Having decided on the
oversized route and acquired those 31.8 Midge; serendipity took charge and
presented a compatible 17degree matt black On-One stem. Admittedly, its 90
rather than 80mm but this discrepancy was easily addressed by shuffling the
saddle forward, improving comfort on longer runs without denting acceleration
or seated climbing prowess. Accessing said steeds’ unbranded ti post bolts
proved nigh on impossible using standard pocket tools. Salvation arrived in the
guise of this Z shaped giveaway unit, so beloved of flat pack furniture, which
has since become a wedge pack staple on account of its prowess in awkward
spaces.
Reclaiming that Spa Cycles
leather handlebar wrap was another concern given the adhesive backing hadn’t
aged particularly gracefully. However, even tension and a lick of electrical
tape proved similarly successful. Net effect, £35 and one hour’s reprieve from
business planning well spent. Wrap and lighting systems repatriated, rain of
biblical proportions couldn’t dampen my enthusiasm for a fifteen mile blast.
Swinging a leg over the Ilpompino’s semi sloping top tube, it took but a matter
of minutes to fully appreciate the benefits of a stiffer cockpit.
While far from blancmange
like, the front end now tracks beautifully, especially performing those last
minute swerves around gaping potholes, opening car doors, rabid dogs, errant
pedestrians and similar hazards. This rigidity enables rider effort to be
poured into maintaining momentum-perfect for cantering gazelle fashion along
those deceptively steep climbs when turning taller gears, powering away from
the lights or demon descending. Fatigue inducing low-level vibration’s a moot
point, tempered perfectly by those sensibly raked composite ITM blades.
Thanks to their shallow
drop and prodigious width, Midge lend themselves handsomely to geared ‘cross
builds and mountain bike conversions too, the smaller diameter allowing
effortless transplant of pre-existing thumb shifters/sti controls. Tempted? Well,
Tektro produces a comprehensive, wallet friendly range of shapely aero levers
catering for cantilever, linear pull and cable operated discs. Oh and unless
intended recipients sport an old school quill unit; you’ll also need a loftier
25/30 degree stem.
Winter prompts more
frequent post ride fettling, if only to flush away that corrosive cocktail of
accumulated salt/grit with cold water. Timely then, that Green Oil’s third
generation eco-sponge should land on my test bench. I’ve always been a big fan
of the Brixton based brand’s range of blisteringly effective, yet genuinely
planet friendly lubricant/cleaning goodies. Previous incarnations also hailed
from the Philippines but their original texture proved abrasive, wounding thinner lacquers and leaving unsightly swirls in thinner/flamboyant enamels.
Taking heed, Green oil has encased the matted Luffa “sponge” within a recycled
cotton pillow
Not only does this version
promise to cleanse filthy steeds, they reckon it’s great for waxing/buffing
duties too. Well, since proof of said product lies in the polishing, I’ll put
ours through its paces on a wealth of different surfaces and provide more
informed feedback several weeks hence.
Continuing the new
arrivals theme, I’ve just taken delivery of this Nexus geared flat bar Foffa
Urban. More commonly associated with the fixed gear scene; it’s an interesting
kettle of fish with a host of contradictions. Sneaking past 13kilos and
commanding the lion’s share of £500, it’s based around an entry level Cro-moly
frameset, which should resist accidental denting better than thin wall exotica.
Welds are a little workmanlike in places perhaps but uniform and extremely
unlikely to fail. Closer inspection reveals a properly reamed seat tube and
clean bottle screws, which is heartening.
That said; internal cable
guides might look minimalist, yet serve as a conduit to corrosion and there are
several peculiarities reminiscent of small scale British marques twenty five
years back-seatstays sporting carrier mounts but ends bereft of eyelets anyone?
Then again, a 7 speed Nexus hub gives sufficient scope for commutes exceeding
city limits, while keeping maintenance minimal, plain Jane components ensure it
stops, goes and handles in good proportion without luring the light fingered…Let’s
see what the next 500miles have in store…
