April remains decidedly chill,
so I’m sticking with long sleeve base layers, 3/4lengths and bridge jackets
(the jersey cum jacket type, that offer decent protection from chill and
showers). Am delighted to report that the VDO3.1ML wireless computer is
performing perfectly. No interference hassles with the Shutter Precision PD8
dyno hub https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-rim-and-shutter-dynohub-disc-b
This wasn’t so with Knog’s
lovable Nerd, or indeed my recently departed Frankenpute. I’m also pleased with its positioning-nicely
within my eyeline. Funny how those little things make all the difference. Talking
of which, here’s my review of Genetic Neuron Accessory Bar https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-neuron-accessory-bar
Elsewhere, I’ve changed the
bar tape. This seems to be more frequent than a politician switching stance. I
wasn’t expecting the Acros Wrap Silicone Handlebar tape to contrast so nicely
with my fixed gear winter/trainer’s colour scheme.
Blue was a more obvious (some
might say, default) choice. Much to my surprise, the pumpkin orange contrasts
beautifully. Silicone wraps are naturally tenacious, which has obvious
advantages when riding in the wet. It also negates the need for adhesives,
which is an obvious boon, for cable replacements, or indeed, bar swaps.
At 3mm thick, its an obvious
option for gravel and cross riders. Its thicker and, uncut heavier than than
other Silicone designs I’ve run for several seasons, including Genetic Flare
Silicone Bar Wrap https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-silicone-bar-wrap
Allowing for some additional
stretch, packet fresh, it measures 185cm. Ample for buxom flared designs,
including the Soma Condor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars.
Uncut, its 59g heavier but
trimming is to be expected. I’ve needed to lop a fair bit from ours, given
these Genetic DRiser 16 are a little narrower. Wrapping requires a slightly firmer
hand too and it’s shown an annoying tendency to unravel around the tops, so
keep the finishing strips/electrical tape ready.
As for the Genetic D-Riser,
they’re noticeably narrower than I’m used to, which gave the bike a slightly
twitchy feel, for the first five miles. By this point, I’d acclimatised and was
enjoying the ability to hunker lower and shelter from the headwind. I’ve
continued to bond with them, as the past 100 miles have whizzed by.
Even on my traditional road bikes,
I’ve gravitated towards this breed of flared bar. Primarily, because I find
them more comfortable. I’m much broader across the shoulders than my build and
stature suggest.
The Teenage Dream’s Salsa Bell
lap being a prime example. The Bell Lap are no longer in production. In case
you didn’t know, Bell Lap, refers to the final lap of a cyclo cross race, so something
of a giveaway, in terms of intended audience.
Elsewhere, I’ve only just
needed to replenish the Squirt Long Lasting Chain Wax. A very faint filmy
patina remained, but the chain’s galvanised links were peeking through. I had
toyed with a single coating but opted for two, leaving twenty minutes between.
Where possible, and
appropriate, I leave lubes curing overnight. However, temperature allowing Squirt
seems good, after four hours, or so. There’s also a cold weather version, which
I would like to try, as a comparator.
Staying with weather a moment,
I received these Supacaz Spua G gloves. To me, they appear a liner type design,
great for providing additional warmth on bitterly cold rides, or packing,
should the temperatures suddenly drop on a spring evening ride. They are
certainly thin enough to slip beneath skin mitts.
Seamless construction prevents
chafing around the finger tips. SiliGrip refers to interesting silicone gripper
pattern, which promises excellent purchase in all conditions. Much the same promises as others, then.
The palm is Clarino, a faux
leather hide, which promises to be hard wearing, flexible and temperate. I was
surprised to discover they are marketed as a standalone glove. They’re
incredibly thin, so I’m wondering if they’re going to keep numbness and
tingling at bay, on their own, especially since they’re reckoned capable of
coping with trail duties too. Hmm…Only one way to test these claims.
