Paradoxes & Pleasant Surprises

 I was trained as a journalist. In a cycling context, I review products and write technical features. I am not an influencer in the commonly accepted social media sense. Nor do I wish to be. My work is impartial, based upon real-world mileage and experience. I genuinely care whether stuff works and is fair value. I don’t write advertorials.

Though I’ve always wanted my work to be recognised for its merit, I’m a very private person preferring to be “behind the scenes”.       

Funny then, for a man purportedly not wanting to draw attention to himself, that I’ve been so drawn to Kostume’s jersey and cap. These are limited edition prints (in this instance the #Edit002 created by Alice Irwin) produced in small batches. Theoretically great for quality control, compared with mass production, although this, and the quality is reflected in the pricing.  

They’re made from recycled polyester and compared with other, likeable recycled models, they don’t feel synthetic-even when worn directly against the skin.  The Jersey features six pockets, which again are sensibly engineered and don’t sag, or bob around when laden with bottles and similar goodies. Arguably the effect, though unisex has a pink narrative, which I appear able to carry off. A combination of skin tone and being secure in my masculinity, perhaps.  

Then, of course, there’s been more lighting and tyres. I’m trying to get as many miles as possible aboard the Holdsworth and Teenage Dream while the balmier conditions allow. Doing so has also presented the opportunity to touch up Ursula’s mudguard eyelets- a light coat of high-build “marine” primer for a smooth surface and sharp effect when the Humbrol enamel’s applied.  

Everything cures nicely this side of September, too. I also took that opportunity to inspect and ultimately replace the brake pads. I went for some baseline Shimano as that’s what I had in stock, but I’ve taken this cue to order some more of the Disco Brakes Pads, which have impressed me (and Steve) DiscoBrakes Sintered Brake Pads | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) with their durability and stopping prowess.  This Birman Chain Checker had also come my way, presenting the ideal opportunity to check Ursula and Teenage Dream’s chains.  

Ursula’s had only just been replaced but I was beginning to wonder how much life the Teenage Dream’s Sachs had. It registered   .5, which would be pension day for an 11/12 speed but late middle age for a 6spd (should be retired at .8). I’m confident I’ll get through the summer and replace to coincide with seasonal hibernation.      

Mornings, or dawns are becoming later, so I’m now heading out with a proper front light. Until recently, I’ve been running the Holdsworth’s Magicshine Ray 2600 in flashing, it’s See Mee 150 cousin behind.  

I’ve received a Ravemen PR2000, which pumps out 1000 lumens in the highest “road” mode, 2000 in the dual flood/spot mtb setting, although this obviously has an impact on run times. Thankfully, the PR2000 comes with a wireless remote, seemingly identical to that employed by its LR1600 cousin, meaning switching modes is easy on the fly.  

I was pleasantly surprised to find they weren’t interchangeable and those of us having visions of being able to hijack a fellow rider’s light, say on a training ride, will be disappointed.  

Interestingly, the mid (500lumens) has been fine for 5am onwards and once dawn has properly broken, I’ve switched to the 500lumen rapid flash as it gives excellent presence and reassuringly frugal.  Time and miles will tell but Ravemen’s build, and quality control has always impressed me. The PR2000 meets IPX8 for weatherproofing, which bodes well for winter’s worst-especially off-road.   

Clinging limpet fashion to the Holdsworth’s pencil-thin seat stay is an Infini Sword Super Bright 30COB Rear Light. The Sword has been around for a few years now but still seems truly relevant. 50 lumens aren’t uncommon these days but there are sensible modes for most riding contexts and two super frugal flashing modes. According to Infini, they’ll do 200 hours from a full, two-hour charge. Again, we’ll see... 

Rubber-wise, the Schwalbe Smart Sam have arrived for Ursula and Hutchinson are sending me their Challenger which comes in tubed and tubeless versions and is reckoned to return 5,000km and 10,000km respectively without any loss of performance, or indeed puncture resistance (which, in my experience can wane, towards the end). Holdsworth and fixed-gear winter/trainer’s rear wheels seem the most obvious hosts...