Revisions, Replacements & Baggage

 

Changes for change's sake and indirectly “adding to the pile” is a temptation I fight hard. Anecdotally, I’m not the only one vulnerable to this urge…I’d acquired a Tiagra long-reach dual pivot brake calliper for the Holdsworth. It looked to offer superior rigidity and therefore, stopping prowess compared to a Tektro R38. It also meant I could complete the revamp in one run, should the XLC unit prove too short. I was also relieved to discover the steerers were identical lengths, so my measuring was reliable. This means there’s no call to prune the new steerer.   

 

One inch Star Fangled Nut unearthed, I pondered a small round file, rather than a drill and 8mm bit to widen the rear crown drilling so it will accept a recessed brake bolt.  

 

I reasoned it was quicker to go slow. You can always shave a little more off, you can’t put metal back. Impatience is perilous at this stage. I added a drop of Muc-Off Wet Lube MUC-OFF WET LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) to the bit and commenced at a moderate speed. A few minutes later and periodic checking, the recessed bolt slid in beautifully. Relieved, I fitted the Tiagra, which confirmed I needed a longer reach than the XLC. On a roll, I installed a new SFN and ended the session there, while I was ahead, psychologically and otherwise. Theoretically, it's just a matter of switching the crown race and removing a spacer or two. 

 

While on this search and rescue mission, I unearthed Topeak Alien ii multitool. 

  

One of the best pocket workshop models I’ve used and with functions, such as ring spanners missing from most contemporary multi tools. These also lock, for convenience and efficiency. The Passport CDW PASSPORT CDW MULTITOOL | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is a very charming homage. It’s joined the fixed gear winter/trainer’s Carradice Super C Rack Bag.  The long-serving Carradice is made from “Cotton duck” and, since it attaches via four Velcro straps, so arguably a universal, possibly future-proof fit. I’m a huge fan of Carradice luggage-the SQR range of bags, which are particularly good for day riding, if you didn’t want, or like racks and the host bike had a metal post.  

 

I have the Super C SQR Tour and the Carradry SQR bag. Both will manage a whopping 10 kilos, but the Carradry is the way forward, if you’re looking to venture off road since it's incredibly easy to wipe clean. Being suspended away from the bike, they’re a safer bet for those electricals I was referring to earlier.    

 

However, when heavily laden, the high centre of gravity becomes apparent-especially when climbing out of the saddle on a windy day.  I’d ported the Cycology bar bagCycology See Me Pink Handlebar Bag | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) over to the fixed gear winter/trainer’s Genetic Riser 4 GENETIC DRISER 4 HANDLEBARS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) for a bit.

 

Rack top bags are very convenient but even those that have a lined base should not host cameras, or other sensitive electrical equipment, since vibrations are transmitted from the rack-regardless of material. I’ve noticed some percussion when riding across washboard tarmac with the Carradice en tow.   

 

Hot on the heels of Ursula’s chain were the brake pads. I’d thought the slight squeal might be attributable to glaze, but the pads were worn close to 1mm. Not surprising, given sustained exposure to flooding and generally adverse wintry conditions. During the treasure hunt, I’d discovered two sets of Disco Brakes, so took this as my cue Disco Disc Brake Pads and Wavey Rotors | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), so took a post-ride opportunity to switch.  

 

Pads, regardless of whether rim, or disc brake can wear very quickly and beyond a certain point, will eat into rotors and rims- much like a worn chain will chomp through rings, derailleurs, and cassettes.  I’m also impressed by the Carbon Cycles SPD pattern cleats, which engage and release very snappily with Shimano and homage designs and are proving refreshingly durable.       

  

Talking of one-does-all, Steve has replaced his recently deceased Dawes Galaxy with Surly’s Long Haul Trucker. It’s always been one of those “from the crate” Beasts of Burden that always fired my imagination. 26-inch wheels might be a little dated nowadays but there’s still plenty of choice tyre and rim-wise and the frame has sufficient clearance for 26x2.1 sans guards. A generous wheelbase and double-butted 4130 main triangle bodes well for stability when hauling the kitchen sink.  Yes, I’d certainly give one a home, if space allowed, although, I’d probably indulge in a Grappler too. You know, to keep it company... Ah, hedge clipping season's in full swing... 

