The Univega seems to have developed a very expensive, not to mention inconvenient inner tube habit, chomping through four since the New Year. The culprit would appear to be the Kenda small block eight’s soft casings, vulnerable to penetration by shards of glass and other sharps on the seasonally slimy winter roads-especially those with a layering of horse dung. In the interests of reliability, I’ve reverted to the ultra dependable GEAX 1.5 semi slicks. This might be at the expense of some versatility but they’ll sail through winter grime sans hiss. However, a Kenda self-healing tube and my beloved speed lever have re-emerged so my world is once again round.
On the subject of round, those Miche wheels I introduced in my last entry are ones to write home about-easily on par with the Halo Aero rage and a marked improvement over those commonly found on production fixers. In keeping with the Halo, mid section rims and super smooth large flange hubs make for an extremely refined and yet reliable four season’s package-they’ll even entertain tyres up to 32mmm wide. However, tubes with super long valve stems are a must in order to get pump connectors aboard. Seasonal salt, grease and grime have made little impression on the anodised sidewalls or the highly polished hubs and despite all-too regular pothole encounter they’ve remained perfectly true and tensioned
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On the subject of round, those Miche wheels I introduced in my last entry are ones to write home about-easily on par with the Halo Aero rage and a marked improvement over those commonly found on production fixers. In keeping with the Halo, mid section rims and super smooth large flange hubs make for an extremely refined and yet reliable four season’s package-they’ll even entertain tyres up to 32mmm wide. However, tubes with super long valve stems are a must in order to get pump connectors aboard. Seasonal salt, grease and grime have made little impression on the anodised sidewalls or the highly polished hubs and despite all-too regular pothole encounter they’ve remained perfectly true and tensioned Other colours include Blue, Red, Silver and Gold so there’s something for all tastes and livery. These are a wheelset befitting the Holdsworth on a permanent basis meaning the Ilpompino can have its hoops back complete with 38mm rubber and the quasi-crosser makeover can progress as planned-albeit sans carbon fork. Forks tend to be the one area traditionally overbuilt on production bikes and said beast is no exception, although this surgery will coincide with headset replacement or similarly invasive procedure.
Elsewhere, I’ve come to the conclusion that Joshua requires a “Balance bike” to perfect his handling skills and moreover confidence- even with big wide bars rotated within easy reach, his inseam isn’t quite long enough, hampering his ability to get the flats of his feet down at the crucial loss-of-balance point. Credit where due, his coordination is good and learning to relax sees further improvement but I’d like to bring his skill and confidence base along as efficiently as possible. From here, the second-hand Raleigh acquired through David Hunt-our local recycle agent will come into it’s own and I’ve promised him a set of enduro type mtb fenders as further incentive. Contacting David this week in the context of a dynamo lamp, I was shocked to learn from his wife Diana that he died suddenly in October and would like to publicly offer my sincerest condolences to the family.
On the subject of recycling, I’ve resurrected this original leather covered Turbo saddle and earmarked it for the Teenage dream once I’ve found time to drop the featherweight Thompson post at a local engineering firm for machining to the smaller 27.0 diameter. Not urgent by any means but dormant projects grate on me and while a fair weather mount, I’d also like to fit some of the race blade type guards to extend its horizons-especially during the spring months, notorious for their changeable weather fronts.
Paul Vincent, long time friend and fellow scribe who so generously donated the Holdsworth frameset has turned his attentions to the torch. Judging by this photo, his first effort looks very, very alluring. Made from fillet brazed plain gauge Columbus Cromor and finished in a very fetching matt black, a’la Mad Max it screams eyeballs-out, no compromise TT rocket. He’s working on his second, seemingly top-secret build and I’m getting very excited at the prospect of seeing both machines in the flesh. Watch this space…. 
One of the diesel strength coffee faithful, some might be surprised to find me partaking in tea…I’ve no love of that considered quintessentially English. Authentic Indian Chai and Rubious variants have always been warmly received but this “Clarity” herbal brew pleasantly surprises me. Combining a sweet, spicy flavour with stimulant properties, it encourages focus for long periods without caffeine’s unwelcome come down or diuretic properties that could make it the perfect pre/post ride beverage.
Elsewhere, I’ve come to the conclusion that Joshua requires a “Balance bike” to perfect his handling skills and moreover confidence- even with big wide bars rotated within easy reach, his inseam isn’t quite long enough, hampering his ability to get the flats of his feet down at the crucial loss-of-balance point. Credit where due, his coordination is good and learning to relax sees further improvement but I’d like to bring his skill and confidence base along as efficiently as possible. From here, the second-hand Raleigh acquired through David Hunt-our local recycle agent will come into it’s own and I’ve promised him a set of enduro type mtb fenders as further incentive. Contacting David this week in the context of a dynamo lamp, I was shocked to learn from his wife Diana that he died suddenly in October and would like to publicly offer my sincerest condolences to the family. On the subject of recycling, I’ve resurrected this original leather covered Turbo saddle and earmarked it for the Teenage dream once I’ve found time to drop the featherweight Thompson post at a local engineering firm for machining to the smaller 27.0 diameter. Not urgent by any means but dormant projects grate on me and while a fair weather mount, I’d also like to fit some of the race blade type guards to extend its horizons-especially during the spring months, notorious for their changeable weather fronts. Paul Vincent, long time friend and fellow scribe who so generously donated the Holdsworth frameset has turned his attentions to the torch. Judging by this photo, his first effort looks very, very alluring. Made from fillet brazed plain gauge Columbus Cromor and finished in a very fetching matt black, a’la Mad Max it screams eyeballs-out, no compromise TT rocket. He’s working on his second, seemingly top-secret build and I’m getting very excited at the prospect of seeing both machines in the flesh. Watch this space…. One of the diesel strength coffee faithful, some might be surprised to find me partaking in tea…I’ve no love of that considered quintessentially English. Authentic Indian Chai and Rubious variants have always been warmly received but this “Clarity” herbal brew pleasantly surprises me. Combining a sweet, spicy flavour with stimulant properties, it encourages focus for long periods without caffeine’s unwelcome come down or diuretic properties that could make it the perfect pre/post ride beverage. 