No Messing....

  

No sooner had I uttered something about not changing Denise's specification, Oxford Products sent me their Aqua Evo Adventure Daytripper pack. At 3.5 litres, it’s over twice the size of the Cycology and Topeak models I’ve tested recently, which is on some levels, a departure from my minimalist narrative.

At 329g its relatively lightweight and enjoys a maximum 2 kilo payload. It’s made from 400 denier rip-stop TPU. Welded seams and waterproof zippers. Internally, it features a dedicated tool and phone compartment, keeping these silently segregated from each other and other things you might want to dip in for. There’s a cargo net at the front for capturing overspill and the sensibly proportioned zipper tag promises easy access mid-ride too.   

  

As with other models that tether to the head tube, you’ll want to apply some helicopter tape to prevent wear-through (especially when mud and water are thrown into the equation). This goes for any other luggage that rests against the frame. I’m fond of those using Klick-Fix type brackets. On the one hand, they occupy a bit more real estate, but they also hold the bag out further, so they won’t foul head tubes, cables etc. Topeak’s Compact Bar Bag and Tour Bag are good examples.  

 

The compact version is most likely to appeal to photographers looking to carry a compact system camera, or SLR on tour, or day trip.  The bigger, 5 litre model will swallow a camera body two lenses and a fair bit more.  I always carry a 20mpxl super zoom compact camera in a jacket, or jersey pocket to capture things mid ride, but CSC are superior options if you’re looking for optimal resolution.  

 

Talking of jerseys, here’s my review of the Castelli Espresso Castelli Espresso Jersey | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) However, CSC and SLR need proper storage. Never pop cameras or sensitive electricals in a rack top bag, even the generously padded type, such as this Topeak MTXTopeak MTX Trunk Dry Bag | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) since low-level vibration will prove ruinous. 

  

Elsewhere, the weather had been decidedly wet and mucky, which have been a little tedious in some respects. It was so wet that I’d gone from the FLR mountain bike shoes to the Shimano MW501 Dry Shield SPD MTB Shoes Shimano MW501 Dry Shield SPD MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) a lightweight, packable jacket such as this Leatt Jacket MTB Endurance Leatt Jacket MTB Endurance 2.0 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and over to the Madison Roam 2.5 Layer Waterproof Jacket Madison Roam 2.5 Layer Waterproof Jacket | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), which, some small points aside, is a nice fit for gravel, mtb and commuting duties thanks to the hood, hip pockets and tasteful colours. Waterproofing and breathability are 10,000mm apiece, so not quite on par with more expensive models, but pretty good, in the everyday sense.   

  

Having checked the Tiagra’s maximum capacity, I’ve decided I’ll take Denise the 11-28 cassette route, when the chain wears out, giving a rough range of 31-79 inches. The SS is designed for 2x10, whereas the GS is intended for triple setups, in case anyone wasn’t aware, or were simply curious.  

 

Talking curious, I’ve decided to switch Denise’s Wellgo MO94B pedals WELLGO MO94B SPD PEDALS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) in favour of the Shimano PD ED 500 Shimano PD ED 500 Pedals | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). Not the most obvious choice and given the frame’s heritage, the first generation of SPD would’ve been aesthetically a more obvious, period sensitive fit. I may well go this route later down the line.  

 

Grateful for having options. I decided now was time to replace the rear inner brake cable, since I was convinced a kink, or similar was impairing the Suntour SE cantilevers’ function slightly- I needed to re-wrap the T-One bar tape in any case, since it had slipped a bit over the first few weeks.  

 

I made some time to remove Ursula’s Stronglight Aheadset and Van Nicholas VNT Ceramic Bottom Bracket, giving Ursula a good, deep clean ready to be boxed up and sent to Winston Vaz in July. The latter was liberally greased, so released effortlessly and the Stronglight’s cups popped out with a few deft taps of a mallet and my Kinesis fork steerer tube drift.  

Aside from some minor flaking of the cream powder coat, the frame is generally in good shape. Another little job off the list. I’ll treat the headset, bottom bracket, and drivetrain components to a tour de parts washer in due course. I also took the plunge and invested in a “proper” cup removal tool, since one was going for £20.  

The Kinesis fork steerer is a much safer drift than the long flat bladed screwdriver bodge, especially with aluminium alloy cups, but not ideal. I’ve also been thinking in terms of acquiring workshop-quality chain rivet pliers, mainly for breaking and rejoining track chains. These days I buy derailleur chains pre-cut and, in the instances, where I may need to prune one, this Topeak, or indeed, a multi-tool model will suffice.  

