Who Loves Ya Baby?

 My Univega’s front Continental Speed Reflex tyre succumbed to a slow flat, inducing some squirm and prompted a switch to the Schwalbe Kojak. It also provided an ideal opportunity to check pads for any imbedded contaminant etc. To my surprise, the comparable 26x2.0 Kojak are considerably lighter than the Continental (527g against 675g) which may be attributable to several factors.

While both tyres are wire beads and similarly matched in terms of puncture resistance (at least by their respective ratings) the Continental’s sidewalls https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact-speed-reflex-ty  seem a little beefier. They are supposedly designed to entertain tyre driven bottle dynamos, which may account for this differential. Not that I’ve felt any inclination to try, since I’m a hub dynamo devotee and wouldn’t revert by choice.

The Kojak seem to roll a bit faster (not that the Continental could ever be considered remotely sluggish) but the Kojak can also be run at 70psi, the Speed Reflex a more modest 58psi).  

Whether these features will have implications for durability and puncture resistance remain to be seen, especially as we transition from mild, breezy conditions to wintry stuff. However, I’ve also switched to some heavier duty Schwalbe tubes. Tubes are one of those components easily overlooked. The generic bundle types, though worthy enough tend to be a little on the thin side, which has implications for puncture resistance, patching and indeed, pressure retention.

Having reached my conclusions regarding the Tru Tension Banana Slip Wet Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tru-tension-tungsten-wet-lube , I’ve switched to the Zefal Extreme Wet Ceramic. Apparently, its’ a ceramic reinforced, Teflon-based formula reckoned to cling on, rain, shine, snow, and ice. The latter has been threatened on these shores. Some crisp 5am starts and glazed surfaces have been a slight culture shock, but confirmed that both tyres grip asphalt like the proverbial leach

Personally, I’m of the opinion these adverse weather predictions are designed to grab headlines and online traffic. Forecasting has also reached the point where it’s so accurate in the immediate sense, its ironically inaccurate longer term. Either way, I’ll be sticking with the Pro-Viz Reflect 360 Gloves https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-reflect-360-cycling-gloves  which seem to have most bases covered.  

I digress, back to the lube. A little certainly goes a long way. Literally apply a tiny drop of the white elixir on every, freshly cleaned link, give the cranks a few rotations (wiping any excess from the side plates) and you’re ready to go.  

So, what are ceramics, then…In this instance it refers to a microscopic layer designed to infiltrate and bond with the surface, theoretically protecting it from the elements and premature wear. Thus far, it’s certainly slick and less gloopy than many wet blends but I suspect good housekeeping (weekly wiping of side plates, jockey wheels and cages) will be mandatory.

With falling temperatures, layering is even more important. Primal Europe have graciously sent me these funky Comic Book arm warmers and Showers Pass, their Elements Jacket. Apparently designed with mountain bikers in mind but versatile enough for other disciplines and indeed, off the bike.

It’s a seam-taped 2.5 layer waterproof/breathable laminate with front pockets, core ventilation points, a removable hood and features a carbon print lining, which theoretically subverts clamminess and odours, which can be an issue with some 2.5 layer models, which I’ve otherwise been endeared to. Lighting is always a big draw, but particularly as the days are much shorter. I’m still very endeared to the Magicshine See Mee units discussed last week but this Lezyne Stick Drive is another neat design.

30 lumens isn’t jaw dropping by contemporary standards but the optical technology mean its very bright and useable, even in the lower settings. I’ve deliberated whether the 4lumen mode could be culled, although in common with some other Lezyne I’ve used in the past, it could be a life-saver, giving you something to limp home on, should reserves tumble.  

My Univega’s front Continental Speed Reflex tyre succumbed to a slow flat, inducing some squirm and prompted a switch to the Schwalbe Kojak. It also provided an ideal opportunity to check pads for any imbedded contaminant etc. To my surprise, the comparable 26x2.0 Kojak are considerably lighter than the Continental (527g against 675g) which may be attributable to several factors.

While both tyres are wire beads and similarly matched in terms of puncture resistance (at least by their respective ratings) the Continental’s sidewalls https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact-speed-reflex-ty  seem a little beefier. They are supposedly designed to entertain tyre driven bottle dynamos, which may account for this differential. Not that I’ve felt any inclination to try, since I’m a hub dynamo devotee and wouldn’t revert by choice.

The Kojak seem to roll a bit faster (not that the Continental could ever be considered remotely sluggish) but the Kojak can also be run at 70psi, the Speed Reflex a more modest 58psi).  

Whether these features will have implications for durability and puncture resistance remain to be seen, especially as we transition from mild, breezy conditions to wintry stuff. However, I’ve also switched to some heavier duty Schwalbe tubes. Tubes are one of those components easily overlooked. The generic bundle types, though worthy enough tend to be a little on the thin side, which has implications for puncture resistance, patching and indeed, pressure retention.

Having reached my conclusions regarding the Tru Tension Banana Slip Wet Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tru-tension-tungsten-wet-lube , I’ve switched to the Zefal Extreme Wet Ceramic. Apparently, its’ a ceramic reinforced, Teflon-based formula reckoned to cling on, rain, shine, snow, and ice. The latter has been threatened on these shores. Some crisp 5am starts and glazed surfaces have been a slight culture shock, but confirmed that both tyres grip asphalt like the proverbial leach

Personally, I’m of the opinion these adverse weather predictions are designed to grab headlines and online traffic. Forecasting has also reached the point where it’s so accurate in the immediate sense, its ironically inaccurate longer term. Either way, I’ll be sticking with the Pro-Viz Reflect 360 Gloves https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-reflect-360-cycling-gloves  which seem to have most bases covered.  

