Year's end coincides with the transformation of an old friend

Determined to complete the Teenage Dream's revamp, I set about stripping the old quill stem, fork and other threaded components ready for the local shop to work their magic given my mighty Czech headset press is nowhere to be found. To his credit, Alan at Riverside Cycle Centre very kindly performed the op on a while I waited basis. The early nineties saw a fashion for small scale/bespoke builders offering winter bike/frameset which was basically their race model only with mudguard eyes. The Teenage Dream is a textbook example of this genre with insufficient clearance even with 23mm rubber! While the full length Maple wood fenders look divine, endless fettling couldn't dissuade them from fouling the tyres. Therefore, for time being at least, we are sans guards until some race blades/similar come under my radar at the right price.

However, I'm delighted to report the New fork and Woodman components have transformed the front end, bringing handling bang up to date. New computer battery installed, it was time for some serious riding along memory lanes. I'm about twenty pounds heavier than back in 1991 but if anything I'm faster on the climbs and relatively fearless on the descents. Thundering along the flat, rural roads saw me transported back to the days spent emulating our racing heroes, the strange phenomenon of tractor racing and of course, exchanging personal philosophy, tales of unrequited love and component choice/preference at cola stops.
So as we count down to the New Year, a timely look at said bike's evolution. Gone are the Cinelli bar and quill stem, the Stronglight 80 cranks, FAG bottom bracket, Campagnolo Athena brakeset, twenty year old Vetta wireless computer, New Old Stock Gran Sport levers and Look/SPD pedals and Hutchinson HP20 tyres. Only the Mavic/Campag wheelset, Rolls Saddle, Kalloy Uno post, Campagnolo Victory mechs and Regina six speed block remain.

Today's spec sheet reflects a less arbitrary European stance: Campagnolo Xenon 53/39 crankset, Shimano UN53 bottom bracket, Genetic Look type pedals, Acor Carbon fork, Woodman Saturn headset, 8cm stem, Salsa Bell-Lap bars, Miche dual pivot brake callipers, Cane Creek SC5 aero levers, Dia tech light action down tube shifters, Kenda Konstrictor 700x23 tyres, basic cork wrap and Decathlon ten function wireless computer& Van Nicholas Ti bottle cage complete the line-up. The only planned developments are mudguards and of course, the Thompson post. However, these are wants as opposed to needs. A second "cold snap" is promised for the next forty eight hours so I think the Univega and I will be starting the year together. 2010 hasn't yet begun and I've already been invited to parts of the globe as diverse as Perth (Australia), Negombo and the Czech republic (No, I'm not going all that way for a headset press!). However, right now, I'm having a wander round the web in search of these, my favorite Cola...

Happy New Year!

Christmas Closure

Nothing's ever simple, began my rant in a fashion mirroring that of my six year old as I tackled the Univega's makeover. Having performed the rush around and cut the cables routine before stripping cantilevers and cockpit, other gremlins presented themselves. It was one of those jobs for Boxing Day when respectable folk were leaping in their cars and heading for the holy grails of DIY and superstore but oh no, I had to plough headlong into this having returned from the temp job and twenty minutes before dinner... Having transplanted bar, stem and controls, it became immediately obvious that the curious, yet extremely effective star fangled nut substitute wasn't re-useable.

After some uncharacteristic sulking, my focus shifted to the twenty three year old CK toolbox containing all manner of ill sorted spares. A quick sift reveled a Gusset SFN replacement of exacting dimensions. However, while the black bung does a superb job of retaining precise bearing adjustment it obscures the fork crown fender mount. Some lateral thought resulted in judicious bending and filing of the stainless steel hardware, allowing the black bung to pass through while securing the fender securely inside the steerer tube.

Convoluted perhaps but it solved the problem and meant I could progress to the Dia Compe V brakes. These are surprisingly proficient stoppers combining great power with none of the mushiness associated with lower-middle range brakes-especially with Tektro's RL520 linear pull specific levers.

Continuing the best laid plans theme, the STX pods proved impractical thanks to torturous cable run and delayed shifts so it's back to the faithful Ultegra bar cons. I've always had something of a soft spot for STX components primarily because they offer a lot of bang for very modest buck. However, the marginally "Superior" STXRC front mech has proven one of the most temperamental I've known-fine on a day to day basis but the proverbial pig to set up.

