Good Vibrations

Two weeks’ continuous service cemented my suspicions, namely that adopting a shorter stem and moustache bars would transform comfort and handling in most contexts. Sharper steering keeps things the right sort of interesting, without becoming a handful when haring along hairpin descents with beloved Revolution Cargo full to its thirty five kilo brim.

Spotted another one tethered to an equally hard working GT (note Magura HS33 raceline brakeset) while on a quick supermarket mission this week. Thought the shot would come in handy for book and related projects that are on the cusp of fruition.

Back to those Mungo then…Loftier backswept contours improve one’s view of conditions ahead, yet still affording commendable relief from headwinds and other biblical stuff.

Conversely, they do place more weight on the ulnar region, low-level vibration becoming intrusive after two hours or so, provoking me to explore some additional insulation. 

I’ve reviewed countless commercial “underlays” in recent years and in fairness, most seem to work, though some are definitely better than others.Binding redundant butyl inner tube around the bars before dressing them is another useful (not to mention, thrifty) homely remedy. Ah, but disturbing the several times repatriated Cinelli and asking it’s weathered adhesive to bond convincingly with butyl was pushing our luck somewhat. 

Hence I’ve adopted a popular Audax trick, leaving it in situ and weaving that crisp, white Lizard Skins DSP strategically atop. Thrice mummified around the curves, it appears to optimise protection with a slightly funky, as distinct from frumpy aesthetic.

Contact points are by definition exceedingly personal and something I’m predisposed to tinkering with. Superficially I wasn’t remotely “taken” by this SR Becoz moderate men’s saddle-183mm at its widest point-forty millimetres wider than “ideal” for my sit bones. However, such dogma breeds its own kinds of myopia. Less aggressive configurations influence rider spine angle, in turn placing proportionately greater weight upon the saddle.

This would explain why Spa cycle’s buxom (168mm) B17 homage proved so compatible.  The Becoz is literally bursting with cutting edge, recycled/organic technologies. Steep, relatively tall steel rails won’t set anyone’s Lycra ablaze but are extremely well finished and those additional millimetres seem to have corrected a minor imperfection height-wise.

These are coupled to a clever set of supple, yet progressive elastomers absorbing minor road/trail buzz while the internal blend of polyurethane gel combine ample support without hindering tour-typical 85-100rpm cadences. Covers used to be a weak spot, particularly on the goo-filled breed where they could rupture during a spill (especially off road) leaving sticky, oozy remnants spattered across one’s finest Lycra.

Selle Royal has continued the unusual, ecologically friendly theme here too, fortifying the slightly rubberised texture with sustainably cultivated conifer wood flour. This latter ingredient seems to counteract irksome surfing, though has caused some thinner, super shiny Lycra to gather uncomfortably during the course of a ride and demands physically lifting (rather than shuffling) one’s derriere fore/aft.

On the flip side, it’s a boon when leaning back against the saddle, maintaining traction when negotiating long descents/looser surfaces. Curiously, the (164mm) athletic version only comes in male centric dimensions and on balance might’ve been optimal for said build. However, this experience serves to illustrate that not everything can be reduced to a series of formulas/calculations.

A recent spate of burglaries in this otherwise peaceful locale’ is a poignant reminder to review and bolster security. This needn’t involve colonies of CCTV but assessing things as a professional or opportunist thief might enables one to close certain avenues of potential attack.  

On some levels it’s ironic (given the prevalence of “community spirited curtain twitching”) that people’s behaviours are scrutinised with such intensity, yet these voyeurs mysteriously see and hear nothing during attempted/burglaries. (Don’t get me started on the omnipresent crescendo of barking dogs).

Naturally, these violations are met with eloquent choruses to the effect of “aint it awful”. Fear not, a neighbourhood watch group is coming into force, though again, I fear this says more about certain folks’ love of spearheading committees rather than pragmatic purpose.

Since time in memorial bikes have been thief magnets. I regularly introduce layers of complication be it a gamekeeper or upgraded/additional locking that will certainly slow their progress and hopefully deter. Simple measures like closing gates increases risks of thieves being seen/ heard/ disturbed, ditto laying pea-gravel/shingle or planting prickly foliage/trellis at strategic points.

Gates with solid centre panels might keep prying eyes out; though also provide those with low morals to "work" uninterrupted on the other side...

Datatag and similar hi-tech systems are another useful tool, though more in a stolen/recovered context. Slipping a piece of laminated card with name, date of birth, blood type and address inside handlebars and other contact points costs nothing-can be invaluable in this and accident contexts.