Behind Bars

Well, after several months, I’ve refitted the Soma Condor2 bars https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars to my fixed gear winter/trainer. Now, don’t infer that I didn’t like the Genetic D-Riser 16 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-d-riser-bars and its D-Riser4 stablemate. 

I think they’re great bars for gravel and road duties. The former are also 11g lighter than the Condor2. However, I also like both Condor bars. The original Condor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma is definitely the right choice form my Univega, whereas, the Condor 2 is a better fit for my fixed. 

Especially with the Genetic Neuron Accessory Bar https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-neuron-accessory-bar  The naturally grippy nature of the Acros Silicone Wrap Handlebar Tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/acros-silicone-wrap-handlebar-tape meant it could be machine-washed, then ported over.  

Since we’re talking bars, let’s discuss the riser designs and their perceived/benefits.  

The Gravel and adventure markets are widely credited for the introduction of dropped bars with a “riser” section. 

As with the flared ends, the riser element gives some additional height, without resorting to taller head tubes, flipped stems and/or additional spacers. Now, while the adventure/gravel markets are the obvious drivers for this design, the breed may also benefit riders like me, who are of “feminine proportions” I.e. long in the leg, short in the body.  

Yes, semi/compact geometry framesets and a much wider choice of stem/steerer length has greatly reduced the need for custom frames. However, top tube length can still prove proportionally too generous. A shorter stem and bar lift can solve this-without a frumpy aesthetic.  50mm wide, the Condor 2 are broad enough to entertain bigger, bike packing friendly bar bags.  

I found the original condor less compatible, although I’m running the K-lite Bikepacker Ultra dynamo light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/k-lite-bikepacker-ultra-dynamo-ligh  beneath the bars.  The Carradice SQR tour swallows most of my needs pretty convincingly, so a small unit, such as this bijous See Sense Handlebar Bar Bag https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/see-sense-handlebar-bag is more than adequate.  I’ve also resurrected the Minoura VC100 Quick- Release Camera Mount.  

Beautifully finished, the clamping system is phenomenally secure and will even hold compact video cameras. 

The cork platform is another definite plus, minimising vibration both to the camera and video capture. It’ll be hosting the Apeman A80 Action Camera, although possibly when I’ve acquired a replacement waterproof housing, given the seemingly unrelenting rainfall. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/apeman  

Bike and other theft are on the rise, for a wealth of different reasons. It’s always been a serious problem but at crisis point, as police resources are diverted to tackling violent crimes. Mercy and compassion are the two basic human values that thieves lack and will seek to legitimise their behavior in every conceivable way. 

Maintaining the vigilance and good locking practice at home, as you should in the street is imperative. Datatag and similar systems are useful tertiary security/deterrents, making machines harder to sell-on. The same goes for other distinctive distinguishing features.  

I have been known to engrave stems, crankarms and other components with my full name and sometimes postcode/blood group type, etc. Velo Eye sent us their  Bicycle Security QR Tag https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/velo-eye-bicycle-security-qr-tag  

The big difference between it and other systems, including Datatag is that it’s app-based. Anyone who has a bike on the app can check to see whether a stickered machine has been reported stolen. The App allows the machine’s location to be sent, in real-time to the registered owner. 

Theoretically, this improves the likelihood of successful retrieval. We’re told recovery rate stands at 75%. There’s a dealer in Montrose who deploys them on all their bikes. Only one has been stolen to date and that was quickly recovered. 

Home intrusion is similarly distressing. Thieves are targeting the more affluent areas-leafy London suburbs, particularly. Easier and richer pickings being the most obvious explanations.  

Thinking like a thief i.e. how would I foil my own security and making necessary improvements. Bike theft has always been small beer for the police. We’re told that police resources are stretched to the point where violent crime is their primary focus. 

Burglaries, motor/cycle and other vehicle thefts are only likely to increase. Now, you’ll excuse me. After 300 filthy miles, I need to replenish the White Lightning Wet Ride and there’s a rush of people offering me “features” on knitting machines...   

Not Fade Away

We’ve experienced some technical difficulties, leading to delays, a few tense moments and bouts of hand-wringing but with concerted effort; issue 7 of Seven Day Cyclist has now hit the digital newsstands. 

There’s a review of Frog’s junior friendly R70, an everyday/touring tyre group test, interview with Col Velo’s founding fathers Rob Harwood and Will Morgan, tours and much more besides. This Brooks’ C17 Cambium women’s saddle, Topeak waterproof wedge pack and a Waltz cap have just landed on our test bench too.

Ka and I headed up to the midlands for the bank holiday weekend. Generally speaking I’m never without a camera-usually a CSC but I found myself heaping gratitude upon my Samsung WB710 super zoom “travel” compact (a faithful belt loop /nelson pocket companion for several years) when this yellow tandem trike suddenly slipped into view.

Having asked permission, the couple were only too delighted to indulge my fascination and advised it was originally a Peugeot production model they’d bought new in 1979. The Newton conversion isn’t cheap (approximately £1500) but is fashioned from fillet brazed Reynolds 531 and handles much better than cheaper kits, especially over inclement surfaces. Cable operated discs and rear hub brake appear a sufficiently powerful combination for two adults and fully laden touring trailer.

Lovely couple, fascinating build. Knowing their locale’ I’ve dropped a business card and covering note through their door in the hope we can have a more involved chat about their machine and its history. Naturally, there was also further opportunity to capture urban artwork/graffiti porn in sunny Digbeth.  

Once upon a time, I held dear the notion that machines reflect their owners. I recognise this is somewhat over-simplistic and cringe at the suggestion they are extensions of our personalities. However, with time come component upgrades, fresh liveries and modifications that reveals something of our psyche.

Professionally, its’ imperative I remain current where technology’s latest developments, monitoring trends etc. On a strictly personal level, I find people’s winter bikes/daily drivers/workhorses truly fascinating.

So then; to the Ilpompino’s front-end conversion and after careful consideration I’ve concluded the superb TRP hydraulics over-engineered for the purposes of stopping a fixer. Besides, this would push the overall cost of the project to around £300, which isn’t really justifiable on an in-house 4130 cro-moly chassis.

The revised line up consists of user-friendly cable operated Avid BB7 with 160mm disc, which theoretically disperse heat and counteract fade better than their 140mm counterparts.

The front hoop will be an M-part Mavic/ Alex rim and Shimano M525 hub. Despite some concerted efforts to find some suitable forks on these shores, I’ll be importing some ‘cross friendly oversized carbon from the states. Then again, I’m a contrary figure, so spec remains subject to change without notice!