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).    

Star Fangled Shenanigans & Pre Winter Prep

For one reason, or another, I’ve been considering my Holdsworth’s Saturn Headset. A bulletproof design and so glad I chose it. However, I’m not convinced the expander wedge is the best marriage with a metal steerer. A Gusset Headlock system is a non-starter, given I’m running a Miche dual-pivot stopper up front, so enter the humble Star Fangled Nut...  

A quick wander round the online auction sites unearthed a one-inch example for a couple of quid. I acquired a Park SFN setting tool at a very competitive price. Even used infrequently, more convenient than a trip to a local, respected bike mechanic-since the urge to get these jobs done, often strikes when the shop’s shut.  

The right tool will always recoup its investment by not knackering the host component(s). That said; if you don’t know what you are doing, go see an experienced, friendly bike shop/mechanic who does. Saves a lot of time and money. Talking of which, these days I tend to be far more robust in my accounting/budgeting when it comes to builds/modifications.  

Not just cycling projects either. Calculate the exact cost and benefits of things and then go ahead, if its cost-effective and to some extent future-proof. However, staying with cycling...Buying the best components for that job doesn’t mean investing in a top-flight groupset for a winter/commuter but rather, the right components and specification for the role required.  

When it comes to working/winter bikes, they need to be reliable, yet still engaging to ride. Tyres, wheels, bearings all get a hard time. Good quality (full length, where possible) mudguards (fenders) make a huge difference to rider comfort and protects the machine from nasty, wet, salty stuff.  

Headsets, seatposts and bottom brackets will thank you. Rule of thumb, worth stripping headsets, hubs and contact points and packing them with fresh grease. Adding a boot made from Winter/working bikes tend to get less maintenance, so take this opportunity to replace cables. Check brake pads, chains and cassettes. Replace if looking jaded and finish with some fresh bar tape.   

There’s an argument for cheaper consumables, since they will need replacing more frequently during winter. Chains and cassettes are the most obvious candidates but if you’re going to replace things seasonally, same could apply to bar tapes. The BBB BHT14 Flexribbon is a good, wallet-friendly option in my experience https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/bbb-bht-14-flexribbon-gel-bar-tape  

Long mudflaps amplify the protection (and will protect other riders from spray. Not that we should be riding in groups, given the present climate (which the UK government seems bewilderingly incapable of addressing in a coherent, informed manner).  

My preference is for high-quality chrome plastics. Wood are also rather nice options and hammered aluminium look very pretty, but the latter’s weight and slight rattle have always been a deterrent for me, personally.  My Univega’s SKS Bluemells Shiny Mudguards https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sks-blumels-shiny-mudguards  are still in seriously rude health almost a year down the line.  

The RAW mudflaps https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/raw-prismatic  also continue to deliver, in every respect and are available in a wealth of different designs and colourways. I’ve put another 450 miles on the Continental Contact Speed Reflex tyres https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact-speed-reflex-ty , which are showing minor signs of wear but still generally reliable, while providing a magic carpet ride. 

Those running tubes, looking for puncture preventative sealant product may be interested in Muc-Off Inner Tube Sealant https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-inner-tube-sealant  Those wanting a bomb-proof mid-section 700c may find Schwalbe Marathon Tour a good bet. In addition to 700c, they’re also available in 26x2.0 and 26x1.75  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-plus-tour-tyres   

Not surprised to discover the Tru Tension All Conditions lube on its first application since replacing the KMC chain. Conditions (save for some rainy, misty mornings) have been very dry-statistics suggest it’s the UK’s warmest September on record.  

Unlike traditional wax formulas, it doesn’t require hours to cure and doesn’t melt in the heat, so remains dry to touch, minimising transfer to hands and clothing-especially if you’ve needed to tackle a puncture. A quick dab also keeps shifters, cables etc happy, although I still prefer maintenance sprays on these, primarily since the Tru Tension is a bit pricey for generic lubing, in my opinion.   

No sooner had I typed this, the temperature has plummeted to 7 degrees and I’m now donning middleweight bib tights, middleweight, 2.5-layer training jackets, full-lerngth gloves and waterproof socks! Sticking with these FLR Rexston, which continue to impress me as all-rounders https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/flr-rexston-active-touring-trail-sh