A few rides over the Easter holiday weekend prompted me to switch things around again. I decided the Time Atac Aluminium should be ported over to Ursula and The Teenage Dream 1991 ROAD BIKE REVAMP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) should sport these single-sided Shimano A520. The 520 are a Tiagra grade “aerodynamic” road pedal, introduced in 2005 and in my view, a decent choice for training, touring and other road contexts. Situations where you might want to walk (rather than hobble) off the bike.
The silver finish still looks good, cartridge bearings seem in rude health, 9 years down the line, so I thought, why not? They haven’t done much for 5 years, having last made an appearance on the Teenage Dream back in 2016. In some respects, the Wellgo RC713 would’ve been the most obvious switch, given their smaller surface area, but I felt some added support was called for.
Ursula sported their broader platformed 530 counterparts during 2017.
This change also saw a switch to something racier than the otherwise excellent FLR Rexton Active Touring/Trail Shoe FLR REXSTON ACTIVE TOURING/TRAIL SHOE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). I’ve reverted to the stiffer-soled Quoc Pham Tourer, which might show some slight patina, given nine year’s regular use but are otherwise, in excellent condition. Despite the tourer tag, they also lend themselves to road and indeed, light trail duties very effectively too, thanks to the relatively aggressive sole.
Given the Teenager Dream is essentially a spring/summer plaything, I can’t see the Regina freewheel wearing out anytime soon. Nonetheless, I had a look around, to see what was available, without a vintage price tag. Bankrupt stock seems the obvious avenue to pursue, so I’ll keep an eye out.
However, can’t see myself picking up a Regina unit, a sun race is more likely, especially given supply chain hassles and wait times. Even the basic Shimano are getting heady price tags.
I’m fond of the Schwalbe Lugano tyre-not the fastest, but dependable. However, I was seeking something friskier. Madison Cycles were gracious enough to send me these 700x28mm Vittoria Rubino Pro Control and these Vittoria Evolution (26x1.9) for Ursula. Both are designed for adverse conditions.
The Rubino Pro Control are designed to resist cuts and similar damage, while a puncture repelling belt promises to keep thorns, glass and other sharps from creating mischief. The Evolution caught my eye, since they promise to deliver for those riders who want to escape city limits. Though slightly different beasts, I’m keen to see how they compare with the Vittoria Randonneur Trail VITTORIA RANDONNEUR TRAIL TYRES LONG TERM TEST (sevendaycyclist.com). A model I loved but are no longer produced.
So then, massage. For some years, I had wanted to become a qualified masseuse. The reasons were varied, but in essence, because I am interested in the subject and of course, the mental and physical well-being massage can bring. It is also another marketable skill. I had intended to undertake post-divorce but finding a suitable, qualification-based course that wasn’t attached to beauty therapy (not that I have anything against the latter). Then of course, a pandemic crept in. I also benefit from being realigned by a qualified osteopath, following a series of deeply unpleasant crashes in my mid-late twenties. Context established; massage guns could prove a useful investment.
Massage guns are great for post-ride recovery and indeed, more generic relaxation. Prices will vary, dependent upon specification. Higher stall forces, meaning the amount of pressure that can be applied, before the motor cuts out, is desirable, although particular for those with say, a “sprinter's physique”.
Similarly, the gun also needs to give deep relief to the muscles, rather than simply vibrating and skimming across the skin’s surface. Heavier-built riders should look towards something with a 16mm stroke rate, whereas I’ve found this Rempho R3 and its 10mm stroke rate perfectly adequate for my needs.
Decibel level is another consideration, especially if you live with, or near others and don’t want introspection. The Rempho R3 puts out 40-45 decibels, which is relatively discrete. Those with greater muscle mass may find something like this Bang Percussive Therapy Massager BANG PERCUSSIVE MASSAGER | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) a better investment.
