Meltdowns & Recoveries

A much-publicised heatwave hit on Monday 17th July (although arguably crept in over the weekend) meaning that my dawn outings were mandatory if I wanted any saddle time. 35-36 degrees is very typical for many Mediterranean countries, and I've experienced 37 plus in more tropical climes, but the UK isn’t geared up for extremes. For good reasons, dogs were either walked at 5ish or not at all, to protect their feet from blistering, not to mention heat exhaustion.

 

Signs had cropped up, warning of loose chippings along the lanes but I reasoned, given the heat, folks weren’t going to be laying these, or indeed tarmac. There’s no statutory maximum legal temperature before people can cease, or decline to work, in the UK. Given the present trajectory, the current administration would simply revoke it- on their much publicised “bonfire” of legislation.  

I found some new bridlepath to explore, which also cemented my feelings regarding Ursula’s saddle change.  

The Super Corsa was an inspired move and as these outings confirmed, surprisingly agreeable sans asphalt, too. I was pleasantly surprised to discover tarmac hadn’t turned to treacle (although some farm vehicles had left their calling card). Even at these times, the temperature was rising fast-from 11 to 19 degrees within an hour, 19 and 26 degrees, on subsequent mornings. Tarmac’s top layer begins to assume a softer state at 51 degrees but allowing for other factors, possible when the air temperature hits 25 degrees.   

Acceleration brought surprisingly cool, moist breeze, which was welcome and encouraged a faster than usual tempo. The Kask Protone Icon helmet also came into its own, rushing cooling air through my scalp. However, an oppressive heat was certainly promising. A muntjac deer pulled alongside, barking in a crude challenge, so we hustled along, rivaling each other for half a mile, before it exited right, into the undergrowth. 

Depending on mood and conditions, I generally alternate between Ursula and fixed gear winter/trainer.  I tweaked the latter’s chain tension while checking the tyre pressures and this ultimately resulted in a switch to the Halo White Line Classic & Shutter Precision PD8 HALO CLASSIC RIM & SHUTTER PRECISION DYNOHUB DISC WHEEL BUILD (sevendaycyclist.com). This also coincided with the security skewer’s implosion. I was torquing it to 10nms, when it sheared. Thankfully, I had a lightweight Halo skewer, so just switched.   

I’d recently switched the fixed’s stem, returning to the Kinekt which employs a very progressive spring/elastomer configuration. However, as I recall from testing, even with the stiffest spring, there’s too much travel for my tastes, resulting in a disconcerting knocking on the rebound.

A quick email to Evan at Cirrus cycles KINEKT Active Suspension Seatpost and Stem – KINEKT Store (cirruscycles.com) advised they’d produced a stiffer, aftermarket option and were happy to send me one. I didn’t need a second invitation. I also wanted to avoid delays, given the potential customs nightmare, which is looming in October.  

What are you spaffing about, Stenning? Well, on the present trajectory, the old CHIEF system is due to be decommissioned at September’s close, replaced by a CDS system, which appears to have been rushed and full of bugs. At present, pretty much everything is being waved through (hence goods are arriving quicker) and ample potential for smuggling.  

August onwards is the most active point of trading, whereas it bottoms out, come January. The other question is whether traders believe the new system will be rolled out and will migrate accordingly. This also affects imports I.e., goods coming into the UK. Shortages of produce and materials, including foodstuffs, will mean higher prices and grave consequences for many.    

Ending on a happier note, Carbon Cycles has graciously agreed to send me a carbon fork (aluminium alloy steerer) for testing. It’s designed for 26-inch MTB, which is in theory, an excellent candidate for older mountain bikes reinvented as gravel builds and/or those looking to trim the fat. At 918g (uncut) it’s a good bit lighter than the otherwise loveable 4130 “school chair” Cro-Moly pair, resurrected with the disc brake upgrade and will serve as default spares.  

Carbon Cycles set a suggested rider weight limit of 97.5 kilos (215lbs), so no problems there. I will be putting some Helicopter tape around the legs (Zefal Skin Armor Roll ZEFAL SKIN ARMOR ROLL | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  is a firm favourite of mine) to protect against cable tie bite and cable rub. Otherwise, no modifications, and I will continue to employ the Gusset Unilock, since it offers more security than the humble Star Fangled Nut.  Right, I'll leave you with my review of the Momum MIC Dry Momum Mic Dry Oil Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

 

Miles of Contemplation

 

January can feel eerily quiet, and an exceptionally long month. One that can lend itself to all sorts of introspection. Found myself looking at Chinese carbon forks again. Not sure what prompted this, but before that idea became the ONLY idea, I reminded myself that I had only recently acquired a decent Cro-Moly set, mount adaptors, and Topeak Versa Mount TOPEAK VERSAMOUNT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)...I also had a hunch I’ve some Axiom Axle Runners, which would’ve been a much better fit, aligning the stays in a much kinder, aesthetically pleasing way.  

