Winter Smiles

 

It’s no secret that I struggle with Christmas, something that began creeping in c. 1986 following the death of a close family friend and though it hasn’t worsened, I prefer to plan ahead, keep busy and to some extent, to myself.  

Positive mental stimulation is key here, not unhelpful distractions. Cold but bright weather and empty roads are, to some extent magical though-at least when bike(s) and rider are correctly dressed. Seasonal strife can strike if you’ve broken a cable and the shop’s shut, so I always ensure I’ve a few brake and gear inner wires in stock before the holiday season hits proper.  

Sealed, maintenance-free systems such as the Jagwire Road Elite are a particularly worthwhile investment, but if you’re on a tighter budget, Transfil Flying Snakes are another good bet. The outers can be a little abrasive though, so ensure you’ve slipped some cable cuffs where these brush against painted, or lacquered surfaces. Strips of helicopter tape are advisable, too. Brake pads are another consumable that can wear at an alarming rate. I took this opportunity to inspect Ursula’s front pads-still a decent amount of life left, but I’ve just dialled the pads a little closer. I’ve also another set of semi-metallic Disco Brakes on hand, should the situation change between Christmas and New Year.  

I happened upon some track chains offered at £1.99 apiece- rebranded, cheerful KMC with brown, rather than electroplated finishes. I bought two for the fixed gear winter/trainer since at that price it would’ve been silly not to. Even if I only get 1300 miles from them, I’ll have recouped my money several times over. While doing a stock take, I also happened upon a 12-28 cassette that I’d seen silly cheap and squirreled away, which was a bonus. 

Changing the bar tapes- Ursula's, Denise’s and the fixed was another inspired move for several reasons. A change of tape is one of those things that can help coax us out on cold, grey days. Denise’s Wolf Tooth Supple Bar Tape is sublime on the comfort front-not overly surprising, given its 5mm thick.  

It isolates road and trail buzz beautifully, greatly reducing fatigue and common to other silicones I’ve used, super grippy, regardless of palm type, temperature, or weather. The Wolf Tooth Supple employs silicone finishing strips, which, despite some initial scepticism are proving very tenacious. That said; decent quality electrical tape is another staple- nothing worse than redressing bars, only to discover the finishing tape’s decidedly lacking. I’ve opted to dress Ursula’s Soma Condor 2 in the thinner 2.5mm Wolf Tooth Supple Lite Bar Tape. This may sound a strange choice in some respects but it’s worth noting Ursula is basically a drop bar mountain bike with carbon fork and 2.1-inch tyres, which afford plenty of compliance and comfort. Some riders don’t like bulky tapes, especially with mid-winter gloves, partly due to a loss of connection with the bars. Then of course, a chunkier aesthetic isn’t for everyone either. The Supple Lite is made from an EVA foam-no polymers, or silicones, significant since the grip and control is proving reassuringly good.      

It’s been milder in the main, although still a little stormy so I’ve switched to the Altura All Roads Gloves, which are highly water resistant but more dexterous than traditional midwinter types, making little tasks, such as pannier rummaging, or taking photos that bit easier.  Talking of gloves, here’s Steve’s review of the Sportful Fiandre Sportful Fiandre Gloves | cycling-not-racing 

The Continental Pure Contact are proving similarly dependable and compliant, allowing me to relax and enjoy the ride. We’ve had some fun through storm Darragh and ankle-deep watery backroads, mucky lanes, frosty stuff, too. Thus far, there’s a decent turn of speed, grip and no punctures. Though very welcome, not surprising since I find most puncture resistant breakers hold out well for the first 1200miles. Mudguards (fenders) may not be glamourous but save bike and rider from being blasted in crud.  

I’ve returned from a few excursions aboard DeniseGravel on A Dustbowl Budget PT V Lesson | cycling-not-racing with a very soggy derriere. However, being a gravel bike (gravel crosser, even?) I’m shunning guards and accepting the downsides. Easier to clean, too and I’ve taken to post ride bucket washes every third outing ort so- dismissing the worst crud but without going “dinner plate” when conditions are slimy and well, wintry.  Besides, it’s organic grot, no sign of the dreaded salt monster yet.  

Worst of the storms subsided, I returned to the fixed gear winter/trainer for some quicker, some might say, simpler fun. I’ve warmed to the Deda tape, forming the opinion it’s a solid bet for road-biased riding where bulk is unnecessary and undesirable aesthetically, particularly on an older, steel frameset.   

Given the bike’s road reversions in recent seasons, some might see the Mud Hugger Gravel Mudguards MUD HUGGER GRAVEL HUGGER MUDGURADS | cycling-not-racing a curious choice. While I’ll agree traditional full-length mudguards offer better coverage and smoother aesthetic, they make roadside wheel removal, say tackling a flat more complicated. That last thing I want when light’s fading and temperature’s tanking. I’ll stick with the more industrial aesthetic and some compromise in protection.