Spring-like conditions continue the narrative of cool starts giving way
temperatures in the mid-teens, bright sunshine and birdsong. 3/4lengths have
been substituted for shorts, micro jackets for gilets and gloves for mitts.
We’re waiting on some spring/summer clothing at Seven Day Cyclist but
like most riders, let alone kit test junkie journos, we’ve usually built up a
decent stockpile of goodies to draw upon.
I’ve resurrected these Ozzo, which are the classic knitted back and
synthetic, faux leather palm. These have been serving on a shit-rota for the
best part of a decade and rather like a well-loved teddy bear, the thin pile
foam is starting to peek through the lining in places.
The embodiment of cheap but cheerful, they’ve proven more comfortable,
even over longer mixed terrain rides than many, more sophisticated models. Gel
pads designed to defend the vulnerable ulnar nerve region are not an exact
science and can, in my experience, sometimes induce precisely the numbness,
tingling and discomfort they were intended to alleviate.
Elsewhere, after two years’ riding shotgun on my MKII Ilpompino’s
downtube, exposed to the harshest, wettest conditions, my Specialized mini pump
breathed its last. Another quick rifle through the spares drawer unearthed
several credible replacements.
Salvaging the Specialized’s ultra-dependable snap-shut bracket, I
instated this The Lezyne Micro floor drive HVG mini floor hand
pump with gauge
(affectionately referred to by yours truly as the “detonator”) and compatible
composite caddy.
It’s best thought of as a track pump that has been put through a
matter-shrinking device. There’s a high pressure sibling that I’ve also used to
good effect but this one will still deliver real world realistic pressures into
medium section touring and narrower, street inspired mtb rubber.
The Beast of Bodmin; my elderly farm cat clearly approves of this
revision and the Vee Tire Rolldiac too, which have proven very competent
all-rounders. These are 30mm, which seem optimal for this genre of machine but
there are more traditional 23 and 25mm options. Personally, talking 25mm
sections, I’d go for their rain runner, which for me at least, has the edge
when it comes to speed, puncture resistance and outright grip in the wettest weather.
Back to the pump; screw on valve connectors are another welcome touch,
preventing the heart-sinking hiss as willowy valve stems are sheared clean off
under vigorous effort. At 216, there’s a weight penalty over more minimalist
designs and if that’s your criteria, a mini/micro pump and CO2/inflator are
better choices, assuming you puncture infrequently.
Though adequate, the resin bracket could be more substantial, hence I’ve
reinforced it with a stretchy Velcro backed offcut that was also doing something
close to nothing. Judging by a formative thrash along local roads, this has
cured any incremental creep, leading to the base chattering against the frame
tubes like a demonic wood-pecker.
Remember to whip it off when parking in the street too, since the mirror
polished anodized finish is extremely seductive. On a cold, wet night in the
back of beyond, fresh tube and fully loaded CO2 inflator are my first resorts
but a decent pump should always be on hand to save the day.
Continuing this salvage theme, having concluded the titanium post
surgery a success; I happened upon this Crank Brothers Cobalt 3 rolling about
in the same drawer-sans cradle. A quick email to extra bikes, their UK importer https://www.extrauk.co.uk/product/cats/crankbrothers/all/ was met with a very helpful response
and ultimately, a new clamp. The Cobalt 3 is a lightweight model,
designed to some extent as a lightweight alternative to composites; hence the
wall thickness is wafer thin around the minimum insert mark.
Yes, I was a little alarmed at just how thin but it becomes gradually
wider then onward, so all things being equal, most riders shouldn’t have too
many worries. Hell, I’m so confident, yes, you ca see where this is headed…I’m
going to look into getting it reduced by .2mm, from 27.2 to 7.0 and have it
serve the teenage dream.
Talking of tooling, we’ve reached our conclusions re Blackburn’s switch
and wayside models, which are very different but equally competent models. One
for those who like to travel light while adding some bespoke bits n’ bobs to
the mix, the other a one does most pocket workshop.
https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/blackburn-switch-multi-tool
https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/blackburn-wayside-multi-tool
