Feeling the heat

Midsummer, in the tarmac melting sense has lingered longer than many naysayers predicted. I tend to ride during the cooler parts of the day/evening- a great opportunity to combine keyboard breaks and kit testing.

Given my late father was ex-services, protecting oneself from the elements, sun in particular was ingrained in me from a very young age.

Hence I tend to cover up. Long sleeves aren’t the most obvious choice perhaps but offer good defence. Especially when we’re talking coastal rides, where the mix of salt and wind can dry the skin, leaving the sun to induce some very unpleasant burns.

Merino wool keeps things more temperate than polyester/polyamide. Jerseys are increasingly featuring weaves with SPF50 protection, which is a definite plus.

Theory goes that the SPF numbers refer to the number of times longer you can be exposed before showing signs of redness/burning. So, at its simplest, if you could withstand 20 minutes without protection, factor 15 would extend this to around five hours.

Hmm, a sweeping statement and like most blanket generalisations, extremely dangerous. This doesn’t take into account skin type and other genetic influences, including susceptibility to skin cancer, lifestyle choices etc. There is some evidence to suggest, that a factor 50+ cream offers little advantage over a standard 50. Look for both UVA and UVB protection and reapply on a two-hourly basis.

Funny how these things from early childhood stick, I usually take a buff-type garment to protect the nape of my neck, decent quality sun glasses and plenty of water.  Whether it’s the classic two 750ml trade bottles, or one on the frame, another in a jersey pocket. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/the-back-bottle-water-bottle

Hydration packs certainly have their place and permit effortless sipping. They’re also a lot more hygienic off road. Provided of course, you regularly sterilise the bladder with Milton fluid (or a teaspoon of bleach) and don’t forget to clean the bite valve after use.

Remember to air them thoroughly too, otherwise mould and similar gut wrenching bacteria can bloom in between. Aftermarket bladders can be quite a step up in terms of quality. Something I discovered when an OEM reservoir failed at the seam, drenching me in really, sticky, wasp enticing energy drink… 

1.5 litre PET type cages are another brilliant idea for touring or longer group rides- especially with children. Run out of water? Stop at a supermarket/ off licence, grab a big bottle and slip into the cage. Paying for it (and anything else), first obviously!

Though one of my favourite cage designs, they do have a few, minor disadvantages.

Size is a double edged sword, especially on smaller semi/compact geometry framesets, where they can rule out a second, seat tube mounted cage. Minoura and Topeak’s Modula XL https://issuu.com/vortexcreative/docs/sdc_3_rev?e=0%2520%2F14991123  are popular designs, although their rubberised straps, though extremely secure, eventually perish/or fatigue. By that point you will have had your money’s worth and replacements are fairly easy to acquire, or even make.

BBB offers the fuel tank XL, seen here adorning my Univega’s down tube bosses. The 1.5 litre design employs a hinged, metal clamp, which is arguably the most rugged solution. We’ve a long term test coming up in Seven Day Cyclist www.sevendaycyclist.com

After a few months on the backburner, the first in a series of children’s stories is finally taking shape and will be released just as soon as the illustrations are finished. 
 




Right, I’m off to rack up some miles wearing these in Ribble Cycles Nuovo bib shorts and short sleeve jersey.

The teenage dream also sports these dual sided HT Leopard 878 pedals. I’ve resurrected these Scott twin bolt shoes (a) because the HT use their own, specific cleat system and (b) the Scott sport happen to be  very well ventilated.