Not Fade Away

We’ve experienced some technical difficulties, leading to delays, a few tense moments and bouts of hand-wringing but with concerted effort; issue 7 of Seven Day Cyclist has now hit the digital newsstands. 

There’s a review of Frog’s junior friendly R70, an everyday/touring tyre group test, interview with Col Velo’s founding fathers Rob Harwood and Will Morgan, tours and much more besides. This Brooks’ C17 Cambium women’s saddle, Topeak waterproof wedge pack and a Waltz cap have just landed on our test bench too.

Ka and I headed up to the midlands for the bank holiday weekend. Generally speaking I’m never without a camera-usually a CSC but I found myself heaping gratitude upon my Samsung WB710 super zoom “travel” compact (a faithful belt loop /nelson pocket companion for several years) when this yellow tandem trike suddenly slipped into view.

Having asked permission, the couple were only too delighted to indulge my fascination and advised it was originally a Peugeot production model they’d bought new in 1979. The Newton conversion isn’t cheap (approximately £1500) but is fashioned from fillet brazed Reynolds 531 and handles much better than cheaper kits, especially over inclement surfaces. Cable operated discs and rear hub brake appear a sufficiently powerful combination for two adults and fully laden touring trailer.

Lovely couple, fascinating build. Knowing their locale’ I’ve dropped a business card and covering note through their door in the hope we can have a more involved chat about their machine and its history. Naturally, there was also further opportunity to capture urban artwork/graffiti porn in sunny Digbeth.  

Once upon a time, I held dear the notion that machines reflect their owners. I recognise this is somewhat over-simplistic and cringe at the suggestion they are extensions of our personalities. However, with time come component upgrades, fresh liveries and modifications that reveals something of our psyche.

Professionally, its’ imperative I remain current where technology’s latest developments, monitoring trends etc. On a strictly personal level, I find people’s winter bikes/daily drivers/workhorses truly fascinating.

So then; to the Ilpompino’s front-end conversion and after careful consideration I’ve concluded the superb TRP hydraulics over-engineered for the purposes of stopping a fixer. Besides, this would push the overall cost of the project to around £300, which isn’t really justifiable on an in-house 4130 cro-moly chassis.

The revised line up consists of user-friendly cable operated Avid BB7 with 160mm disc, which theoretically disperse heat and counteract fade better than their 140mm counterparts.

The front hoop will be an M-part Mavic/ Alex rim and Shimano M525 hub. Despite some concerted efforts to find some suitable forks on these shores, I’ll be importing some ‘cross friendly oversized carbon from the states. Then again, I’m a contrary figure, so spec remains subject to change without notice! 

Master Blaster

Peter Gabriel’s gig at Birmingham’s LG arena proved a very pleasant surprise and confirmed him, not only as an extremely competent musician with something to say but one whose work has continuously evolved. Now bald and sporting a neatly groomed goatee, he took the audience seamlessly through different creative phases, including an experimental one.

This eschewed a very industrial, yet rhythmic beat reminiscent of car body plants before he performed the familiar, album tracks. Musicians, rather like actors can become typecast, or at least frozen within time. Roddy Byers once remarked that people default to his membership of the Specials; rather than discussing his current projects.

I can see how this happens among fans, for who the music is inextricably linked with/nostalgic yearning for certain periods in their past. Indeed, there’s plenty of money in well packaged nostalgia but infuriating for an artist talking to journalists about their new project/direction.    

Mercifully, my mile-munching Ka sailed through its MOT last week; save for a headlamp bulb and nearside rear tyre that was cruising close to the legal limit. 128,200 miles strong and electro-mechanically simple, there will come a point when even the mighty Mk1 will be beyond economic repair.

Attentions have turned to something even simpler-a Lomax 223 or 224. Technically kit cars, these are 3 and 4 wheel models, reminiscent of Morgan based around Citroen’s super simple twin cylinder 602cc 2CV/Dyane engine and running gear. However, something an enthusiasts’ car, these are likely to be well maintained and given an age-related (rather than the slightly dubious Q) plate.  

Chances are, I’ll look into uprating the headlamps’ prowess too. Talking of which, I’ve acquired this 1800lumen Cree unit for my winter/trainer, which will hopefully feed from one of several well maintained li-on cells and cast a better quality arc of light than its existing 1,000lumen model.

Helmet lamps have traditionally been the preserve of mountain bikers but some are now boasting several, asphalt sensible settings. 2000lumens might be brilliant for scorching full-pelt along unlit trails, though this sort of ferocity isn’t particularly good PR on public roads. I’ve been lucky enough to sample Lupine’s 700 lumen Neo2. 

Made with stereotypical Teutonic precision, its matchbox sized lithium polymer cell can either cadge a lift in jersey pockets, or atop the lid, theoretically distributing the weight uniformly. Frankly; this works in practice-with most genres of helmets too. 700 lumens are a little underpowered for serious singletrack but more than adequate for identifying potholes and similar hazards at a decent lick along unlit lanes.

This and the 400 setting proved very effective when emerging from concealed entrances and junctions, capturing driver attention long enough for swift, dignified and moreover safe getaways without dazzling others. Low 240/140 modes are best for sub/urban duties and sip reserves and there’s also reading and SOS settings for pitching tents, reading maps and of course, sorting mechanicals.

Aside from the fact complying with UK traffic regulations dictates running bike mounted lighting too, it’s primarily a flood beam, so you’ll need something with a spot for picking out detail.  I may acquire something from the Far East, possibly of greater output-purely for comparative purposes but £129 remains decidedly favourable when all performance criteria’s considered.

Right, I’m off to see a man about his new bike range and play with some overshoes. 

Stuck for stocking fillers? How’s about a subscription to Seven Day Cyclist:

http://www.pocketmags.com/viewmagazine.aspx?titleid=2582&title=Seven+Day+Cyclist