I was going for Pro-Viz Reflect 360 Cycling Gloves PROVIZ REFLECT 360 CYCLING GLOVES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) However, I was delighted to be reunited with some Seal Skinz Leather Road Cycle Gloves, which I’ve had for many years. Retro-reflective detailing isn’t their strongest point perhaps, but the standard of grip, comfort, dexterity, and weather repelling qualities make my, sometimes-jaded little soul sing.
Long sleeve base and mid-layers have also become my defaults and given as I’m prone to chest infections, gilets are another staple. Oxford Venture OXFORD VENTURE WINDPROOF GILET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is one of my favourites, thanks to generous pockets, potent retro-reflective technology and the laminated fabric not only blocks gusty stuff, it also resists showery rain into the bargain. Caps, such as the Prendas Ciclismo Lisboa PRENDAS CICLISMO LISBOA WATERPROOF CAP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) my cool weather defaults, but the arrival of this Kask Wasabi helmet has seen me return to the Buff Pack Cycling Cap BUFF PACK BIKE CAP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and Lusso Pain Cave, which are essentially summer models.
The Wasabi lid gives change, well a penny from £270 and is designed to be four seasons aero lid with tailorable ventilation- close off when its freezing cold, open up when things get a little toasty. The slightly quirky profile is certainly a talking point and 264g is quite feathery, too. Matt black certainly wins in the style stakes, but I’ve chosen to jazz it up for winter courtesy of the Respro retro-reflective band and Sigma Blaze SIGMA BLAZE REAR LED LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)
Staying with lights a moment, we’ve an overview guide to road and commuting lights STREET LIFE: BICYCLE LIGHTING FOR THE ROAD AND THE COMMUTE (sevendaycyclist.com) Steve has also been impressed with the Ravemen CR800 Front Light RAVEMEN CR800 FRONT LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)
When I’ve not been popping chains and destroying derailleurs, the Muc Off Ludicrous AF chain lube has held its own in terms of staying prowess and durability. I’ve had 700 miles from a single helping through a moderate autumn and even though things have turned cooler and wetter, I’ve cruised past the 400mile mark. A pleasant surprise from a lube primarily marketed at those seeking every friction-busting gain.
Out of the blue, the TRP Spyre SLC materialised- a welcome surprise, so in relaxed mood, I performed the switch, replacing the inner wire, since I was there and doing otherwise is simply false economy. A bit of faff at the Cane Creek V Brake Lever was traced to a blocked cable guide-a PTFE fatberg, to be precise. Formative impressions suggest it’s a genuine improvement on the bog-standard Spyre but time will tell. Red semi-sintered blocks are another small but welcome step up.
Ursula’s Sigma BC9.16 ATS Wireless Computer SIGMA BC9.16 ATS WIRELESS CYCLE COMPUTER | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) had suddenly stopped communicating with the sensor- replacing the latter’s CR2032 cell sorted this, and I took the opportunity to nip the Ravemen CLO5 sensored rear light RAVEMEN CL05 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) bracket tight (which is also compatible with its TR30 cousin).
The Tektro “Frankenbrake” has proven it's worth several times over, so an inspired choice, and everything is behaving nicely once more. I've also placed a little electrical tape on the black section of bar con to prevent unsightly scratches when leaning the bike up against brickwork etc. Then, of course, a quick drop of thread lock on the mudguard hardware, while opportunity and serenity permitted. Sometimes it’s the little things that bring disproportionate joy...
