Laws of Attraction

Brakeless fixed gear builds belong on the track. People riding fixed, on public roads, without a front brake is a pet peeve of mine.

Being brutally honest, given the publicity surrounding Charlie Alliston (Reportedly riding a fixed gear track bike-brakeless, when he collided with a pedestrian in February 2016) I’m astonished that some riders still set their daily drivers this way.

Mainstream press coverage was anything but neutral in tone.




There are a wealth of cars and other vehicles driven with defective components and by operators, without appropriate licences or insurance. Some industry sources estimate there are as many as 216,000 uninsured car drivers. 13.4% residing in East London, where the tragic incident occurred.

Their risk/likelihood of killing, or otherwise ruining lives is considerably greater.







Nonetheless, the law is unambiguous.

It is an offence to ride on a public road without two efficient braking systems. These must apply to both wheels. Riding fixed allows the rider to regulate sped by holding off against the cranks-much better in wet, or icy conditions. A handful of front brake then, could result in a very painful and undignified face plant. That said; a lever operated brake mechanism must feature.

Now, back in the 1950s, when Velodromes packed in the crowds, it was common practice to arrive on your road-path bike, stripping it of mudguards and front brake.

Some folks carried their race wheels on sprint carriers-I still have a set and occasionally deliver/collect a freshly trued wheel this way. One of those concepts I would appreciate coming back into vogue. That said; they’re easily made from aluminium alloy-assuming you’ve got some basic engineering/metal working skills.

I digress… This particular outpouring was sparked by a Bianchi conversion spotted around Coventry’s canal basin. Aside from being badly locked and that unmistakable celeste livery, the bare fork drilling caught my eye.

Thinking back to my earlier paragraph, while unlikely, it is still possible that its owner booby trapped their  bike. Removed front calliper and Dia Compe “Dirty Harry” type lever when parking up?

ON the subject of Celeste, these Jagwire Pro-shift and Pro road brake cables have arrived on the Seven Day Cyclist www.sevendaycyclist.com test bench.

 

I’ve earmarked ours for my Univega, since its neutral cream livery won’t clash and there are signs of kink damage where the existing (model) enters the rear mech. Ideal opportunity to pop said tubby tourer’s wheels on the jig-a quick tension and true before winter.

Speaking of winter, we’ve also had these early winter and lobster gloves arrive from Phew.cc www.phew.cc . These are designed to bridge the gap between spring and full blown duvet type winter gloves. Their windster, windproof and breathable fabric is essentially a fleece lined polyester/nylon mix designed to keep hands temperate between 3 and 12 degrees.

I’ve only had chance to give them a cursory 20miles but was impressed by how temperate the early winter were, as the mercury slipped into single figures. Fit and dexterity are also immediately noticeable too. Flipping them over reveals subtle ulnar defending gel blobs. Grippy silicone detailing adorns the palms, thumb for improved communication with brifters. 

 

Let’s see what the next few weeks and a few hundred miles say.

Elsewhere, I’ve had another of those September inspirations. I’ve always been fond of the now seemingly defunct IRO range and specifically, their Rob Roy, which was similar in concept to On-One’s Ilpompino. https://www.flickr.com/groups/723385@N25/pool/

I had originally wanted to import a Rob Roy back in 2005 but the Ilpompino seemed a better bet all-round. Primarily this was down to concerns over import tax and of course, the baggage destroyers. Would probably bite, if I found a 54/56cm with tatty cosmetics at the right price.

This slightly scabby Peugeot competition frame also triggered my spidey-senses. Hailing from 1981, these were 531 frames in the main triangle sense, which kept prices, well, competitive!

I’ve seen a few sporting 531 part chrome forks, which look lovely. Since there is overlap between electroplate and enamel, the latter tends to flake eventually. Personally, I'd opt for a chrome effect powder coat and colour lacquer, second time round.   

Changeable weather has been perfect for testing the staying prowess of chain lube. I’m still on the first helping of TF2 ultra wax lube 330 miles hence, which is pretty good going, given these types are primarily intended for dry, dusty conditions. A full review will be coming to Seven Day Cyclist very soon. That’s it for now, off to prepare for next week’s NEC show.