Delighted to report seasonally inclement weather has
permitted extensive testing of those Schwalbe winter tyres. Tipping the scales
at 998g apiece, 50epi (ends per inch) casings, Kevlar belts, tungsten carbide
spikes and maximum operating pressure of 70psi denote ones designed to cope
competently with the slippery season. Schwalbe recommend running them in for
forty kilometres on metalled road before those studs bite predictably and I
noticed some very minor cornering squirm on our maiden voyages but nowhere near
change of shorts territory.
Having done so, traction on most surfaces is superb,
although in common with similar designs, ice and shallow snow requires a
steady, consistent riding style. More spirited acceleration; say at roundabouts
and junctions can induce pregnant pauses before the spikes catch up but this
wasn’t an issue at a steady 17mph along winding rural backwaters.
Once accustomed to their gravelly serenade, I rather
enjoyed the training benefits of increased resistance and the smugness of
knowing that stretches of iced dung were unlikely to see us clattering across
the rutted carriageway in an undignified heap. Provocative over inflation and
long, greasy descents couldn’t cajole shimmy or similar bad manners either,
even with trailer en tow. Aramid has long been the standard by which puncture
repelling casings are judged but the chevron pattern tread expels glass, flints
and similarly evil debris with remarkable aplomb while Kevlar belts provide
further peace of mind.
Studs wear much faster (especially in regions where snow
is an occasional winter visitor) but with negligible effect, tempered by the
availability of aftermarket replacements and seasonal use. At seventy odd quid,
it’s tempting to suggest they’re an indulgence but means I have the option of
heading out in otherwise unfavourable conditions after a hard day’s typing or
temping without doing myself and/or machine a mischief.
Continuing this theme, having heard of my recently demised
levers, Paul Winn at Weldtite www.weldtite.co.uk
was kind enough to send me two sets of these banana- shaped Cyclo Ezytech.
Sharing striking similarity with Pedro’s, they’re made from a lightweight and
supposedly super durable polymer.
Broader profiles and more aggressive scoops suggest
they’re dependably tenacious with tight beads but I’m going to push the boat
out and invest in the British marque’s laughably understated workshop tyre
removal and fitting tool and chain rivet extractor for home duties. That said;
both cool tool and Specialized EMT are still doing surprisingly well (I nearly
said sterling job but that’s inappropriate given the nation’s recent credit
downgrade).
Ever since spotting a child’s home brewed ‘cross build
based around a scrap HLE Peugeot frame that had been chopped, MIG welded
together and dressed in leftover paint and parts, I have wanted to create
something similar for Joshua. From a purely economic standpoint, the amount of
labour involved in sourcing, cutting and fusing such a Franken bike far
outstrips its worth. Timely then that Frog bikes have sent me their model 62, a
lightweight kids bike tipping the scales at just under ten kilos.
A TIG welded 6061 aluminium chassis (designed for 62cm
inside leg), steel fork and 24-inch wheels mean it’s not only light but
versatile too thanks to generous frame clearances. OEMs are 1.75 but there’s
ample clearance for 1.9 knobblies and trail riding courtesy of a surprisingly
lofty bottom bracket. Components are proportionally sized, addressing maters of
reach, comfort and control. Transmission wise, a single ring, seven-speed twist
grip system offers a decent spread of ratios without being unnecessarily
complicated or hefty. However, Joshua will have the casting vote in a few
weeks.
Taking an inspirational wander round the web in search of
people’s bare bones budget bike builds I happened upon a blog called “Lovely
Bicycle” written from a uniquely feminine perspective by a freelance
consultant, designer and photographer, who embraces everything from frame
building and classic roadsters to dressing beyond Lycra without being biased in
any particular direction. I also admire creativity skill and entrepreneurial
spirit. Something in plentiful supply at Dill Pickle gear owned and run by
Emily O’Brien.
Emily is a mile-munching Massachusetts lady who not only
loves pickles and Limericks but also makes a beautiful range of saddlebags; U
lock totes and even mud flaps- for your fenders, or guards as we say in the UK.
Well, until her (luggage) sample arrives, I’m going to upgrade the Univega’s
stoppers, draft some more copy, watch a Korean film or two and scour temp land
for something suitable.
