Gravel a Gimmick? I beg to differ

 Some commentators suggest that Gravel is a gimmick. Sure, I don’t subscribe to all its nuances, but lightweight drop bar builds with the ability to traverse unmade roads have been cemented in my psyche, since 1986. I suddenly found myself contemplating another bar switch, this time to some On-One Midge. A flared design that I was initially sceptical about but stealthily grew on me, back in 2005 However, I quickly recalled that these Soma Fabrications Condor 2 SOMA CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS | (sevendaycyclist.com) shape was great for the fixed and optimal for Ursula. 

Gravel clothing also lends itself very nicely to other genres- touring and indeed everyday riding thanks to its rugged materials. I’ve switched from my defaults, the Shimano RX600 Shimano SH RX600 Gravel Cycling Shoes | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) back to their more compliant, less racy MT701 GTX Shimano MT701 GTX SPD Shoes | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)

Primarily since I’ve stubbed my toe and the GTX are a little roomier at the toe box. Soles are more compliant, so lack the RX600’s razor-sharp power transfer but still offer excellent support and are a little more comfortable sans bike.  

A good bet for touring, commuting and general riding. If you’re on a relatively tight budget, FLR Rexton Touring/Trail shoe FLR REXSTON ACTIVE TOURING/TRAIL SHOE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) are another rugged, versatile choice. Laces and Velcro lack the refinement and convenience of the boa systems and the emphasis is more on the lighter side of trail/gravel duties. However, they’ve stood up to wintry roads and other, not-so-balmy weather very well.     

Arguably, Polaris Bikewear’s discontinued Challenge range stole a march on this mixed terrain clothing narrative. POLARIS CHALLENGE NEXUS SHORTS TEST AND REVIEW (sevendaycyclist.com)  POLARIS TRAVERSE MEN'S JERSEY REVIEW (sevendaycyclist.com) not forgetting the Pioneer jacket, POLARIS CHALLENGE PIONEER WINDPROOF JACKET REVIEW (sevendaycyclist.com) I still wear these during spring and summer months.  

Pearson Cycles Adventure range and specifically, their red adventure long sleeve Cycling Jacket is my new favourite. It’s a bridge garment, in the jersey cum jacket vein. Reckoned to withstand a fast-paced encounter with a Hawthorne hedge, there’s a great blend of retro and modern.  

The main fabric is 65% recycled polyester, 25% recycled Coolmax and 10% Lycra.  The chest panel is overlain with Millerain. There are two deep breast pockets and a further two at the rear. One big poacher type for generic capture-all, the other for a mini pump. 

Gravel helmets also bridge the gap between genres very nicely. Bell Muni Urban Sport Helmet was another, now-dropped design ahead of the trend. Peak, 21 vents and LED lights at the rear ensured it performed well on and off road, touring and commuting. It also blended nicely with road and mtb threads and didn’t look out of place on a road-biased touring lorry, either.  

Looking at the current catalogue, the Bell Trace LED helmet looks the closest comparator. Madison Cycles Madison.co.uk – The UK’s largest cycle parts & accessories distributor sent me this Lazer Chameleon, which is another design intended to cross between gravel, touring, commuting and light trail duties.  Ours is the medium, which tips the scales at a respectable 283g and is the “lowlier” non-MIPS version (£20 cheaper).  

It features a crash replacement program, meaning a replacement can be bought at a discount, which hopefully you’ll never need. The Advanced Rollsys adjustment system is designed for a precise fit- crucial if a helmet is to do its job effectively. Rather than the big thumbwheel, there’s a smaller, splined dial at the top, and the cradle system avoids pressure points, while ensuring a clear, unhindered exit for ponytails.  

A peak, 13 large vents continue the versatile narrative. Ours is the two-tone matt blue, but there are other matt colours- black, white and red. Matt colours require a little more care and dedicated “polishes” but nothing outlandish, in my experience. Finish and specification are pretty much what I’ve come to expect from this end of the market.  

The polycarbonate shell doesn’t extend around the rim, leaving it slightly more vulnerable to the usual everyday carelessness but no more so than similar designs. In common with the Bell models, it is designed to accept a dedicated (aftermarket) light, but I’ve also found several others, including the Magicshine Seemee (100, 180 and 200-lumen models) a perfectly good fit, ditto the slightly heavier and now discontinued Xeccon Mars 60 TESTED: XECCON MARS 60 COB REAR LIGHT (sevendaycyclist.com)   

Thirteen vents might not sound particularly airy but thus far, they’ve been gulping in a decent and continuous flow of cooling air, without the painful “ice cream” headaches that can strike on long, fast, chill descents. Wind noise is also reassuringly absent and I’m forming a fondness for it-as if you couldn’t tell.  Same goes for Ursula’s new 2x10 Deore setup... Ending on a related note, here's my review of the Feedback Sports Cassette PliersFeeback Sports Cassette Pliers | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com).    

