Easter Treats

Easter is usually associated with biblical matters, eggs, bunnies and similar festivities. I've always wanted to visit the Czech Republic to witness the Pomlazka, sometimes referred to as the "Easter Beatings" but thus far this too has eluded me. Must do better.

Easter is also traditionally a time when the temperature drops, and this year has been no exception. However, changeable conditions are relatively easy to navigate with the right kit. Arm, leg and neck warmers extend the horizons of shorts and short-sleeve jerseys and pack down small, so easily stowed away in jersey pockets, or wedge packs. Same goes for gilets, glove liners (slip these beneath mitts for some additional warmth and protection).

However, the gusty winds have brought the temperatures closer to single digits, hence I’ve been sticking to long sleeve middleweight jerseys, ¾ lengths, technical jackets, and middleweight full finger gloves.  Merino/Polyester mixes are my chosen fabrics for arm and neck warmers, socks too, for the most part unless conditions dictate waterproof models, although when monsoon conditions strike, I’ve donned booties, such as these venerable Shimano Shimano MW7 (MW702) Gore Tex MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing, which though primarily aimed at mountain bike audiences, make excellent transition to gravel and general riding-assuming you’re riding in twin bolt (SPD, Time Etc) cleats, since you can also walk comfortably in them, while still enjoying excellent power transfer. 

 Continental have sent me some new rubber- their Terra trail in 700x40c, which was an unexpected and very welcome surprise. Not that I’ve had any issues with the Maxxis Ravager Maxxis Ravager TR Tyres | cycling-not-racing, or Rambler Maxxis Rambler Tubeless Ready Tyres | cycling-not-racing, save for the odd thorn invading the casing, inducing a flat but that’s to be expected during the darker months where hedge clipping is pretty routine (and wet mud serves as a very effective lubricant).

I’ve also resurrected my action camera, which required Ursula’s Garmin pattern and auction site camera mount trading places but proved a blessing in disguise. This also prompted me to reflect upon future developments.

There's much to like about Tektro's RL520. Nice modulation and feel, shapely levers, great hoods for cruising comfort, inbuilt quick release and wallet-friendly price. However, the use of composites, especially the cable routing eventually ovalizes, hindering cable pull and ultimately brake function. I've also broken one in a tumble back in January '25. 

Having opted for Dia Compe's long serving 287 with Muffin and found the modulation, feel and overall performance pleasing but based on this experience, fancied something with a little more refinement for Ursula, once the RL520 turn sloppy.

I'd had my eye on their shapelier Evo V for a while, but wanted assurances the price differential was not simply down to aesthetics. Ison Distribution confirmed the region beneath the hood is also aluminium alloy, so a suitably robust choice long term.

I've toyed with going the full hydraulic route on several occasions but cannot justify the price differential. Besides, the Spyre SLC perform rather well, so long as you've opted for good quality compression less cable sets, such as this Jagwire Road Elite Jagwire Road Elite Sealed Brake Kit | cycling-not-racing. 

After much deliberation, I indulged in the Evo V as an Easter gift to Ursula but had no intention of fitting until the Tektro RL520 start turning sloppy, or a cable replacement and fresh bar tape are called for. The Wolf Tooth Supple Lite Wolf Tooth Supple Lite Bar Tape | cycling-not-racing is still in great shape, offers excellent grip and surprising levels of comfort, despite being relatively thin (2.5mm) although as many will point out, Ursula sports portly rubber and a compliant carbon fork which significantly dampen rougher sections of trail.

I've decided to add a Genetic Neuron Bar Mount GENETIC NEURON ACCESSORY BAR | cycling-not-racing to host additional light and indeed action camera. Though I would prefer a slightly broader mount (100mm, rather than the 70mm to be specific) its accurately machined and the mount can sit flush against the stem, or at least, close to.  

I'll tuck it underneath to keep things relatively clean, in turn overcoming some of the minor shortcomings of the Soma II SOMA CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS |. I have no intention of running a bar bag, so no issues with fouling - panniers and rack top luggage, or Yak homage trailer give ample load lugging options.  For the record, I'm fond of smaller bar bags, such as this Cycology See Me Pink Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar Bag | cycling-not-racing and indeed, the Oxford Aqua Evo Adventure since they have nominal impact upon handling and in the Cycology's case, doesn't rest against the head tube.    

