While performing tyre switches and similar preparation, I discovered the See Sense Handlebar Bag’s zipper had expired. Further, generic inspection revealed the fixed gear winter/trainer’s FSA headset was similarly shot, prompting immediate replacement.
I had a Stronglight O’ Lite in stock but the biggest challenge was finding my crown race removal tool. I’ve had this one for some years and replacements are now much dearer. With some methodical searching (the sort reminiscent of childhood and painstakingly searching through the toy box for a favourite action figure)it was discovered in the bottom of my transmission parts box.
Given the relatively early hour and it being Sunday, I unleashed a silent, internal whoop of joy. This also presented an opportunity to inspect the Kinesis carbon fork for any sign of deterioration that might lead to failure.
Thankfully, nothing to see. I also topped up the internal frame preserve, since I was there. Everything back together with lashings of Peaty’s Bicycle Assembly Grease, I had a quick play with spacers and tweaked the TRP SPYRE SLC calliper- Ursula's too. Just a matter of pulling the inner wires through a little. I also replaced Ursula’s Sigma BC9.16 ATS Wireless Computer SIGMA BC9.16 ATS WIRELESS CYCLE COMPUTER | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) sensor battery, since I’d been getting some very strange and erratic readouts, during our last ride.
While foraging for the crown race remover, I uncovered this tool bottle and of course, the Crank Brothers Speedier leaver, which is another firm favourite of mine. Tool bottles will typically swallow a tube, maybe two, a small multi tool and other little essentials you don’t want to be rummaging for.
They’re generally very cheap-£2, or so but there’s a long tradition of riders upcycling old water bottles. Apparently, empty Horlicks tins are similarly effective alternatives. The only slight downside of course (especially during summer) is they mean sacrificing a bottle cage. However, this might be a non-issue if you’ve three and lugging two full 750/800ml bottles.
Ursula had also received new bar tape- Ergon BT Gravel Bar Tape, to be precise. It's 3.5mm (about 0.14 in) thick but much easier to apply than that density might imply. Seems to isolate road shock and trail buzz very convincingly too, thus far. The Vittoria Evolution are a little lighter than the otherwise very likeable Schwalbe Land Cruiser, which translates in a zippier ride.
However, the next 500miles or so, will reveal more about their persona, temperament and reliability.
Consistently dry conditions and a bank holiday weekend prompted me to polish and prep the Holdsworth for a few early morning blasts. I also decided to switch headsets spacers a bit, tweak the Miche stopper a little. Ironically enough, the Knog Nerd computer battery had expired but sometimes it’s about enjoying the ride and the moments. Road Path framesets were designed to be competent weekend racers, yet dependable daily drivers.
Sufficient clearance for full-length mudguards (fenders) and road appropriate geometry, meaning handling is exciting but predictable and practical. They’re a concept I’d love to see return. However, I also recognise, from a commercial perspective, they were very much of their time. The 1950s were a time of post-war austerity when car ownership wasn’t the norm-indeed the British cycle industry took a big hit when petrol rationing was abolished in 1957.
Though a slightly different machine, On-One Lincolnshire poacher was an interesting frameset harking back to these times, although reviews from the time suggest it had less zing than a “true” road path build from the 50s.
