Revisions & Regaining Trust

 

I’d found myself a little tentative, following the blowout and subsequent long walk home with Denise. Rationally, I’d switched the tube, replaced the rim tape- both fresh, so no reason I’d succumb to a mechanical. I’d also given the cassette and chain a good clean, stripping the Peaty’s Link Lube All Weather for its dry counterpart. The chain was worn to .5, so still had some life, maybe three hundred miles, depending on conditions.

Against this backdrop, I’d decided the best tactic was to pop out on a shorter evening loop-8 miles, taking in some gravel and rougher roads, ruling out any tyre, or tube issues and also getting a better idea of how the big wide, swoopy WTB bars would improve control in these contexts.

I’m still very fond of the original Soma Condor TEST: SOMA CONDOR HANDLEBAR and would recommend them to those seeking a shallow reach drop, whether it be a cyclo cross, touring, or drop bar mountain bike. However, the WTB Mountain Road Drop definitely have an edge on the control front off road. I’d forgotten how good they were and so glad I kept them. On-One’s Midge were another surprisingly good budget buxom bar and these were also available in 25.4 and 31.8, catering for old school mountain bike stems and obviously, more contemporary models.

The larger diameter was less whippy, giving a more direct feel on the road but without feeling harsh off road. Aside from the control factor, flared drops open the chest cavity further, improving climbing prowess on longer ascents, which is something I’ve traditionally enjoyed on the fixed gear winter trainer.

However, I’ve settled to subtle riser drops, these Genetic D-Riser 4 GENETIC DRISER 4 HANDLEBARS | cycling-not-racing have struck the best balance for road duties, their D-Riser 16 GENETIC D RISER 16 BARS | cycling-not-racing arguably win by a nose if gravel, cyclo cross and possibly trailer tugging duties are your primary duties.

The other advantage the Genetic offer over the likeable Soma is uniform diameter across the top section, meaning accessories are easier to fit.  More subtle designs such as the Genetic also have an advantage when riding into headwinds, given the narrower surface area.      

Five miles under the tyres, turning right along a section of disused airfield I began to relax, engaging with the evening sun and letting rip. Though I hadn’t intended to change the bars, this proved an inspired choice and sensibly undertaken when the bike was already awaiting minor work. I’ll switch the Leatt Endurance 6.0 over to Denise and the M540 back to Muffin.

The Leatt 6.0 have proven very impressive on the fixed. The Cro-moly axles and 6061 bodies provide a very rigid, supportive platform, which was particularly apparent when climbing out of the saddle or otherwise accelerating hard. Obviously, Muffin’s relatively lofty bottom bracket and 165mm cranks help, but there’s generous clearance, so no fear of grounding a pedal during enthused cornering. The black anodised finish is also wearing well with the regular clippings in and out. Bearings are not only incredibly well sealed but employ needle and ball bearings.  It will be interesting to see how they fare off road.    

Staying with off road rubber a moment, here’s my review of the CST Patrol CST Patrol Folding EPS Tyres | cycling-not-racing

I’d had Muffin’s Giant Continuum 9 Wireless Computer head unit go rogue. Changing the CR2032 cell seemed the most obvious solution-the sensor cells can go with little warning, regardless of whether premium or generic cells are used. I always apply a thin lick of Vaseline or silicone grease to the contacts, optimising connectivity, while sealing the elements out.

However, the head unit would not calibrate correctly, so I decided to salvage what I could- CR2032 cell, fork sensor and silicone casing, since Ursula and Denise still run them. I’ve had a year’s service out of it, and some might say my £9 worth. I spotted some NOS Blackburn computers and went for a pair, just in case another of the Continuum should fail unexpectedly.    I’ll close here with this review of the Velo Tool Mini Adjustable Torque Wrench Velo Tool Mini Adjustable Torque Wrench | cycling-not-racing

    

 

Reflections & Relentless Rain

 Water, Water Everywhere but Not a Drop to Drink. Flooding has been this winter’s narrative and the lack of flood defences here in the UK would seem to be making matters worse. However, the less extreme ends of this are great for assessing the capabilities (and sometimes shortcomings) of everything.  

From waterproof, breathable clothing to mudguards, waxes, detailing products, bike washes, lubes, and of course, electricals. Leatt has sent me their Endurance 2.0 Jacket, which is aimed at cross-county mtb/gravel audiences but in my experience, makes the transition to general road duties very well.   

