Wet, Wintry and Wonderful?

 

I long ago switched off from tired cliché’s about life being what we make it (primarily since it’s a blanket statement and life is far more nuanced). Afterall, if this simple rhetoric were true, the hardest working people would have the biggest rewards…

This also the season for boiler bother and I found myself needing to tweak our Grant combi to bring heating and hot water back on track. Well, I had to clean the fixed seemingly every other ride, courtesy of wet, greasy and increasingly cold conditions…Much as we’d expect from later November onward.  

This environment also consumes things like brake pads and chains with consummate, dare we say frightening ease, so I decided it was time to stock up on some more pads, chains and the odd tube and batteries before Christmas. They’re bound to reach retirement while the shops are shut.  

Wheels and tyres are also taxed, since wet, freezing conditions contributes to road erosion potholes, sharps and other nasties are more readily worked in as we ride. For this reason, I err towards reliability and overbuild on working, mountain and winter bike wheelsets.  I want to enjoy the ride with nominal mechanical issues and in due course, stay temperate.  I’m very fond of Muffin’s Continental Contact Plus and Vittoria Adventure tech paring and given the risk of icy conditions, the Schwalbe Marathon Winter spikes stay on Denise’s hoops.   

It should be obvious that this is not a substitute for regular cleaning, inspection and maintenance.   

I’ve added a cable tie to the Sidi Algor’s zipper tags, which has made drawing the zipper fully home significantly quicker and easier. I’ve also needed to adjust the rear Zefal G50 Gravel guard slightly-just a question of slackening the two 5mm Allen screws, moving the guard slightly and snugging down-2.5nm (or bottle cage screw territory). Talking of bottle cages, I also decided to switch the bottle cages again and like the red on teal contrast. 

 After 330 miles, (260 on the fixed) the Muc-Off C3 Ceramic All Weather Lube was still doing its thing, albeit a bit filmy. I’ve given side plates a wipe with a rag dipped in solvent and topped up, leaving it curing overnight, rather than the four hours cited.  I was also pleasantly surprised by how little gunge clung to the derailleur jockey wheels. 

For more intense drivetrain cleaning, I’m a big fan of brushes, less so chain baths, which can work very effectively but are fiddly. Besides, chances are, especially during winter, you’ll need to clean the rings and cassette too. Aside from the obvious need to remove congealed lube and potential contaminant, a lot of lubes can react badly with each other, if there are traces left behind. I'm quite impressed by this Oxford Chain Brush Pro Oxford Chain Brush Pro | cycling-not-racing  

The Castelli Competizione Castelli Competizione Men’s Bib Tights | cycling-not-racing bib tights have become an unexpected default given the changing conditions and fluctuating temperatures. They’re best in cool, dry contexts, although there’s similarly priced competitors offering a DWR (Durable Water Repelling) coating, which can extend comfort on wetter rides. I did add a wash-in product, while washing some Gore Tex and this has extended the time I’ve remained dry, so that’s also an option.

It's also worth saying that not all permanent DWR coatings are particularly effective. I also prefer highly water resistant, breathable garments, those that might allow some moisture through, yet wick quickly. Back in the late 1980s, I used to be happy enough with waist tights, but bibs are definitely the way forward, offering seamless comfort and protection to the vital organs.  

No issues of chill getting in, should a jersey, or base layer gather slightly while you’re hunkered low on the drops, battling those gusty winds. There have come and gone in the last couple of weeks, reaching 60kmh at certain, exposed points.  

