Temptations

 

Google and other search engines have been throwing all manner of temptations my way, although specifically older road fixed gear framesets from the 50s, through to the 80s. Some needing more work than others. The latest being a Geoffrey Butler made from 531 throughout, track ends, mudguard eyes etc- a very practical winter cum trainer but then I remind myself, I already have my beloved Holdsworth and a nice, fixed gear/winter trainer that has been refined and tailored to my tastes, so indulging would be precisely that an unnecessary indulgence.  

 

Left unchecked, window shopping is a dangerous thing, and the internet makes resistance all the harder Besides, I’ve got Ursula’s renewal to get on with before winter comes Since we’re on the subject, all our bikes become custom bikes in the end. Components wear and are replaced, depending on budget, personal taste, riding style. 

  

Sometimes we may upgrade, sometimes stick with the same grade of drivetrain, brakes etc, especially if a bike is being recommissioned as winter/trainer. I’ve said this before, but I’m more interested in the sometimes more eclectic but reciprocal collection of components on people’s working bikes, rather than packet fresh, top-drawer playthings.  

 

Same applied to motorcycles, although obviously, I can fully appreciate a sunny day’s, no expense spared plaything, bespoke tourer, tandem, tandem trike-whatever the build’s genre. As a childhood friend once commented, “Gotta have some want Mike, gotta indulge now and then.” Something my late father would also say and they’re right. The important thing is wanting what you have and enjoying it. 

  

Talking of the past, I recognised the name on an accountants office, it was from school. They had a very distinctive surname, so I was confident it was the same person. They had a beautiful Rosso Red and chrome Olmo that was also dripping in top- flight Campagnolo components when we were seventeen. I recall him out riding it on a slushy January afternoon in 1991-I was returning from a day at FE college on my workhorse Holdsworthy Butler (sans chrome and with dynamo, full length guards, 28mm tyres and rack).  

 

He and I weren’t close, just in the same form and frankly, for me, other than a pleasantry, or kind word, I’m not interested in talking with a stranger-unless it has some tangible relevance now. Smile, nod and move on.    That’s not to say my curiosity isn’t sparked from time to time. Someone may pass through my thoughts but again, these are shared, fleeting histories, nothing more.  

Whooosh! Back to 2024 and I’ve Ursula to package and send to Winston Vaz. I’ve also received these Grip Grab RC Max Short Finger Gloves, which promise to “excel in every aspect expected of summer cycling gloves”.  

Padding is a mix of high-density and memory foam, promising superior protection from vibration and general fatigue. The ventilated palms are a micro suede (synthetic to you and I), while the backs continue this narrative, comprising of an elasticated mesh. The formative, mixed terrain 200 miles have proven very favourable- I've only noticed them in the most positive sense.  Steve’s been impressed by these Sportful Matchy Gloves Sportful Matchy Gloves | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

There are many things my military motorcycle instructor said that have stayed with me. One was about eyes and that we only get one pair, so look after them. Decent quality glasses are our best defence against UV light, wind, dust, rain and of course, projectiles. I’ve been sent these.  

 

Magicshine are most commonly associated with lighting, so given their experience with optics, it’s not that much of a quantum leap. These feature Broad 6 base curve, photochromic lenses for improved peripheral protection, rubberised anti-slip nose, temple tips for optimal fit.  

 

The generous coverage seems to offer comprehensive protection and without attracting grime- the sort that transfers from fingers, along with the usual culprits- rain, spatter, and similar wet stuff. As I’m always saying everything feels “different” to begin with and the miles will reveal whether this difference is beneficial, detrimental, or something in between. I usually enjoy finding out. On that note, I’ll leave you with my review of the Maxxis Ravager Maxxis Ravager TR Tyres | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Chains & Steerers

 Having replaced the fixed gear winter/trainer’s KMC Z1 ESP and confirmed I’d worn its predecessor out in 2,000 miles, I decided now was the time to invest in a Gusset S Link chain. It's a model intended for heavy duty BMX duties, but they’ve proven very rugged, durable choices for road going fixed gear builds.  

True, there’s a weight penalty but the ½ link design means a very precise length and in the context of conversions, does away with things like chain tensioners. In terms of strength, the S-Link is cited as being 1300Kgf (Kilogram Force) while a standard chain is closer to 850Kgf. This will hopefully extend chain life, since I don’t run a rear brake on my fixed gear builds and though arguably the simplest transmissions going, fixed builds subject chains and sprockets to considerable forces.  