The jacket is a “super lightweight” model that packs down very compactly. Leatt reckons inside a jersey pocket, and I’d broadly agree, depending on how large your pocket is. No issues with the old-school, deep terrace type.  It’s a Nylon/Elastane “rip-stop” weave that forgoes a laminate for improved ventilation and features a DWR (Durable water repelling) windproof and stain-resistant outer shell. Knitted panels also feature knitted paneling in the back and panels for improved ventilation. 

The former also features a poacher’s type rear pocket. Me being me, I would’ve preferred a breast pocket too, for a compact camera etc. However, it’s a feathery, racy, close-fitting cut for minimal flutter and this second pocket with cargo would pull, thus impairing the fit etc. That shouldn’t be read as only being suitable for summer weight/long-sleeved jerseys. I’m pleased to report ours is roomy enough for the winter-weight jersey cum jacket genre too.   

I’ve gone for the blue but black and rust are the alternatives. The zipper is also waterproof, although I would’ve preferred a bigger tag, even allowing for my not-so-dextrous dominant index finger. I’ve done my usual, cable tie zipper tag extension, solving said problem.   

Packable garments are arguably the most practical options for changeable conditions, although I’m still a big fan of the 2.5-layer laminate type when it’s predictably wet and indeed cold. Talking of which, I also received some more lubes.  

This time from Blub’s range- a ceramic and a wax, which are cleaner running preps designed for drier weather. Obviously, it's most important to test them in the conditions for which they were designed. However, I am also interested to see how products like lubes behave in wider contexts. After all, conditions can change throughout a ride. How practical is a lube to reapply? Does it wash away, how good are its corrosion-inhibiting properties? How much grime does it attract etc.   

One of the very appealing features of these two is their rapid curing times- allegedly two minutes apiece for both, which is on paper as practical as you’re likely to find. Seems a little longer in practice. That said; I’ve been applying in 2/3 degrees. Yes, I know there are still pour-and-go formulas but even after you’ve drizzled them into the chain’s inner sanctum, you’re still needing to wipe away the excess before hopping on and scooting off.  I’ve left the fixed and Ursula’s curing for a day, primarily since I applied having purged their drivetrains and given both bikes a seriously good sudsy bucket wash and wax.  

One thing led to another, and I whipped this 28mm Schwalbe One 365 up front.  All weather/ al conditions tyres are a big ask and to some extent, there’s always an element of compromise somewhere. In my experience, with lighter, swifter tyres it tends to be puncture resistance.  

The Schwalbe weigh in at 332g apiece, less than half the weight of The Pirelli Angel ST Urban Tyres Pirelli Angel DT Urban Tyre | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and indeed, the super dependable Kenda Kwick Journey KS Plus KENDA KWICK JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) . However, these Vittoria Rubino Pro Control Graphene 2.0 Vittoria Rubino Pro Control Graphene 2.0 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) are a much closer comparator and 5g apiece heavier. Will be interesting to see how the Schwalbe perform across the board and compared with the Vittoria and to a lesser degree, the Maxxis Refuse 700x32c 60 TPI TR Folding Maxx Shield Tyres MAXXIS REFUSE TR FOLDING TYRE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

I’ve also been further contemplating the benefits of hub transmissions and bikes built around them. Genesis Day One employs a double-butted aluminium alloy frame and Cro-moly fork and is built around the humble 8-speed Nexus hub. Cable-operated discs might lack the low maintenance bite of hydraulics but are easy to service and repair.  

Budget but a practical workhorse cum commuter. Nice enough but not so pretty you’re petrified by the thought of tethering it to hardy street furniture with a decently stout “fuck off” lock. Long story short, I’d be interested in racking up some proper miles on one.  

Another enticement, given the flooding and generally adverse conditions are hub dynamos that can be serviced “in the field”.  By that, I really mean models that can be stripped, bearings replaced and regreased without going back to the factory. Interestingly one side of the Alfine hub dynamo Shimano Alfine UR700 Hub Dynamo | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) can be accessed and the bearings replaced.  

While the SP series of hubs have been impressive despite some extreme and persistently wet conditions, I’m tempted by the KASI FS DynaCoil CL/D6 units which are designed to be opened using a 36mm headset spanner. I’ve had 20,000 miles plus from the PD8 before the sealed bearings got sloppy. However, given the miles Ursula and fixed gear trainer rack up in foul weather, the ability to strip, clean, and rebuild the hub, without dismantling the wheel is a definite draw.