I love booties during the winter months, although they can feel a little cumbersome around the ankles and cadence slightly remote, less so with the Shimano MW702 Shimano MW7 (MW702) Gore Tex MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing slightly more so with the Sidi Algor. This is quickly forgotten in the saddle and while the Algor have some quirks, I appreciate their water resistance, grip and temperate inner climate. The soles are also stiffer than their rating might imply, without compromising the ability to walk gracefully. Staying with winter clothing, Steve has been impressed by Castelli’s Estremo Gloves Castelli Estremo Gloves | cycling-not-racing

 

Seasonal Swaps & Sabre Tooth Man Flu

 

Possibly it’s the accumulation factor, coupled with a sharp drop in temperature bringing more seasonal colds into the arena but I succumbed to a sneaky, feral virus. The sort that begins with addled thought processes but allowing you to head out for a decent ride. Before you know it, head and joints feel like lead, simple tasks like adjusting cable tension, or replacing bottle cages can feel challenging. These being significant, since I needed to dial in Denise’s front Shimano CX50 stopper and I was keen to switch the Wolf Tooth Morse over to Ursula to see how well their adjustability benefits a small compact geometry frameset, especially when a lithium-ion battery and frame fit pump are thrown into the mix.

The Wolf Tooth Morse are so called because of the plate’s drillings and there are two basic versions-our stainless steel and a lighter, dearer titanium. 304 grade stainless steel is popular in a wealth of applications due to its blend of resilience and corrosion resistance. Qualities that are verry apparent, judging by the regular bastings from wet, greasy roads, agricultural slurry, muddy trails and regular washings. It also offers secure, reliable tenure and release to big 750 ml trade bottles and bigger, double walled thermos designs, too.

Now, as many would justly point out, perfectly functional bottle cages can be had for £6 and indeed, less. I’ve had three Trans X going strong some 26 years down the line-no, they hadn’t been kept in a trophy cabinet, they’ve been in regular service. The fetching yellow livery contrasted very nicely with Ursula’s original flamboyant red finish.

Back to the bargain bin, I’ve gone for another set of the red composite fitted to Muffin- 99p each. These will contrast nicely with Ursula’s grey finish and offer surprising amounts of adjustment, so while not level pegging with a good side-entry model, will overcome some of the hassles associated with standard bottles and small frames.  Having said that, I’m pleased with the contrast the stainless and titanium cages provide, so they may stay. I gave Denise a good sudsy bucket scrub and fitted these Burls and Boardman carbon fare. This also presented an opportunity to pump some more corrosion busting waxy preserve inside the frames. Fasteners were given a blob of Zefal Pro II Grease Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing.  

I’d been hopeful but am pleased to discover the Muc-Off C3 Ceramic All Weather Chain Lube is still clinging dependably to the inks, keeping them lubricated and corrosion-free despite sections of road resembling Paris Roubaix, waterlogged lanes. Mudguards, (fenders to folks in the US) surprise, surprise do keep a lot of crap at bay, and I remain impressed by the Mud Hugger Gravel Hugger MUD HUGGER GRAVEL HUGGER MUDGURADS | cycling-not-racing fitted to Muffin.

Sure, they have some compromises and don’t offer the same protection as traditional full-length models, but they are still fairly effective, while permitting easy rear wheel removal. Full length chrome plastics and track ends tends to require removing the frame mounts, too which is a faff, especially on a cold and rainy night. Oh, and full-length chrome plastics are impractical off road, unless of course you’re exploring dry singletrack on an adventure bike, or big tubby tourer. Zefal have sent me their Sheild G50 Gravel Mudguard Set and on a seasonally related note, their F1500 front light. The issue with a lot of gravel specific guards (and it’s a fairly small point, given disc brakes are the default) but they can prove incompatible with bikes running cantilever and V-brakes. The Shield G50 also proved comparatively straightforward to fit and adjust.

However, while this design will entertain older framesets, I strongly suspect they won’t offer quite the same degree of protection afforded by the Gravel Hugger and similar patterns.  The F1500 has me curious to see how well it compares with the Sigma Buster 1600 Sigma Buster 1600 & RL150 Light Set | cycling-not-racing  

It’s four grams lighter at 233g and slightly bulky, but I was pleased to find a wired remote within the bundle and the light complies with IPX6 for weatherproofing. Remotes allow easily toggling between modes, when entering different environments, or needing to dip. The choice of bar or Go-Pro mount is another nice touch. Time and long, dark roads are where the proof lies, although I remain impressed by its R150 rear light, so I’m quietly hopeful the FL1500 will leave a similar impression.