While hunting for something else, I found a few packets of anodised aluminium bottle screws, two were ported over with a blob of grease to muffin’s cages, the other to Ursula and prompted me to forgo the Topeak  2 Stage Gravel Mini Pump Topeak Gravel 2 Stage Mini Pump | cycling-not-racing  its left the frame and now sits in a Lomo Zephyr Lomo Zephyr Waterproof Panniers | cycling-not-racing along with some spare tubes, multi tool etc, should a stricken rider need to borrow it.

By no means a “white knight”, I’ve been stranded myself and will help if someone is struggling. I will often carry a contingency 700c, or 26-inch tube. Old, and maybe patched to my limit, that I wouldn’t worry about passing on, but good enough to get someone home. I've been there once or twice myself, when a spare has failed, or something more serious has struck. It's easy to be self-righteous, but we can all succumb to a mechanical, and while I'd never let anyone take kindness as weakness, I'd rather lend a hand than leave someone stranded.I'll leave you with Steve's review of the POC Ventral Air MIPS Helmet POC Ventral Air MIPS Helmet | cycling-not-racing

 

Season of the hiss, Gravel & Grinding Gears

 

Wet muddy lanes and embedded sharps have declared the puncture season open- the first penetrating the Maxxis RamblerMaxxis Rambler Tubeless Ready Tyres | cycling-not-racing and several rides later, the Continental Pure Contact finally succumbed. Slow punctures, mercifully meaning they were only apparent when I’d reached home and not completely flaccid at that stage. Sometimes it’s the little things. Both were easily patched, although I’d replaced both with fresh butyl.

Standard practice wherever possible, keep the patched tubes as spares. My only minor misgiving about the Continentals is they are a very tight fit-less problematic when mounting but can tax tyre levers (yes, you’ll want two, ideally three). By the third patch, I’m consigning them to scrap. Saw a bundle of five going for a very favourable price, so wasted no time purchasing.    

The conditions presented opportunities to don the Sidi Algor, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the sole’s balance of stiffness and walkability. These are rated 5 on Sidi’s stiffness scale, but their rigidity is palpably better than the Shimano MW5 Shimano MW501 Dry Shield SPD MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing-particularly apparent when riding fixed where honking on the climbs is mandatory.

Having dismounted and run up some fairly steep climbs, I’ve found the Algor’s soles less grippy, but they may bed in over time.  I’ve since switched to Ursula and indulged in some further exploration of unmade roads and bridleways, which will provide better insight into their off-road prowess.

Opportunity also presented, so I dressed Denise’s WTB drops in the Ergon Orthro cell bar tape. At 230cm long per side, there’s oodles of it, and at one point, I thought I might be able to dress the big, swoopy bars using a single roll. Spoiler alert, I couldn’t but came frustratingly close, even wrapping around the hoods “figure of eight”. Nonetheless, there was plenty of scope if you ran a tri bar setup, or a gravel model, such as Redshift Sports Top Shelf family.  

I was also surprised to discover how much backing adhesive the Silica Nastro PilotiSilca Nastro Piloti Bar Tape | cycling-not-racing left behind after a few months and only modest weathering. That’s a statement of fact, dare I say, surprise, rather than a criticism.  I’ve been contemplating going over to a 12-28 cassette with Denise, giving some slightly lower gearing, since its medium cage will manage 28teeth without turning cannibal.

Temptation is to wear the medium mech out, go for a long arm cage and 11-34 tooth cassette, giving a more touriste range, but without going gravel’s monster 9-42 1x route. Now, I’m going to preface this by saying gearing is a very personal choice with a wealth of influencing factors, including rider strength, terrain, and luggage. Late 80s onward, touring lorries and mountain bikes tended to share groupsets, and I’ve little doubt this is a big influence. Back in 1991, I had a 19-inch bottom gear on my Super Dalesman and found myself needing to tame an impromptu wheelie when powering away from a junction in the wee small hours.        

