Lord Of The Thighs

No sooner said than delivered... I am of course referring to a 140mm version of BBB's Razer saddle courtesy of the brands' Dutch headquarters and what a difference a few millimetres make. We've been chasing up and down the highways and byways this past week without the merest hint of discomfort or chafing. Employing the same micro-tech faux leather cover, the black variant is unsealed so feels extremely tactile but is less convenient to clean (cross aficionados and others wandering through winter sans guards take note!).Couriers bearing all manner of tasty test treats have been beating a path to my door these past ten days or so. Given the season, day glow is once again envogue but this jacket, pannier/rucksack cover and helmet from Pro Viz are particularly noteworthy-especially since £55 buys a waterproof garment with electroluminescent technology burning through the dullest days and darkest nights. Sure, being as it comprises of a simple waterproof shell and mesh liner there's some trade-off in terms of breathability and the cut while reasonably generous, is tailored for more relaxed riding positions. However, there's some lovely detailing too and it ensures the elements remain firmly outside.

Capacious side pockets keep keys, wallets and even compact cameras close to hand without impeding progress and the zippered poacher's stash is equally welcome. Fleece lined collar and adjustable cuffs complete the package, preventing wind, rain and chill billowing inside-even when the mercury hovers around zero.

Fifteen miles at nigh on race pace, the inner climate starts feeling clammy but a long way short of "Boiled in the bag". Alas, the electroluminescent technology rules out machine washing, which could turn socially awkward after a few seasons but by this juncture, it won't owe you anything and the outer can be wiped down with impunity. Rucksack/small pannier covers incorporating this technology aren't completely revolutionary- Respro's version is better equipped to resist regular encounter with brickwork, foliage and generic wear and tear.

That aside, the Pro Viz cover still represents excellent value for money, slips securely aboard rucksacks and single panniers with twenty odd litre capacities so could be the perfect Christmas stocking filler. Dressing in garments ruinous to the retina removes the SMIDSY (Sorry mate, I didn't see you) defence but contrary to popular misconception, has little practical effect upon driver etiquette. Recent outings in various attire suggests cars approach faster, overtaking riders sporting helmets and/or day glow with greater indifference. More tangible research reveals a marked tendency for "enthusiast" cyclists and motorcyclists to be targeted for abuse/wantonly dangerous behaviours by a small minority of drivers. Richard Ballantine's 1988 edition of his justly revered "Bicycle Book" indulges in some over simplistic pop-sociology when categorising drivers and their vehicles but anecdotally, there seems a grain or two of truth amongst his sweeping assertions. December the 16th marks the ninth anniversary of a hit and run involving myself and a red three series BMW along Streatham High Rd. Mercifully I escaped with little more than cuts, grazes, scuffed bar wrap and a bent mech hanger. Socio-economically deprived neighbourhoods are a bad bet at anytime and while reporting the incident with police out of principle, the legal process seems impotent when it comes to bringing unlicensed, uninsured and dare I suggest, contemptuous drivers to account.Adding some virility to commuter lighting comes Nite Rider's Minewt 150 cordless. Boasting 150 lumens, integral Li-on mains/USB chargeable cell, impressive performance coupled with nominal clutter means its perfect for fastidious fixers and tidy winter trainers. Output has me really excited; it's the first commuter derived lamp that brings country lanes alive, albeit in the highest setting. Medium is good but better suited to the suburban scramble whereas low is strictly for urban riding and flashing for overcast mornings/emergencies.

A combined switch/battery life indicator flashes when charge dwindles to 15%, typically providing thirty minutes grace before complete shut down, Used in tandem with the helmet mounted models mentioned in my last entry, navigating unlit rural backwaters and midnight green laning has been absolute joy. However, its 250 sibling is the one to go for if spirited nocturnal single track mountain biking/cross fun is your thing. Weather resistance seems equal to more traditional types so long as the charge flap is fully home and more extreme river riding is avoided.

Now to purge the Univega of salt, slime and generic winter road-grime.

Evolution of a Species

Dull and overcast November brings with it ideal testing conditions for the latest lighting systems. Helmet lamps are really exciting as they allow the rider to precisely attune the beam and in the context of Light & Motion's integrated (front and rear) VIZ360 direct 150 lumens at driver eye-level having the desired effect of registering your presence from afar without blinding oncoming traffic. Mounting effortlessly to most lids there's ample peripheral vision and output in the highest setting is sufficient to navigate forest trail and rural backwater.