      

Petting the Hedgehog

 Generally speaking, I hold up pretty well during the cold, wet and sometimes icy months but I’ve been finding riding in perpetual darkness tricky of late, so I mixed things up a little. Midwinter is also a season of temptation and er, sometimes five-minute wonders. Tempered in my case by outgoings, and cost-benefit discipline. Want versus Need, at its simplest.  

The Holdsworth’s fork is a modest expense with genuine benefits. The mighty KA was due for servicing and two new front tyres. They were still within the legal limit but safety’s not something I mess with, particularly during winter. 

Admin and emails before 7.30 and out riding come sunrise. I enjoy the changing seasons- always have and though I can cope in hot, humid conditions, there’s a lot to be said for cooler weather. People’s tempers seem more even, and, on the bike, I can don, or remove additional layers.   

Some of you will notice a pink theme creeping in. Now, I wouldn’t have a frameset finished in pink, nor is it a colour I’m traditionally drawn to. Much will also depend on the shade. However, I’m perfectly secure in my masculinity, so not overly fazed when a manufacturer sends me something- bar tape, bar bag, jersey with a subtle hue, or theme.  

Contrasts nicely with Ursula’s cream and black colourway and of course, the Holdsworth’s “French” blue (RAL 5024). I was also suitably taken with the Giant Continuum 9 function wireless computer, that I’ve acquired another. Not least since it’s bankrupt stock and pink is cheaper than the alternative colours by several quid.  

There are a few devices l personally prefer to be disconnected from the internet. Bar-mounted computers are cases in point. Phones and other technology spy on us- for some reason, I’m being offered prostrate massagers, laxatives, inflatable companions, commodes via Ali Express. Hmm...Can only be that grunting on those long climbs... I digress...   

Ursula and the Holdsworth sported 80’s pink/black spatter Bike Ribbon in the past-£1 from a bargain bin dive. Peugeot and a couple of small-scale British frame builders offered framesets with a black and pink theme too.      

UK media hysteria about snow blasts, white outs and complete chaos have in this corner thus far, translated as minus 6 and plenty of ice. Not an issue with the right kit- Ursula's shod with the spikes, I’m wearing long sleeve base layers, Belgian style caps (greater coverage for the ears) softshell jacket, Oxford Venture Gilet, or if the wind’s really biting this Madison Roam 2.5 Madison Roam 2.5 Layer Waterproof Jacket | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  Waterproof socks and gloves are another definite plus, while glasses shield the eyes from windblast, sleet and debris. Amber lenses are reckoned to reduce glare and make it easier to see in low light. There's suggestion these also enhance the mood and anecdotally, I’ll agree.   

The invisiFrame Protectant is proving a remarkably effective barrier against, wet, gritty, corrosive stuff and I’ve been very surprised at just how clean Ursula has remained after much mixed terrain fun. Judging by this Bell Avenue, it works equally well on matt polycarbonate finishes.  

Titanium is a little trickier though. Matt, “submarine” greys are fine but those with a satin hue required more enthused buffing to remove any haze- the Holdsworth’s Torus stem being a case in point. I took that opportunity to dress its Coefficient Wave Carbon Handlebars COEFFICIENT WAVE HANDLEBAR | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) with Cycology 8-day Handlebar tape. The outer, silicone-based coating means it’s a little tricker than some to get tucked into the end and needs a firm, even pressure. That said; it’s hardly challenging to fit. I’m enjoying the Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar bag.  

It’s made from a sturdy waterproof 900d polyester with a waterproof zipper and 2.4 litre carrying capacity. There’s also a carry strap for convenience off the bike. Internally it has a relatively large “open plan” main and a zippered “valuables” stash within the wall- change, keys and other stuff you don’t want going AWOL. Given the bitterly cold, icy snap, the fixed has been enjoying a rest.  

One quirk I have noticed with the Topeak DX rack is that to adjust the chain tension, with the present chain tugs requires removing the rack from the eyelets (since the legs sit proud and obstruct). The obvious, although relatively pricey option was to go for another set of MKS NJS chain tugs. Nice, but I decided I’d take a punt on some auction site specials, which looked to be of the genuinely cheap but cheerful variety. The supplier claimed UK stock and in fairness, they arrived within a week. Time will tell but if these fail, I’ll take the MKS route.