Lucky Dip

Spring-like conditions continue the narrative of cool starts giving way temperatures in the mid-teens, bright sunshine and birdsong. 3/4lengths have been substituted for shorts, micro jackets for gilets and gloves for mitts.  

We’re waiting on some spring/summer clothing at Seven Day Cyclist but like most riders, let alone kit test junkie journos, we’ve usually built up a decent stockpile of goodies to draw upon.

I’ve resurrected these Ozzo, which are the classic knitted back and synthetic, faux leather palm. These have been serving on a shit-rota for the best part of a decade and rather like a well-loved teddy bear, the thin pile foam is starting to peek through the lining in places.

The embodiment of cheap but cheerful, they’ve proven more comfortable, even over longer mixed terrain rides than many, more sophisticated models. Gel pads designed to defend the vulnerable ulnar nerve region are not an exact science and can, in my experience, sometimes induce precisely the numbness, tingling and discomfort they were intended to alleviate.

Elsewhere, after two years’ riding shotgun on my MKII Ilpompino’s downtube, exposed to the harshest, wettest conditions, my Specialized mini pump breathed its last. Another quick rifle through the spares drawer unearthed several credible replacements.

Salvaging the Specialized’s ultra-dependable snap-shut bracket, I instated this The Lezyne Micro floor drive HVG mini floor hand pump with gauge (affectionately referred to by yours truly as the “detonator”) and compatible composite caddy.

It’s best thought of as a track pump that has been put through a matter-shrinking device. There’s a high pressure sibling that I’ve also used to good effect but this one will still deliver real world realistic pressures into medium section touring and narrower, street inspired mtb rubber.  

The Beast of Bodmin; my elderly farm cat clearly approves of this revision and the Vee Tire Rolldiac too, which have proven very competent all-rounders. These are 30mm, which seem optimal for this genre of machine but there are more traditional 23 and 25mm options. Personally, talking 25mm sections, I’d go for their rain runner, which for me at least, has the edge when it comes to speed, puncture resistance and outright grip in the wettest weather.  

Back to the pump; screw on valve connectors are another welcome touch, preventing the heart-sinking hiss as willowy valve stems are sheared clean off under vigorous effort. At 216, there’s a weight penalty over more minimalist designs and if that’s your criteria, a mini/micro pump and CO2/inflator are better choices, assuming you puncture infrequently.

Though adequate, the resin bracket could be more substantial, hence I’ve reinforced it with a stretchy Velcro backed offcut that was also doing something close to nothing. Judging by a formative thrash along local roads, this has cured any incremental creep, leading to the base chattering against the frame tubes like a demonic wood-pecker.

Remember to whip it off when parking in the street too, since the mirror polished anodized finish is extremely seductive. On a cold, wet night in the back of beyond, fresh tube and fully loaded CO2 inflator are my first resorts but a decent pump should always be on hand to save the day.

Continuing this salvage theme, having concluded the titanium post surgery a success; I happened upon this Crank Brothers Cobalt 3 rolling about in the same drawer-sans cradle. A quick email to extra bikes, their UK importer https://www.extrauk.co.uk/product/cats/crankbrothers/all/  was met with a very helpful response and ultimately, a new clamp.  The Cobalt 3 is a lightweight model, designed to some extent as a lightweight alternative to composites; hence the wall thickness is wafer thin around the minimum insert mark.

Yes, I was a little alarmed at just how thin but it becomes gradually wider then onward, so all things being equal, most riders shouldn’t have too many worries. Hell, I’m so confident, yes, you ca see where this is headed…I’m going to look into getting it reduced by .2mm, from 27.2 to 7.0 and have it serve the teenage dream.     

Talking of tooling, we’ve reached our conclusions re Blackburn’s switch and wayside models, which are very different but equally competent models. One for those who like to travel light while adding some bespoke bits n’ bobs to the mix, the other a one does most pocket workshop.      https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/blackburn-switch-multi-tool                   https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/blackburn-wayside-multi-tool

Conversion FGG

Early spring is probably the most unpredictable seasons for riding, or at least dressing. Winter’s slimy cauldron is pretty straightforward. Mudguards, stouter tyres and chain lubes to keep bikes happy. ¾ lengths/tights, overshoes, hats, gloves and base, mid layers/arm extensions and micro jacket cater for most conditions. 