However, UK law dictates it must be used in conjunction with bike mounted types. Given the way the legal system operates, a careless driver could be acquitted on such a technicality and even though the four lumen rear is genuinely visible in all contexts, it only takes a split second turn of the head, the approaching driver momentarily distracted for a fatal collision. That said, the Vis 360 has saved my bacon once following main systems failure-impromptu ride, lost track of time etc and to be frank its the perfect companion for this interesting Haloglow helmet. Sure on the face of things the Haloglow is just another very competent universal fit road lid with twenty vents conforming to CE1078 standard. Look closer however and there's an LED type halo around the circumference. Pressing the positive rear mounted switch for a few seconds engages and toggles between static and flashing modes. First impressions are favourable but the coming weeks will cement my opinion in a constructive and informed manner. In the meantime, take a closer look (http://www.moorelarge.co.uk/)

Continued subtle reconfiguration of the mighty Univega sees only the headset, Ultegra bar cons, front mech and Kalloy post remain of the original build. The rear wheel has been upgraded to a disc compatible Mavic/Alivio offering. Detailing is remarkably good, includes disc mounts, extremely well sealed bearings coupled with a satin ball burnished finish serves to illustrate how far lower end components have come in the last decade or so as technology trickles downward. Contrary to popular misconception, the spokes and the rims are to some extent, of greater significance to a wheel's quality than the hubs themselves.

A skillfully built budget offering can be a much better bet than superior components thrown together by a machine or "Saturday boy". That last remark reminds me of a situation some twenty years back when a customer came into a bike dealers collecting £200 worth of bespoke road wheels. Alas the hapless employee omitted rim tape and the subsequent explosion caused raised voices and red faces a plenty. These days litigation wouldn't be an idle threat. The Univega also enjoys a tyre upgrade courtesy of some lovely Schwalbe. With two inch wide profiles you'd expect them to be as responsive as the proverbial snail on mogadon. Oh contraire, they're the fastest two inch rubber I've used to date with superb acceleration and control whether thundering along the slimy rural backwaters or trickling through town.

Positively gliding over man hole covers, shards of glass, speed humps there's been no sign of the dreaded hiss and provocatively sneaking an extra fifteen psi past their 70psi maximum couldn't detract from the graceful, magic carpet ride. The 14-28 cassette left us feeling under-geared though so was substituted for a nickle plate 12-25. Lock ring tools, especially cassette types are so readily misplaced. Mercifully I found this hyper cracker pocket marvel in the spares drawer- It's really designed for touring, using the frame as a giant chain whip to remove (or refit) the ring but salvaged that particular evening's ride.

Contact points are amongst the most hotly debated (and oft contested) subjects when cyclists congregate for any period-saddles being a time honoured favourite. BBB are a Dutch firm doing things slightly different to the rest of the world in a very positive sense. Understated, the brands' Razer comfort lite sports remarkable attention to detail. Cro-moly rails are extremely well finished while the composite base and micro density memory foam are equally impressive. White leatherette covers usually turn my blood cold but this one's encased beneath a thick, durable lacquer meaning greasy finger marks, dirt and general ingress vanish with the first flick of a damp cloth so its practical, even for 'cross.

So where's the rub? Well, it just comes down to the 130mm base that is thirteen millimetres too narrow for my posterior over longer distances, leaving me uttering more "Ooooh!" than the late Frankie Howard (Titter ye not). Those worried about mutual compatibility will need to get themselves over to their nearest Specialized dealer for an assometer measurement or alternatively go the DIY route. Find an old but clean foam off cut. Sit on it long enough to leave a deep, obvious butt-print. Now, mark these points with ball bearings, marker pens or similar reference and measure the distance between the "sit bones" Voila you now have your optimum size!

Allow a little leeway- slightly wider for a more upright touring/mtb configurations such as the Univega but your newly discovered measurement will work just fine in the contexts of track or road mounts...

Now, you'll have to excuse me, I'm off to play with another lid, One23's 1 watt extreme light and Schwalbe's Kojak- who loves ya baby.