I’m always saying (primarily because its true) that I love the changing seasons and the riding experiences they bring. Autumn remains one of my favourites, possibly given the association with receiving the Holdsworthy built Claud Butler and Richard Ballantine’s legendary “New Bicycle Book”, then at 18, leaving for London and a world full of possibilities. Some I took, some I didn’t. Winter can be a longer slog, so testing, a well-dressed machine and rider coupled with wider, intensive focus helps with mood and momentum.

 

 

  

 

Ruggedly Dependable

 

Yes, that statement could be applied to me in some respects, but I’m talking winter components. After some deliberation, I decided to switch Muffin’s Continental Pure Contact for the Contact Plus. No particular reason, save for the fact I was going to be cleaning the chain and applying the Muc Off C3 All Weather, so thought I’d switch rubber since opportunity presented.  Planet X advised that there was clearance for 43mm, so I’ve reached for the bigger, 40mm Continental Contact Plus TESTED: CONTINENTAL CONTACT PLUS TYRES  .

These are a wire bead model, adding some significant grams over the folding Pure Contact but they roll surprisingly well for a big tyre and are seriously dependable when it comes to cuts and ultimately, punctures. Flats happen and will claim even the most dependable pneumatic rubber at some points, but I’d sooner not be tending one on a cold, dark, wet night.

Interestingly, the Contact Plus are much easier to mount and remove and seem to offer a bit more room at the rear triangle- when both are inflated to 70psi. Anyhow, that’s all academic, the Contact Plus are staying, at least for winter.  

The Muc Off C3 All Weather seems a little slicker than its base counterpart Muc-Off All Weather Chain Lube | cycling-not-racing and indeed, Weldtite All Weather Lube Weldtite All Weather Lube | cycling-not-racing , although that’s less surprising, given the price differential. Mot much between them on the cleanliness front, if a diet of muddy, greasy lanes is any gauge.

The Weldite is drizzle on, wipe and go, whereas the Muc-Off require four hours to cure. I’ve tended to leave it overnight but as you’d hope, have also tested the four-hour claims.  Seems so in temperatures between 11 and 14 degrees, although tanking temperatures may sing a different tune.  

 Storm Claudia gave ample opportunity to assess its staying prowess, not to mention that of the Sidi Algor. Thus far, both are holding out against the waterlogged lanes and driving rains, which is very welcome. However, I’ll need some sustained cold to assess the latter properly-afterall, Algor literally translates as “cold”.  An unintentional ejection of the Gaciron Cetus Gaciron Cetus 1700 Underneath Bike Light | cycling-not-racing front light, into a deep puddle suggests weather sealing is very good. True, it’s not full-on submersion but still impressive and there’s been no lasting effect, or damage.

Wetter periods are also leading me to conclude the Ergon bar tape is understated on the grip front and reassuringly easy to get along with-no slipping, no white-knuckle rides and, unlike some, surprisingly straightforward to keep clean.

A quick shot of bikewash, lathered up with a medium stiff brush will shift mucky, ingrained spatter with nominal effort. Plenty of mixed terrain riding suggests the 3mm Orthrocell padding is very effective over longer distances but without looking unduly bulky. Less important on a gravel bike perhaps, but great if you were looking to dress a more traditional road specific winter/trainer, or tourer.  Until recently, temperatures have been mild enough for mitts. This is significant because it enabled me to assess the texture and purchase against bare skin. The woven surface texture is slightly reminiscent of cotton tapes, although without the sogginess when it’s raining dogs.  

     

Having tweaked Denise’s rear mech tension slightly, curing a modest but annoying shifting glitch midway along the cassette, I returned from a particularly wet ride, to discover a tiny but annoying amount of play in Denise's one- inch Stronglight A9 headset. 

 

An easy fix, although less convenient when you can't locate those large wrenches. I found my BBB Headfix but then recalled I only had a single 32mm and needed two. Couldn't locate my cherished Campagnolo but thankfully was able to remove slop and get everything bang on with a single wrench-seems as if the cable hanger worked as a useful buffer, preventing the bearing race moving while I snugged the locknut down. 