I’m very fond of the gravel genre in the broad strokes sense- it’s the all-terrain, spirit of escape thing. Bar bags and capacious seat packs also speak to me. However, while bike packing luggage certainly has its place, I prefer luggage that doesn’t rest against the frame. Therefore, the trend for removing mudguard and rack eyelets does nothing for me. 

Racks are easily and inexpensively repainted, framesets less so. I also tend to dress the tubing in scrap butyl to prevent wear- this M Part Summit M Part Summit Rear Rack | cycling-not-racing is starting to show some minor chips several months down the trail. True, panniers can limit the ability to sneak through winding, narrow singletrack and they do add precious grams, not to mention some air resistance. You do you, I’ll do me and we’ll agree to differ.  

For me, the beefy all-terrain tourer and drop bar cross country mountain bike still have tremendous value and though slower and portlier than a gravel bike, cope better when the roads and trails become rougher and in the latter context, boggier. Indeed, machines such as Specialized’s Tri-Cross might be better options than a gravel bike, if you were seeking a do most.

Admittedly, it’s no longer a production model, 6061 aluminium alloy tubes and the lack of disc mounts on earlier versions might be a turn off for some, but I’m told later models swallow 700x40c with 8mm to spare. Whichever route you take, there will always be some element of compromise, and in keeping with life generally, it’s about those that best compliment you, or have minimum negative impact.

 

 

      

Autumnal Promise

 

Not had the cool, bright ambience I’m particularly fond of, rather the rush and rumble of sugar beet being funnelled into trucks and lanes carpeted in a mixture of leaves and acorns, bringing a new dimension to riding. Acorns can prove surprisingly good at testing a tyres traction, especially when the rains strike. No issues with the Maxxis Ravager Maxxis Ravager TR Tyres | cycling-not-racing, Rambler Maxxis Rambler Tubeless Ready Tyres | cycling-not-racing, Vittoria and Continental Pure Contact-plenty of feedback and compliant casings certainly help. The Weldtite All Weather is doing its thing impeccably too. It’s a lower viscosity formula, so a little trickier than some to get a really controlled, sparing coating on the chain. Doing so rewards with much less grit, grot and ultimately need for weekly wipes of the side plates.  Fitting the Zefal Crank Armor presented an ideal opportunity to check chain health-just shy of .5, so a reasonable amount of life remaining. .7 is pension point for 10speed chains, although sometimes, say following a more involved strip, or deep clean and there’s a replacement to hand, I may switch at .6.

There’s no such thing as the wrong weather, rather the wrong clothing- a phrase credited to Alfred Wainright, back in 1973 but it certainly resonates with me, both throughout my riding “career”. Basically, the notion we can enjoy any kind of weather, with the right kit. Admittedly, while I accept punctures and other mid ride mechanicals are “part of the ride”, not to mention product testing but they’re not my favourite experience when it’s raining dogs in the wee small hours. While DWR coatings found on jerseys are great for an unexpected showers and will typically buys 30 minutes to either reach home or don a technical jacket.

The Castelli Do Di Ci to my surprise, forgoes the DWR component in favour of rapid wicking (which it seems to do very effectively) although surprisingly enough, I’ve remained dry in the showery contexts described above. On longer, or potentially changeable outings, I default to Madison Road Race Super Light Men’s Waterproof Softshell Jacket Madison Road Race Jacket | cycling-not-racing since its packable and offers a decent level of protection. Unlike, the classic “condom” jacket, which are great if you want to sweat some weight off, the Madison breathes very effectively and packs nicely into a bigger wedge pack, assuming if like me, you prefer it didn’t consume a jersey pocket.    

Continuing the right kit narrative, packable garments have their place and can be a serious godsend. However, more persistently wet, wintry weather calls for a more traditional technical jacket. A sudden onset of “stormy” weather saw me reaching for this Showers Pass Elements Jacket SHOWERS PASS MEN'S ELEMENTS JACKET | cycling-not-racing which boasts excellent 15000mm waterproofing and breathability, not to mention some very clever retro-reflective technology. The only thing I’ve really missed is a breast pocket for easy access to my compact camera. It also proved an ideal opportunity to don the Sidi Algor, which have held up very well against deep standing water and similarly wet and occasionally gritty stuff. I’ve gone for waterproof socks in the first instance but will also get soe miles in wearing traditional merino blend socks to see how the boot’s water repelling properties hold off the elements.    