Earlier in the day I'd driven cautiously through the icy lanes to the temp job via the bank and a bike shop that caught my attention. Paying cheques into the bank meant I'd financially survive the festive season and the bike shop provided some good, benchmark cables. Some gentle enquiry revealed he'd be happy to install the Teenage Dream's front end for a very reasonable sum. Frankly, these are very frustrating jobs-annoying because I can undertake them myself but available time and a missing tool eludes me. Therefore, the sensible solution is to outsource this while I attend to more pressing matters. As my late father often remarked, just because you can, doesn't mean to say doing so is the best use of time/resources. Needless to say, the Univega's upgrades have transformed the handling- not that the Nitto bars were remotely floppy but the WTB and Salsa stem make for a phenomenally rigid, yet comfortable cockpit.
Further success has been achieved on the wheels front. While drafting some copy for another publication, I had cause to contact Greyville enterprises. Serendipity lead Steve to suggest these 700x23 tubes with 60mm long Presta valves- just the ticket for the Halo Aerorage wheelset, meaning the original hoops can be returned to the Ilpompino complete with 38mm snow tyres. The ITM fork while undeniably gorgeous can wait for now- a fully operational and finely fettled fleet is what's called for in the depths of winter. Sure, I wouldn't dream of subjecting the Holdsworth or Teenage Dream to the horrors of salt and slush but I like the idea of machines being ready for action.

Contagious Carbon & Conspiracy Theories

Forget the swine flu pandemics, I appear to be gripped by a frenzy of carbon conversion. This time it’s the turn of Izzie, my beloved Ilpompino. Having seen the new Genesis Day-One- basically a Reynolds 520 framed cyclo crosser with track ends, carrier, fender mounts and flip/flop hub I am thinking very, very seriously about a revamping the Ilmpompino too thanks to an ITM carbon cross fork and a simple conversion to cross rubber. Afterall, with some obvious nods in the direction of the road path genre, the Ilpompino is in effect a crosser with track ends so it makes sense to exploit these characteristics to their full potential. Gearing of around sixty to sixty-three inches is practical sans asphalt with something in the seventies for grinding away on metalled road. A very refined Ritchey post provides some additional luxury and will compliment the ITM fork superbly.

The sturdy Surly rack is staying put as while I don’t rush to fit racks per se, it means a pannier or two can be towed should fancy take me. One of the main advantages over the venerable Genesis in my eyes are wide armed cantilevers giving better modulation, feel and mud clearance. Mini Vs seem to crop in and out of vogue but my main (relatively mild) aversion to them stems from their need to run so close to the rim, clogging at the first hint of mud and grit.

Wheels are less of a concern but tyres are a little tricky. There’s some loose talk of snow in the weeks following Christmas but this to me is little more than bored weather forecasters wanting to capture the public’s imagination and evoke a more magical aura to the festive season.

Therefore, the Schwalbe studded snow tyres are overkill and will remain firmly tucked away in their corner of the workshop for now. However, these Panasonic Mach semi slicks in 35mm form should be fine for firmer trail and mixed work- they’re not the best in wet, muddy conditions though so we’ll have to see what the weather front brings. On the subject of weather, Justin (Burls) has made the brave step to recovery and cleaned his winter bike- he’s even supplied proof and can faithfully say there’s been no foul play, no photo-shopping here! This loyal, high mileage (and some might say, mistreated) racy winter companion extrudes a really authentic lived-in beauty that makes it all the more desirable. True, the salt monster has left his calling card on the crank arms but despite countless miles in all weathers, it looks remarkably well preserved and certainly owes him nothing. Old faithful is fairly unique being one of Justin’s earlier frames painstakingly finished in automotive two-pac rather than stoved enamel. Those in search of glamour will undoubtedly left mesmerized by his latest sub 15lb Ti road build but I must confess irrational, nay guilty attraction to his Rosso red workhorse. Yes, deep down I acknowledge this is wrong, on a par with fancying your best mate’s wife/husband and such public declaration is likely to find me prohibited from passing within four hundred metres of his workshop. However, assuming Justin and I remain on speaking terms following these revelations, I hope to be back in the New Year with polishing cloth, Waxoyl and MR Sheen-er, I mean a full report on his latest featherweight Ti missile.
Maybe a consequence of my vocation but I’ve become slightly jaded by professional cycling’s fall from grace- that is to say, I expect and am almost nonplussed by scandal and revelation. Sometimes, usually as the elderly Ka and I are meandering along another stretch of motorway at steady speeds, these things resonate within me. Is there something inherent to competitive cycling which predisposes it to doping and similar cheating or is it the consequence of enormous commercial interest that applies to many others? I have arrived at the conclusion the media spotlight concentrates on cycling as a soft option, wanting to pretend dark undercurrents don’t flow through soccer, athletics, show jumping and of course, golf!