There are coloured options, employing PTFE infused paint but I’ve gone the electroplated route.  While I was there, I also invested in another couple of 10spd KMC chains for Ursula, since prices were favourable and given the filthy conditions, the existing unit was hurtling closer to .7 faster than I’d bargained for. Whether the Silca Secret Formula will slow this remains to be seen.  

Chains are inexpensive staples, worn drivetrains are not. I was also surprised to discover the adhesive had failed on this LED. Thankfully, it was simply a case of adding a little superglue and sealing the light back together (having inspected the internals, like a curious ten-year-old might). 

The Pirelli Angel DT continue to impress. Having run the CST Xpedium CST Xpedium Tyres | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) as a control for 200miles, switching to the Pirelli revealed just how swift they are. Not that the CST are remotely stodgy, rather the Pirelli are noticeably easier to keep on the boil and ride quality is tangibly more compliant than the ultra-dependable Kenda Kwick Journey KS Plus. KENDA KWICK JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

I was curious as to whether the Pirelli were in fact 32mm. A common trick by some brands in the 80’s was to claim sections were in fact wider, to claim a weight advantage over competitor brands.  

Double checking with a vernier confirmed they were in fact, 32mm-reassuring and makes direct comparisons with models such as Kenda Kwick Journey KS Plus and to a lesser extent, the CST Xpedium and Maxxis Refuse more relevant.  Iconic is a word that’s been used to the point of muted relevance these days and while battling a 40mph headwind, my mind shot back to the late 80’s and Michelin World Tour.  

I’d bought a pair in Norfolk, mid tour back in 1989. They were to replace a set of 27x1/4 Nutrack that were fitted to a Holdsworthy Claud Butler Super Dalesman, which I’d bought used, from a dealer that March. Road biased touring bikes during this period (1980s) tended to have surprisingly close clearances- less problematic with cantilevers but centre pull callipers were still around. Bottom line 700x32 (27x1/4) were pretty much tops with full length mudguards.

The World Tour’s tread pattern was sufficiently raised that it could tickle the mudguards (fenders) at their tightest point. I ultimately sold them on to a friend, replacing them with some semi slick Vredestine . Seems all these years later, that the World Tour are still a current model- limited to 700x35 and 650. Technology has come a long way since and while a lot of older kit (framesets being prime examples) are still very relevant to me, others are not.  

Drawing parallels with video games, I can see the appeal of Atari systems and some of the simplest games were also the most fun/compelling, but I wouldn’t pay nostalgic prices for them. Similarly, there’s a reason why, save for very rare circumstances, why you never return to a former partner-business, or romantic. 

Back to the Pirelli... Their characteristics were particularly welcome while battling some very stormy conditions and 45mph headwinds. Contexts which are invigorating, life-affirming and very revealing when it comes to product capability/limitations. I had donned a softshell jacket on that particular outing, which was the right call on balance.  

DWR coatings vary in their effectiveness, but softshell jackets follow a jacket cum jersey narrative, catering for a broad range of contexts and temperatures. They’ll hold back light to moderate rain without recourse to a waterproof, shell type jacket but in my experience, heavy to persistent rain will begin making itself known given an hour or so without a break in the cloud.  

Curiously, I managed to over stretch myself and strain a calf muscle while negotiating a junction- the pain was excruciating but faded as I gently eased myself along for a couple of minutes, re-engaging my right foot and progressively upping the tempo for the remaining few miles.       

Another idea that germinated over the festive period was having the steerer replaced on the Holdsworth’s original forks. Not period faithful perhaps but I was thinking in terms of having the exceptionally low threaded steerer substituted with a one-inch threadless tube, meaning I could port the Woodman Aheadset and Torus Ti stem straight over. I would mean a change to longer calliper but hardly an inconvenience. Price-wise, I’d be looking at £95, excluding paint but I wanted a more accurate quote preferably from a frame builder I knew well.   

Lee Cooper replied with a few suggestions, the least invasive to fork and livery was to prune and extend the steerer tube. Replacing the entire steerer ran the risk cracking the crown and would, without question ruin the existing livery. He proposed the most cost-effective permanent solution was to extend the steerer. The quote was similarly favourable, so they’ll be up to the midlands at the next, mutually convenient opportunity.