Leading from The Front

Easter prompted some reflection- it always has with me, at least as an adult. I decided it was time to go for another Continental Cross king- a 26x2.0 (rather than 2.3) up front since it seems suited to my style of mixed terrain exploration. Extra UK have also sent me this Topeak   Tubular Bar Bag Slim 1.5 litre.  

As the numbers suggest, it’s a compact model, which is my preference and indeed, the best route, given both the fixed gear winter/trainer and Ursula have quite a lot going on at the bars. Talking of which, someone had waved a set of Redshift Sports Top Shelf Bar Handlebars under my nose. Very tempting, but the rise isn’t comparable with Ursula’s Soma Condor 2 SOMA CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS | (sevendaycyclist.com) which seem absolutely bang on, so interesting though they are, no reason to change a great fit.  

Back to the Topeak Tubular Bar Bag Slim, it’s a single compartment model made from a water repellent and supposedly stain resident 600denier polyester. Tipping the scales at 125g, it tethers to the bars via two anti-slip straps and interestingly, an elastic cord.  A maximum 1.5 kilo payload caters for my needs- tube, lightweight packable jacket, gloves, food and other things I might need easy access to.  

A padded single compartment is accessed via a waterproof zipper and sensibly proportioned tag. If Ursula is anything to by, it’s an excellent choice for small compact geometry bikes, too.  It will be interesting to see how it compares with the Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar Bag Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar Bag | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and of course, the See Sense SEE SENSE HANDLEBAR BAG | cycling,-but-not-usually-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Bigger bar bags are great for day trips and touring-especially if you like taking an SLR or CSC camera along to capture the scenery, landmarks and anything else that catches your eye. I take a superzoom compact camera along for my rides-image quality is reasonable and should catastrophe strike, its considerably cheaper to replace, compared with an SLR, CSC, or rangefinder model. Horses for courses.  

After a few further weeks with the Blub Ceramic and I’ve switched Ursula’s KMC to Peaty’s Link Lube All Weather (a) It had arrived for testing (b) I was curious to see how much of an all-weather potion it really is. An everyday lube, or something slightly different. What I can tell you is that it’s a blend of oils and waxes, so essentially a hybrid. This to me suggests it should lubricate the chain, while shedding contaminant, reducing cleaning times and maintenance.  

These components also separate, which for me at least, is visually appealing.  You do need to give it a shake to mix everything. That aside, it’s simply a matter of getting chains and other drivetrain components surgically clean, drying them thoroughly and applying a little to each link (turning the cranks backward).  

The flow rate is more predictable than some, courtesy of the lube’s viscosity and the spout design, although you’ll still want a rag (or old sock) hovering beneath to catch and where appropriate, redistribute the lube. No hanging around waiting for it to cure either, which is very welcome. I’ve fed the fixed’s KMC  Peaty’s Premium as a comparator.  

I’ve a strong suspicion the premium will brave the elements longer, but that’s not necessarily a given. Despite some very mucky rural backroads and detours, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how clean the Peaty’s Link Lube Premium has remained. It's smooth and silent but unlike a wet ceramic, there’s relatively little contaminant clinging on to the fixed’s chain. 

Talking of lubes, Steve’s been impressed by the Blub Chain Lube BLUB Chain Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and the wolf Tooth WT-G Precision Bike Grease has held out well against the elements Wolf Tooth WT-G Precision Bike Grease | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

Now, slippery roads aside, I have mixed sympathy when it comes to farmers, at least in the UK. On the one hand, I am quietly resentful at those who voted for Brexit and now bemoan a pronounced loss in trade, being undercut by imported foods, loss of subsidies etc. 

On the other, it’s a very hard profession and a way of life which is central to a nation’s food security. The public has also become increasingly divorced, dare I say ignorant around food. “I don’t buy my food from a farm; I buy it from a supermarket” being an all-too-common comment.   

Farming (and clergy) used to have one of the highest suicide rates in the UK and could be attributed to the pressures, isolation, and uncertainty of whether crops and other produce would flourish and of course, fetch the right price. The highest suicide rates are now among construction workers. Some cite the long hours, working away from home and support networks and a culture of machismo.  

These may be significant factors, it may also reflect the fact many men work in construction, so consequently, the figures are skewed by this.  i.e. a greater number, by default incidence. I hypothesise that it's a combination of all these factors, with some having greater influence than others. However, without collecting and interpreting the data qualitatively and quantitively, it's impossible to make credible comment... I'll end on a cheerier note and Steve's review of these Fablecycle Tomahawk Cargo Commuter Cargo Shorts Fablecycle Tomahawk Cargo Commuter Cycle | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)

Lubes & Links

 I’ve noticed an interesting dual persona to the Blub Ceramic Lube now that temperatures have crept a little higher and roads a little drier. 4 degrees or so and it requires eight hours or so to cure and assumes a state closer to a lighter middleweight wet lube. Muckier to touch but has stayed put for 280 generally wet, gooey miles before topping up was needed. Interestingly, Blub says it will also need topping up on bikes left standing (i.e. not ridden) longer than 48 hours. It took a week before this became plain during March, and with the temperatures wavering between 3 and 16 degrees.  