A very prudent observation is that cycling, though specifically cycle racing needs to focus on getting it’s own house sorted rather than pointing to other sports and disciplines as a convenient distraction. Otherwise it is behaving in the way of a defensive child retorting they’ve done better than little Johnny or Joanna… I must confess to being fond of historical scandals- Coppi and the White Lady, Anquetil and his interesting solutions to his wives' infertility being two of particular note. However, the dirtier side of corruption, sleaze and quasi ritualised drug taking in some teams disappoints yet doesn’t surprise me. I hate to say it but cheating in competitive sport is here to stay, detection just becomes increasingly difficult.

Researching the death of Johnny Thunders, former New York Dolls guitarist and Heartbreakers' front man in a seedy New Orleans motel some twenty years back draws interesting parallels with Marco Pantani's mysterious demise. Both share the open and shut junkie overdose/suicide label but they smack of botched investigation/laziness on part of the authorities. Thunders had been openly critical of the music industry for some time and was battling heroin addiction with large quantities of methadone acquired in London.

Contrary to the rock and roll cliche' he wasn't found dead on the toilet, guitar around his neck but very badly beaten. Pantani's career had been overshadowed by depression and rumor of cocaine addiction on an industrial scale. Allegedly, he died in his hotel room on February 15th 2004 having "trashed it" beforehand yet his body was found with perfectly manicured fingernails...

Snow drives back the foot that's slow, the dogs of doom are howling low. Despite my cynicism, we've had eight inches of snowfall overnight and six hours without power and I'm annoyed at not seizing the moment and getting the Ilpompino ready, or at least shodding the Univega with snow tyres...

Snap, Crackle and Things Kept Going Pop

There’s certainly some truth in the old adage of things coming in multiples, good and bad in my experience. Bustling along the back roads late last Wednesday night, aboard the Univega and looking forward to watching Channel 4’s “ The family” (a weekly fly-on the wall docu-soap); things were looking good, fifteen minutes clear- I’d be home in eight. Turning a cadence of around 95rpm, there was a sudden snap, followed by a feeling of disconnection as my mind worked furiously trying to comprehend the severed chain and locked transmission, man and machine hurtling towards Terra firma.

Mercifully, the universe was feeling relatively charitable; presenting a well-padded ditch that cushioned both collarbone and beloved machine from harm. Clear skies saw the temperature plummet and with a severed chain beyond repair, I ran the remaining five miles leading the beefy tourer by its stem. Light bruising-mainly to my ego and a fresh chain later the world was indeed round and true once more but it could’ve been so different.

Further fun and games were presented courtesy of the Ka. 120 miles from home and a sensation suggesting a faulty alternator demanded concentration, steady revs and will power complete the circular journey. A final mile from my home, I slid the stricken beast into the yard of a friendly local garage, leaving a note and keys through their office door. Walking the last leg through quiet, deserted streets was blessed relief after 87 miles of being shaken like a Mcflurry. Despite abandoning the Ka without prior appointment, the garage took the time to diagnose and moreover, rectify the problem by 8.40 the next morning. The culprit is this little fella known as the ISCV (Idle speed control valve). I’ve cleaned him quite regularly and I know when he’s feeling mischievous, stalling at junctions, refusing to idle properly etc but I’ve never had him mimic a faulty alternator before. A big Thank you to John and everyone at Palmer’s for keeping me and the little beast on the road.

