Two weeks’ continuous
service cemented my suspicions, namely that adopting a shorter stem and moustache
bars would transform comfort and handling in most contexts. Sharper steering
keeps things the right sort of interesting, without becoming a handful when
haring along hairpin descents with beloved Revolution Cargo full to its thirty
five kilo brim.
Spotted another one tethered to an equally hard working GT (note Magura HS33 raceline brakeset) while on a quick supermarket mission this week. Thought the shot would come in handy
for book and related projects that are on the cusp of fruition.
Back to those Mungo then…Loftier
backswept contours improve one’s view of conditions ahead, yet still affording
commendable relief from headwinds and other biblical stuff.
Conversely, they do place
more weight on the ulnar region, low-level vibration becoming intrusive after
two hours or so, provoking me to explore some additional insulation.
I’ve reviewed countless commercial “underlays” in recent years and in
fairness, most seem to work, though some are definitely better than others.Binding redundant butyl
inner tube around the bars before dressing them is another useful (not to
mention, thrifty) homely remedy. Ah, but disturbing the several times
repatriated Cinelli and asking it’s weathered adhesive to bond convincingly
with butyl was pushing our luck somewhat.
Hence I’ve adopted a popular Audax
trick, leaving it in situ and weaving that crisp, white Lizard Skins DSP
strategically atop. Thrice mummified around the curves, it appears to optimise
protection with a slightly funky, as distinct from frumpy aesthetic.
Contact points are by
definition exceedingly personal and something I’m predisposed to tinkering
with. Superficially I wasn’t remotely “taken” by this SR Becoz moderate men’s
saddle-183mm at its widest point-forty millimetres wider than “ideal” for my
sit bones. However, such dogma breeds its own kinds of myopia. Less aggressive configurations influence rider spine angle, in turn
placing proportionately greater weight upon the saddle.
This would explain why Spa
cycle’s buxom (168mm) B17 homage proved so compatible.
The Becoz is literally bursting with cutting edge, recycled/organic
technologies. Steep, relatively tall steel rails won’t set anyone’s Lycra
ablaze but are extremely well finished and those additional millimetres seem to
have corrected a minor imperfection height-wise.
These are coupled to a
clever set of supple, yet progressive elastomers absorbing minor road/trail
buzz while the internal blend of polyurethane gel combine ample support without
hindering tour-typical 85-100rpm cadences. Covers used to be a weak spot,
particularly on the goo-filled breed where they could rupture during a spill
(especially off road) leaving sticky, oozy remnants spattered across one’s
finest Lycra.
Selle Royal has continued
the unusual, ecologically friendly theme here too, fortifying the slightly
rubberised texture with sustainably cultivated conifer wood flour. This latter
ingredient seems to counteract irksome surfing, though has caused some thinner, super shiny Lycra to gather uncomfortably during the course of a ride and
demands physically lifting (rather than shuffling) one’s derriere fore/aft.
On the flip side, it’s a
boon when leaning back against the saddle, maintaining traction when
negotiating long descents/looser surfaces. Curiously, the (164mm) athletic
version only comes in male centric dimensions and on balance might’ve been
optimal for said build. However, this experience serves to illustrate that not
everything can be reduced to a series of formulas/calculations.
A recent spate of burglaries
in this otherwise peaceful locale’ is a poignant reminder to review and bolster
security. This needn’t involve colonies of CCTV but assessing things as a
professional or opportunist thief might enables one to close certain avenues of potential attack.
On some levels it’s ironic (given the
prevalence of “community spirited curtain twitching”) that people’s behaviours
are scrutinised with such intensity, yet these voyeurs mysteriously see and
hear nothing during attempted/burglaries. (Don’t get me started on the
omnipresent crescendo of barking dogs).
Naturally, these violations are met with eloquent choruses to the effect of “aint it awful”. Fear not, a
neighbourhood watch group is coming into force, though again, I fear this says
more about certain folks’ love of spearheading committees rather than pragmatic
purpose.
Since time in memorial bikes have been
thief magnets. I regularly introduce layers of complication be it a gamekeeper
or upgraded/additional locking that will certainly slow their progress and hopefully
deter. Simple measures like closing gates increases risks of thieves being seen/ heard/ disturbed, ditto laying pea-gravel/shingle or planting prickly foliage/trellis at strategic points.
Gates with solid centre
panels might keep prying eyes out; though also provide those
with low morals to "work" uninterrupted on the other side...
Datatag and similar hi-tech
systems are another useful tool, though more in a stolen/recovered context.
Slipping a piece of laminated card with name, date of birth, blood type and
address inside handlebars and other contact points costs nothing-can be invaluable in this and accident contexts.
