Dark Days &Filthy Lanes

I've managed to evade anything resembling a seasonal Lurgi, despite several doing the rounds. Part of this is down to the old adage that there is no such thing as the wrong weather, only the wrong kit for those conditions. 

Full length mudguards make a considerable difference, in terms of comfort and cleanliness. Rains have shown little sign of easing, so roads and lanes resemble muddy streams and surprise, surprise, I've favoured waterproof/repellent outer layers. 

Temperatures have held at around 6/7 degrees, so jackets with a breath ability rating of 10,000 are fine, atop a winter weight base and mid-layer. I generally prefer those with a rating of 15,000, which are that bit more temperate for faster-paced general riding. 

The Funkier Aqua water repellent tights and Prendas Ciclismo Lisboa Waterproof Cap https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/prendas-ciclismo-lisboa-waterproof- have also come in to their own, in these contexts. I prefer water-repellent to completely impervious fabrics, when it comes to socks and gloves. 

Those with a TPU lining may be waterproof in the submersible sense. However, they tend to become very hot, and turn uncomfortably clammy.  I've been cruising along quite happily with these Altura Night Vision, which are waterproof, in the submersible sense. 

They are also a three-layer design. however, this consists of a polyester laminate, a windproof, breathable membrane and a thermal liner. Little surprise then that my hands have remained temperate and completely dry in these very soggy scenarios. 

Day glow yellow doesn't appeal to everyone but its useful in dull, murky conditions and the retro-reflective detailing helps keep signals acutely visible.  No danger of falling off the radar with the See Sense Icon 2, thanks in part to the clever diode pattern and poly carbonate lens. The idea is that these spread an arc and tempo of lighting that humans find difficult to tune out from. 

I am also guessing there's an element of future-proofing at hand i.e. It may also be a tempo that autonomous vehicles may register and process.  I've also found time to fit their little bar bag. 

Designed for those essentials you need ready access to, I've decided its the ideal parking spot for the K-lite twin port USB charger and whatever I fancy refuelling, during the day, when I can opt for a blinky in day-flash and the dynamo, off. 

Talking of which, I am often asked why I could possibly want to carry a compact light, with a 1300lumen headlamp. A valid point, at face value. However, even the most reliable system can develop a fault. 

Even with the K Lite Bikepacker Ultra's prodigious standlight https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/k-lite-bikepacker-ultra-dynamo-ligh, a portable (ideally helmet mounted) light comes in really handy. Something I was reminded of, last Tuesday night. 

This ETC Sirrah came to my rescue when I felt the familiar, mood torpedoing  "bob" of a rear flat, several miles from home. I was also stunned to find a large Audi slowing to a halt, the driver genuinely concerned for my welfare. 

I  confirmed all was basically OK and thanked him for stopping. Mind you, I'm a very independent (some would say proud/stubborn) soul. Someone who asks for help, only as a last resort. That goes for life generally. Arrogant? No I just feel I should be able to manage. 

Being helmet mounted meant both hands were free to whip out the rear wheel, remove the tube and check the Schwalbe Marathon Mondial's casing for sharps. I initially replaced it with a bog standard multi-buy butyl. 

Wanting to minimise the likelihood of this happening again, I subsequently exchanged that for a Kenda Thorn Resistant tube. I'd also introduced some latex sealant, so the dreaded hiss should be a moot point. 

Now, the Marathon Mondial https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-mondial-tyres are a very hardy tyre, which employ an equally robust puncture repelling system. Something embedded in the mud clearly worked its way into the casing, and grazed the thin butyl tube. 

The Sirrah full 500 made said roadside repair that bit easier but it would seem my Lezyne pump's valve plug has been claimed by the verge monster. Even if you default to the CO2 inflator, a decent pump should always be carried in reserve. Steve's been quite taken with this Zefal https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-air-profil-micro-pump . At the other extreme, and for home/workshop use, there's the Fumpa Pump https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/fumpa-pump

I've since patched the wounded butyl and returned it, along with a sibling to my Univega's Carradice Carradry https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry. Another godsend, keeping everything dry and secure.  

Conditions like these are perfect for testing lubes, cleaners and similar potions. I'm, pleased to report the Juice Lubes Viking Juice is still holding out, 130 waterlogged miles in. 