As a child I was mesmerised by the graveyard of scrap cars and in the still, night air Palmer's yard retains a curious, inviting magic but these days serves only to remind of the little Ford’s mortality. Well, after much muted debate, the slumbering phase one nuclear reactor dominating our coastal landscape for miles around has ignited further controversy. Not only were the owners prosecuted for allowing nuclear waste to seep into the surrounding residential areas but plans have been announced to build a new generation of reactor there. Naturally, this has been played down as a consultative exercise but since the existing Magnox unit has been dormant, fishermen report the return of oyster beds and other marine life. Most of us will acknowledge the need for alternatives to fossil fuels but the consequences of corporate interest over public safety doesn’t bear thinking about.
Back to bikes and the Holdsworth’s new carbon Tifosi has been nothing short of a delight, providing some additional comfort and shaving a few grams into the bargain while the 15-tooth Halo sprocket seems a surprisingly good choice for general riding, albeit lacking the outright refinement of the hand polished EAI. Having now clocked up 265 miles aboard the Dia Tech Gran Compe leather saddle, I’m pleased to report it has largely moulded to my shape, discomfort a distant memory-although liberal applications of Nikwax continue so as to encourage this process and keep the elements firmly at bay.
Ison distribution, the UK importer for all things Salsa have once again come to my rescue with this here twenty-five degree oversized stem, raising the Univega’s bar height without giving it the aerodynamics of a Dutch Grandmother gracefully clattering across the cobblestones aboard her 40lb Gazelle. This will see the WTB fall neatly to hand for trail taming, yet just low enough to shelter from a headwind and 200g is reassuringly svelte…For all this, I can’t quite bring myself to complete the metamorphosis thanks to these very nice, old school Tektro cross cantilevers that stop the beast (complete with laden trailer) on the proverbial sixpence, with a gentle, yet definite caress of the lever. Another gizmo sure to capture the imagination of those seeking seductive stocking fillers is this nifty Surly stainless steel cable hanger. Designed to replace the old chrome types typically found adorning cross and touring on bikes, it slots between the seat collar/binder bolt for a really smooth cable run and is ideal for using cantilevers on frames built for Vs. Basically a paper clip on steroids, the mechanically minded could fashion one in a matter of minutes using scraps from the spares bin but it’s nice to see these products readily available. On the subject of fabrication, when Justin (Burls) isn’t tempting me with thoughts of fillet brazed drop bar specific off-roaders, he’s flaunting more titanium including a sub 15lb (geared) road bike and another road/track fixer…Just look at the sculpted beauty of those wishbone stays… Smiten? Then have a chat with Justin (email:Justin@burls.co.uk or www.burls.co.uk).

Substitute!

The Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways. Sunday saw me pop out for a quick twenty mile blast aboard the Holdsworth before the weather had chance to turn bandit with wind and rain of biblical proportions. Everything was right with the world, riders waved cheerfully as we passed in opposite directions and I was mentally in the zone for typing some extensive copy upon my return. This was shattered suddenly by a very literal sinking feeling. The inexpensive but otherwise very cheerful Outland was creeping into the seat tube. Stopping and tightening the binder bolt made no impression. Arriving home, I reasoned the post diameter might be incorrect. Removal and closer inspection of the seat-tube confirmed these suspicions. The ten year lay-up sans post and subsequent traces of powder coat had seen it compress, explaining why it has entertained a 26.8 for so long.

Purging contaminant presented the ideal opportunity for a light reapplication of Waxoyl. As the sand coloured gloop flooded inside the tubes, a light bulb moment saw me try an old, badly scored 27.2 Kalloy; after all, there was nothing to lose and everything to gain. Cue drum roll, slither of grease around the shaft and in she goes… Admittedly it was tighter than ideal but close enough and besides, cheaper models aren’t machined to the same tolerances as their costlier counterparts. This presented a choice between the beautiful and super svelte Thompson earmarked for the Teenage Dream and an equally tasty budget Carbon Tifosi. Fate decided the latter. Having “skilfully” dropped the Thompson’s cradle bolts, the wind grew with intensity, blowing them into bedding plants and frustratingly out of reach. The carbon Tifosi complete with simple, if slightly agricultural, single bolt cradle was the obvious candidate. Two minutes in the shelter of a warm kitchen saw the Specialized Toupe’ swapped over and the Holdsworth blessed with a beautiful new post. This torrent of Euphoria prompted other changes, most notably this very fetching CNC machined Halo track sprocket and Surly Nick-Less Cage. The Halo replaces the ultra lightweight anodized aluminium model that wasn’t doing a great deal thanks to the unsurpassed refinement of an EAI superstar typically in charge.