 

One of those periodic, rather than regular tweaks but reminded me how convenient the Aheadset systems are by comparison.  Two Allen keys-4mm for the pinch bolts and a 5/6mm for adjusting the pre-load. An easy job mid ride, or indeed tour-assuming bearings and races are otherwise in good health.

Servicing using stout grease and protecting the lower race from water and ingress. Obviously, mudguards (fenders) make a huge difference, but this isn't always practical.  A boot made from scrap butyl inner tube is another additional defence, extending their life and to some extent, service intervals. Especially on gravel and mountain bikes seeing hard service. 

After a very ambient start, November has awoken and with wet roads and temperatures dipping below zero, I decided to dust down some 35mm Schwalbe Winter Spikes- I really didn’t want a repeat of last January, claiming a jersey, tights and Denise’s Tektro RL520 brake lever. Not to mention some pride... The Marathons can be stubborn to fit, and these are no exception, claiming a composite Park tyre lever and causing a pinch flat.

 Minimum pressure is cited as 35psi, max 85, so I’ve gone for 65-70, offering a bit more grip but without unduly compromising rolling resistance.  Minus 2 on our first outing and the bike handled as if it were on rails, the spikes biting into the ice beneath and providing that beautiful traction. However, caution and sense are still called for- the elements can catch us out and other road users may slide, or experience difficulties. Something I was reminded of when a large Honda overtook, slid and then mis-shifted.  No harm done to either party but a reminder none of us can afford to be complacent.  

  

 

Longs & Silent Killers

 

Aside from the wet, slimy roads, harvest and diminishing daylight, temperatures have bucked those typical of autumn, with 15-17 degrees not uncommon through October and early November. Back in the 90s, I was reaching for longs- thin pile, fleece-lined tights, jerseys and gloves by the third week in October. Sure, fabrics and general technology have come a long way since, even at the budget end of the market, meaning a more temperate experience in changeable conditions.

 Less chance of uncomfortably clamminess around the pits, chest, lower back and hands.  I’ve been defaulting to a Gore Tex jacket and long sleeve Merino blend, or Castelli Do Di Ci jerseys. Gloves, it’s been a choice between the now discontinued Altura All Road and Q36.5 Amphib Waterproof Winter Rain Gloves. Both are relatively thin pile knitted designs with waterproof, breathable membranes, similar to those employed in waterproof socks.

Talking of which, I’m sticking with middleweight Merino blends, with the exceptions of very wet rides where there’s plenty of standing water and maybe I’m not feeling winter booties. The Sidi Algor, despite being a cold weather design, have proved surprisingly comfortable when temperatures have remained around 15 degrees.

The TPU upper’s glossy finish also seems very low maintenance- a quick shot of bike wash and soft brush dipped in warm water is enough to shift grotty stuff. We’ll see whether the cocktail of slush, slurry and possibly salty wintry roads have any impact on this, especially if it’s been allowed to cake on for a week, or so. I look after my kit, but there’s a reality that during winter, available light is more limited.

During salty spells, I will rinse the bike down with cold water after every ride, but weekly, when it comes to shoes, luggage etc. Good quality kit should withstand this. Some folks are more pedantic, others can virtually run stuff into the ground without batting an eyelid, ignorance, more money than sense, who knows.

Circus, monkeys spring to mind. Who am I to judge or pass comment.  Staying with surfaces, roads and lanes resembling Paris-Roubaix have given plenty of smiles and though more subtle than the beefy silicones, I’ve been impressed by the subtle, yet very effective Ergon Orthocell Handlebar tape.  

Wet weather grip and tactility doesn’t rival the former, but closer than I was expecting and 3mm thickness provides reassuringly good damping without aesthetic bulk.  Thus far, it’s also proving surprisingly straightforward to keep clean and generally care for.  The more nuanced qualities and possible weaknesses will take a good few hundred miles to assess convincingly. As for longs, those with a DWR (durable water repelling) coating at selected points- fronts leg panels being the most obvious, buys additional time and comfort, so a good feature. 

