700x28c

 The Tyre Gods seem to be deciding 700x28c my new default for road-biased riding. These Specialized Road Sport Tyres have just landed at my door. They’re cheaper than the CST, so also sparked my curiosity. Ours are the 28mm but they’re also available in 700x 24, 26c, 700x32c, 35c, and 27x 1 ¼. Unlike the CST, they’re a wire bead, which adds a few grams. They feature a bead-to-bead puncture repelling belt and promise increased speed, grip and durability, so it’ll be interesting to see how they behave in the real world and obviously, compare with the CST. 

Temperatures are still seasonally high, but the days are getting shorter, so my thoughts are increasingly turning to ¾ length bib longs, arm warmers, caps and other tuneable attire. Summer and depths of winter aside, I default to ¾ lengths on account of their versatility, even off-road, which has induced playful derision from some sections of the mtb community. I can live with that. I’m also a major fan of Decathlon’s in house clothing ranges. I’ve been sent some Triban Men's Road Cycling Bib Tights RC500, which are in fact, ¾ lengths!  

No problem for me. I like ¾ lengths. Primarily because they bridge the gap when it’s too cool for shorts and too mild for full-length tights. Between 5 and 15 degrees (c), loosely speaking. At the lower end of this temperature scale, I pair them with calf-length socks-sometimes waterproof and these FLR Defender MTB Thermal Dry S-Tex Boots FLR DEFENDER MTB DRY BOOT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

I remain a big fan of these Primal Dawn Men’s Bib Knickers TEST & REVIEW: PRIMAL DAWN MEN'S BIB KNICKERS (sevendaycyclist.com) which are still going strong. Fond of these Funkier FUNKIER RIDE FLO MEN'S 3/4 BIB TIGHTS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) too.   

Unless it’s raining dogs, I default to lightweight, packable caps such as this Buff BUFF PACK BIKE CAP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and several seasons along, I’m still seriously attached to these Specialized full finger gloves, although it's temperate enough for mitts and likely to remain so, for some time. I also err towards photochromic (light-sensitive) lenses, which adjust to suit changing sunlight.  

However, as time goes on, I’m more inclined towards amber/yellow lenses, since they enhance vision on cloudy days, and crucially, low light. Some say they help improve mood, during the darker months and I’m inclined to agree. These Salice 026 RW glasses Salice 026 RW Glasses | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) have become my defaults during pre-dawn dashes.     

  

Traditionally Autumn (The fall for those of you reading this in the US) is my favourite season given the bold, changing colours. I also associate it with a time of learning- having commenced a degree in the autumn of 1992. I’ve always liked learning (although admittedly, needed to “cool my brain down” following 5 years post-secondary education and coasted through some entry-level jobs. Constructive dossing, you might say.)  

Anyhow, I’d suddenly found myself curious about CNC machining. Training to a commercial standard takes around three years (although as with many skilled professions, mastery takes a lifetime, since you never cease learning and developing skills and expertise).  

However, some sources suggest using CAD software, someone can learn the basics in a few weeks. Now, given the UK’s trajectory, I’m not looking at this as a commercial/vocational outlet but rather, wondering if I can develop sufficient skill, if I can make components and other things-not necessarily bicycle/related but as means of subverting supply chain issues and shortages in a wider context...      

Autumn is also a time when I stock check, since chains, cables, pads and similar take a spanking come winter. I’m pleasantly surprised to see Ursula’s KMC chain is still going strong 1700 miles down the line. Something I attribute to a very dry spring/summer and lighter/drier lubes.  

Nonetheless, with global supply issues and BREXIT meddling, I’ve been inclined to keep a closer eye and stock up on consumables, buying multiples, while prices are still favourable.  There’s a limit to these things of course, but fact remains, I’m going to get through them, so best to buy while prices are favourable. This has even extended to maintenance sprays-which I have bought directly from factories.  

