People’s sense of entitlement, the automatic right to
things by default never ceases to amaze me- none more so, than on the public
highway. For many years now there’s been an overwhelming notion that driving a
car is a right as distinct from privilege and moreover one that substitutes
skill and empathy with elephantine ignorance.
Just the other day I was piloting the Ka along a
heavily trafficked section of provincial town and behind an elderly man on his
bicycle. Unable to pass safely without endangering he, I or indeed oncoming
traffic, this slightly serene procession was rudely interrupted by the high
pitched, impatient sounding of the horn emanating from a middle aged woman
sporting ridiculously oversized sunglasses, clearly too beautiful to be
inconvenienced.
It’s the sort
of myopia oft lamented by journalist, campaigner and author of several best
selling cycling books. I am of course referring to Richard Ballantine; a
tremendously influential figure who sadly lost his battle with
cancer on May 29th aged
72. Aside from an authoritative, captivating written style, he also supported
me in my formative, teenage steps towards a career in journalism proper, so
news of his death proved particularly sad.
He could polarise opinion, some regarding his stance
toward rogue drivers as being a little over the top but while at an academic
level there might’ve been some pop psychology at play now and then, his
observations proved frighteningly accurate nonetheless.
I988 saw the arrival of Richard’s New Bicycle Book,
in which he remarks (p240) “ Often when
cyclists signal a turn at night, their arm is lifted above the range of dipped
car headlights and absorbed by the general ink of night. The signal is
literally invisible” a sentiment clearly shared by Scute design who have sent
me these mitts with inbuilt LEDs, switch gear and rechargeable li-on cell.
“Safety” tagging aside, their quality of construction
and padding density seem remarkably good for long, steadily three seasons
miles, ruling out the dreaded tingling, the extensive terry thumb wipe located
for intuitive, split second taming of runny noses.
However, I’ve ideological reservations concerning
this sort of technology since it implies, to me at least, that cyclists are
somehow problems who need singling out. Mass rides aimed at capturing Jo and
Joanna public always depict participants wearing hi-viz jackets. Again, I’m
often seen wearing day-glow on overcast winter days but suggestion that we are
somehow “asking for it” sans said attire seems to absolve bad, or woefully
incompetent drivers from a duty of care in the same fashion “biological urges”
are often cited by defence barristers in cases of rape/sexual assault.
Focusing upon my test bench, there’s been another
wealth of interesting kit arriving for my attention. First up come these
beautiful leather goodies courtesy of Spa cycles in Harrogate www.spacycles.co.uk. Constructed from
ultra supple, high quality cowhide and half the price of established marques,
their handlebar wrap comes in three classic colours-black brown or this
luxurious honey.
Seamless construction won’t detract from the
aesthetic, is stronger and moreover more comfortable than stitched
varieties-especially in liner type gloves. Sources suggested rolls weren’t
overly generous but in practice this only seems applicable when dressing
oversized flared varieties. Coverage wasn’t an issue with these 25.4 midge,
enabling double ups for additional cushioning in selected areas.
Talking of which, while very tenacious, the adhesive
has proven very forgiving of perfectionist un/windings, so cable replacement/
introduction of cyclo cross style interrupter levers is unlikely to present any
problems-especially if sealed in situ with quality electrical tape. Early impressions suggest six weekly rub
overs with a lint free cloth dipped in proofide/similar preserve will, all
things being equal, retain its youthful lustre.
As for the clips, well these are fashioned from
mirror polished stainless steel dressed in cowhide toe boxes protecting smart
street shoes on short commutes and affording additional refinement on longer
outings. Dual layer straps are refreshingly maulable, snaking effortlessly
through Campagnolo record pattern cages, although the chromium plated buckles
benefited from a quick shot of PTFE based spray sparing blushes when track
standing isn’t practical. Joshua
remains inquisitive about racing, so we’ve been planning a new build and explored
genres in more detail.
Seemingly mean and rueful of derailleur gears, we
reckon the next built will be based around a small 4130 or 6061 mountain bike
frameset with sliding dropouts, rigid fork and 135mm spacing, thus enabling
relatively easy transition from single speed to variable gearing, whether hub
or indeed derailleur as appropriate. Talking of which, harsh winter and lots of
miles sees the Univega cruising another chain/cassette into retirement.
Still plenty of mid range options out there, so it’ll
be a while before I contemplate adding another sprocket. Temptation travels
back and forth between Titanium and similarly exotic fork options but I’m not
overly fussed and moreover, there’s nothing wrong with the triple butted
Cro-moly offering, especially since while pretty, said beast remains a working
bike with emphasis upon reliability.