More significant for me than a deeper pile fleece lining, since this can become soggy and take considerable time to dry convincingly.  Saddleback has sent me these Castelli Competizone, which employs three different fabrics, although forgoes the DWR component I was referring to. These are apparently designed for “cool days to below freezing”, which could mean they cater for most conditions and a genuine go-to, or “Jack of all trades, master of none”. Too early to tell.  As for those three different fabrics, the front from waist to knee employs Castelli’s Core Due, which is a tightly knit heavier polyester/nylon mix designed to block wind.

The polyester sitting against the skin is for wicking, hollow core yarns supposedly resulting in improved insulation. Round the back- thighs and butt specifically, they employ a high stretch fleece for improved fit.   A single seam inside of the leg promised to eliminate rubbing around the knee.

A flat, raw cut ankle opening and flat knit bib straps. Pads are another crucial component. The Kis Air 2 also featured in the brands’ Entrata Thermal Bib Knickers I tested back in winter ’23 Castelli Entrata Thermal Bib Knickers | cycling-not-racing reckoned good for five hours riding.  Enough for most winter training duties.  I got along with it just fine, but as I’m always saying, contact points are very personal things-we’re all unique. I tend to form strong bonds, not only with two wheeled vehicles, but also four primarily since I run them long term.  

After almost 180,000 miles, my MK1 Ford KA failed its MOT- corrosion around the suspension mounts had resulted in pronounced structural weakness, despite my religious applications of Waxoyl- it had also hit the sills. I’ve made peace with its passing and having owned three over the past twenty years, would be wary of having another, even a last of the line 2009 model with low mileage that had been babied and garage stored.

On the plus side, they are inexpensive to run and will do big mileages with regular servicing and twice yearly Waxoyling. However, they weren’t galvanised, Ford went straight to paint, so corrosion strikes hard. Some early MK1 were scrap within three years and things improved on the later models, but corrosion remained a major, unresolved problem. The MK2 are 80% Fiat Panda and have major issues with suspension failure and I’ve heard plenty of qualified horror stories from experienced independent mechanics regarding cam chain failures and to a lesser extent, corrosion.  

 There is a wider corrosion, not one of frame tubes, or chassis, or suspension mounts but democracy. The first assault upon democracy is lies, not violence.  Hegemony is linked to this and the present attack upon the UK’s BBC by Donald Trump and others is a fairly, dare I say frighteningly obvious example of this, a foreign power interfering with the news media. One that is flawed, yet still accountable. 

Then of course, there are those trying to dissolve the freedoms of ordinary people. The right to a free and fair trial, the subtle efforts to reintroduce the death penalty via the back door. The death penalty does nothing to deter crime, nor does it bring “closure” to families say in the event of murder, or similar atrocities. This is not about facts, or effective policy, its about show, spectacle and control. By eliminating critical thought and evidence and replacing it with simplistic, sweeping statements, spectacle and spoon feeding democracy and agency disappears.   I’ll end on a happier note with my review of the Zefal Pro II grease Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing

 

                       

 

Bar con bother & More Welcome Surprises

 

I found myself switching this Topeak Road Master Blaster Topeak Road Master Blaster Frame Pump | cycling-not-racing over from Muffin to Ursula. Though on paper, I’d be surprised that it would fit the 17.5-inch frameset, but it’s worth remembering that mid to late nineties cross country mountain bike framesets had long top tubes for a more stretched, aggressive stance. In this instance 21.3 inches, which proved bespoke for the pump.  

Proof of said security was off road and during our first outing, I wasted no time in taking a left turn and letting rip along two miles of leafy bridlepath. I was also keen to see how the Sidi Algor performed off road. Formative impressions are positive, and I was pleasantly surprised to find them temperate in milder conditions-13 degrees. Nonetheless, there’s plenty of miles to come on and sans asphalt_ I’ll reserve judgment until December, possibly the New Year.  

As for the pump’s tenure? Rock steady. Inner tube wrapped around the top tube undoubtedly provides some additional grip, but the pressure fit is perfect, holding the pump steady, while still allowing ready, convenient access when required. Less delightful was discovering the right Microshift bar end shifter had turned belligerent and wouldn’t shift. Now, bar end shifters main selling point is their rugged simplicity and the ability to switch them to friction mode.