 

I was delighted to receive this Altura Night Vision Storm Jacket. The Night vision could arguably be described as something of an iconic model for commuting and general riding. I’ve used previous versions long term and found them very practical and surprisingly durable. Waterproofing and Breathability are 10,000mm apiece, which is my yardstick, for this kind of garment-one that will wick fairly effectively when turning a decent tempo.

That said, I prefer those with a breathability rating closer to 15,000mm for longer, more intensive riding. Weight is another consideration, this Altura tips the scales at just under 500g, which again is typical of this genre of garment but a higher end model, such as this Gore are around the 300g mark, which is quite considerable. Similarly, while models such as the Altura are packable, we’re talking 126-20 litre pannier, or Bike Packing Seat pack such as this PASSPORT CYCLES BIKEPACKING SEAT PACK | cycling-not-racing  or the Lomo 13 Litre Bikepacking Seat Pack  Lomo 13 Litre Bikepacking Seat Pack | cycling-not-racing not rack bag, let alone jersey pocket.

Fine on a tour, but not necessarily ideal on a training run, or day ride. Oh, and if you’ve gone this route (or at the other extreme, returned from a hell and high-water mission) hang the jacket out to dry properly.  Polyester blends are pretty easy to wash too-pop in the machine at 30 degrees, minimal detergent, line dry (or indoors) naturally away from sources of heat.   

 

Diversions Still Waters & Simplicity

 

There's much to be thankful for but sometimes it feels as if I'm living on borrowed time. I had hoped to be more secure, dare I say, recession-proof by this point in my life but then life can often divert us. Factors such as intelligence and education are significant in determining our future, but are two very different things.

Then of course, there are those who just inherit wealth and can live off the security this provides. I’m often amused (and privately infuriated) by those who inherit a successful business and purport to be self- made. A  narrative often reinforced by their family and immediate circle. Often overlooked in all of this is the ability to adapt. Those who cannot (or will not) are at a pronounced disadvantage.    

The pandemic arguably reconfigured the construct of certainty-the importance of making the most of everyday and in every way possible.  There are balances of probability but no guarantees.  Nostalgia is a dangerous distraction, although I can readily appreciate the sense of comfort it may bring.

Occasionally high-end NOS components pop up at very tempting prices. Some are still very relevant- I saw a pair of Suntour XCD single speed hubs-120mm spacing, so (almost) perfect for a single-speed winter/trainer based around a track/road path frameset. Cup and cone simplicity but with beefy seals to keep the elements out.  As an engineer once aid to me, there's a fine line between beneficial and overly complex enclosure. 

I've always been drawn to hub gearing but deterred by accessibility and being honest wheel removal following a flat is more involved. Not what I want on a cold January morning ten miles from home, but others would rightly point out is a matter of familiarity.

Could it be an irrational fear of something different... I spotted this Halo TK track hub going for a proverbial song- 32 holes and white, which explains the favourable asking price. I can live with white. I also spotted a 32-hole Ryde Taurus rim going for considerably less than the otherwise excellent Sputnik. It’s intended for gravel and similarly heavy-duty duties, so perfect for the rigors of winter.

Sealed cartridge bearings, freewheel one side, fixed the other-what's not to like. This kind of spec also lends itself to single speed cyclo cross, which has always appealed to me- mud, simplicity and ease of cleaning are definite draws. Then again, I'm always saying these things, only for the completed vision to evolve into something more complex, some might say cluttered. Denise wasn't intended to sport a four-point rack or secondary lighting, but these have proved immensely practical additions. 

I've switched Muffin to the Shimano PD ED500 Shimano PD ED 500 Pedals | cycling-not-racing since I fancied a change and wanted to further test my theory that shoes such as the FLR MTX and Shimano GTX are best suited to broader bodies, which provide some additional support and offset some flex that's required of a shoe also designed to be walked in. Pedal body width is also mitigated by 165mm cranks and a lofty bottom bracket. 