Same story with the fixed gear winter/trainer. 10-25 degrees is apparently where the lube’s qualities are best. Having replenished Ursula’s thirsty links, I only needed to wait five minutes before it turned from creamy to glazed. Much cleaner too.  Not necessarily ideal for weekend/ sunny days’ bikes but not necessarily a bad choice either-so long as you don’t mind reapplying a light coat each week. Talking of lubes, I’ve played with the Silca Secret Formula Chain Lube long enoughto form firm conclusion Silca Super Secret Chain Coating | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Steve's also been impressed by the Blub Chain Lube BLUB Chain Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)Though unplanned, the Continental Cross King has proven a positive move. In common with the Maxxis, it’s relatively quick on tarmac and hardpack surfaces and sufficiently nimble along gravel roads, green lanes, and forest trails. I’m pondering going the Continental route up front too-again, with the puncture-repelling belt.       

As for the camera mount, well, that’s going to need some revision. The preset positioning is obscuring the Giant computer and I’ve also noted the camera platform, coupled with the use of resins isn’t adequately supporting the camera’s weight, resulting in shake and therefore blurred footage. I’m pondering whether I can revise this mount, or maybe salvage the Minoura. Perhaps a “permanent” bar bag, rear mudguard upgrade...Aside from consumables and testing, I’m not looking to change Ursula’s spec. The old girl is staying in Monster Cross guise.  

The recent blowout allowing, all the tubes have been easily patchable and have returned to the Axiom Ocean City Wave City+Seat Bag AXIOM OCEANWAVE CITY+ SEAT BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), a packet fresh WTB tube has also been parked in the bottle cage caddy. It’s been a bit of a journey, these past 25 years in life and indeed, component changes reflect this. Ursula: The Never-Ending Story | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Tag along tug, four seasons hell n’ high water, Ursula has been a friend, a confident and a reliable companion through some extremely turbulent times. While the days are quite chill suggesting winter hasn’t relinquished its grip just yet, there’s a brighter, sometimes drier narrative. It’s light by 630, enticing me to head out earlier and enjoy the peace.  

I’ve reached the conclusion that the most important components on a working bike are well sealed, hubs, headsets, bottom brackets, and sturdy paint.  

Opinions vary when it comes to colours. Skid mark brown certainly has a wealth of benefits, especially on the theft -repelling front. However, I’m drawn to more neutral livery- dove grey, cream, blues etc. I’ve occasionally toyed with the idea of a bold, vibrant purple next time round but “light” (Ral 7035) grey with a tough clear lacquer coat seems the most likely candidate, come the time the timeless cream starts looking, er, tired… (tyre photo Michael’s garage).     

Not to be left out, the fixed now features this rather lovely Ritchey WCS Carbrillo Saddle. Aimed at road and gravel audiences and measuring 260x146mm, it’s slightly shorter and broader than my “bike-fit” ideal but this wider, flatter shape has some other interesting features.  First up, there’s the patented “Vector Wing” technology, which I’m told features across all Ritchey saddles.  

This means the rails (stainless steel, in this instance) are isolated to help prevent hot spots by dissipating pressure more evenly, away from the sit bones for “all day” comfort. The cover is also noteworthy since it's seamless and attaches to the base without glue, staples, or stitches.  As for the padding, it's a light polyurethane foam.  As the name and 227g might suggest, there’s also some carbon involved. It features in the shell, which is a nylon/carbon fibre mix.  

Shorter nose saddles are designed for riders who want to assume a lower more aggressive stance, although at 260mm, the WSC is much closer to a traditional road saddle (and none the worse for it). Stubbier designs have been compatible with me in the short terms but in practice, I favour something slightly longer.  These things aren’t an exact science and as I’m always saying, contact points are the most personal, some might say, divisive points. 

Plan is to do three hundred miles on the fixed and then switch to Ursula, to test not only its comfort and performance on and off road, but to see if a more upright positioning, placing greater weight on the saddle has any impact. Then of course, there’s the flat profile. Does this have any impact when re/mounting along more technical, or potentially boggy sections of trail for example. 300 miles on each should give sufficient insight into its longer-term comfort, considerations, and potential limitations.  

Do those extra 3mm improve, or detract from comfort, does the sculpted design make any tangible difference? Racing and touring may seem worlds apart but the common link concerns equipment. Saddles being obvious examples, but it goes much wider and includes a change, or tweak to positioning. Never roll up to the start line, or into the wide blue yonder with equipment that’s fresh from the box- get at least a couple of hundred miles with it, while the stakes are low. New bike, groupset, wheels, panniers, shorts, shoes, shifters, the rule applies. I'll close here with my review of the Leatt Jacket MTB Endurance2.0 Leatt Jacket MTB Endurance 2.0 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)