Letting Off Steam

Chain length sorted, I’m back to enjoying Ursula’s, drop bar charms along the dirt roads and trails. Changing the rear shifter’s inner wire was another inspired decision, improving shifting performance for literal pennies. I’ve been running the Schwalbe Smart Sam up front and the Maxxis Ikon Maxxis Ikon Tyres | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) behind to compare the two in various contexts. While both tyres seem very competent off-road, the Schwalbe have an edge when cornering on wet asphalt and appear to roll a little quicker on hardpack too.  

On this basis I’ve decided to switch the Ikon back to the Sputnik/XT wheel and pop the Smart Sam on the Ryde/Halo Spin Doctor. Famous last words, the existing KMC chain is faring well. Plan is to run it for another 800miles (c. November) and then, assuming it's worn significantly, switch to one of the pe-cut 106 link replacements. For the meantime, lube-wise I’m staying with the Momum MIC Wax Momum MIC Wax Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) since its clean and easy to top up, as necessary. Aside from being lighter, rigid forks have some definite benefits in winter.  Zero maintenance, save for washing and periodic inspection.  

Then of course, here in the UK, ground tends to be softer, so boing is less crucial, and I personally prefer the handling in these contexts. I went for the cantilever and disc mount version of the Carbon Cycles eXotic Fork with Disc and V Brake mounts Carbon Cycles Exotic Fork | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) on the grounds of versatility- I could switch to a cantilever stopper, if necessary but admit its disc only sibling is a sleeker choice. It also has other advantages when it comes to front mudguards.  

I had to modify the Mud Hugger Evo slightly to achieve a good fit. Cracking front guard (fender) incidentally. I also recognise that suspension technology has come along leaps and bounds since a set of Rock Shox Indy SL. Another lightweight and uncomplicated design that I raced with some twenty-three years back.  

Mine used the Eglund air cartridges which were a marked improvement on the OEM elastomers. They couldn’t be locked out, in the literal sense but near as damnit with the shock pump. Lock-out functions mean a bouncy fork can behave like a rigid fork without needing to switch and they’re a serious boon for more technical trails. Horses for courses.  

Lighting has also evolved and arguably more dramatically. However, when it comes to longer trail outings, I’ll still reach for a more traditional master blaster. The Sigma Buster HL2000 SIGMA SPORT BUSTER HL 2000 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) has been around for some time now but in my book, still is truly relevant, especially given the 1300lumen mode is good for 5 hours riding. I’ve switched mine to the Lazer Chameleon Helmet in preparation but for the time being, am putting the Ravemen PR2000 through its paces. 

Thankfully, the weather’s still very balmy, so the Holdsworth and I have been enjoying some early morning blasts- I'd regret not taking this opportunity come November. Interestingly, the LR and PR series use the same mount, meaning it's easily ported between bikes- the Holdsworth and fixed gear winter trainer to suit. As a rough and ready guide, the LR series is optimal for road-biased duties, the PR for those who lean more toward the trail.  

  

The Holdsworth’s seat stay is also sporting the Infini Sword, which has impressed me with its frugality. The pulsing and flashing modes are surprisingly bright and peripheral presence is better than I was expecting and when compared with otherwise likeable Oxford Ultratorch  R50 Slimline Rear Light TEST & REVIEW: OXFORD ULTRATORCH R50 SLIMLINE REAR LIGHT (sevendaycyclist.com)    

Funny how things turn up when you’re not hunting them. My Park SPA2-C pin tool rematerialized, so I switched the Fixed Gear Winter/Trainer’s bog-standard crank bolts over to self-extractors. I also checked I still had a couple of 68x107 cartridge bottom brackets in stock, which I did. I tend to get around 8-9,000 miles from the UN55, 6,000 from patterns.

The Holdsworth is still running an ACOR unit and doesn’t do big miles, so I’m not expecting that to get the grumbles. However, they’re another part that trundles on faithfully and without complaint, then expires without notice. That said; I’d probably treat the Holdsworth to something more exotic, dare I say slightly lighter. On that note, I'll leave you with my review of the Carbon Cycles eXotic Carbon Titanium Seatpost Carbon Cycles eXotic Carbon Ti Sea | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)      

Paradoxes & Pleasant Surprises

 I was trained as a journalist. In a cycling context, I review products and write technical features. I am not an influencer in the commonly accepted social media sense. Nor do I wish to be. My work is impartial, based upon real-world mileage and experience. I genuinely care whether stuff works and is fair value. I don’t write advertorials.