Couldn’t find them for love nor money...Thankfully I spotted some stainless-steel Día Compe ENE Ciclo Fender Stay Adaptors, which work to the same principle.  One drilling slips over the quick release skewer, the mudguard (fender) stays bolt on to the eyelet ends.  

 

“All fit for purpose, so use what you already have” My inner dialog gently concluded. I was also rather pleased to receive Topeak Tailux 100, the 30’s bigger sibling, boasting a 100lumen daylight flash, 9 LEDs and four modes, so doesn’t feel overburdened and overly complex, in the way some models can.  The Lelumia Beast Light also arrived, so I wasted no time charging and mounting. 

There were other quiet temptations, searching for old machines/framesets I had lusted after in my late teens.  

A 1990 Orbit Frontier, being the most notable example. I still see the odd MTB frameset (and occasionally, complete bike) bouncing around the forums and auction sites, but it was the drop bar model that always fired my imagination.  

531 tube set, full complement of braze-ons, 700x38c tyres, full length guards, XT thumb shifters and an eclectic finishing kit. The sort typical of the then Dudley-based marque, during that era. Intrigue rather than intent and I certainly wouldn’t pay fancy prices for a frameset.  

Not a question of Nostalgia talking. Rather, the concept really fired my imagination-just like the Muddy Fox Trailblazer and Specialized Rock Combo.   

My fleet has always run in two parallels. Lightweight, pared to the essentials’ competition machines and practical, four seasons daily drivers-whether they be tourers, trainers, or mtb based hybrids.  

Hang on to a bike long enough, and it will become a custom machine, by default. Chains, tape, tyres, cassettes, rings etc all get replaced, and often upgraded. Ursula is a prime example of this phenomenon but the same goes for my fixed gear winter/trainer. Only the frame and two Aheadset spacers remain of the latter’s original, 2005 build.   

Extra UK, Topeak’s distributor also sent me an interesting set of Capgo cables. Aside from highly polished inners, the outers feature a “specially developed” PTFE grease, which promises reduced friction and improved longevity.  Timely, given Ursula’s planned disc upgrade.  

Retro is fun. However, Nostalgia is misguided, some might say delusional.  

Too many people in the UK seem to believe it has the world influence it did c. 1950. Then of course, there were those romanticizing austerity as being the return to a halcyon time of collectivism, “pulling together” and social cohesion.  

Taken to its logical conclusion, since the onset of this pandemic, I've been bombarded by references to a “blitz spirit” (Often by those born in the mid-1990s. Can’t see folks swapping their Audi Q8 for a single-cylinder Matchless & Sidecar outfit, somehow-even allowing for declining living standards and rising prices). Could the UK revisit petrol rationing, as it did between 1945 and 1957, then later, in the 1970s? It does seem to be lurching from one crisis to another and with no obvious end in sight.  

 A few months ago, it was looking less dystopian. The resurgence in cycling as a form of mainstream personal and goods transportation has been very heartening. Infrastructure nurturing this growth is lagging chronically behind, which is still discouraging people in cities and other urban areas. Contexts where e and cargo bikes come into their own.  

Having navigated the capital on bicycles and motorcycles for 12 years, I adapted to, rather than reveled in the traffic-light grand Prix, uninsured drivers, jaywalking pedestrians, and general chaos. Improved my handling skills and roadcraft no end and gifted me some interesting stories. Grassroots racing at Temple Mills Lane and Herne Hill Velodrome are also fond memories.   

Happy to engage with other riders, I like the freedom, prefer the solitude and ability to process my thoughts. Similar story with motorcycles. I am an introvert, which, contrary to popular misconception doesn’t mean I am shy, or socially awkward. Rather, I need time alone, to recharge, reflect and process.   

Many developed economies are beginning to “bounce back” albeit modestly, given the pandemic but the projection is looking as if the UK, specifically Britain, will continue to decline, due in part to a political administration that has no tangible economic plan.  

There is also a chronic shortage of certain skills, which much of the UK appears reluctant and/or unqualified to assume. Continuous development has been a buzzword for a couple of decades and various initiatives were established to improve the skills and life chances of those, often at the lower end of the socio-economic ladder. Well-intentioned, the target audiences either weren’t aware or weren’t able to access them.   

There is of course, a regional slant. Many vacancies are not found in “left behind” communities. Contexts where the infrastructure and indeed, geographical mobility is similarly disadvantaged.  

 

OK, so it’s not difficult to appreciate a longing for a warm, comfortable time, especially during a time of great uncertainty and economic turbulence. However, the rejection of qualified commentary and nuanced opinions in favour of simplistic, popularism is very worrying, on so many levels. However, as modern history confirms, people are very easily mobilised in certain directions.  

Back in the saddle, I’ve reached my conclusions regarding the Gecko Calf Length Waterproof Socks GECKO CALF LENGTH WATERPROOF SOCKS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

and the Oxford Venture Jacket Fierce red OXFORD VENTURE JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)