The latter forgotten while I was traversing roads carpeted in thick, slimy agricultural mud and reflecting on the speed some vehicles were doing through it-with some palpable loss of traction.  Upon returning from my 90-minute mixed terrain jolly, I decided to switch the lever for a spare and fresh cable. Doing so quickly restored the comforting click and sweep of the chain across the cassette.

Minor tweaks made, cable liberally lubed with some Muc Off MO94 Muc-Off MO94 Multi Use Spray | cycling-not-racing , I pruned the inner cable, superglued the end and popped Ursula away.  I wasn’t surprised to find everything behaved on the workstand, but some phantom shifts when climbing during our first mixed terrain outing meant stopping and dialling some tension from the rear mech’s barrel adjuster.

Sorted in thirty seconds, one of those easy fixes and no issues since.   Whoosh! The child like inner joy as I weaved through the leafy carpets and soft, though not too boggy mud was a welcome relief from some complex monotony that had been all too prevalent within my wider world. Perspective, too.  

Richard Ballantin’s observations (p 17 Richard’s New Bicycle Book (Oxford Illustrated Press October 1988) “At a deeper level, how you ride reflects your feelings and thoughts. You are with yourself.”   Social media can give the impression of connectivity and indeed, personal significance, but the reality is individually, we are all very insignificant. I have also noted a pronounced rise in anti-intellectualism, a lack of desire to learn and a climate where the loudest voices, no matter how ill-informed get most attention. Contrary to popularist sentiment, we do need experts, we need expertise. This knowledge and understanding does not happen by osmosis, it takes years to cultivate, regardless of trade, or profession.  The appeal and indeed, success of populist leaders is emotional, not based on facts.

The feeling, a false sense of empathy is what mobilises people and without any introspection, or critical introspection. The pied piper then leads them along the desired path, and we’re back down those alleys which caused so much destruction-economic, social and political.

The same games and tunes are played, but just through different mediums-although some would argue regulated media outlets have become complicit megaphones. I listen closely to these things but will never engage, either with those who follow the rhetoric, or those espousing it.  

Many of those following the rhetoric and depending upon state benefits may regret their subscription, since these populists have already made it very clear they will greatly reduce public spending and welfare benefits will be top of the list.  

In all probability, these people will continue following the rhetoric and will blame and quite likely physically attack others. They already do- housing officers, social workers, nurses, administrators to name a few who are “fair game” for their frustration. I’ve experienced it first hand, so know how it plays out. I’ve had some people come and boast they knew how to tender various services, only to demonstrate a complete, some might say, breathtaking ignorance of the tendering process and service level agreements.  

Several months down the line, I will say I’m very impressed by Zefal Pro II Grease’s performance and staying prowess. It’s certainly surpassed my expectations of budget greases, especially those employing lithium.

Plenty remains on contact points, threaded components, headset and pedal bearings, Hollowtech II axles and cleat fasteners. No hint of galvanic corrosion, or other nastiness.  In fairness, these months have varied between very hot and uncharacteristically mild- 17 degrees has not been unusual in the early part of November. Plenty of opportunity to test the Castelli Do Di Ci
https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/castelli-do-di-ci-jacket

Lithium based preps aren’t ideal for all jobs, but for general assembly jobs and bearing packing, there’s much to like here. I took this opportunity to introduce the 17tooth Arundel fixed sprocket to Muffin’s hub, switching the 16tooth to the other side. Staying with lubes, I retired Denise’s KMC X10 chain, since opportunity presented, which also coincided with the arrival of this Muc-Off C3 All Weather Ceramic, so it will be interesting to see how this compares to its entry level counterpart I reviewed a while back. Muc-Off All Weather Chain Lube | cycling-not-racing  I’ve also reached my conclusions regarding the Sigma Buster 1600 & RL150 lights, which have a lot to offer, although some niggles and limitations, too Sigma Buster 1600 & RL150 Light Set | cycling-not-racing

Season of the hiss, Gravel & Grinding Gears

 

Wet muddy lanes and embedded sharps have declared the puncture season open- the first penetrating the Maxxis RamblerMaxxis Rambler Tubeless Ready Tyres | cycling-not-racing and several rides later, the Continental Pure Contact finally succumbed. Slow punctures, mercifully meaning they were only apparent when I’d reached home and not completely flaccid at that stage. Sometimes it’s the little things. Both were easily patched, although I’d replaced both with fresh butyl.

