bars, rather the Cane Creek dummy/stoker lever needing a quick turn of the 5mm Allen key. I’ve had these for many years and found their ergonomics incredibly comfortable for cruising and climbing.  Obviously tandems are their primary audience, but they make a lot of sense on a fixed gear build, or indeed, a trike, or something similarly specialist employing a 2-in1, linked brake. I’m considering revisiting the 146mm wide Cycles Berthoud Soulor CYCLES BERTHOUD SOULOR LEATHER SADDLE | cycling-not-racing  or The titanium railed Spa Cycles Aire for a while.  I’ve decided to whip the Aire atop Muffin’s USE post, since I needed to strip and regrease some of the hardware.

In fairness, there was a reasonably stoical, thin layer of Oxford Mint Assembly Grease Oxford Mint Assembly Grease | cycling-not-racing . However, prevention is always better than cure and since I was switching saddles, then was the time. I’ve reached for the Zefal Pro II Grease Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing   

The Soulor is 7mm broader than the Ergon SR All Road Saddle Ergon SR All Road Men’s Saddle | cycling-not-racing and a bit heavier too. I’m curious to see how good a fit it is with Muffin.

Dimensions wise, its identical to the iconic 80’s Selle Italia Turbo, which I got along with just fine for several years. I had two versions, the suede and a leather covered gel version c. 1993-96. Staying with the late 80s, I had a Selle San Marco Concor Super Corsa homage- wore the suede smooth and ultimately sold it to a fellow student for £8 in 1994.  

Winter is hard on stuff as I’m always saying and cables are no exception. I wasn’t surprised to discover a frayed inner still commanding Ursula’s front Suntour mech-one of those routine jobs that saves a lot of hassle later down the line. Another illustration of why its important to wash and inspect bikes regularly during the darker months.   

The muddy, slippery season has also presented opportunity to put the Zefal G50 Gravel Mudguards to the test and as I’d expected, they offer a decent amount of coverage-at least to the rider, without fouling when things get gooey.

 Longer term, I’m contemplating a hybrid setup for Denise- leaving the rear G50 I situ and running a Mud Hugger Gravel Hugger up front. We’ll see, this is more of an aesthetic, rather than performance thing. The great thing about the G50 is their compatibility with cantilever brakes, lending them to older ‘cross, hybrid and gravel builds. I like disc brakes and for a wealth of applications, they’re great, but cantilevers and other rim brakes still have genuine advantages and perform very well. Particularly with higher end cables and pads.

 

Winter Drivers

 

Mild and wet has been the blanket flavour of things with some very isolated icy spells, basically aligning with climate change predictions made by experts and for many years. I could discuss the rise of hostility toward qualified opinion, experience and skill but side notes aside, this is about cycling. I’ve been wondering whether I experience a seasonal fatigue by time December comes around.

Not on creative fronts and I’m still out getting the miles in with the same vigour, but the lack of daylight tends to dent my desire to spring out of bed first thing. It’s also an incredibly expensive time of year, not simply Christmas, rather things seem to fail unexpectedly during the darker months and can be expenditure many haven’t budgeted for, leaving us blind sighted and financially embarrassed.

 Seasonal expiry included the Grant combi boiler- a leak was quickly obvious when I noted low pressure and attempted to open the pressure loop valves to re-pressurise the system. Seems something of an Achillies heel with the Grant Vortex Outdoor Combi systems.

Still, it was nice to have heating and hot water reinstated following a couple of chill nights. The first house I lived in, having moved to London when I was 18 had no heating (and was generally in a very dilapidated state) and I recall the winter of 1992 being bitterly cold, although it did almost result in me feeling impervious to that kind of cold. On many occasions, it was colder inside than out, which was a fine motivator for getting out of one's pit and out on training rides.