There are a wealth of things government could implement to mitigate shortages and protect its citizens, but the UK’s present administration seems determined to dogmatically follow a hands-off ideology. One which will have greatest impact upon society’s most vulnerable and is leaving other countries completely bewildered and the nation a laughingstock. The aspiring prime minister (presently foreign secretary) has been talking in terms of pressing nuclear buttons and seems hell-bent on destroying what remains of the UK’s credibility, its health service and economy...

Too Much Pressure

Despite the best efforts of Jacob Rees Mogg, SKS in Germany (those people responsible for arguably the finest full length, chrome plastic mudguards) were able to get this Air-X-Plorer Digi 10.1 Track Pump to my door in a matter of weeks.  

However, unless the UK rejoins the customs union shortly, this may not be so easy later down the line. Against this backdrop, I snapped up some SKS guards that were going seriously cheap (along with some other little sundries, while I was there and to justify the flat-fee postage).  It shouldn’t be inferred that Ursula’s SKS Blumels Shiny SKS BLUEMELS SHINY MUDGUARDS | cycling, but not ususally racing (sevendaycyclist.com) are in anything but rude health. However, at that price, I’d be a fool not to, and save ‘em for a rainy day.  

In a fit of pique, I decided to bolt some Shimano MT cleats to these Shimano touring shoes, which I resurrected after several years on the subs bench.  Why? Well, I was curious to see how far soles and other tech have come along in the last 12 years, or so. Multi Release Cleats (denoted by an M) are, as their name implies are designed to allow disengagement from multiple angles.  

Traditional models, such as Shimano SM- SH51 are designed to release ONLY when the heel is moved outward. The multiple release can disengage in any direction, including tugging upward. I’ve not had any issues with unwanted release when gently pulling up on the pedals-even with the pedal spring tension set to minimum. Newbies might sound the most obvious audience but aside from being generally convenient, riders with less strength in their legs, or joints would also reap benefits.  

I’m still loving the Oxford Venture Jacket OXFORD VENTURE JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)- its lightweight, easily packable and great for those morning’s where it may not be raining, but intermittent blustery winds have an edge to them.  However, I decided it was time to add a zipper tag to the breast pocket, for easier access.  Retrieving my superzoom compact camera was becoming an awkward fumble and wasn’t going to have a happy ending.   

Drier weather has meant more weekend miles on the Teenage Dream. The long bank holiday weekend was perfect for this and hiking the saddle height by those few milimetres was an inspired move. However, I had just switched to this Eclipse Road 25 Tube inner tube, when I discovered a disconcerting bulge in the Vee Tire Co Rain Runner Clincher Tyre. 

 

Closer inspection confirmed it needed pensioning off. Fortunately, I had another 25mm Freedom Thick Slick resting quietly in a corner, so performed the switch. Eclipse tube safely instated; I was suitably impressed by the speed and ease at which the SKS delivered 110psi (the Thick Slick’s maximum pressure).  

Staying with rubber, here’s my review of the Vittoria Evolution Road Bike Tyres Vittoria Evolution Road Bike Tyre | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). Both machines are running the Momum MIC Wax chain lube, which has held up surprisingly well by wax standards and along some very wet roads and yes, heavy rain, too. 440 mixed terrain, mixed weather miles before any telltale taint and tinkling.  

Incidentally, this can be replenished, without needing to strip the residual. Shake, drizzle in, leave to assume a glazed lacquer-like state, then scoot-off. On this basis, it’s looking a very viable choice for tourists (especially given there’s a 15ml option). Seems to be working rather well on cleat mechanisms too. 

Talking of scooting off, Steve’s been testing these 360 Dry Blue Ankle socks 360DRY BLUE ANKLE SOCKS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Though the two-wheeled fleet has a decent amount of waxy internal preserve sloshing around their inner sanctum, I like to have plenty lying around-especially to treat the KA and Micra underbody, so picked up a bargain candle, while doing the weekly Tour de Supermarche’ and ordered in two litres of solvent online, benefitting from the economies of scale.