Ramble On

 Clement weather has allowed more playtime on the Holdsworth, and I’m pleased that I went the star-fangled nut route since the once excellent expander wedge wasn’t doing its thing. A steady cadence and 30kmh (18.6mph) average on a local loop but there have been a few moments, on the climbs when I’ve felt the 81inch gear a little lofty. Brake and lever tweaks were inspired decisions too.  

I was also pondering upgrading the fixed gear winter/trainer’s chain tugs for a set of MKS. Hardly a priority, in the grand scheme of things, not to mention supply and therefore, cost implications.  

Rationale’ for this? In my experience, the MKS maintains chain tension better, in my experience. Save for wheel removals, I’ve not needed to tweak the Holdsworth’s-ever. Mileage depending, I’m tweaking the winter fixed’s every four weeks. Factors such as chain quality play a part- the S1 were cheap, but crucially cheerful, so will stay, although when it comes to bang for buck, KMC’s Z510HX is hard to beat. Gusset’s S link (half-link) model was another favourite a good for fixed gear conversions, although at 360g, heft may be unpalatable for some.  

Besides, while “use what you have” is generally sound business practice, it's particularly prudent, given the present economic climate.

I always recommend some form of lighting, even during the height of summer. In these parts, sunrise strikes before 430am. Early morning blasts, or extended playtimes on the best bike (s) can be changeable and relatively powerful safety lights can be a boon, should dusk catch you napping, you get lost, or mechanical strike.  

Overkill perhaps, but I’m running the Magic Shine Ray 2600 up front. As the name suggests, it’s capable of delivery of 2600lumens. However, I’m running the 330-lumen flashing and pulsing settings, which are the most frugal and very captivating. At the rear, A 60 lumen Moon Shield. Arguably overkill in the highest settings and assuming you hadn’t fried their retinas, likely to induce anger and rebuke at close quarters for any period.  

I also retain a fondness for the original Magic Shine See Mee 200, which still gets used a far bit, nearly two years down the line. However, I found the “braking” function a little too sensitive and prolonged, which put a palpable dent in the run times.  

Against this backdrop, Magicshine has sent me their V2. There are several revisions. Dis/engaging the braking function only requires a 3, rather than 5-second press. This version has also been simplified in terms of modes, which for me, is another improvement.  

Sometimes, less is more. The original had eight in total, the V2 has four- two constant, two flashing-alongside a smart mode. They’ve also sent me their See Mee 150 Combo. A front and rear pairing delivering 150lumens, in their highest of four and six modes, respectively. The 150 rear, is markedly smaller than the 200, due to the latter's second “tracer” lens that casts a flood beam at the road.  

Not essential, nor completely unique- I have others employing similar technologies. This Tern hugging the Holdsworth’s seat post, being a case in point. As an aside, the mount has proved interchangeable with others in the family I’ve used-the 100, 180 specifically. A small but welcome thing, reducing production costs into the bargain.  

I’ve slipped the 150 front atop Ursula’s Soma Condor 2 bars SOMA CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS | (sevendaycyclist.com) and run the 200 behind, whereas the rear 150 is gracing my fixed gear winter trainer’s Cane Creek Thud Buster G4 

 

I also received a second Souma Leather Bar Tape, so wasted no time in treating Ursula’s bars, not least since I’m interested to see how good damping sans asphalt is. My hypothesis is that gel underlays are the way forward if you’re doing a lot of adventurous touring. The sort involving unmade roads, or indeed, gravel.  

Curiously, this sample was easier to apply than the first. Allowing for factors such as bar shape, natural products, vary slightly when it comes to density, finish and “give”. This would probably explain why getting it started and flowing uniformly took much less effort The finish also seems grippier, from the outset-regardless of glove/palm type, which was another pleasant surprise. As were these Salice Glasses, modeled here, by Miriam.  

Bright Lights Cold Nights

Second week in bedsit land and the boiler has gone bong, meaning no heating and hot water. Memories of the winter of ’92 are flooding back. At present, the temperatures are still creeping into double figures and this property is double-glazed. Therefore, the frosty glaze remains on the outside my window, when I don Lycra and head out for a 5am ride.

Cold showers and a vanishing toilet seat are less welcome, although said facilities remain superior to that infamous East London property 28 years back. Indeed, its 28 years since I bought my first LED light. A rear, two mode Vistalight that was essentially a reflector on steroids but a huge leap ahead of the basic, heavy filament lights that were the norm then.  

Enter these Magicshine See Mee lights. I have the 200, 180 and 100 versions on my test bench and am seriously impressed. The highest figure refers to the “Braking function” which kicks in for three seconds when their motion sensor detects deceleration/similar changes in momentum.

Formative impressions suggest these are too sensitive, triggered by washboard tarmac and longer climbs, thus putting a noticeable dent in run times. Thankfully, they can be switched off. “Braking” lights have become more popular but most I’ve used seem prone to these quirks, so I’m not singling the See Mee range out, per se.

The flashing modes are very effective and relatively frugal, across the board. The 200 also has a tracer light, a secondary diode that casts a 360degree flood at the road, to highlight bike and rider-again, fantastic in terms of presence and my inner child has grinned at the novelty value.

Talking of which, these are competitively priced. The 200 costs £33.99, the 100 £25.99. (At the time of typing, I’m not sure of the 180’s rrp). For the time being, I’m sticking with the Continental Contact Speed Reflex. These continue to impress with their tarmac hugging prowess, low rolling resistant and magic carpet ride quality. To my surprise, the Lezyne Floor Drive track pump’s gauge has expired. I’d had it for some years and it’s a really solidly made unit.

I didn’t want the hassle of buying and installing a replacement gauge, so I went the standalone route and this Topeak Smart Gauge D2. The only potential weak spot is the sprung head. I liked the original Smart Gauge, which came my way some 16 years back, which was a little simpler and had a press on head that would automatically morph to a Schrader, or Presta valve.

Alas after a few years faithful service, mine imploded rather dramatically. A backlight function would be rather handy, say when getting back on the road following a flat-my SKS Air Checker (in storage) has one.

Some would say for the same price, I could’ve bought another track pump but that would be wasteful, since the Lezyne is really well made and a standalone gauge is not only portable but the most accurate. Elsewhere, on the protective/winter front expensive crank arms can get a spanking. These Zefal Crank Armor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-crank-armor  are an inexpensive way of protecting them from dings, stones, and other accidental damage. However, they won’t guard against unsightly toe-strap rub and may present compatibility niggles with some cadence sensors.

I was stunned to discover Control Tech are ceasing production of the Silicone bar tape, which I’m astonished, since performance is top notch, in all conditions. 155g (uncut, including CNC machined ends) might be a touch portly for bikes on calorie-controlled diets. However, for mile munching tourers, gravel, and winter bikes, there’s so much going for it.  Need something bike-themed to read as lockdowns come into force? This might fit the bill https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/northbound-down