Eurobike and similar trade
events signal summer’s slow, simpering swansong. The gradually encroaching
curtain of velvety darkness brings with it more interesting colours. Being
something of a night owl, the season’s new lighting in particular has me very
excited.
We’re waiting on samples but I was invited over to Moore Large’s Derby headquarters for their
“Geared” event. Plenty to see, although I was particularly taken with their
Moda range; this included several cross, Audax, road and TT builds. This Reynolds 953 frameset with clear coated
stainless stays, replaceable hanger and carbon fork was all too tempting…
Spec is highly tuneable to
suit customer budget and expectation. Adventure bikes remain very popular too
on account of their rugged versatility and this 1x11spd Hooklow
cross/gravel/do-all also held my attention.
Single rings with widely spaced
cassettes eliminate the chore of keeping front derailleurs happy through the
grotty months. It also allows manufacturers
to deviate from traditional frame design and where appropriate, use thinner
tubing since there’s no danger of it being distorted by band-on clamps.
Like the majority of frames,
these are made to a very high standard in the Far East, which includes
finishing. Traditionally brands would outsource construction to Taiwan and keep
paint and detailing on these shores.
Chatting with their brand
manager revealed this is no longer necessary, although I was surprised to
discover the worldwide demand for aluminium alloys has resulted in a shortage
of factories in the Far East capable of working with Cro-moly steels.
Then of course, Knog and
Pro-Viz. The Australian marque famous for its iconic silicone encased blinkies
has upgraded the internals in its Blinder Arc range and introduced some new,
decidedly extrovert town lighting. Silicone straps have also been beefed up and
redesigned for improved durability.
Pro-Viz has introduced a
360+ line with racier cuts and improved breathability and made a reversible day
glow/ grey version of the 360 jacket. We’re yet to play with this one but the
concept looks great for general winter riding.
Speaking of revamps, I’ve
been toying with reinventing the Ilpompino’s livery.
Some suggested buying the
latest version of the long-running frameset (which has ditched the mono-stay in
favour of a more conventional rear triangle). However, more disciplined fleet
control would dictate selling my MK2 on.
The MK4 is arguably an
improvement, especially if you’re looking at fitting a four point rack for
laden commuting or weekend touring. Having upgraded the original steel fork for
racier carbon blades, the latest generations more aggressive geometry is a moot
point.
Besides, despite its minor
limitations, I love the MK2’s distinctive rear triangle and we’ve amassed too
many happy miles together.
The existing wet-spray
finish remains in very rude health, ten years salty winters hence. However, the
binaural voice of temptation had been cooing seductively for too long. Chris and Trevor at Maldon Shot blasting & Powder Coating have agreed to a new and very distinctive effect.Watch this space...
Elsewhere, the Kinesis
Tripster Ace has been treated to several healthy helpings of dirt these past
few weeks and it handles light to moderate trail duties better than I had any
right to expect.
I found those buxom bars just too broad for tarmac terrorism,
or open road cruising. However, their unparalleled leverage really helps bring
things back under control when the 35mm dual purpose tyres eventually ingest
too much gloop and become slicks…
The eagle eyed among you
will note my use of single sided SPDR homage pedals-idiosyncratic perhaps and a
decision my testicles nearly regretted on a few occasions but we’ve escaped
unscathed and dulcet tones fully intact.
Recent legislation means Co2
cartridges shouldn’t be sent through the post, hence the previous weeks’ trip
to the midlands coincided with a quick stop-off at a well-known French sports
retailer for some replenishments.
I’m someone who punctures
infrequently but then succumbs to several in quick succession. Their
convenience on a cold, wet night cannot be under-estimated. Nonetheless, a
decent pump should always be riding shotgun on the bottle bosses, or nestling against the seat/top tube just in case.
