Spring has indeed sprung and with it, much fettling of the fleet- new saddle for The Teenage Dream, lightweight aluminium sprocket and matching Pink Halo courier tyre aboard the Holdsworth's enviably smooth Miche rear wheel. Alas, we’re missing a lock ring so the full transformation (and a colour scheme guaranteed to question my masculinity) is on hold until I can acquire some cheap but very cheerfuls. However, we’ve reverted to the super smooth and aptly monikered EAI Superstar 16tooth sprocket seeing as the opportunity presented itself. 
Joshua is steadily gaining confidence with his solo but it's just fractionally on the large side and I'm now certain, with a weekend's practice on a balance bike he'd have the basics well and truly licked. Seen a few nice ones but I'm reticent to purchase given the relatively short use-span so I'd be delighted to hear from any UK based readers willing to pass or loan one to me for a modest but fair price. 
One incident that certainly left little to the imagination occurred while testing these courier knickers-plusses by their more traditional, English name. They’re made from a fairly substantial cotton/nylon mix complete with double seat, soft elasticated leg-grippers with world champion detailing, rear pocket and elasticated waist. Fit is snug, not quite as chic say as the latest generation of ¾ lengths but completes the period look aboard a classic track/road bike, especially worn with the full retro ensemble- Merino wool jersey, shoes and of course, cap. 
They’re a little warm say for the height of summer-well, eighteen degrees plus at any rate and decent under shorts are a must for longer rides. However, the material repels water better than you’d expect, fleece lining keeps early season chill firmly at bay but whatever you do, invest in a set of braces. These have become as rare as the proverbial hens teeth with the dominance of Lycra bib tights/shorts and my last pair finally succumbed to both the dreaded sag and pitted chrome disease after eighteen years service.
Out for a blast along the lanes, periodically watching the asphalt as it blurred beneath me, I eased out of the saddle ready to conquer the climb (or so I’d have folk believe) when the elastic lost its embrace around my waist, leaving me flashing a lot more than a California smile. Mercifully the woman following in her Mondeo had a sense of humour! A pair of braces was purchased online before the close of business that afternoon. Saddles are another deeply personal matter and in my experience the distinction between road and mtb is often simply down to marketing. Selle Italia’s Flite is one such design classic transcending both genres and arguably a pioneer in the popularity of titanium as a mainstream saddle rail material.
The Shiver is wider than my ideal and surprisingly that of the Rolls it replaces-at least on paper (300g does not set pulses racing in 2010) but low-weight and formula’s do not maketh the perfect perch (Sliding from the nose of a classic concor model and catching my fun-sacks squarely on the top tube of my converted Raleigh fixed back in the Summer of 1990 still induces watery eyes). Faux leather covers will appeal to strict vegetarians on an ethical level and being impervious to sweat/water won’t require periodic proofing to keep the hide supple. Manganese rails are worthy enough, siblings of the Cro-moly family oft confused with more exotic magnesium. Some commentators argue this is a deliberate ploy on the part of manufacturers but first impressions seem favourable. 
Making no secret of my relative disquiet when it comes to the long term health consequences of regular/prolonged exposure chemically brewed miracle cleaners, let alone their effect upon seals and other, more delicate finishes I am presently putting some of this Pedros “Green Fizz” through it’s paces. 
The foaming formula is claimed to clean all areas of the bike safely and on any surface or material-including carbon fibre. Early indicators are positive, gently removing a healthy layer of congealed marine grease and other light road spray from the Holdsworth’s rear hub and track sprockets. To date it seems gentle to most finishes, yet not quite as potent as some made from natural, citrus based ingredients. However, the next few weeks intensive testing will provide a more accurate measure of its capabilities, or indeed limitations.
One incident that certainly left little to the imagination occurred while testing these courier knickers-plusses by their more traditional, English name. They’re made from a fairly substantial cotton/nylon mix complete with double seat, soft elasticated leg-grippers with world champion detailing, rear pocket and elasticated waist. Fit is snug, not quite as chic say as the latest generation of ¾ lengths but completes the period look aboard a classic track/road bike, especially worn with the full retro ensemble- Merino wool jersey, shoes and of course, cap. They’re a little warm say for the height of summer-well, eighteen degrees plus at any rate and decent under shorts are a must for longer rides. However, the material repels water better than you’d expect, fleece lining keeps early season chill firmly at bay but whatever you do, invest in a set of braces. These have become as rare as the proverbial hens teeth with the dominance of Lycra bib tights/shorts and my last pair finally succumbed to both the dreaded sag and pitted chrome disease after eighteen years service.Out for a blast along the lanes, periodically watching the asphalt as it blurred beneath me, I eased out of the saddle ready to conquer the climb (or so I’d have folk believe) when the elastic lost its embrace around my waist, leaving me flashing a lot more than a California smile. Mercifully the woman following in her Mondeo had a sense of humour! A pair of braces was purchased online before the close of business that afternoon. Saddles are another deeply personal matter and in my experience the distinction between road and mtb is often simply down to marketing. Selle Italia’s Flite is one such design classic transcending both genres and arguably a pioneer in the popularity of titanium as a mainstream saddle rail material.
The Shiver is wider than my ideal and surprisingly that of the Rolls it replaces-at least on paper (300g does not set pulses racing in 2010) but low-weight and formula’s do not maketh the perfect perch (Sliding from the nose of a classic concor model and catching my fun-sacks squarely on the top tube of my converted Raleigh fixed back in the Summer of 1990 still induces watery eyes). Faux leather covers will appeal to strict vegetarians on an ethical level and being impervious to sweat/water won’t require periodic proofing to keep the hide supple. Manganese rails are worthy enough, siblings of the Cro-moly family oft confused with more exotic magnesium. Some commentators argue this is a deliberate ploy on the part of manufacturers but first impressions seem favourable. Making no secret of my relative disquiet when it comes to the long term health consequences of regular/prolonged exposure chemically brewed miracle cleaners, let alone their effect upon seals and other, more delicate finishes I am presently putting some of this Pedros “Green Fizz” through it’s paces. The foaming formula is claimed to clean all areas of the bike safely and on any surface or material-including carbon fibre. Early indicators are positive, gently removing a healthy layer of congealed marine grease and other light road spray from the Holdsworth’s rear hub and track sprockets. To date it seems gentle to most finishes, yet not quite as potent as some made from natural, citrus based ingredients. However, the next few weeks intensive testing will provide a more accurate measure of its capabilities, or indeed limitations. 
Speaking of capability, a chance conversation with a friend has introduced another engineering firm who might be willing to undertake machining of seatposts- I've found a straight-cut, polished Campagnolo Victory which, in theory at least is easier to work on. Assuming said firm is happy to perform the surgery, I'll sell the Thomson and plough monies into another project. Watch this space.....