It is in fact Cro-moly steel, boding well for longevity and is reasonably priced. The striking blue effect is achieved through a process similar to anodising known as electrophoresis deposition (oft referred to as ED coating) developed and used extensively within the automotive industry. The Surly is a sturdy stainless steel cage, claiming to be a unique design but aside from beefier rod, it mimics the dainty Nitto Continuing a theme of sitting comfortably, the Univega and I have been getting the miles in aboard the classic cutaway Dia Tech. Subjected to Liberal Nikwaxing to protect the hide and promote the breaking-in-process, fifty miles in and we seem to be forming an affectionate bond. However, the base is seven millimetres broader than my regular perches (as determined eighteen months ago in a BG fit consultation) and the initial ten miles had my Ischial Tuberosity screaming for mercy. However, this didn’t demand these buttock abrasion patches but I’ll keep them handy in the rack bag just in case…
The season of tool abductions continue... This week it’s been the turn of my trusty long 5mm Allen wrench needed to tackle the recessed bolts in these Cane Creek V brake specific road levers. These play a central part in the Univega’s reconfiguration but thankfully, this little T-handled beauty came to the rescue, giving change from £3! 8spd bar end levers and 7 speed cassette have been temperamental bed fellows of late so a quick wander around the web unearthed these NOS (New old stock) STX RC pods going for the proverbial song.

These have been mounted inboard of the ends, thus protecting them from thrills, spills and everyday knocks while falling neatly to hand for sweet, swift changes. Having experimented in this direction previously with my mtb based crosser/working bike, mounting the pods low demands some very judicious filing of the internal clamp diameter. Contrary to popular belief, there is no need to splay the clamps, even on very substantial bars as this risks bracket fatigue and/or fractures. However, the makeover cannot be completed without a new stem, one with at least twenty five degree rise. Specialized and Gusset both produce models perfect for these applications-especially riding off road where for effective control, the drops should fall roughly where a flat XC bar would. However, this will have to wait as MOT, servicing and tax were due on my car, leaving me £260 lighter.

Dear Father Christmas…..

Going Steady

No further progress on the Teenage Dream’s continued reconfiguration save for yet another about-turn that sees my preference for the Salsa drops with more subtle curves. This means a new stem and continuing the Woodman theme is this one inch threadless unit acquired very cheaply from the UK importer. Less refined than some, it enjoys a curious industrial beauty thanks largely to the pronounced TIG welding. So, the shims return to the spares drawer while the shorter 8cm extension equates to an arguably perfect fit given the top-tube length.

Rest assured, the whopping WTB are not going to waste- the Univega’s undergoing another transformation prompted by V brakes Originating from the mid to late 90s the frame was built with linear pulls in mind but my love of a well honed cantilever has made this a very slow transition. However, the late 1980s Campagnolo have poor heel clearance and can also interfere with large expedition panniers. Time was when pairing drops and V brakes meant unsightly, if efficient cable pulleys but these days a few manufacturers offer dedicated drop levers with the necessary cable pull. Nevertheless, until said headset press materialises these developments remain firmly on the drawing board… The Holdsworth has also emerged from its seasonal slumber, not on regular duties but the opportunity to test some ultra seductive fixer kit (while the weather remains autumnal rather than consistently wintry) has proven too great a temptation. Most likely to get hipster hearts racing and juices flowing are these classic cutaway leather saddles. Made by Dia Tech, featuring Cro-Moly rails and a choice of three alternative colours (black, pink and white) they look capable of giving Brooks a run for your money but the proof of the perch is in the riding so I’ll see you in a few hundred miles.

With the days increasingly short, I find myself frustrated not to be forging ahead with a book collaboration. Despite tremendous initial gusto, the co-conspirators have all but fallen silent. That said I’m quite capable of paddling my own canoe, acutely aware of the emotional and intellectual energies demanded by these endeavours through watching my father- an author of several academic tomes. So, with the brakes firmly on that project, I’ve been putting these Jagwire pads through their paces. General impressions are favourable, compatible with most brands of calliper, modulation and feel are impressive paired with mid range levers but those of us exceeding ninety kilos and/or habitually riding in the worst weathers are better served by softer compound.
Elsewhere Justin Burls’ wife, Mila is introducing these socks into the UK. Russian made from naturally occurring and chemical free flax linen/elastane, their wicking properties keep the feet hygienically fresh in all weathers. With the strength and practicality of cotton, linen is widely recognised for its healing properties, said in some countries to ward off the evil eye, neurotic disease and heart conditions. These are samples sent for illustrative purposes and too small for my size nines but we’re eagerly awaiting a shipment. Notoriously hard on socks, it will be interesting to see how these fare over the coming months and without overshoes... Mila has kindly offered to send some to these fellas… These former reprobates from the murky world of recruitment, Jamie King and Henry Brydon aka “The blazing saddles” are embarking on an eighteen month charitable wander round the globe in aid of their chosen charities (MS and Brain tumour research respectively). Regular temping counters cash-flow woes between editorial payments, explaining how Jamie became a friendly acquaintance of mine. Inspiration for their epic ride came from a healthy contempt for the nine to five and Alistair Humphreys’ engaging accounts of a four year, 46,000 mile wander around the world (Documented in “Moods of Future Joys” and “Thunder and Sunshine”). Preferring expedition/mtb based tourers they might not be making the pilgrimage on fixers but it’s in aid of some very worthy causes. Take a look at their site and pledge a little something if you can. http://www.theblazingsaddles.com/