I've switched back to the Shimano MW702 booties, just to reference comparisons between them and the Algor. The MW702 are a slimmer, the uppers more malleable and the soles slightly stiffer,, soi quicker to don and give slightly better feedback and connection with the bike, making higher cadences easier to maintain. 

 

There have been goodies to boost the mood. Lomo have sent me their winter mountain bike gloves- at a penny shy of £15 a lovely wallet friendly staple, dare I say, stocking filler. These are wind and water resistant, boast textured leather palms for grip, gusseting between thumb and forefingers, minimising wear when riding on the hoods.

Yes, they’re also intended for gravel and there’s no reason why they won’t transition to winter training and commuting. Middleweight design, they seem relatively dexterous and elasticated cuffs continue this narrative, and ultra practical black is offset by some reflective detailing.  In common with several other winter models, they’re intended for 5 degrees or so. Liner gloves are viable should temperatures dip lower, but you’d be better served with a deep winter model, if you’re regularly out in sub-zero temperatures. However, for the most part, this kind of glove caters nicely for late autumn, through to march. Let’s see what the real-world riding reveals. On and off road.

SKS have also sent me this rack top bag- I’m fond of this genre, they’re not suited for everything- I’d never put sensitive electricals, such as cameras in them, even with a foam bed, given the ruinous, low-level vibration that travels up through the rack. That aside, I’ve found them perfect for day riding with scope for tubes, tools, packable jackets, such as this Madison Madison Road Race Jacket | cycling-not-racing, gloves, arm warmers, snacks etc.

These Topeak MTX Trunk Dry Bag Topeak MTX Trunk Dry Bag | cycling-not-racing and Carradice have been firm favourites. The latter’s cotton duck requires a little more care and periodic reproofing to lock the elements out. However, this one’s done thirteen years and save for some lived-in patina and light wear, going very strong.   

 There have of course, been some midwinter temptations, one that I mustn’t indulge in for a wealth of reasons, space being a major one. Specifically, Raleigh’s Dynatech Titanium framesets, the one with the UGLIi fork.

These are the pure titanium models, rather than the lower end, bonded versions described by the press as chemical titanium and notoriously tricky to repair and refinish, since the glue will melt when exposed to the kind of heat employed in curing ovens- hence they need to be finished in 2K, or similar paints that will air cure.

The original Turbo saddle is another draw for me, but there’s no way I’d consider paying retro prices for one. I had a couple, including a gel version- fluro that I bought c. 1993 for the princely sum of £10. Suited my wallet, winter bike’s fluro livery and my derriere beautifully.

However, this goes back to my point about the midwinter and the need for seasonal comfort/distraction. I’ve switched Ursula’s WTB Rocket WTB Rocket Saddle | cycling-not-racing saddle to the  Ergon All Road Core Comp Ergon SR All Road Core Comp Saddle Men | cycling-not-racing , which has proven something of an inspired choice, offering a bit more support than the generally very likeable WTB.

Atari relaunched its classic, some would say iconic games console, complete with cartridges a couple of years back. I was tempted at the time, put money by for one, but ultimately decided against it, on the basis of it being a five-minute wonder that would ultimately sit gathering dust in a corner. Distractions are nice, but we must tackle things at their root, or we’ll never advance.

 

Wet, Wintry and Wonderful?

 

I long ago switched off from tired cliché’s about life being what we make it (primarily since it’s a blanket statement and life is far more nuanced). Afterall, if this simple rhetoric were true, the hardest working people would have the biggest rewards…

This also the season for boiler bother and I found myself needing to tweak our Grant combi to bring heating and hot water back on track. Well, I had to clean the fixed seemingly every other ride, courtesy of wet, greasy and increasingly cold conditions…Much as we’d expect from later November onward.  

This environment also consumes things like brake pads and chains with consummate, dare we say frightening ease, so I decided it was time to stock up on some more pads, chains and the odd tube and batteries before Christmas. They’re bound to reach retirement while the shops are shut.  

