Early
spring is probably the most unpredictable seasons for riding, or at least
dressing. Winter’s slimy cauldron is pretty straightforward. Mudguards, stouter
tyres and chain lubes to keep bikes happy. ¾ lengths/tights, overshoes, hats,
gloves and base, mid layers/arm extensions and micro jacket cater for most
conditions.
Spring
can hurl hail, sleet and snow with one hand, blazing sunshine the next-all in
the space of an hour; or less. The past week or so has seen foggy starts and
temperatures struggling to exceed 6 degrees.
Cygolite
hot rod 50 and Giant Numen + link TL in daylight modes, dynamo and BTwin V100
320 convertible (White or red diodes in flashing or constant modes) have been
on duty night, or day. The rationale’ for running blinkies during daylight is
about remaining conspicuous and one that I personally subscribe to but don’t
necessarily advocate.
Admittedly,
someone would have a hard time arguing they were unable to spot the Cygolite
dash pro 450 usb or Bontrager 350RT units in daylight flash modes (500 and
350lumens respectively). However, other road users run the risk of “Blinkey
blindness” once the practice of running lights during the day becomes the
accepted norm.
300
miles in and the Ti post hasn’t castrated me, or shown any obvious signs of
failure/fatigue. Nonetheless, I’m still highly attuned to any unnerving sounds!
Bib
shorts, tights, long sleeve base-layer short-sleeve training jersey and
gillet/micro jacket grace my body. Medium density full-finger gloves and Lusso
moisture transfer neck warmer takes care of my extremities.
Blessed
with a generous thatch, even in really cold conditions, I find hats keep me a
little too toasty. Something like this Lusso multi-functional neck warmer is
generally ideal, since rather like the iconic buff, I can convert and wear it a
number of ways.
Made
from a 85% polyester 15% Lycra mix, it lacks the outright comfort of a merino
garment but is very competitively priced and easy to live with. The black base
and zig-zag patterning coordinates handsomely with the entirety of my riding
wardrobe, civvies too.
I’ve
always been slightly prone to chest infections since childhood. Though I can
usually dispatch a cold within a matter of days, throw a chest infection into
the mix and the subsequent chain smokers rattle can linger for weeks.
Therefore, I’ve tended to wear it cravat fashion, clinging around my neck.
Just
like the iconic Buff and other sleeve types, there’s sufficient length for
covering the cheeks and nose-bandit style. In this guise, it also provides some
welcome protection against dust and other physical particles but obviously, no
defence against those emitted by diesel vehicles in congested traffic.
Merino
aside, my one minor gripe with the tube type designs is their relatively slow
wicking once truly saturated-I’m talking post torrential rain, not concerted
rider effort. I’ve not encountered this particular scenario just yet but will
be interesting to see how the Lusso shapes up in a storm.
Balaclavas
also have a niche following on these shores. When the mercury slips several
degrees below zero, I’ve found some polyester models fine but +7 degrees upward,
clamminess really sets in. This “Weatherneck system” arrived the other week. It’s
essentially a convertible balaclava cum neck-gaiter and facemask. So far, it’s
shaping up to be three surprisingly good garments in one. https://theweatherneck.com/
The
amusingly monikered mullet cap offers excellent defence against chill (albeit
slightly too warm for yours truly) and fits very well. The perforated Balaclava
component is similarly generous and attaches/adjusts via moderately powerful
magnets, which is a lot more convenient than Velcro, especially while cruising
along. Turned chilly? Simply whip it round and let the magnets do their thing.
The
base can be tucked into a jersey for seamless protection and unlike some
monocoque designs, hasn’t impaired breathing, or turned overly clammy under
sustained effort.
Back
in the 70s and 80’s Balaclavas were associated with bank robbers and best
removed before entering public buildings.
These days, it seems combining this
with a remote trigger for SLR cameras leads to “community spirited” neighbours believing
you are part of a terror cell...
Finally
on this conversion themed entry, we have the MKS EZY system. This permits
tool-free, quick release removal of certain MKS pedals. The main idea being you
can remove one, or both to deter theft when locking up in the street, when
transporting a bike, or just optimising storage space. Just like their urban
platform pedals, it’s extremely refined and beautifully engineered. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/mks-urban-platform-pedals
.
Step
in, or dual sided systems have been my default for almost 25 years, although
there’s a lot to be said in favour of half-clip designs for bike-as-car
commuting/utility riding in smart/street shoes, or even less pronounced steel
toe safety footwear.
Ending
on a completely different note, these three turkeys have been blocking the back
road, almost religiously, every Tuesday morning. They’re quite vocal in their
contempt, engage in seemingly heated debate among themselves and refuse to
move, even for large articulated trucks!