Standard practice wherever possible, keep the patched tubes as spares. My only minor misgiving about the Continentals is they are a very tight fit-less problematic when mounting but can tax tyre levers (yes, you’ll want two, ideally three). By the third patch, I’m consigning them to scrap. Saw a bundle of five going for a very favourable price, so wasted no time purchasing.    

The conditions presented opportunities to don the Sidi Algor, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the sole’s balance of stiffness and walkability. These are rated 5 on Sidi’s stiffness scale, but their rigidity is palpably better than the Shimano MW5 Shimano MW501 Dry Shield SPD MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing-particularly apparent when riding fixed where honking on the climbs is mandatory.

Having dismounted and run up some fairly steep climbs, I’ve found the Algor’s soles less grippy, but they may bed in over time.  I’ve since switched to Ursula and indulged in some further exploration of unmade roads and bridleways, which will provide better insight into their off-road prowess.

Opportunity also presented, so I dressed Denise’s WTB drops in the Ergon Orthro cell bar tape. At 230cm long per side, there’s oodles of it, and at one point, I thought I might be able to dress the big, swoopy bars using a single roll. Spoiler alert, I couldn’t but came frustratingly close, even wrapping around the hoods “figure of eight”. Nonetheless, there was plenty of scope if you ran a tri bar setup, or a gravel model, such as Redshift Sports Top Shelf family.  

I was also surprised to discover how much backing adhesive the Silica Nastro PilotiSilca Nastro Piloti Bar Tape | cycling-not-racing left behind after a few months and only modest weathering. That’s a statement of fact, dare I say, surprise, rather than a criticism.  I’ve been contemplating going over to a 12-28 cassette with Denise, giving some slightly lower gearing, since its medium cage will manage 28teeth without turning cannibal.

Temptation is to wear the medium mech out, go for a long arm cage and 11-34 tooth cassette, giving a more touriste range, but without going gravel’s monster 9-42 1x route. Now, I’m going to preface this by saying gearing is a very personal choice with a wealth of influencing factors, including rider strength, terrain, and luggage. Late 80s onward, touring lorries and mountain bikes tended to share groupsets, and I’ve little doubt this is a big influence. Back in 1991, I had a 19-inch bottom gear on my Super Dalesman and found myself needing to tame an impromptu wheelie when powering away from a junction in the wee small hours.        

I’m very fond of the gravel genre in the broad strokes sense- it’s the all-terrain, spirit of escape thing. Bar bags and capacious seat packs also speak to me. However, while bike packing luggage certainly has its place, I prefer luggage that doesn’t rest against the frame. Therefore, the trend for removing mudguard and rack eyelets does nothing for me. 

Racks are easily and inexpensively repainted, framesets less so. I also tend to dress the tubing in scrap butyl to prevent wear- this M Part Summit M Part Summit Rear Rack | cycling-not-racing is starting to show some minor chips several months down the trail. True, panniers can limit the ability to sneak through winding, narrow singletrack and they do add precious grams, not to mention some air resistance. You do you, I’ll do me and we’ll agree to differ.  

For me, the beefy all-terrain tourer and drop bar cross country mountain bike still have tremendous value and though slower and portlier than a gravel bike, cope better when the roads and trails become rougher and in the latter context, boggier. Indeed, machines such as Specialized’s Tri-Cross might be better options than a gravel bike, if you were seeking a do most.

Admittedly, it’s no longer a production model, 6061 aluminium alloy tubes and the lack of disc mounts on earlier versions might be a turn off for some, but I’m told later models swallow 700x40c with 8mm to spare. Whichever route you take, there will always be some element of compromise, and in keeping with life generally, it’s about those that best compliment you, or have minimum negative impact.