I'd been tempted to go the dual sided Exustar route, but aside from the additional heft, I was only going to be using the SPD side. I my experience, dual sided-whether SPD, or TIME ATAC is always the most convenient marriage- step in and scoot off. No faffing and flailing trying to locate the cleated side.

That said, if you did want to go the single sided route, patterns such as Shimano's now discontinued A520, or the current ES600 (Ultegra grade) have a tapered profile, providing greater support to touring and bikepacking shoes. One thing led to another, and I found myself stripping the M540 and XT Shimano Deore XT PD-M8100 Pedals | cycling-not-racing pedals, filling the former with Peaty’s Speed Grease PEATY'S SPEED GREASE | cycling-not-racing, the latter with some Zefal lithium grease- the latter was green and visually reminiscent of Shimano’s factory stuff.  

With the mercury hitting the high 20s, I decided it was time to give Denise a sudsy bucket clean and switch to some Blub Wax chain lube before heading out for some dusty byway blasting- I was keen to see how securely the Wolf tooth cages would hold 750ml bottles off road.

Not that I was expecting any ejection-there wasn’t (although stainless cages can still prove quite springy, depending on the diameter). The Wolf Tooth are relatively slender, so will fit nicely with older road bikes with pencil-thin tube sets and are a good aesthetic fit on Denise. Since I was there, I removed Denise’s USE seat post and blasted some waxy corrosion inhibitor inside the seat tube, then applied some of the Zefal to the post, binder bolt, not forgetting the quill adaptor.  I’d also noted that the stem and wedge bolts were somewhat stubborn, so treated the threaded sections more generously. Aside from a good connection, this would also test for galvanic corrosion, which was a traditional issue with lithium, greases and metals of different parentage.  

 I’d also found two razor sharp hedge clippings buried deep in the front Maxxis Rambler- new tube, old one patched and a noter to replenish my 700c stock.      

I will switch the cages over to Muffin, since Wolf Tooth claim they’re designed to accommodate frames where space is at a premium, whether this be a compact main triangle, or one consumed by bike packing luggage. Though not tricky, I'm finding removal of those bigger, trade bottles less convenient on the seat tube with the existing composite models, due in part to the Topeak frame fit pump nestling beneath the top tube.  

Something I'd expect, given the price, but bottle entry and release with the Wolf Tooth is super dependable-even when hossing along. I've also been pleasantly surprised by how well the Silca bar tape has coped off road. Leach like purchase was expected, and I like the direct connection with the bars, but no jarring, or fatigue thus far.    

As for the Blub, this doesn't cure to the usual paraffin type consistency, rather assumes a wetter state-something I'd forgotten and came as a surprise when I glanced down at the drivetrain. Some waxes just run very clean, others scab off when the weight of contaminant reaches a critical mass. I decided to clean some accumulated gunk from the jockey wheels after a few off road excursions, which was strangely satisfying.

Miles per application is surprisingly good from this and its ceramic cousin, but both need to be reapplied if bikes have been standing for 48 hours. Not an issue for a daily driver, but potentially impractical on a best, or race bike that may only come out at weekends. 

Forest Frolics & Rainy Reveals

 

The rains came, which was welcome on so many levels and perfect for assessing the performance of tyres and shoes in wet, slippery contexts. I was particularly keen to see how the latest generation of Continental Cross Kings would bite when things tuned slippery, dare we say boggy. They bit and subsequently cornered better than I was expecting but time and  more intense gloop may say different.

They are quite sprightly over hardpack, loose surfaces and indeed, metalled road, although as defaults, I remain impressed by CST Patrol. CST Patrol Folding EPS Tyres | cycling-not-racing I’ve been forming the opinion that the FLR MTX are best suited to broader pedal platforms. Ursula’s Shimano M757 seemed more supportive than more modern dual sided designs and I’ not sure why.

These first generation tend to clog with mud noticeably quicker. I noted some Juice Lubes Bearing Juice creeping from the bodies. Maybe I’d been a little too generous, a little too liberal but we’re talking creep, not oozing. I was also impressed by how well the NOS SR Suntour mech scooped the chain between rings- snappy and reliable, even under load. Sure, it seemed fine on the stand, and designed for a triple, there’s plenty of throw. However, stuff can play impeccably on the stand and misbehave on the road, or trail.   