Wheels and tyres are also taxed, since wet, freezing conditions contributes to road erosion potholes, sharps and other nasties are more readily worked in as we ride. For this reason, I err towards reliability and overbuild on working, mountain and winter bike wheelsets.  I want to enjoy the ride with nominal mechanical issues and in due course, stay temperate.  I’m very fond of Muffin’s Continental Contact Plus and Vittoria Adventure tech paring and given the risk of icy conditions, the Schwalbe Marathon Winter spikes stay on Denise’s hoops.   

It should be obvious that this is not a substitute for regular cleaning, inspection and maintenance.   

I’ve added a cable tie to the Sidi Algor’s zipper tags, which has made drawing the zipper fully home significantly quicker and easier. I’ve also needed to adjust the rear Zefal G50 Gravel guard slightly-just a question of slackening the two 5mm Allen screws, moving the guard slightly and snugging down-2.5nm (or bottle cage screw territory). Talking of bottle cages, I also decided to switch the bottle cages again and like the red on teal contrast. 

 After 330 miles, (260 on the fixed) the Muc-Off C3 Ceramic All Weather Lube was still doing its thing, albeit a bit filmy. I’ve given side plates a wipe with a rag dipped in solvent and topped up, leaving it curing overnight, rather than the four hours cited.  I was also pleasantly surprised by how little gunge clung to the derailleur jockey wheels. 

For more intense drivetrain cleaning, I’m a big fan of brushes, less so chain baths, which can work very effectively but are fiddly. Besides, chances are, especially during winter, you’ll need to clean the rings and cassette too. Aside from the obvious need to remove congealed lube and potential contaminant, a lot of lubes can react badly with each other, if there are traces left behind. I'm quite impressed by this Oxford Chain Brush Pro Oxford Chain Brush Pro | cycling-not-racing  

The Castelli Competizione Castelli Competizione Men’s Bib Tights | cycling-not-racing bib tights have become an unexpected default given the changing conditions and fluctuating temperatures. They’re best in cool, dry contexts, although there’s similarly priced competitors offering a DWR (Durable Water Repelling) coating, which can extend comfort on wetter rides. I did add a wash-in product, while washing some Gore Tex and this has extended the time I’ve remained dry, so that’s also an option.

It's also worth saying that not all permanent DWR coatings are particularly effective. I also prefer highly water resistant, breathable garments, those that might allow some moisture through, yet wick quickly. Back in the late 1980s, I used to be happy enough with waist tights, but bibs are definitely the way forward, offering seamless comfort and protection to the vital organs.  

No issues of chill getting in, should a jersey, or base layer gather slightly while you’re hunkered low on the drops, battling those gusty winds. There have come and gone in the last couple of weeks, reaching 60kmh at certain, exposed points.  

I love booties during the winter months, although they can feel a little cumbersome around the ankles and cadence slightly remote, less so with the Shimano MW702 Shimano MW7 (MW702) Gore Tex MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing slightly more so with the Sidi Algor. This is quickly forgotten in the saddle and while the Algor have some quirks, I appreciate their water resistance, grip and temperate inner climate. The soles are also stiffer than their rating might imply, without compromising the ability to walk gracefully. Staying with winter clothing, Steve has been impressed by Castelli’s Estremo Gloves Castelli Estremo Gloves | cycling-not-racing

 

Seasonal Swaps & Sabre Tooth Man Flu

 

Possibly it’s the accumulation factor, coupled with a sharp drop in temperature bringing more seasonal colds into the arena but I succumbed to a sneaky, feral virus. The sort that begins with addled thought processes but allowing you to head out for a decent ride. Before you know it, head and joints feel like lead, simple tasks like adjusting cable tension, or replacing bottle cages can feel challenging. These being significant, since I needed to dial in Denise’s front Shimano CX50 stopper and I was keen to switch the Wolf Tooth Morse over to Ursula to see how well their adjustability benefits a small compact geometry frameset, especially when a lithium-ion battery and frame fit pump are thrown into the mix.