Chain Reactions

Stoicism, the correct kit and sensible preparation are what gets us through the depths of winter. Yet another example of how cycling, is a metaphor for wider life and freelancing, in particular.

By mid January, New Year hype and best intentions seem to flat line. January tends to be a very quiet month, economically, so needs careful management. Secure as much work as possible, during November/early December. Always have a couple of private projects planned. The latter will boost morale, should a lull strike.  

Aside from racking up the miles and testing products, I set myself the target of finishing some short fiction. Deadline, end of January. A different project to reignite creative sparks and crucially, distinguish 2020, from 2019 etc. 

I'm nearly done with the first draft. Once that's finished, I will leave it marinating for a few days, whereupon the baggier bits and minor holes will be obvious.

Elsewhere, the Sugru didn't completely cure the Bandit bracket's minor rattle. Some intermittent, low-level chatter remained, when tackling washboard tarmac.  Rides usually boost mood and inspiration. At 23mph round a sweeping bend....Zip Ties!

I always carry a couple with me, but wanting to keep those for emergencies, such urges were arrested until I returned home. Funny how these little victories can bring so much joy.  

Staying with tooling a moment, there's a lot to be said for custom, machine specific tool kits. That said; some generic tooling is always sensible. I always carry a comprehensive multi-tool, patch kit and spare chain links. 

I even carry a few 9 and 10  speed chain links along with a few for the fixed. This way, I can help someone else, if they're in a jam. A small dropper bottle of pour n' go lube, on longer rides, just in case. 

The drier, cooler spell has presented an opportunity to assess the Juice Lubes Ceramic Juice. This version seems to attract less grime than its predecessor, while still offering decent lubrication. I decided to check my fixed gear winter/trainer's chain. 

Plenty of Viking Juice still present. While scrutinising the chain, I discovered the Halo Fix-G Track Hub https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-fixed  bearings were slightly loose. Nothing serious but nipped snug, there and then, with a 15mm wrench. One thing led to another...I stripped the Genetic Tibia Track Crankset's https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-tibia-track-cranks-ring bolts, which freed with reassuring ease. The Mighty UN55 bottom bracket remains in rude health, although I always keep one handy, in case the grumbles strike.

Oh hell, since I'm here....Bike washed, chain stripped and fed four helpings of Juice Lubes Chain wax. Not the most obvious choice, but I was curious to see how it copes in colder weather.  

Unlike summer (where wax melts into the chain and where relevant, cassette), theoretically, wax will simply flake off, taking the contaminant while leaving a thin lubricant layer, behind. 

From here, simply top-up. No cleaning, no drama. At least that was the plan. Then along came Storm Brendan. 50mph crosswinds and plenty of standing water. https://www.facebook.com/sevenday.cyclist/videos/vb.100008574185706/2220873604875091/?type=2&theater&notif_t=video_processed&notif_id=1579097264815732

Lube literally licked clean in 58 miles. I've gone for White Lightning Wet Ride Extreme Conditions Heavy Lube for now. I'll probably revert to the Weldtite TF2 Performance All Weather Lubricant https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-performance-all-weathe or possibly Rock n' Roll Extreme LV https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/rock-n-roll-extreme-lv-chain-lube?

fbclid=IwAR0PMV6Wpug4USjedaGu2FuqnR6ShaOEEQm_AvBNs1eYGdJq2XGMKqgkIIE when the chain's looking thirsty. 

Part of me is temped to brew my own wax-based chain lubes, using a mix of candle wax, turpentine and Xylene. Watch this space. For the moment, think I'll run through my stock of "off the shelf" blends. 

I've switched the D-Riser 16 bars https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-d-riser-bars  for their D-Riser 4 siblings. The latter have been developed for road biased riders, who found the 16 degree flare excessive. However, it still offers 17mm to the overall width, so theoretically our 440mm are in fact 457mm. 

Something to bear in mind, if you commute/ride in congested traffic. The Driser16 remain my favourite riser-type drop bars for a road/cyclo cross bike. 70mm reach would be fine for my Univega. However, 125mm drop way too deep. I won't be switching its Soma Condor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma

 I also needed to snug the Univega's guards https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sks-blumels-shiny-mudguards and Gusset Uni-head by a quarter turn.  I've also discovered the rear guard's serrated section, is designed to be easily removed, should the guard foul, or impair a front mech. A moot point with my Univega, and other 1x drive trains, but good to know.