Upon returning and giving both of us a good clean, using up the last of the Nzero degreaser NZero Bike Degreaser | cycling-not-racing and indeed, the Peaty’s Link Lube All Weather. Then was also the time to switch pedals- I went for the A530 since they should bring out the FLR MXT’s best qualities.

Horses for courses, essentially. While I default to gravel and cross-country mountain bike shoes for general riding, road included, since the soles are stiff but still compliant and grippy enough for walking but are a little too sporty for more adventurous outings, touring particularly.  

These Sidi Aertis are another design that bridge the gap between mountain biking and gravel, although, riding with merino blend socks, I wasn’t surprised to find myself with wet feet given twenty minutes in a heavy downpour. Mercifully, the shoe’s profile means thinner waterproof socks are also realistic (and would be a must for me, during the winter months, although I’d probably switch to the Shimano MW7 Shimano MW7 (MW702) Gore Tex MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing) by the time things turn wintry wild).

A touring shoe of the FLR’s genre also has scope for waterproof socks. Much as I anticipated, the FLR kept persistent rain at bay for an hour before it became palpable. Fine for commuting and similar duties without recourse to toe covers, overshoes etc. 

Flex was more palpable when on the fixed and charging up the climbs, but I didn't want to go for a single sided, hybrid design. Even though the bottom bracket gives a sporting chance when cornering, there's greater clearance with the Shimano 540 and being dual sided, it's easier to clip in and power away-say at the traffic lights.   

Talking of lights, the new seasons models are beginning to become available. I've been sent this Cat Eye Tight Kinetic, which is impressive for the price. A "braking" function for £23 would've been unheard of, just a few seasons back. I've also received this Lezyne Flow Cage SL Enhanced.

I regret passing my last pair of Lezyne flow on, so was rather pleased to be sent another for testing. Left- and right-hand specific models are nothing new, but some are definitely more ergonomic and though debatable, arguably one of the last words in customisation. On a strictly personal note, Lezyne’s are the best I've used to date.    

Side entry cages are what's called for on smaller compact geometry framesets, since you can both fit and access bottles without catching knuckles on the top tube, or indeed, frame fit pump-should you run one. They’re also a good fit for gravel and bike packing contexts where you’re running a bag within the main triangle.

 I'm a convert to the mini compressor type inflators, at least for roadside rescue, although Muffin, Ursula and Denise still carry a Topeak Road Master Blaster. Muc-Off Airmach and Lezyne as reliable, efficient backups.

The rains and wet roads were really useful from a testing perspective, although I wasn't surprised to discover things performing as I'd expected. However, standing water meant bikes were suitably filthy given a few outings. I'd seen some bike wash going silly cheap and was keen to see how it compared with some premium blends, not least since I was down to the Stan's No tubes.

 I tend to give bikes a good wash n' wax, since they cut through the grime, while leaving a protective wax barrier behind. Nonetheless, I don't always want to take this route and bike washes still have their place. 

I was pleasantly surprised by how effective the budget potions were on heavily encrusted organic grot, although as I'd hope it's not potent enough to strip oily, or greasy stuff. I reached for this Dynamic drivetrain detox to strip the residual Peaty's Like Lube and modest contaminant from the rings, chain and cassette.

Having exhausted this, I've switched to TF2, which is a competent and inexpensive all-weather formula that holds out well in moderately wet conditions, although attracts more contaminant than more sophisticated blends and also contains PTFE, which isn't particularly kind to us, or the wider environment. Formative outings on Muffin suggests the thru axle to quick release conversion is very dependable and seems slightly stiffer than traditional quick release configuration. I've also gone for the slightly narrower (38mm section) Vittoria adventure tyres, which run at a similar pressure to the Continentals and gives a little more clearance around the Gravel Hugger front guard.  Talking of tyres, here’s my review of the Maxxis Rambler Maxxis Rambler Tubeless Ready Tyres | cycling-not-racing