No less than I'd expect. Weldtite TF2 All Weather Lubricant https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-performance-all-weathe has returned 400 from a single helping in comparable circumstances, after all.  the SKS Bluemells mudguards have also been proving their worth. 

However, my DIY "Bodge Flap" was another casualty of the verge. Something I attribute to the chosen adhesive. I've found Gorilla glue very useful for a wealth of things. However, it cures to a relatively inflexible state, thus doesn't handle pulling/twisting forces so well. Thankfully, Richard at RAW has sent me these to test https://rawmudflap.uk/about-mudflaps/

  

Happy Christmas!

F is for frustration...Oh and fetish!

The onset of warmer weather rekindles my desire to press onward with the Holdsworth's rebirth. Repair to the shell, bottle mounts and of course, new finish. I'm leaning toward a chrome effect powder base-coat with a two pac 5012 top coat to give the impression of a plated triangle but without the harmful processes. However, while I'm renown for creative solutions and lateral thought, some things require capital investment and the behaviours of one small-scale publisher is testing my patience to the absolute limit. This came to a head last week when a second copy of the current issue dropped through my letterbox sans cheque! In stark contrast, Moore Large have sent these butyl tubes gratis since they couldn't supply me with the thorn resistant Kenda on time. Being Knog's UK distributor, they've also left me this veritable hum vee of a bag to play with...

Knog never cease to amuse with their bizarre but oh so clever marketing and that promoting their Pig Dog 15.5 messenger bag is no exception. The blurb suggests the PR boys and girls have been enjoying too many rides on the magic roundabout but if you can wear the hefty £96 price tag, it could prove the perfect urbane companion for riders seeking a stylish, waterproof town satchel on and sans bike but without messenger pretensions. Made from hand stitched, hard wearing 1200 denier cotton duck, full to bursting capacity is an eye-popping twenty-four litres. Being a social chameleon, it can be taken anywhere, especially through airport security with the minimum of fuss which is more than can be said of an otherwise fine example made from hemp with that oh so distinctive aroma....

Polar opposite in their marketing strategy, BBB Ultra tech bib shorts are the embodiment of professional with twelve panel construction, flat seams, silicone grippers gracing every contour perfectly for maximum comfort and unrestricted movement. Inserts can make or break a short. Common to similarly priced designs, it's gender specific, mapped out with the full compliment of supportive/pressure relieving grooves. two layer construction consists of a moisture wicking top-sheet that retains a cool, dry inner climate while the " Silver protection" combats bacterial build up, maintaining good hygiene and odour control. Music to my derriere these past few weeks and six hundred miles, the two tone livery might not be every one's cuppa and some reinforcement would be welcomed around the seat but they're a shrewd option for long days in the saddle without the boutique pricing. Beset by occasional but unnerving bouts of writer's block, I've been seeking inspiration from all manner of places and with Joshua at a loose end, we headed to Maldon Shotblasting & powder coating too see what was on offer. Nestling amongst the rows of freshly TIG welded go-cart chassis awaiting blasting and painting was this Trek. Determining the year of build was tricky since it's made from Cro-moly, the rear stays have an early 90's heritage and curiously the well finished vertical ends sported a disc mount....

Further intrigue came courtesy of Justin Burls and this frameset made for two...I'll arrange to come and visit him at his new premises and if I ask nicely perhaps he'll fill me in. In the meantime should you fancy something bespoke from the finest grade Russian titanium then have a look at his site: http://www.burls.co.uk/

Ending on a surreal note, SKS airchamp pro is a very fine way of raising a flaccid road tyre to 110psi in eight seconds. A clever thumb switch enables controlled release, as opposed to jettisoning an entire cylinder which might not seem ideal when trying to rejoin the peleton but comes into it's own, out with the chain gang. With hydraulic arms you've cajoled eighty-five psi from the hand-pump but it's locked out and that race rubber's begging for 125. Plug on the airchamp and top-up (checking periodically with your tyre gauge to avoid blowing it from the rim!) There's even a safety catch to prevent unintentional discharge...So, there was I bowling along the lanes when whooooooooooooooooosh- the cartridge engaged in my messenger knickers, refreshing the parts Co2 inflators weren't intended for and at £2.50 a hit, this won't develop into a fetish!