No Messing....

  

No sooner had I uttered something about not changing Denise's specification, Oxford Products sent me their Aqua Evo Adventure Daytripper pack. At 3.5 litres, it’s over twice the size of the Cycology and Topeak models I’ve tested recently, which is on some levels, a departure from my minimalist narrative.

At 329g its relatively lightweight and enjoys a maximum 2 kilo payload. It’s made from 400 denier rip-stop TPU. Welded seams and waterproof zippers. Internally, it features a dedicated tool and phone compartment, keeping these silently segregated from each other and other things you might want to dip in for. There’s a cargo net at the front for capturing overspill and the sensibly proportioned zipper tag promises easy access mid-ride too.   

  

As with other models that tether to the head tube, you’ll want to apply some helicopter tape to prevent wear-through (especially when mud and water are thrown into the equation). This goes for any other luggage that rests against the frame. I’m fond of those using Klick-Fix type brackets. On the one hand, they occupy a bit more real estate, but they also hold the bag out further, so they won’t foul head tubes, cables etc. Topeak’s Compact Bar Bag and Tour Bag are good examples.  

 

The compact version is most likely to appeal to photographers looking to carry a compact system camera, or SLR on tour, or day trip.  The bigger, 5 litre model will swallow a camera body two lenses and a fair bit more.  I always carry a 20mpxl super zoom compact camera in a jacket, or jersey pocket to capture things mid ride, but CSC are superior options if you’re looking for optimal resolution.  

 

Talking of jerseys, here’s my review of the Castelli Espresso Castelli Espresso Jersey | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) However, CSC and SLR need proper storage. Never pop cameras or sensitive electricals in a rack top bag, even the generously padded type, such as this Topeak MTXTopeak MTX Trunk Dry Bag | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) since low-level vibration will prove ruinous. 

  

Elsewhere, the weather had been decidedly wet and mucky, which have been a little tedious in some respects. It was so wet that I’d gone from the FLR mountain bike shoes to the Shimano MW501 Dry Shield SPD MTB Shoes Shimano MW501 Dry Shield SPD MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) a lightweight, packable jacket such as this Leatt Jacket MTB Endurance Leatt Jacket MTB Endurance 2.0 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and over to the Madison Roam 2.5 Layer Waterproof Jacket Madison Roam 2.5 Layer Waterproof Jacket | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), which, some small points aside, is a nice fit for gravel, mtb and commuting duties thanks to the hood, hip pockets and tasteful colours. Waterproofing and breathability are 10,000mm apiece, so not quite on par with more expensive models, but pretty good, in the everyday sense.   

  

Having checked the Tiagra’s maximum capacity, I’ve decided I’ll take Denise the 11-28 cassette route, when the chain wears out, giving a rough range of 31-79 inches. The SS is designed for 2x10, whereas the GS is intended for triple setups, in case anyone wasn’t aware, or were simply curious.  

 

Talking curious, I’ve decided to switch Denise’s Wellgo MO94B pedals WELLGO MO94B SPD PEDALS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) in favour of the Shimano PD ED 500 Shimano PD ED 500 Pedals | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). Not the most obvious choice and given the frame’s heritage, the first generation of SPD would’ve been aesthetically a more obvious, period sensitive fit. I may well go this route later down the line.  

 

Grateful for having options. I decided now was time to replace the rear inner brake cable, since I was convinced a kink, or similar was impairing the Suntour SE cantilevers’ function slightly- I needed to re-wrap the T-One bar tape in any case, since it had slipped a bit over the first few weeks.  

 

I made some time to remove Ursula’s Stronglight Aheadset and Van Nicholas VNT Ceramic Bottom Bracket, giving Ursula a good, deep clean ready to be boxed up and sent to Winston Vaz in July. The latter was liberally greased, so released effortlessly and the Stronglight’s cups popped out with a few deft taps of a mallet and my Kinesis fork steerer tube drift.  

Aside from some minor flaking of the cream powder coat, the frame is generally in good shape. Another little job off the list. I’ll treat the headset, bottom bracket, and drivetrain components to a tour de parts washer in due course. I also took the plunge and invested in a “proper” cup removal tool, since one was going for £20.  

The Kinesis fork steerer is a much safer drift than the long flat bladed screwdriver bodge, especially with aluminium alloy cups, but not ideal. I’ve also been thinking in terms of acquiring workshop-quality chain rivet pliers, mainly for breaking and rejoining track chains. These days I buy derailleur chains pre-cut and, in the instances, where I may need to prune one, this Topeak, or indeed, a multi-tool model will suffice.  