Spring can hurl hail, sleet and snow with one hand, blazing sunshine the next-all in the space of an hour; or less. The past week or so has seen foggy starts and temperatures struggling to exceed 6 degrees.

Cygolite hot rod 50 and Giant Numen + link TL in daylight modes, dynamo and BTwin V100 320 convertible (White or red diodes in flashing or constant modes) have been on duty night, or day. The rationale’ for running blinkies during daylight is about remaining conspicuous and one that I personally subscribe to but don’t necessarily advocate.

Admittedly, someone would have a hard time arguing they were unable to spot the Cygolite dash pro 450 usb or Bontrager 350RT units in daylight flash modes (500 and 350lumens respectively). However, other road users run the risk of “Blinkey blindness” once the practice of running lights during the day becomes the accepted norm.     

300 miles in and the Ti post hasn’t castrated me, or shown any obvious signs of failure/fatigue. Nonetheless, I’m still highly attuned to any unnerving sounds!  

Bib shorts, tights, long sleeve base-layer short-sleeve training jersey and gillet/micro jacket grace my body. Medium density full-finger gloves and Lusso moisture transfer neck warmer takes care of my extremities.

Blessed with a generous thatch, even in really cold conditions, I find hats keep me a little too toasty. Something like this Lusso multi-functional neck warmer is generally ideal, since rather like the iconic buff, I can convert and wear it a number of ways.

Made from a 85% polyester 15% Lycra mix, it lacks the outright comfort of a merino garment but is very competitively priced and easy to live with. The black base and zig-zag patterning coordinates handsomely with the entirety of my riding wardrobe, civvies too.

I’ve always been slightly prone to chest infections since childhood. Though I can usually dispatch a cold within a matter of days, throw a chest infection into the mix and the subsequent chain smokers rattle can linger for weeks. Therefore, I’ve tended to wear it cravat fashion, clinging around my neck.

Just like the iconic Buff and other sleeve types, there’s sufficient length for covering the cheeks and nose-bandit style. In this guise, it also provides some welcome protection against dust and other physical particles but obviously, no defence against those emitted by diesel vehicles in congested traffic. 

Merino aside, my one minor gripe with the tube type designs is their relatively slow wicking once truly saturated-I’m talking post torrential rain, not concerted rider effort. I’ve not encountered this particular scenario just yet but will be interesting to see how the Lusso shapes up in a storm.

Balaclavas also have a niche following on these shores. When the mercury slips several degrees below zero, I’ve found some polyester models fine but +7 degrees upward, clamminess really sets in. This “Weatherneck system” arrived the other week. It’s essentially a convertible balaclava cum neck-gaiter and facemask. So far, it’s shaping up to be three surprisingly good garments in one. https://theweatherneck.com/

The amusingly monikered mullet cap offers excellent defence against chill (albeit slightly too warm for yours truly) and fits very well. The perforated Balaclava component is similarly generous and attaches/adjusts via moderately powerful magnets, which is a lot more convenient than Velcro, especially while cruising along. Turned chilly? Simply whip it round and let the magnets do their thing.

The base can be tucked into a jersey for seamless protection and unlike some monocoque designs, hasn’t impaired breathing, or turned overly clammy under sustained effort.

Back in the 70s and 80’s Balaclavas were associated with bank robbers and best removed before entering public buildings. 

These days, it seems combining this with a remote trigger for SLR cameras leads to “community spirited” neighbours believing you are part of a terror cell...

Finally on this conversion themed entry, we have the MKS EZY system. This permits tool-free, quick release removal of certain MKS pedals. The main idea being you can remove one, or both to deter theft when locking up in the street, when transporting a bike, or just optimising storage space. Just like their urban platform pedals, it’s extremely refined and beautifully engineered. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/mks-urban-platform-pedals .

Step in, or dual sided systems have been my default for almost 25 years, although there’s a lot to be said in favour of half-clip designs for bike-as-car commuting/utility riding in smart/street shoes, or even less pronounced steel toe safety footwear.

Ending on a completely different note, these three turkeys have been blocking the back road, almost religiously, every Tuesday morning. They’re quite vocal in their contempt, engage in seemingly heated debate among themselves and refuse to move, even for large articulated trucks!