If the Shoe & Luggage Fits...Racemmute

 Fresh cleats instated; I’ve begun racking up the miles with the FLR Rexton Trail and Touring Shoes. Notice the shroud just covering the cleat? Apparently, this is to protect it from premature wear/damage, but it also necessitated positioning the cleat further back than I would ordinarily. Otherwise it wouldn’t engage with the pedal mechanism. That done entry/exits are crisp, clean affairs.  

The sole is described as “medium stiff” Coming from the Quoc Pham, there’s a bit more give but not the sort that impairs a decent cadence. It’s most obvious riding fixed, where I’m climbing out of the saddle, on the climbs. Less so, on my Univega, given the broad, moderate range, which is conducive to seated cruising and climbing.  

The synthetic upper features mesh venting and laser perforations, which so far are offering reasonable airflow, without letting water in. It’s worth noting that, thus far, I’ve only been exposed to light-moderate rain and haven’t submerged my feet in a puddle.  

Striking the correct balance between tour and trail is quite tricky, although there’s some obvious overlap between the two, the sole needs to be compliant enough for walking in, offer sufficient grip, yet not attract masses of gloopy mud on those occasions where you’ve decided to explore an unmade road/towpath/trail.  

I have relatively long, narrow feet, thus prefer sleeker designs, such as the FLR and these long serving Shimano, over the wider, trainer styled versions. Looking for a fast, stable and lightweight folder? This 12 kilo Tern Verge. It boasts and intriguing blend of components from road and mountain bike groupsets  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tern-verge-p10-folding-bicycle  

The Tru Tension All Weather lube continues to hold on, 300, changeable miles hence. I could’ve held off a bit longer, but these lubes are best topped up, rather than run dry. Very reasonable-although I’d hope so, given the marketing and price point. 

Cleanliness and low friction remain the main draws, although I’ll be sticking to its wet sibling on my fixed gear winter trainer. For a wet blend, it’s also comparatively clean, although it does transfer to fingers more readily than the all conditions counterpart.  

Steve’s been quite impressed with Rock n’ Roll Super Slick Greasehttps://www.sevendaycyclist.com/rock-n-roll-super-slick-grease which is designed for those with seals and those which move. Hubs and suspension components being the most obvious candidates.  

Lights aren’t the most obvious consideration this time of year-it's light from 5.30 am and dusk only sets in around 20.30. However, working bikes aside, these conditions are very conducive to extended playtimes on the best bike(s). 

Therefore, a set of blinkies is a shrewd move, just in case you discover an interesting detour, or get a flat. I’m sticking with the K-Lite Dynamos https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/k-lite-bikepacker-ultra-dynamo-ligh and https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/k-lite up front but Bob Elliot & Co (link) have sent the Ravemen TR30M and Ravemen TR50. The TR30 is a translucent design, which theoretically provides 360degree illumination. As the name suggests, maximum output is 30 lumens and run times cited as being 1.7 and 15 hours (steady and rapid flash respectively).  

There’s a memory function, so you can just prod and scoot off without cruising through the four other modes. There’s an auto kick down function, so, should the lithium polymer cell’s reserves dwindle, it’ll default to rapid flash. The TR50 packs a total of 50 lumens (flashing) and 6 modes. 50 lumens should be sufficient for daytime duties too.  

Looking at the lens suggests it might have better rearward, rather than peripheral punch and I’m not completely sold on the bracket but time and regular use in different contexts will tell.  I’ve switched the Dill Pickle bag for this Passport Bike Packing Seat Saddlepack.  

This genre of luggage is designed primarily for lighter, bulkier items-clothes being the most obvious, but for the time being, I’ve slipped a few tools at the bottom and slipped inner tubes atop. The Passport seems well constructed and very steady, which isn’t always the case. 