Petting the Hedgehog

 Generally speaking, I hold up pretty well during the cold, wet and sometimes icy months but I’ve been finding riding in perpetual darkness tricky of late, so I mixed things up a little. Midwinter is also a season of temptation and er, sometimes five-minute wonders. Tempered in my case by outgoings, and cost-benefit discipline. Want versus Need, at its simplest.  

The Holdsworth’s fork is a modest expense with genuine benefits. The mighty KA was due for servicing and two new front tyres. They were still within the legal limit but safety’s not something I mess with, particularly during winter. 

Admin and emails before 7.30 and out riding come sunrise. I enjoy the changing seasons- always have and though I can cope in hot, humid conditions, there’s a lot to be said for cooler weather. People’s tempers seem more even, and, on the bike, I can don, or remove additional layers.   

Some of you will notice a pink theme creeping in. Now, I wouldn’t have a frameset finished in pink, nor is it a colour I’m traditionally drawn to. Much will also depend on the shade. However, I’m perfectly secure in my masculinity, so not overly fazed when a manufacturer sends me something- bar tape, bar bag, jersey with a subtle hue, or theme.  

Contrasts nicely with Ursula’s cream and black colourway and of course, the Holdsworth’s “French” blue (RAL 5024). I was also suitably taken with the Giant Continuum 9 function wireless computer, that I’ve acquired another. Not least since it’s bankrupt stock and pink is cheaper than the alternative colours by several quid.  

There are a few devices l personally prefer to be disconnected from the internet. Bar-mounted computers are cases in point. Phones and other technology spy on us- for some reason, I’m being offered prostrate massagers, laxatives, inflatable companions, commodes via Ali Express. Hmm...Can only be that grunting on those long climbs... I digress...   

Ursula and the Holdsworth sported 80’s pink/black spatter Bike Ribbon in the past-£1 from a bargain bin dive. Peugeot and a couple of small-scale British frame builders offered framesets with a black and pink theme too.      

UK media hysteria about snow blasts, white outs and complete chaos have in this corner thus far, translated as minus 6 and plenty of ice. Not an issue with the right kit- Ursula's shod with the spikes, I’m wearing long sleeve base layers, Belgian style caps (greater coverage for the ears) softshell jacket, Oxford Venture Gilet, or if the wind’s really biting this Madison Roam 2.5 Madison Roam 2.5 Layer Waterproof Jacket | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  Waterproof socks and gloves are another definite plus, while glasses shield the eyes from windblast, sleet and debris. Amber lenses are reckoned to reduce glare and make it easier to see in low light. There's suggestion these also enhance the mood and anecdotally, I’ll agree.   

The invisiFrame Protectant is proving a remarkably effective barrier against, wet, gritty, corrosive stuff and I’ve been very surprised at just how clean Ursula has remained after much mixed terrain fun. Judging by this Bell Avenue, it works equally well on matt polycarbonate finishes.  

Titanium is a little trickier though. Matt, “submarine” greys are fine but those with a satin hue required more enthused buffing to remove any haze- the Holdsworth’s Torus stem being a case in point. I took that opportunity to dress its Coefficient Wave Carbon Handlebars COEFFICIENT WAVE HANDLEBAR | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) with Cycology 8-day Handlebar tape. The outer, silicone-based coating means it’s a little tricker than some to get tucked into the end and needs a firm, even pressure. That said; it’s hardly challenging to fit. I’m enjoying the Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar bag.  

It’s made from a sturdy waterproof 900d polyester with a waterproof zipper and 2.4 litre carrying capacity. There’s also a carry strap for convenience off the bike. Internally it has a relatively large “open plan” main and a zippered “valuables” stash within the wall- change, keys and other stuff you don’t want going AWOL. Given the bitterly cold, icy snap, the fixed has been enjoying a rest.  

One quirk I have noticed with the Topeak DX rack is that to adjust the chain tension, with the present chain tugs requires removing the rack from the eyelets (since the legs sit proud and obstruct). The obvious, although relatively pricey option was to go for another set of MKS NJS chain tugs. Nice, but I decided I’d take a punt on some auction site specials, which looked to be of the genuinely cheap but cheerful variety. The supplier claimed UK stock and in fairness, they arrived within a week. Time will tell but if these fail, I’ll take the MKS route.