Pressing Matters

The teenage dream’s transformation has rolled to a complete standstill thanks to some kind soul helping themselves to my Czech made headset press and the importer advises a timescale of several weeks until the next delivery. I may have to wait, unless Justin (Burls) can come to the rescue and install the mighty Woodman. A local, mobile “Mechanic” ran the proverbial mile at the offer of work and shops seem understandably, reluctant to undertake work unless components are purchased directly from themselves. Good things come to those who wait…. Timely then is the arrival of these advanced Jagwire pads that will soon replace the OEM cartridge types fitted to the budget Miche Performance callipers earmarked for the build. Holdsworth safely hibernating for the winter months, its up to the Univega to provide those much needed smiles per mile and as ever, the tubby tourer saves the day. Sporting 2.1-inch knobblies there’s not a great deal of fender clearance but enough for negotiating surprisingly gloopy trails. Admittedly the wide profile makes for a slightly ponderous passage over tarmac but often, I feel the need to escape winter asphalt in favour of green lanes, bridal path and “roads” less travelled. For all their virtues, they’re not impenetrable as my feral cat demonstrated, puncturing the front with his claws. Attempts to repair the gashed inner tube using the imaginatively named “Porno patches” has proven unsuccessful- a shame given Joshua seemed so pleased with his efforts over the weekend. I may try again saying nothing so as not to shatter his illusions or otherwise weaken confidence in his notable mechanical aptitude. The Stronglight touring triple has been replaced in favour of this keenly priced Shimano Alivio with identical rings-pretty much plug and play with some slight tweaking of the front mech’s adjustment screws. A contemporary two-piece Deore might’ve been the obvious substitution but there’s a good 6,000 miles of life left in the venerable square taper UN52 so, on balance the Alivio is the most cost effective solution.

There was nothing mechanically wrong with the Stronglight; save for the arms running hairs breadth from the frame’s pronounced chainstays- precluding fitment of neoprene chainstay protectors. Introducing winter overshoes resulted in their rubberised heels chafing the frame’s lacquer top coat. Problem solved and shifting seems, pardoning the pun, fractionally slicker to boot… On the subject of footwear, the recent drop in temperatures have seen these emerge from the wardrobe- foul weather mtb booties, I’m eager to lay my hands a road variant but while a little portly, they’re just fine for blazing a trail through the cold but enchanting forests. The other thing I love about winter, aside from riding unspoilt moonlit trails, is cross racing. Here in the UK, Genesis have released a singlespeed/ fixed crosser finished in a very fetching retro orange. Fashioned from worthy, if slightly workman like Reynolds 520, it bears striking resemblance to the Ilpompino save for nicer frame ends and a sharper looking fork blade.
Thoughtfully it has the four pint carrier and fender mounts and sufficient bottle mounts to serve as a four seasons’ sub £500 funster. Obviously, I couldn’t justify it but it’s certainly given me ideas of reconfiguring the Ilpompino with these Schwalbe 38mm studded snow tyres. I had also been looking to acquire an mtb variant (Bike Nashbar used to do a good store branded copy) for the Univega as with good preparation and the right equipment, snow opens new dimensions in riding pleasure but unlike Utah and indeed many other parts of the globe, the paltry few centimetres hardly warrants large investment. Besides which, while there’s always room for fun and being care-free, I’m in no position to squander monetary resources either so some restraint’s a good thing. Elsewhere, good fortune has presented these non-toxic, bridgeable lubes and cleansers that seem equal to, if not superior to, most of those derived from petrochemicals.