 I can’t stand sway, so was delighted by the double post strap, which seems very secure on my Univega’s narrower 26.6mm post.  Oh, racemmute? I am referring to treating your ride to work, as you would a race. Maybe it’s those years spent belting through the capital but doing otherwise feels unnatural...  

Mother, I’ve had the clap!

Ok, so I’ve had more difficult conversations with my mother, and I don’t mean VD. I am of course referring to that strange Thursday night phenomenon that is applauding keyworkers, during the UK lockdown. I understand this is well-intentioned and induces a sense of morale and cohesion. However, if people want the NHS and other front-line services to continue, they need to target politicians and lobby for proper, sustained investment.  

Obviously, model portfolio-building https://stenningphotographic.blogspot.com/2020/ and similar, social photography is out just now, so I’m supplementing my other freelance income with some temping. In short, an agency rang to discuss my experience in a previous front-line trade, offered me some work (I needed the money) and here we are.  

Spleen vented, back in the saddle... 

Much as I predicted, after another 150 miles, the Giles Berthoud Saddle has conformed to my sit bones, church pew numbness a long and distant memory. Nonetheless, it’ll be another few hundred before it assumes the same, subtle support provided by this Ti railed Spa Aire but compliant enough for now. Some might say masochistic, though I’ve found strangely satisfying. 

Checking my Univega’s chain, it’s in very good health, 600 miles in. On present form, I’m reckoning another 1200 before it passes on, to The Great Bike Shop in The Sky.  

I’ve another KMC waiting in the winds and was tempted to load up on another, when I remembered seeing a packet fresh, gold Sun Race unit, during my last rationalisation of the garage. Unless I spot something suitable going for the proverbial song, I’ll use existing resources. 

I’m sticking with a two-coat helping of Zefal Pro Dry lube for now, since the weather’s turned damp again. I’m also thinking in terms of switching to Weldtite TF2 Ultra Dry Chain Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-ultra-dry-chain-wax if conditions remain arid, Weldtite TF2 Performance All Weather Lubricant https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-performance-all-weathe if the forecast favours precipitation. 

It has this week, which has presented the ideal opportunity to put a budget waterproof commuter jacket through its paces. £70 generally buys a garment that is more waterproof, than breathable. That said; I’ve been able to bowl along for 20 miles or so, at a steady 18mph without feeling “boiled in the bag”. 

Commuting continues to rise in popularity, given the present situation and desire to avoid crowded public spaces/transit. Brompton’s iconic small wheeler is a solid contender for those looking to ride shorter distances and wanting something that will go, stop and handle in good proportion. We’ve been putting their B75 through its paces. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/brompton-b75      

Zefal has also kindly sent me these crank and paint armor, which should keep my mile munching mainstay looking fresh. I’ve gone over to these Continental Speed Reflex tyres, to see whether they’re any sprightlier than the mighty Schwalbe Marathon Mondial Double Defence https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-mondial-tyres  .

Formative impressions are of a quick rolling, compliant tyre with decent grip but 400-500miles will give much better insight into their characteristics, pros, cons etc. 

I’ve also switched to these long serving and slightly careworn Scott sport shoes. They’ve served 12 years, on and off. They’re a twin bolt road model with stiffer soles than the Triban 500 I’ve defaulted to, these past few months.  

They've also got a set of specialist insoles which corrects the (minimal) femur imbalance, which can otherwise induce misalignment and shoulder pain, on longer rides.  Took the opportunity to whip on some new, genuine Shimano cleats, too. Despite nylon washers and other, vibration thwarting goodies, mudguards and other little fasteners still work themselves loose.  

Some low level but annoying chatter was traced to my Univega’s SKS Bluemels Shiny Mudguards. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sks-blumels-shiny-mudguards Though most fasteners are now Allen, or Torx, mudguards are still 10mm nuts. I always carry a Y type socket wrench. (I’ve had it for 30 years) but Topeak Alien ii still has the 8,9 and 10mm ring types for these little jobs and I’m really pleased to see it, still in production.