Back in March 1987, reading
the now long-defunct “Bicycle” magazine, I happened upon the Muddy Fox Trail
Blazer-in essence a mountain bike with drop bars, bar end shifters 1.75 knobbly
tyres.. Aside from wanting that particular machine, it awoke a deep desire to
build a concept machine. One that was lightweight, rugged, go anywhere (Ok,
with some trade-off). Fast forward 12 years, countless miles, a degree and
other trappings later..I happened upon the Univega frameset hanging in a
friend’s shop window. It started off as a flamboyant red enamel bitsa- bits of
this, bits of that-a Frankenbike, some might say.
Wheelset handed down from a
racing mtb, Stronglight triple crankset from a tourer, drops from said tourer,
25.4 Kalloy stem, Kalloy seatpost, Shimano 600 rear mech, STX front, Shimano
bar end shifters, first generation Shimano SPD pedals, Minoura four point 4130
Steel rack.
Its evolved quite considerably
and racked up considerable mileages along the way. Ursula has been a trailer
tug, winter trainer, daily driver, tourer and confident come sunny days or
bitter snowy blizzards.
Save for the frameset, the
only thing remaining of the original build is the front cable hanger. However,
it has evolved to meet my needs and is incredibly close to the original brief.
High power dynamo lighting, full guards, plenty of room for spiked tyres when
things get icy 1x10 drivetrain (albeit more a’la carte than some would like).
Throughout this evolution, suitable drops were the biggest challenge.
I experimented with a few road
blends, changed the stem and then perfection in the form of these Soma Condor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma just the right shape, width and enable me to
stay on the drops with no loss of control on, or off road. On-One Midge (in the
31.8 diameter) might’ve been a good budget option-I’d run them very happily for
a good decade, or so on my fixed gear winter/trainer. However, I’d since sold
the Midge on and gone for the Genetic D-Riser 16 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-d-riser-bars and
Soma Condor 2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars on the latter.
A while back, I had toyed with
the idea of running Cane Creek Thudbuster ST https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cane-creek-thudbuster-suspensuin-se ,
since the 3rd Generation short-travel unit was still available in
25.4 and with a suitably high quality shim, compatible with the Alpina 506’s
26.6 seat tube. At the time, I shied away from this (a) On the basis of
cost-this was indulgence, rather than an inherent need.
(b) It was incompatible with
the Carradice SQR luggage system https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry I was running at the time. Reasonable quality,
perfectly serviceable aluminium alloy models to be found in this diameter and
my experimentation was titanium was partially successful.
However, I had acquired some
very inexpensive Chinese titanium, which was too thin in diameter for machining
down to 26.6. Funny what happens when you’re not looking for it…Along came Cirrus Cycles with their Kinekt suspension post. They still offer a 25.4, thus compatible
with a suitable shim.
Spring strength varies
according to rider weight-ours is the medium, in accordance with my own 70 kilo
frame. Some specifications. There is a carbon model but that wouldn’t be
suitable for this application (or available in the desired diameter) hence the
6061 aluminium anodised version.
The Kinekt employs a spring/urethane
elastomer system, offering travel between 0 and 35mm. Initial setup seems
pretty intuitive and I’ve set mine on the firmer side-enough to take some edge
off, without robbing too much power. Whether it will win my heart, like the
Cane Creek Thudbuster ST remains to be seen…
They’ve kindly sent me a 90mm
stem (7 degree rise), which I have earmarked for my fixed gear winter/trainer.
Elsewhere, I’m being won over by this Showers Pass Men’s Elements Jacket, which
not only keeps the weather out but there have been no issues with the inner
fabric “sweating” as some 2.5 layer laminate models can. It also has a
chameleon personality meaning it performs well on the bike without looking
overly technical, worn with more casual clothing.
Lots of pockets-two at the
hip, three internally continues this theme, although I am still very fond of
the “Nelson” types. 15,000 breathability and waterproof ratings are well suited
to longer, faster paced rides. 225miles in and the Zefal Ceramic Ultra Wet has
clung on very tenaciously, despite November’s slimy conditions. Much as I
expected, side plates sport a slightly grimy patina but it’s not overly grotty.
Looking a bit filmy but still doing its thing.
Last but not least, here’s our
review of the Pro-Viz LED 360 Vega Rear Bike Light. Well worth a look if you
wanted a simple but effective two-mode design. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pro-viz
