Evolution- the solution?

The cycling equivalent of a life laundry continues. Further foraging has uncovered a set of unused Cinelli Spinacchi mini-tri-bars. Once popular amongst the professional ranks thanks to their provision of alternative hand positioning without falling foul of UCI ,they've largely fallen into obscurity. However, They're ideal for the Holdsworth build- offering useful aero advantage on ten mile TT courses (my chosen outlet for the constructive exorcism of inner demons) without detracting from the classic lines/period feel.

It would appear I am a man of contradiction, serendipity seeing me opting in favour of flared (46cm) WTB drops, colour co-ordinated stem and 400mm Outland seat post over the silver anodised/polished parts initially earmarked for the build. Seat post choice was more limited than I had hoped, although there were some very fetching silver Nitto models and even SR’s legendary TCO (Tall cool one)- a one time MTB aftermarket favourite I hadn’t seen for a good eighteen years and almost bought out of sentiment.

I’ve found the wheelset and a suitable, dual pivot brake calliper so as not to fall foul of the law. Meanwhile, back in the jungle, the Ka’s expiring clutch cannot be ignored any further and I’m still battling an errant publisher for considerable monies owing. The sudden and unprecedented cold snap has demanded the bespoke road mount enjoy some enforced rest. Sleet, snow, ice and lashings of road salt has restricted anything beyond virtual riding to the venerable Univega RTB. Should this much hyped "Big freeze" continue I'll be looking to fit Nokian studded snow rubber! Ideal conditions for a fixed in many respects- braking by holding off against the cranks gives a notably smoother, more predictable passage over slippery surfaces.

Stout and sure footed as the Ilpompino's 38mm WTB rubber may be, an mtb configuration remains my chosen steed for ice and snow. On the subject of big freezes, this is precisely what my bank has actioned on my account thanks to the antics of online thieves (describing these people as "hackers" gives them an unwarranted air of legitimacy/honour) further adding to my fiscal frustrations.

Joshua hasn’t been out on his tag-along for a couple of weeks given the blend of ice and wind chill, although he’s very pleased by the addition of a basic suspension post, taking the sting out of rougher lanes and trails. Coil sprung units, whilst hardly the last word in refinement are very simple, unaffected by weather to the same degree as elastomer models and provide adequate damping for lighter riders.

I am also considering some very simple modification to his tag along’s hitch which, endemic to the breed is a little sloppy, translating in a whippy ride under load. My plan is to upgrade the simple roller pin with some thin nylon washers, reducing some of the play without adversely affecting handling or voiding the warranty.

The Cleat again...Sounds like a sequel to a 50's horror flick. The recent chill has seen me opt in preference for my mtb race shoes with stainless Spd pattern cleats-primarily as the rancid odour from my trainer type was stripping wallpaper. Cursory inspection of cleat integrity suggested they were good for another few thousand miles. Updating the Univega's pedals in favour of more contemporary Spd designs raised a compatibility question mark and explains my relative nonchalance at their failure to clunk, clip every trip. Rapidly nearing the lane's end, feet fully engaged I was relaxed and enjoying the ride. This casual indifference was once again to prove my undoing upon my return home...

Releasing my right foot, my left flatly refused to disengage. Desperation set in after a couple of minutes and only after exiting my foot from the shoe and manipulating it in every conceivable direction effected disengagement. Today's culprit? Rider indifference and loose cleat screws...Lessons have be learned.... Now where have we heard that before?