Resilience, the ability to
keep going, regardless of what’s hurled our way, is one of those attributes
that cycle, and motorcycle touring/racing nurtures. By the bucket load.
Battling an epic storm,
lashing a busted rack back together, or remounting following a nasty spill. All
part of the ride, develops character, coping mechanisms and self-knowledge.
I
don’t meditate in the commonly accepted sense, but as the miles and asphalt
whizzes past, so ideas are explored, and solutions arrived at.
With the right kit, winter can
be a very engaging, or miserable experience, depending on your chosen attire
and bike prep. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/winter-wonderland-2-destination-spr
420 miles in, my Univega’s
chain still sports a decent layer of 5w/40.Aside from a gungy beard, cultivated
during the first fortnight, it’s attracted surprisingly little contaminant.
I’m still bargaining on another
100 miles, before replenishment’s called for. At which point, I will switch
over to the chainsaw oil. Unless of course, something bike-specific lands on
our test bench.
Gritting lorries have been
spotted, these past few nights, a clear indicator that winter means business.
Take this opportunity to treat painted, plated and polished surfaces to a hard
paste waxing.
Pressed for time?
Car Wash n’ wax shampoos will
clean and impart a waxy barrier (remember to rinse salt spattered bikes with
fresh, cold water first). Pro Green MX after shine 101 can also be used on a
damp, freshly washed bike. Simply spray a light film and leave to cure. No
buffing, or polishing required. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pro-green-mx-triple-pack
My elderly feline is also
beginning to nuzzle these Schwalbe Winter but we’ll see… https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-winter-spiked-tyre
With SP PD8 hub https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-rim-and-shutter-dynohub-disc-b
receiving expert care, from their UK
distributors, Ison Distribution www.ison-distribution.com
I’ve popped the Halo SL9 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-evura-shutter-precision-sl9-dy
in its place and putting the Passport
Galvanised chain though its paces.
Unsurprisingly, given its half
the KMC X1’s asking price, the Passport lacks the same level of refinement. However,
this is only apparent when under load. Climbing out of the saddle, with my full
70 kilos dancing on the pedals, or accelerating hard. Crucially, it feels
solid, during this, or transmission braking. 350 miles, or so, before I reach
any solid, tangible conclusions, though.
Staying with wet wintry stuff,
Steve has been putting Silkolene Premium Cycle Lube Wet through its paces https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/silkolene-premium-cycle-lube-wet
Winter and working bikes are a
big draw for me. Machines built to be ridden, day in, day out, rain or shine. The
sort of working bikes that you love but don’t induce palpitations, when locking
up in the street.
Reynolds 520 frame tubing might
not hold the wow factor of 853, or similar tubesets. However, its blend of
performance, price and durability lends it perfectly to the design brief.
Up front, there’s a carbon fork
(with alloy steerer) continuing the lightweight, compliant theme. Although, on
steel framesets, a bent derailleur hanger is easily coaxed back into line with
an alignment tool, Jeff has gone for a replaceable hanger. Another sensible move,
given the design brief.
Clearances for 700x42c tyres,
cyclo cross/gravel bike genre geometry, braze-ons for four-point carriers, full
length guards… Hydraulic discs, capable of stopping rider (and trailer/tagalong),
on the proverbial sixpence. Oh, and a decent spread of gears to ensure you can
winch up hill, bomb down dale and cruise with similar ease.
I think Jeff Rutland has
cracked this design brief with the Goldhawk Roadax.
I met Jeff in Spitalfields, a
London district I once knew very well. I still retain a strong attachment to
the East End, and its side streets. Superficially, these have been gentrified
beyond all recognition. Three minutes away and things felt reassuringly
familiar. Environments where the Roadax thrives. However, the versatility of
its design also bodes well, far from the maddening crowd.
In a nutshell, I can’t wait to
swing a leg over its top tube, and do some serious mileage.