I digress, back to the lube. A little certainly goes a long way. Literally apply a tiny drop of the white elixir on every, freshly cleaned link, give the cranks a few rotations (wiping any excess from the side plates) and you’re ready to go.  

So, what are ceramics, then…In this instance it refers to a microscopic layer designed to infiltrate and bond with the surface, theoretically protecting it from the elements and premature wear. Thus far, it’s certainly slick and less gloopy than many wet blends but I suspect good housekeeping (weekly wiping of side plates, jockey wheels and cages) will be mandatory.

With falling temperatures, layering is even more important. Primal Europe have graciously sent me these funky Comic Book arm warmers and Showers Pass, their Elements Jacket. Apparently designed with mountain bikers in mind but versatile enough for other disciplines and indeed, off the bike.

It’s a seam-taped 2.5 layer waterproof/breathable laminate with front pockets, core ventilation points, a removable hood and features a carbon print lining, which theoretically subverts clamminess and odours, which can be an issue with some 2.5 layer models, which I’ve otherwise been endeared to. Lighting is always a big draw, but particularly as the days are much shorter. I’m still very endeared to the Magicshine See Mee units discussed last week but this Lezyne Stick Drive is another neat design.

30 lumens isn’t jaw dropping by contemporary standards but the optical technology mean its very bright and useable, even in the lower settings. I’ve deliberated whether the 4lumen mode could be culled, although in common with some other Lezyne I’ve used in the past, it could be a life-saver, giving you something to limp home on, should reserves tumble.  

Cabinet re-shuffle

Coinciding with the arrival of some seasonal snow and freezing temperatures came this little brass bell. Mandatory on all new bikes sold on these shores, I’ve always been of the opinion that a well-timed greeting is more effective and OEM equipment on most human beings. However, this one is extremely discrete and the genuine brass (as distinct from lacquered/anodised aluminium) delivers a more convincing sound. A simple adjustable strap secured by a cross head screw embraces most handlebar diameters very nicely so I opted to mount ours just inboard of the Univega’s Ultegra bar cons.

A deft, split-second flick of one’s thumb rewards with a surprisingly audible ping-great for quiet back lanes and mingling in close proximity with pedestrians but not a lot of use against a symphony of pneumatic drills, motorised traffic and similar noise pollution endemic to busy town centres.

Will Meister has gently asked for the return of his Kontact saddle so we've reverted to the similarly high tech carbon railed Selle Italia Turbomatic. I generally revel in the comfort of cutaways but several wet weather outings aboard Izzie reminded me that full-length mudguards (Fenders) are mandatory if a cold, soggy crotch/posterior is to be avoided.

Who loves ya baby? Sorry, couldn’t resist… After several weeks’ deliberation, I’ve bitten the bullet and breezed these Schwalbe Kojak aboard the Ilpompino’s hoops.

Filling those cross-inspired clearances gives a tidier effect, while ensuring smoother passage over erratically maintained roads. In my experience, the Kojak casings are more vulnerable to thorns and similar sharps compared with some so I’ve gone all belt and braces, fitting super dependable Kenda thorn-resistant tubes.

On a roll, I tidied the cockpit, removing the long redundant nylon handlebar bag mount, freeing up sufficient room for this cutesy baby blue Knog Nerd 5. Bringing the brands 50 lumen blinkey against the stem clamp for sharper aesthetics.

Sudden onset of sabre-tooth man-flu aside, serious outings haven’t been realistic due to icy roads and the fact those otherwise superb Continental studded tyres with 42mm casings are a non starter on the Ilpompino. On-One reckon 38mm is as big as the frame will accommodate and judging by the Schwalbe, I’m inclined to agree. That said; I’d be interested to hear from anyone with an IRO Rob Roy who’s managed this particular feat.

However, the Continentals work just dandy on ultra modern disc only cross and expedition tourers so long as you had super wide section fenders, or were prepared to forgo them altogether. Seeing as snow and Ice appears to be a seasonal regularity, I might add a set of 1.9s to the Univega’s wardrobe.

Snow-specific tyres are very much a niche product and priced accordingly but those I’ve used both on bicycles an motorcycles seem to work very well indeed. True, their additional weight means they’re a little more ponderous (like you’re going to mind, negotiating road/trails resembling skating rinks!) and pride can still come before a fall-turning a wheel in anger when entering snow covered roundabouts and junctions can result in slippage, or indeed a most undignified face-plant. However, employing a smooth, steady cadence, you’ll stand a sporting chance of remaining upright and smiling.


Received several requests for “Port-folio” work of late- businesses looking to exploit the poor economic conditions to their advantage. Every so often, I might slip something to a charitable organisation so long as I am credited accordingly but unless there’s some tangible economic reward, such requests are scooped into the spam. Old school barter is something entirely different and increasingly prevalent in situations where accepting cash doesn’t solve the problem at hand. A friend recently sorted my temperamental central heating in exchange for some family portrait photography. He wielded the spanners, I got behind the lens. My house is warm, his has some new photos-simple.

Last Tuesday was another case in point. Having finished work at a neighbours’ house, our cleaner knocked at the door needing help-she’d succumbed to a rear wheel flat and didn’t know where to begin. Bottom line, a new tyre and thorn resistant tube saw her bimbling home. Sure, I actively discourage people turning up and looking for a freebie but we pay her fairly and she reciprocates so declining to help would’ve been extremely churlish. Then there are others who just help themselves...

My sister often pops in to pass out after a hard night on the giggle juice. Most mark an end to a night's excess by savouring a Kebab or similar delicacy while stood in the taxi queue but I found her trying to toast bodyform towels in the comfort of my kitchen (!)

On that note, I’m off to test this not so little box of Muc -Off goodies.

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.