I’m particularly fond of the bike wash that leaves behind only a shiny steed. However, a little care is warranted even with these products as they’re made from oranges and the skins contain d-Limonene, which some folk are allergic too. The firm also manufactures a range of belts made from recycled tyres and if you really wanted, they could recycle your own favourite rubber when the time comes… Watch this space.

Forging Ahead With A New Front End

Since my last entry, thanks to one publisher's punctual payment and some divine influence, the forks, Woodman headset, spacers and bar wrap have finally arrived. More curious perhaps are my choice of bar and stem. Admittedly the Salsa Bell-Lap with subtly flared ends were my preferred option but an over sized Outland stem with 31.0 clamp precluded this. To my surprise, the Salsa are standard 26mm bulge diameter and in no mood to waste good parts, I opted for super-stiff WTB drops with greatly exaggerated flare. They're intended specifically as a rough stuff touring/mtb drop but phenomenal rigidity ad broader profile makes climbing easier.

On something of a roll, I finally applied myself to ordering the Nitto shim ensuring harmony between 1/18th stem and one-inch steerer. Shims can be fashioned from scrap aluminium cut with tin snips but £7.50 saves scratching nice parts and/or potentially nasty accidents. Further modernisation comes courtesy of these Cane Creek SC5 levers that will commend the fender friendly Miche Performance callipers with upgraded pads.

Elsewhere, I remain of the opinion that turn signals are silly on a bike. However, these integrated light and indicator units seem very practical for trailers. UK law dictates (with good reason) all tag-alongs have independent illumination for nocturnal use and with the nights drawing in faster than the chancellor's belt, their discovery is timely.

Here in the UK, The Cyclist's Touring Club (CTC) is spearheading a campaign against the social acceptability of casually careless driving. Stop "Smidsy" (An acronym of "Sorry mate, I didn't see you") This classic war cry beloved of inept and dangerous drivers nationally is perhaps more accurately translated as " Sorry,I wasn't looking for you!". My son and I find this depressingly familiar riding the Univega and tag-along so all the more reason to ensure the touring trailer resembles a mobile flight path through winter. A more refined swing arm and hitch ensure snappier installation/removal while smoother bushes mean it tracks better than the older yaks especially through the swooping lanes and back roads where only gentle vibration reminds of its presence. Rummaging in my Ka's boot not only produced my long-lost Sugino crank extractor but two tins of silver enamel paint, identical to the trailer's finish meaning the inevitable nicks, scrapes and blemishes can be skillfully hidden. In any case, the good folk at Maldon Shot-Blasting and Powder Coating have given a sympathetic quote for a two colour black (swing arm) and red (trailer body) respray when the time comes.

Infuriatingly, I managed to loose some vital fitting kit but was rescued by Geld Holmyard from Edinburgh Bicycle (owners of the Revolution brand) with replacements and even included a much needed mudguard bridge in the parcel! Increasingly bitter industrial action by the Royal mail is likely to cause misery to many in the short term but rich pickings for the dispatch mob as the retail industry grooms the public for Christmas-the height of the last dispute saw messengers earning £800 a week! Should this continue, Univega, trailer and I might show some uncharacteristically entrepreneurial spirit!

Continuing the theme of generosity, this delightful mug was an early birthday gift from someone knowing my innermost thoughts and intimate details. For the pragmatists, it holds nigh on a pint of tea/coffee/red bush or indeed soup without resembling the proverbial builder's bucket.

Heeding the advice of one-time wrestler BA Baracus, I've got some (track) nuts, anodized blue Halo's for the Holdsworth no less. I'm not usually keen on alloy fasteners-there's no denying their allure but even precision fit wrenches can wreak havoc on the soft metal.

Unable to to resist the lure of leafy green lanes and forest tracks, made all the more beautiful by the rich autumn colours, I've fitted these Kenda small block 8 knobblies- one in the range of mountain bike legend John Tomac's signature tyres and pretty swift too in their 700x38c form. These are 2.1 inches wide leaving very little room to spare between both frame and portly mudguards-not fag paper close but as intimate as I'd like for trail duties, they're a great excuse for my six year old to join in some muddy fun on the tag-along.

Well, that's all for now. Hopefully by Halloween the shim and headset press will have arrived, signalling an afternoon of measuring, checking, cutting and ultimately a beautiful makeover.