Concept Realised

Back in March 1987, reading the now long-defunct “Bicycle” magazine, I happened upon the Muddy Fox Trail Blazer-in essence a mountain bike with drop bars, bar end shifters 1.75 knobbly tyres.. Aside from wanting that particular machine, it awoke a deep desire to build a concept machine. One that was lightweight, rugged, go anywhere (Ok, with some trade-off). Fast forward 12 years, countless miles, a degree and other trappings later..I happened upon the Univega frameset hanging in a friend’s shop window. It started off as a flamboyant red enamel bitsa- bits of this, bits of that-a Frankenbike, some might say.

Wheelset handed down from a racing mtb, Stronglight triple crankset from a tourer, drops from said tourer, 25.4 Kalloy stem, Kalloy seatpost, Shimano 600 rear mech, STX front, Shimano bar end shifters, first generation Shimano SPD pedals, Minoura four point 4130 Steel rack.

Its evolved quite considerably and racked up considerable mileages along the way. Ursula has been a trailer tug, winter trainer, daily driver, tourer and confident come sunny days or bitter snowy blizzards.

Save for the frameset, the only thing remaining of the original build is the front cable hanger. However, it has evolved to meet my needs and is incredibly close to the original brief. High power dynamo lighting, full guards, plenty of room for spiked tyres when things get icy 1x10 drivetrain (albeit more a’la carte than some would like). Throughout this evolution, suitable drops were the biggest challenge.

I experimented with a few road blends, changed the stem and then perfection in the form of these Soma Condor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma  just the right shape, width and enable me to stay on the drops with no loss of control on, or off road. On-One Midge (in the 31.8 diameter) might’ve been a good budget option-I’d run them very happily for a good decade, or so on my fixed gear winter/trainer. However, I’d since sold the Midge on and gone for the Genetic D-Riser 16 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-d-riser-bars and Soma Condor 2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars  on the latter.

A while back, I had toyed with the idea of running Cane Creek Thudbuster ST https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cane-creek-thudbuster-suspensuin-se , since the 3^rd Generation short-travel unit was still available in 25.4 and with a suitably high quality shim, compatible with the Alpina 506’s 26.6 seat tube. At the time, I shied away from this (a) On the basis of cost-this was indulgence, rather than an inherent need.

(b) It was incompatible with the Carradice SQR luggage system https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry  I was running at the time. Reasonable quality, perfectly serviceable aluminium alloy models to be found in this diameter and my experimentation was titanium was partially successful.

However, I had acquired some very inexpensive Chinese titanium, which was too thin in diameter for machining down to 26.6. Funny what happens when you’re not looking for it…Along came Cirrus Cycles with their Kinekt suspension post. They still offer a 25.4, thus compatible with a suitable shim.

Spring strength varies according to rider weight-ours is the medium, in accordance with my own 70 kilo frame. Some specifications. There is a carbon model but that wouldn’t be suitable for this application (or available in the desired diameter) hence the 6061 aluminium anodised version.

The Kinekt employs a spring/urethane elastomer system, offering travel between 0 and 35mm. Initial setup seems pretty intuitive and I’ve set mine on the firmer side-enough to take some edge off, without robbing too much power. Whether it will win my heart, like the Cane Creek Thudbuster ST remains to be seen…

They’ve kindly sent me a 90mm stem (7 degree rise), which I have earmarked for my fixed gear winter/trainer. Elsewhere, I’m being won over by this Showers Pass Men’s Elements Jacket, which not only keeps the weather out but there have been no issues with the inner fabric “sweating” as some 2.5 layer laminate models can. It also has a chameleon personality meaning it performs well on the bike without looking overly technical, worn with more casual clothing.

Lots of pockets-two at the hip, three internally continues this theme, although I am still very fond of the “Nelson” types. 15,000 breathability and waterproof ratings are well suited to longer, faster paced rides. 225miles in and the Zefal Ceramic Ultra Wet has clung on very tenaciously, despite November’s slimy conditions. Much as I expected, side plates sport a slightly grimy patina but it’s not overly grotty. Looking a bit filmy but still doing its thing.