Though I’ve always wanted my work to be recognised for its merit, I’m a very private person preferring to be “behind the scenes”.       

Funny then, for a man purportedly not wanting to draw attention to himself, that I’ve been so drawn to Kostume’s jersey and cap. These are limited edition prints (in this instance the #Edit002 created by Alice Irwin) produced in small batches. Theoretically great for quality control, compared with mass production, although this, and the quality is reflected in the pricing.  

They’re made from recycled polyester and compared with other, likeable recycled models, they don’t feel synthetic-even when worn directly against the skin.  The Jersey features six pockets, which again are sensibly engineered and don’t sag, or bob around when laden with bottles and similar goodies. Arguably the effect, though unisex has a pink narrative, which I appear able to carry off. A combination of skin tone and being secure in my masculinity, perhaps.  

Then, of course, there’s been more lighting and tyres. I’m trying to get as many miles as possible aboard the Holdsworth and Teenage Dream while the balmier conditions allow. Doing so has also presented the opportunity to touch up Ursula’s mudguard eyelets- a light coat of high-build “marine” primer for a smooth surface and sharp effect when the Humbrol enamel’s applied.  

Everything cures nicely this side of September, too. I also took that opportunity to inspect and ultimately replace the brake pads. I went for some baseline Shimano as that’s what I had in stock, but I’ve taken this cue to order some more of the Disco Brakes Pads, which have impressed me (and Steve) DiscoBrakes Sintered Brake Pads | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) with their durability and stopping prowess.  This Birman Chain Checker had also come my way, presenting the ideal opportunity to check Ursula and Teenage Dream’s chains.  

Ursula’s had only just been replaced but I was beginning to wonder how much life the Teenage Dream’s Sachs had. It registered   .5, which would be pension day for an 11/12 speed but late middle age for a 6spd (should be retired at .8). I’m confident I’ll get through the summer and replace to coincide with seasonal hibernation.      

Mornings, or dawns are becoming later, so I’m now heading out with a proper front light. Until recently, I’ve been running the Holdsworth’s Magicshine Ray 2600 in flashing, it’s See Mee 150 cousin behind.  

I’ve received a Ravemen PR2000, which pumps out 1000 lumens in the highest “road” mode, 2000 in the dual flood/spot mtb setting, although this obviously has an impact on run times. Thankfully, the PR2000 comes with a wireless remote, seemingly identical to that employed by its LR1600 cousin, meaning switching modes is easy on the fly.  

I was pleasantly surprised to find they weren’t interchangeable and those of us having visions of being able to hijack a fellow rider’s light, say on a training ride, will be disappointed.  

Interestingly, the mid (500lumens) has been fine for 5am onwards and once dawn has properly broken, I’ve switched to the 500lumen rapid flash as it gives excellent presence and reassuringly frugal.  Time and miles will tell but Ravemen’s build, and quality control has always impressed me. The PR2000 meets IPX8 for weatherproofing, which bodes well for winter’s worst-especially off-road.   

Clinging limpet fashion to the Holdsworth’s pencil-thin seat stay is an Infini Sword Super Bright 30COB Rear Light. The Sword has been around for a few years now but still seems truly relevant. 50 lumens aren’t uncommon these days but there are sensible modes for most riding contexts and two super frugal flashing modes. According to Infini, they’ll do 200 hours from a full, two-hour charge. Again, we’ll see... 

Rubber-wise, the Schwalbe Smart Sam have arrived for Ursula and Hutchinson are sending me their Challenger which comes in tubed and tubeless versions and is reckoned to return 5,000km and 10,000km respectively without any loss of performance, or indeed puncture resistance (which, in my experience can wane, towards the end). Holdsworth and fixed-gear winter/trainer’s rear wheels seem the most obvious hosts...