The Wolf Tooth Morse are so called because of the plate’s drillings and there are two basic versions-our stainless steel and a lighter, dearer titanium. 304 grade stainless steel is popular in a wealth of applications due to its blend of resilience and corrosion resistance. Qualities that are verry apparent, judging by the regular bastings from wet, greasy roads, agricultural slurry, muddy trails and regular washings. It also offers secure, reliable tenure and release to big 750 ml trade bottles and bigger, double walled thermos designs, too.

Now, as many would justly point out, perfectly functional bottle cages can be had for £6 and indeed, less. I’ve had three Trans X going strong some 26 years down the line-no, they hadn’t been kept in a trophy cabinet, they’ve been in regular service. The fetching yellow livery contrasted very nicely with Ursula’s original flamboyant red finish.

Back to the bargain bin, I’ve gone for another set of the red composite fitted to Muffin- 99p each. These will contrast nicely with Ursula’s grey finish and offer surprising amounts of adjustment, so while not level pegging with a good side-entry model, will overcome some of the hassles associated with standard bottles and small frames.  Having said that, I’m pleased with the contrast the stainless and titanium cages provide, so they may stay. I gave Denise a good sudsy bucket scrub and fitted these Burls and Boardman carbon fare. This also presented an opportunity to pump some more corrosion busting waxy preserve inside the frames. Fasteners were given a blob of Zefal Pro II Grease Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing.  

I’d been hopeful but am pleased to discover the Muc-Off C3 Ceramic All Weather Chain Lube is still clinging dependably to the inks, keeping them lubricated and corrosion-free despite sections of road resembling Paris Roubaix, waterlogged lanes. Mudguards, (fenders to folks in the US) surprise, surprise do keep a lot of crap at bay, and I remain impressed by the Mud Hugger Gravel Hugger MUD HUGGER GRAVEL HUGGER MUDGURADS | cycling-not-racing fitted to Muffin.

Sure, they have some compromises and don’t offer the same protection as traditional full-length models, but they are still fairly effective, while permitting easy rear wheel removal. Full length chrome plastics and track ends tends to require removing the frame mounts, too which is a faff, especially on a cold and rainy night. Oh, and full-length chrome plastics are impractical off road, unless of course you’re exploring dry singletrack on an adventure bike, or big tubby tourer. Zefal have sent me their Sheild G50 Gravel Mudguard Set and on a seasonally related note, their F1500 front light. The issue with a lot of gravel specific guards (and it’s a fairly small point, given disc brakes are the default) but they can prove incompatible with bikes running cantilever and V-brakes. The Shield G50 also proved comparatively straightforward to fit and adjust.

However, while this design will entertain older framesets, I strongly suspect they won’t offer quite the same degree of protection afforded by the Gravel Hugger and similar patterns.  The F1500 has me curious to see how well it compares with the Sigma Buster 1600 Sigma Buster 1600 & RL150 Light Set | cycling-not-racing  

It’s four grams lighter at 233g and slightly bulky, but I was pleased to find a wired remote within the bundle and the light complies with IPX6 for weatherproofing. Remotes allow easily toggling between modes, when entering different environments, or needing to dip. The choice of bar or Go-Pro mount is another nice touch. Time and long, dark roads are where the proof lies, although I remain impressed by its R150 rear light, so I’m quietly hopeful the FL1500 will leave a similar impression.

I’m always saying (primarily because its true) that I love the changing seasons and the riding experiences they bring. Autumn remains one of my favourites, possibly given the association with receiving the Holdsworthy built Claud Butler and Richard Ballantine’s legendary “New Bicycle Book”, then at 18, leaving for London and a world full of possibilities. Some I took, some I didn’t. Winter can be a longer slog, so testing, a well-dressed machine and rider coupled with wider, intensive focus helps with mood and momentum.