Easter is also traditionally a
time when the temperature drops, and this year has been no exception. However,
changeable conditions are relatively easy to navigate with the right kit. Arm,
leg and neck warmers extend the horizons of shorts and short-sleeve jerseys and
pack down small, so easily stowed away in jersey pockets, or wedge packs. Same
goes for gilets, glove liners (slip these beneath mitts for some additional
warmth and protection).
However, the gusty winds have brought the temperatures closer to single digits, hence I’ve been sticking to long sleeve middleweight jerseys, ¾ lengths, technical jackets, and middleweight full finger gloves. Merino/Polyester mixes are my chosen fabrics for arm and neck warmers, socks too, for the most part unless conditions dictate waterproof models, although when monsoon conditions strike, I’ve donned booties, such as these venerable Shimano Shimano MW7 (MW702) Gore Tex MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing, which though primarily aimed at mountain bike audiences, make excellent transition to gravel and general riding-assuming you’re riding in twin bolt (SPD, Time Etc) cleats, since you can also walk comfortably in them, while still enjoying excellent power transfer.
Continental have sent me some new rubber- their Terra trail in 700x40c, which was an unexpected and very welcome surprise. Not that I’ve had any issues with the Maxxis Ravager Maxxis Ravager TR Tyres | cycling-not-racing, or Rambler Maxxis Rambler Tubeless Ready Tyres | cycling-not-racing, save for the odd thorn invading the casing, inducing a flat but that’s to be expected during the darker months where hedge clipping is pretty routine (and wet mud serves as a very effective lubricant).
I’ve also resurrected my action
camera, which required Ursula’s Garmin pattern and auction site camera mount
trading places but proved a blessing in disguise. This also prompted me to
reflect upon future developments.
There's much to like about
Tektro's RL520. Nice modulation and feel, shapely levers, great hoods for
cruising comfort, inbuilt quick release and wallet-friendly price. However, the
use of composites, especially the cable routing eventually ovalizes, hindering
cable pull and ultimately brake function. I've also broken one in a tumble back
in January '25.
Having opted for Dia Compe's long
serving 287 with Muffin and found the modulation, feel and overall performance
pleasing but based on this experience, fancied something with a little more
refinement for Ursula, once the RL520 turn sloppy.
I'd had my eye on their shapelier
Evo V for a while, but wanted assurances the price differential was not simply
down to aesthetics. Ison Distribution confirmed the region beneath the hood is
also aluminium alloy, so a suitably robust choice long term.
I've toyed with going the full
hydraulic route on several occasions but cannot justify the price differential.
Besides, the Spyre SLC perform rather well, so long as you've opted for good
quality compression less cable sets, such as this Jagwire Road Elite Jagwire
Road Elite Sealed Brake Kit | cycling-not-racing.
After much deliberation, I
indulged in the Evo V as an Easter gift to Ursula but had no intention of
fitting until the Tektro RL520 start turning sloppy, or a cable replacement and
fresh bar tape are called for. The Wolf Tooth Supple Lite Wolf
Tooth Supple Lite Bar Tape | cycling-not-racing is still in great shape,
offers excellent grip and surprising levels of comfort, despite being
relatively thin (2.5mm) although as many will point out, Ursula sports portly
rubber and a compliant carbon fork which significantly dampen rougher sections
of trail.
I've decided to add a Genetic
Neuron Bar Mount GENETIC
NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing to host additional light and
indeed action camera. Though I would prefer a slightly broader mount (100mm,
rather than the 70mm to be specific) its accurately machined and the mount can
sit flush against the stem, or at least, close to.
I'll tuck it underneath to keep
things relatively clean, in turn overcoming some of the minor shortcomings of
the Soma II SOMA
CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS |. I have no intention of running a bar bag, so
no issues with fouling - panniers and rack top luggage, or Yak homage trailer
give ample load lugging options. For the record, I'm fond of smaller bar
bags, such as this Cycology See Me Pink Cycology
See Me Pink Handlebar Bag | cycling-not-racing and indeed, the Oxford Aqua
Evo Adventure since they have nominal impact upon handling and in the
Cycology's case, doesn't rest against the head tube.
While hunting for something else,
I found a few packets of anodised aluminium bottle screws, two were ported over
with a blob of grease to muffin’s cages, the other to Ursula and prompted me to
forgo the Topeak 2 Stage Gravel Mini
Pump Topeak
Gravel 2 Stage Mini Pump | cycling-not-racing its left the frame and now sits in a Lomo Zephyr
Lomo
Zephyr Waterproof Panniers | cycling-not-racing along with some spare
tubes, multi tool etc, should a stricken rider need to borrow it.
By no means a “white knight”, I’ve been stranded myself and will help if someone is struggling. I will often carry a contingency 700c, or 26-inch tube. Old, and maybe patched to my limit, that I wouldn’t worry about passing on, but good enough to get someone home. I've been there once or twice myself, when a spare has failed, or something more serious has struck. It's easy to be self-righteous, but we can all succumb to a mechanical, and while I'd never let anyone take kindness as weakness, I'd rather lend a hand than leave someone stranded.I'll leave you with Steve's review of the POC Ventral Air MIPS Helmet POC Ventral Air MIPS Helmet | cycling-not-racing