Spring Has Sprung?

 Spring is in the air… Well, the dawn is coming earlier, the days are getting longer, and I’m being sent some lighter lubes and lovely summer kit. Saddleback have sent me Castelli’s new Espresso range- well, the bib shorts, jersey and socks. Aside from some extremely tasteful colourways, these are intended with everyday riding in mind and should suit 90% of riding duties. The jersey is made from a stretch polyester/elastane mix which Castelli says offers breathability, comfort and a perfect fit and excellent aerodynamics. I’m also told it features UPF30, which blocks 97% of UV rays. An elasticated waist is designed to prevent gathering and ride-up.   

Round the back, there are four pockets- the traditional deep terrace with a zippered annex for keys and other valuables. These, along with the Espresso bib shorts employ raw cut endings for comfort. The shorts also feature silicone grippers for tactile, gather free tenure. Stretchy bibs feature acres of mesh for ventilation, while the ProgettoX2 Air Seamless pad is reckoned to provide all day comfort.  

 

There’s also a pocket for change and similar essentials. Pockets have become a slow, but increasingly common feature on shorts in recent years. Gravel designs, such as the Madison Roam Madison Roam Men's Cargo Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) feature pockets along the legs and bib sections.   

I’ve found the Roam’s well executed. These will swallow larger items-including compact cameras and phones (although I prefer these in a jersey pocket, or bar bag) without ejecting them at the first bump, or frustrating mid-ride access. Staying with the Espresso range, the subtle, classy colours and subtle styling has a refined, some would say “grown up” flavour.   

Now, I really love bold, funky designs-Cycology and others genuinely resonate with me but there’s a lot to be said for calm and classic too. Then of course, the Espresso Winter/Belgian blue compliments the Holdsworth and fixed Gear Winter/Trainer’s liveries handsomely. I’m not one for trade jerseys and haven’t been for a long while. I still retain a tremendous fondness for the team Motorola jersey gifted me on my 18th birthday (yes, it still fits, thank you) and of course, other kit from that era.   

Some other retro prints-Peugeot being a classic example, are another exception to my aversion to being a mobile billboard, dare I say a wannabe. Beyond grass roots competition, I left any fantasies of the pro peloton and the “glamour” associated with it when I was 16, or 17.  

Still watched some of the stage races into my twenties but by that point any kind of “hero worship” or admiration had evaporated. Besides, at that point, I’d embraced ‘cross country mountain biking and what I perceived as its more egalitarian, dare I say inclusive feel. Maybe, I was still looking for a tribe and had yet to realise I am essentially a socially competent loner.   

The more I reflect on this and the times generally, I was essentially still working out who I was and what/who worked for me and who didn’t- the hard way, many would rightly point out. Lessons learned and I’d argue within time. Others would argue differently. I have neither the time, inclination, nor patience to indulge them.       

The Topeak Compact 1.5 litre handlebar bag is proving an excellent addition to Ursula’s Soma Condor2 bars SOMA CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS | (sevendaycyclist.com) and even better pairing than the Cycology Handlebar bag, which will remain tethered to the fixed’s Genetic D-Riser 4 bars GENETIC DRISER 4 HANDLEBARS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). I am needed to adjust the little Topeak for ready access to stuff- worst case scenario, I’ll mount it atop the bars, so it sits on the stem. However, I really doubt that will prove necessary.   

In common with the Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar Bag Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar Bag | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), its easily whipped on/off and features an elastic stabiliser strap. However, the Topeak has a longer zipper tag, which makes access, especially in full finger gloves that bit easier. It’s a single compartment design, whereas the Cycology has a mesh pocket and a handy elasticated cargo net for catching gloves and similar overspill. Arguably a cleaner aesthetic but may be a consideration. 

 

Reflecting upon these things from the saddle, as I do, I’m wondering if this sudden flash of retro excitement is the classic wanting to revert. Reverting to a perceived simpler time, one with endless opportunities and optimism perhaps.  However, while there are some concepts I may like from an era, materials have moved on quite considerably. Woolen shorts and jerseys have their place but save for Merino, it’s not necessarily the most comfortable fabric against the skin.  

Obviously, there are different grades but polyesters wick moisture effectively and are generally easy to wash and care for. I’d also been revisiting the concept of a portable mini compressor for roadside recovery, rather than Co2 inflators, while keeping a mini pump in reserve. The Thumpa unit is still a reliable choice but it's also a little on the bulky (and weighty) side.  Talking of roadside recoveries, here’s my review of the Muc-Off 17-in1 Multi Tool  Muc-Off 17 in 1 Multi Tool | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)