Sometimes simple jobs can become very
involved. I’d decided now was time to retire the Genetic D-Riser 4. It was a two-horse
race between 44cm Ridgeback (Promax) featuring a moderate 8-degree flare, which
is modest, although double that of the Genetic D-Riser 4. Then there are these
42cm Selcof Sterrato V2 Flared Gravel Handlebars. For the uninitiated, Selcof are a post war
Italian marque sold in 2008 to the Rivolta Group and now a mid-point marque
marketed and distributed in the UK by Planet X.
Neither feature any rise and the
drop is deeper (125mm in the Selcof’s instance). However, the tops make for
easier, dare I say, cleaner positioning of lights and other accessories, which
is another definite plus from my perspective
I’ve gone for the narrower
Selcof, given Muffin is primarily a road build, and I don’t need the same
degree of flare. It will permit me to tuck in a little tighter reducing air
resistance when battling headwinds and the steering should remain predictably
brisk. While reflecting and taking a wander round the web, I spotted this T-One
Mr Fantastic Handlebar Tape T-ONE
MR FANTASTIC HANDLEBAR TAPE | cycling-not-racing . . Greyville used to be their importer here in
the UK, but I found some on a well-known auction site at a price I couldn’t
pass up. I was pleasantly surprised by how closely it compliments Muffin’s livery.
It’s one of my all-time favourite
bar tapes. I'm fond of others certainly and as with other natural silicones, at
least those in lighter, or brighter colours, they do collect dirt and grime
quite easily. Less so than the Acros Silicone Wrap Handlebar Tape Acros
Silicone Wrap Handlebar Tape | Seven Day Cyclist, which features an
embossed pattern. Otherwise, both share very similar pros and cons.
Comfort, damping and grip being
the main draws- perfect for long training miles, touring lorries, bike packing,
gravel and to a lesser extent, cyclo cross. Properties that outweigh their
slight weight penalty over more traditional bar tapes, although this is only
likely to be a turn off for owners of pared to the essentials TT missiles and
other bikes on strict calorie-controlled diets. The tear down was very straightforward,
although the stem bolts had turned a little arthritic, having not been stripped
and re-greased in a while.
Then I discovered the Tektro
RL520’s resin cable run had warped, meaning a cable wouldn’t slide through.
After some effort and the relentless barking of the neighbour’s three dogs inducing
a splitting headache, I concluded the lever needed pensioning off. Running the
very worthy, wall4et-friendly RL520 across the fleet long term, I’ve concluded
the resin cable slot is a weak spot, so having double checked they’re
compatible with disc invested in a set of Dia Compe 287 V. I’ve used these before, albeit with V brakes
and found them very effective with nice modulation and feel. I’ve forgone the Cane
Creek dummy lever, since the different hood shapes meant I couldn’t get the
alignment right when checked with one’s trusty spirit level.
Elsewhere, some winter Castelli goodies courtesy of Saddleback, Castelli's UK distributor has sent me the Ultimate Rain Jacket and Bib Tights. These are arguably intended for cool to moderate early season conditions, with a suggested temperature range between plus 4 and 14 degrees. The jacket features a PFAS-free PU membrane, taped seams, two hip pockets for parking stuff- hands too, when mooching around sans bike. There’s an integrated hood designed to fit beneath a helmet, while also continuing the dual use narrative.
Though a tailored fit, there’s
plenty of adjustment, courtesy of the draw string hem, meaning you can bring it
tighter on the bike, let t out when wearing street clothes. The Fordist “Any
colour you like so long as its black” tends to divide opinion, but it
compliment anything and retro reflective detailing around the hem and
elasticated cuffs offer some nocturnal presence. The tights feature the Progretto X2 Air
Seamless Seat Pad and stretchy mesh cargo pockets on the thighs for snacks and
anything else you might want quick access to are arguably a nod to gravel and
bike packing.
Formative impressions are
favourable and what I’d expect from this end of the market. The Ultimate tights
are best thought of as a middleweight model- apparently in the fabric density.
None the worse for it. While they certainly have their place, I find the
thermal Roubaix types a little too thick and toasty, even when the
temperature’s dropping several degrees below zero. Part of this could be
explained by my favouring of lower gears and a higher cadence, especially
during the darker months. To be honest,
eight degrees upwards and I’m erring towards ¾ lengths, plenty of warmth and
protection to the knees.
Continuing this wintry theme, I
was also pleased to receive this Coospo TR70 Smart Radar Taillight, which
boasts approaching vehicle warning, braking and a total of six other modes and
a claimed maximum 40 hours run time (radar only). As is the trend for lighting,
its designed to communicate with smart phones and indeed, some computers. The
internet of all things some might say. Either way, I’m looking forward to
seeing how it performs in the real world.
