Features, such as peaks, should never be overlooked either. A broad, but not obstructive peak will offer good protection from rain, wind, sun, and dust. Elastics need to offer generous stretch and solid tenure, without feeling like your head’s in a vice, given 40 minutes or so. I’ve had this unenviable experience a few times but not in the recent past.
Bargain bin cotton types can be bunged in a pocket, or bike luggage and passed to riding companions. With the peak facing backward, it will also help protect against heat stroke/sunburn. This is particularly significant if younger children are en tow, since they may not be aware of the sun’s strength until it’s making itself painfully known.
Then, of course, you can always use one for impromptu ablutions a 'la Tom Simpson- just don’t hand it back!
Or be prepared for palpable discord and to be shunned. Not that this would ever cross my mind, the Au Pairs and wizened farm cats raised me better. Old cotton caps with sensibly sized peaks can still lead positive retirements, protecting the wearer’s neck from welding spatter. Only cotton, mind. Semi/synthetic weaves will catch fire with agonising results.
Weather is a very British talking point and as the weeks and miles have racked up, I’ve been unexpectedly impressed by the Madison Men’s Road race Softshell Jacket and Maison Bib Tights, especially given the asking price. Sometimes I deliberately start testing things “blind” I.e., without pouring over the specification in case this might lead to unconscious bias.
This applied to the jacket and the waterproofing/breathability ratings (20 and 30,000 respectively) explained why I was so wowed by its ability to block rain and chill, while still breathing incredibly efficiently. In fact, it's one of the few packable models that has traditional technical jacket performance.
Many of the packable genre, though still particularly useful tend to be compromised when it comes to waterproofing, but so far, no such trade off. Unlike some laminates, including this likeable Oxford Venture OXFORD VENTURE JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), it doesn’t “sweat”, resulting in clamminess-most apparent when worn atop a short-sleeved jersey. That being said; especially if you’ve packed it mid ride, remember to hang the jacket out, so it can air out.
Talking of which, (and this goes for technical fabrics generally) it’s good to wash them regularly. 30 degrees and minimal detergent is a good default (but check and follow manufacturer instructions). This will remove grime from the fabric, ensuring they can protect and wick moisture at optimum efficiency.
Similarly, it prevents things like zippers getting clogged and being temperamental. Adding reproofing products every few months is another sensible move. Talking of which, some fabrics like to be tossed in the tumble drier (this reactivates their properties), but a lot don’t. The Madison certainly falls into that latter category. A few hundred miles before I form any definite conclusions.
Multi tools can be godsends, but I’m attached to some more than others. I’m saddened (but not completely surprised) to discover Gerber no longer produce the Cool Tool or produce a contemporary equivalent. In some regards, it is a little dated but still truly relevant for fixed gear builds, thanks to the adjustable wrench cum headset and cone tool.
Then there’s the chain breaker, the 4,5, 6mm Allen keys, and Phillips end. Admittedly, given a much wider range of Allen Keys and Torx drivers proliferate modern bikes, I’ve tended to pair it with another, simple multi-tool. However, I’m as attached to it now as my original, gifted me thirty years ago. Besides, a custom tool kit has its own, obvious advantages.
Another clever model is the Torque Covert 7 Crank Multi Tool TORQUE COVERT 7 CRANK MULTI TOOL | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), which is innovative since it makes clever use of the otherwise dead space in a Hollowtech II crankset. This also means a greatly reduced chance of being without a tool when you need to tweak something by the roadside.
While I much prefer it to those secreted within the stem cap/steerer tube, it is right in the firing line of wet, nasty stuff. (A quick shot of maintenance spray or oily rag wipe-over prevents the hardened steel bits tarnishing). In my view, the magnet could be stronger, preventing some very minor chatter.
I tried slipping a rubber “doughnut” over the top, with varying success. Will probably revisit this when the opportunity presents itself.
Talking of revisiting, I resurrected this See Sense Icon+ Rear Light SEE SENSE ICON+ REAR LIGHT (sevendaycyclist.com) from 2016.
The battery and other components were still good, and I was curious to see how well it had aged/kept pace seven years down the line. Aside from the tuneable nature (controllable by smartphone app) and bombproof build quality, it's capable of delivering 250 lumens. Yes, I know with great power, comes great responsibility. However, this kind of tuneable output is fabulous for foggy mornings...February can be an unforgiving month weather-wise.