Last but not least, here’s our review of the Pro-Viz LED 360 Vega Rear Bike Light. Well worth a look if you wanted a simple but effective two-mode design. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pro-viz    

 

 

Lord of the Rings

Cyclo cross’s renewed popularity over the past decade, has given rise to a more civilian sub genre with additional bottle mounts, carrier fittings mudguard/eyelets. Gearing has also been tweaked to cover most bases, including the occasional, muddy race.

My ‘cross bikes are of the more traditional flavour, although I’m very fond of the gravel/adventure bike concept such as Genesis Croix De Fer. This; coupled with some recent mixed terrain blasting and John Moss’s recent Mango revisions got me thinking about my tubby tourer’s gear range.

Having plumped for 11-32 Tiagra cassettes last time round, the 22 tooth inner ring is pretty much redundant. Even hauling a trailer full of kit along forest trails and unlit roads. 44 and 32 teeth provides ample bombing, cruising and winching prowess.

Given the mix of road and mtb drivetrain, persuading its STX mech to behave impeccably across the range; let alone year round has always been a chore. Pleased to report its much happier skipping between a 44 and 32. Super crisp shifting and I’ve saved a few precious grams.Removal proved very straightforward and cost nothing; aside from ten minutes and a   few turns of the front mech’s adjuster screw to restrict travel.  

Pruning triples comes in and out of fashion. The late 80’s mtb explosion saw many experienced riders removing the big ring on their protégé’s bikes to prevent knee damage, especially in grass roots competition.

This concept was later advocated by some sections of the British mtb press in 1990/91 and one I embraced. Off came my trail hack’s biggest bio-pace, the middle and granny rings rotated for improved pedaling efficiency.

Ironic, given Bio-pace and its procession of elliptical imitators supposedly dismissed the dreaded dead-spot. We all slowly reverted to round; bio-pace, bio-strong et al became the stuff of ridicule and bike shop bargain bins.

Fast forward a few years and the dispatch mob were charging through the capital on mtbs with skinny slicks, single rings and closely spaced cassettes...

Talking of which, the 90s weren’t all about dodgy concepts and race frames passed off as trainers. One of my small but significant favourites was Kona’s spatter effect colour schemes, which meant riders could unobtrusively retouch those inevitable chips and scratches accumulated on the trail. Any enamel paint (or nail varnish) would do and over time, became a unique, customised pattern-no more fretting about precise matches.

  

Said strip was performed almost exclusively using The Full Windsor’s Breaker multi tool and captured relatively late in the evening, on a Sony Cybershot WX350.

I acquired this long zoom point n’ shoot primarily for capturing impromptu stuff while out riding; aside from the slightly pedestrian write to card speeds (common to most compact and bridge models) overall image quality; especially in lower light is surprisingly good.

Most chain breakers are fairly effective for occasional tweaks-I used a Specialized EMT around the workshop for several years before the pin and spreader slots eventually crumbled. However, the breaker puts this function and sheer leverage first.

It’s made from high quality loss cast and heat-treated stainless steel. Loss cast refers to a very old fashioned, though extremely precise manufacturing process where molten metal is poured into a wax mould.

Seven inches long and complete with a retro-looking leather pouch, designed to be hung from the saddle rails, top tube, or stem. There’s breathing space in here for tube and some mini pumps for a clutter-free effect.

Plug in 3,4,5,6 and 8mm Allen keys, T25 torx, spoke wrench, bottle opener and an extension bar for improved leverage sit in a terrace made from recycled butyl. Last but by no means least; a Phillips for taming those temperamental mechs, cantilever balance screws and sloppy brackets.

Racers needing to make very slight, split second tweaks will prefer the quick draw, flip-out simplicity of folding tools. However, that additional torque is welcomed on day rides and rough stuff/touring where efficiency trumps convenience.

Fettling also proved an excellent opportunity degrease the LX rings, purge some oily frame preserve and add a colour coat to the Univega’s previously primed chainstay chip. Now, you’ll have to excuse me; sounds like the courier has brought us some free parable goodies from Cycle miles www.cyclemiles.co.uk for review in Seven Day Cyclist. (www.sevendaycyclist.com)