Midsummer, in the tarmac
melting sense has lingered longer than many naysayers predicted. I tend to ride
during the cooler parts of the day/evening- a great opportunity to combine
keyboard breaks and kit testing.
Given my late father was
ex-services, protecting oneself from the elements, sun in particular was
ingrained in me from a very young age.
Hence I tend to cover up. Long
sleeves aren’t the most obvious choice perhaps but offer good defence. Especially
when we’re talking coastal rides, where the mix of salt and wind can dry the
skin, leaving the sun to induce some very unpleasant burns.
Merino wool keeps things more
temperate than polyester/polyamide. Jerseys are increasingly featuring weaves
with SPF50 protection, which is a definite plus.
Theory goes that the SPF
numbers refer to the number of times longer you can be exposed before showing
signs of redness/burning. So, at its simplest, if you could withstand 20 minutes
without protection, factor 15 would extend this to around five hours.
Hmm, a sweeping statement and
like most blanket generalisations, extremely dangerous. This doesn’t take into
account skin type and other genetic influences, including susceptibility to
skin cancer, lifestyle choices etc. There is some evidence to suggest, that a
factor 50+ cream offers little advantage over a standard 50. Look for both UVA
and UVB protection and reapply on a two-hourly basis.
Funny how these things from
early childhood stick, I usually take a buff-type garment to protect the nape
of my neck, decent quality sun glasses and plenty of water. Whether it’s the classic two 750ml trade
bottles, or one on the frame, another in a jersey pocket. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/the-back-bottle-water-bottle
Hydration packs certainly have
their place and permit effortless sipping. They’re also a lot more hygienic off
road. Provided of course, you regularly sterilise the bladder with Milton fluid
(or a teaspoon of bleach) and don’t forget to clean the bite valve after use.
Remember to air them
thoroughly too, otherwise mould and similar gut wrenching bacteria can bloom in
between. Aftermarket bladders can be quite a step up in terms of quality.
Something I discovered when an OEM reservoir failed at the seam, drenching me
in really, sticky, wasp enticing energy drink…
1.5 litre PET type cages are
another brilliant idea for touring or longer group rides- especially with children.
Run out of water? Stop at a supermarket/ off licence, grab a big bottle and
slip into the cage. Paying for it (and anything else), first obviously!
Though one of my favourite
cage designs, they do have a few, minor disadvantages.
Size is a double edged sword,
especially on smaller semi/compact geometry framesets, where they can rule out
a second, seat tube mounted cage. Minoura and Topeak’s Modula XL https://issuu.com/vortexcreative/docs/sdc_3_rev?e=0%2520%2F14991123
are popular designs, although their
rubberised straps, though extremely secure, eventually perish/or fatigue. By
that point you will have had your money’s worth and replacements are fairly
easy to acquire, or even make.
BBB offers the fuel tank XL,
seen here adorning my Univega’s down tube bosses. The 1.5 litre design employs
a hinged, metal clamp, which is arguably the most rugged solution. We’ve a long
term test coming up in Seven Day Cyclist www.sevendaycyclist.com
After a few months on the
backburner, the first in a series of children’s stories is finally taking shape
and will be released just as soon as the illustrations are finished.
Right, I’m off to rack up some miles wearing these in Ribble Cycles Nuovo bib shorts and short sleeve jersey.
Right, I’m off to rack up some miles wearing these in Ribble Cycles Nuovo bib shorts and short sleeve jersey.
The teenage dream also sports
these dual sided HT Leopard 878 pedals. I’ve resurrected these Scott twin bolt shoes
(a) because the HT use their own, specific cleat system and (b) the Scott sport happen to be
very well ventilated.
