Lucky Dip

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

Spring Cleaning & Phantom Squeaks...

Inspired by my last entry, I'm pleased to report, said charger is directly compatible with the NR150 which means there's much less traffic at my computer tower-trivial but strangely satisfying. By contrast bike theft is anything but and set to get worse as the economy plummets.

Timely then that this Pinhead security kit should arrive at my door. It's a very clever system that limits the need for a jailer's key fob, safeguarding expensive wheels and finishing kit from all but the most determined tealeaves. Working to the same principles as the common or garden Yale employed in external doors, each has it's own unique nine digit combination and matching key (Be sure to register this online before venturing out into the big wide world in case you should need a replacement!). Fashioned from stainless steel and tipping the scales at 200g per set, installation is simply a question of removing the existing skewers and slotting the Pinheads in place with the logo visible from the right hand side.

Drop some machine oil on the threads before slipping the washer and threaded nut finger tight. Using the key, torque everything down (between half and one and a half turns) giving components a quick tug to check purchase. Operationally, they're no slower than conventional cams so punctures/ generic servicing/adjustment is a moot point. Domed caps prevent tools gaining purchase and/or leverage and unlike chrome plated types, they're not foxed by powerful magnets.

Lightening the mood somewhat, Alan has laced the Rigida rim to the dynohub and to date I'm very impressed- there's markedly less resistance compared with the venerable Nexus it replaces. That said, it's one of those "close but no cigar" stories since I haven't procured the front lamp yet, although I happened upon my old Nexus switch so when it comes, I'll wire everything up and (hopefully) rejoice in the ability to generate my own light. That said, I won't be ditching the NR or helmet mounted systems since the lanes here are virtually pitch black and besides, even the most reliable can fail unexpectedly...

Integrated systems are not limited to the bike either judging by Bell's new Muni lid. Bell define it as an "Urban sports helmet"- it incorporates two very bright LED lights within the retension cradle, there's a mount for Blackburn's flea within the peak and our "Safety Yellow" model looks really rather fetching, proving that the word "commuter" needn't translate as "Oliver Cromwell Piss-pot". In mould construction coupled with its conformity to CE1078 and CSS are pretty much a given these days. Twenty-one vents with an insect net ensure a comfortable inner climate while the peak defends the eyes from sun, rain, sleet and ferocious foliage. Versatile, it features everything you'll need for urban duties while being practical for touring, mountain biking and general riding but I'll give it a good few weeks before arriving at any firm conclusions.

Self confessed polishing zealot, it will come as little surprise to discover Joshua has embraced bucket and brush and we've been pleasantly surprised by Muc Off's Silicone spray which goes on in a flash, locking in a lasting shine without enticing dirt. Sure, you'll collect traces following a wet ride but this wipes away effortlessly using kitchen paper or damp cloth. These qualities suggest it's the obvious preserve for seasonal playthings hibernating during the darker months-Watch this space... Being a leggy chap, we've raised his saddle a couple of inches and since we had the spanners out, added these rather fetching Crank Brothers Cobalt grips for greater refinement.Elsewhere, I have been driven to distraction by the onset of an infuriating squeak that seemed to reappear just as I thought I'd identified the culprit and brought him back into line. Stopping by the roadside, I discovered the Univega's twin bolt clamp bolts were fractionally loose so snugged them fully home with the corresponding 4mm Allen key... A mile or so later, just as we lined up for the descent... There it comes again(!) This time it was my uber long 8mm offering to the rescue, nudging the drive side crank arm tighter, at which point, the Crank brothers M17 was pressed into service, checking and tightening every bolt large and small from carrier to stem.

Satisfied of perfection, the serenity of silence was rudely interrupted.... Convinced it was the soles of my sport touring shoe chafing slightly against the nylon platforms of these otherwise Superb dual-purpose Time All Road, I resigned myself to putting a drop of oil on the mechanism upon reaching home. Closer inspection exonerated the mighty ATAC derived pedals and revealed a slightly sloppy cassette body- easily addressed with the mighty Cyclo tool. Having exorcised the demon, it was time to change the bar-wrap....