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...   

Safe As Houses....

Seven Day Cyclist (www.sevendaycyclist.co.uk) continues to attract the desired demographic along with increasingly disparate contributors. Fancy a freebie?

Simply like our facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine?ref=aymt_homepage_panel) to be in with a chance of bagging this Carbon Pro sports travel kit comprising of their dri shine, chain cleaner, heavy duty lube, med lube and microfibre towel.

The battle of the bike washes intensifies with some interesting twists too. Supposedly safe on carbon, lacquered, plated, painted and polished surfaces; all tackle the usual mucky suspects capably but a couple have proved disarmingly efficient, though seemingly gentle degreasers too…

This signalled a timely end to the Teenage Dream’s seasonal hibernation. I had planned to upgrade the groupset to something contemporary of the Sun Race or Microshift flavour but frankly, I can’t bear to be parted from the quaint, though likeable a ’la carte mix of 80s, 90s and early noughties Campagnolo.

Outclassed in sporting terms (along with the “Low rent” 531competition tubeset) said machine still behaves in excellent proportions and the framesets' makeover still pleases me greatly.  

I’ve also bagged a temporary facilities management gig to balance the books. This week has been one of imploding ceilings, surly contractors, tenants locking themselves out while inebriated and then purging their colonic demons noisily (and messily) in communal toilets.

Back on bikes, we’ve been playing musical tyres. After 200miles the 35mm section Vittoria Voyager hyper and MK2 Ilpompino rear triangle proved breathtakingly close, hence I reverted to the front 32mm Kenda Kwicker. Alternating between front and rear tyres was once widely advocated but is incredibly dangerous practice.

However, scrapping a worn rear, popping brand spanking new rubber up front and having the old one follow behind remains acceptable. Similar problems arose with the Univega and Kenda small block 8 pairing but I’m keen to retain its go-anywhere persona, so resurrected these 1.75 section Vittoria Randonneur trail. As its chain and cassette sneak into that twilight before retirement, I found myself toying with the idea of cutting the tubby one down a ring and introducing 11-30 cassette.

A few minutes virtual rummaging later I’d found a nickel plated HG50 for £10 and this similarly worthy KMC has just arrived from chicken cycles. Substitution will strike once I’ve reached another 250miles and can say something concrete about the Muc Off hydrodynamic lube. This will also prove a convenient moment for investigating and hopefully purging that phantom squeak. Some Genetic bar wrap promising phenomenal purchase and damping properties has just arrived and will mummify its muzzies when I get a moment.  

Elsewhere, I’ve been indulging in some graffiti porn and a recent spate of thefts has given cause to revise my own security systems. It’s widely accepted that good locks are only to keep honest people out and to deter others. Most thieves are looking for something that can pilfer discretely within a minute but nothing is invulnerable.

Using two different (Sold secure) types certainly helps but assumes organised criminals don’t arrive in well-equipped vans. Brute force is their default and techniques are common knowledge. This particular group of “professional” is also extremely mobile, quashing any notion of “safe” areas.  

Yes, the probability of falling victim in a well healed semi-rural community is less than slum inner city neighbourhoods but criminals are only too willing to exploit this, often targeting several locations each night before disappearing on the motorway network.  Obviously, strong locks are only part of the equation.

Those living in private rented accommodation have fewer options when it comes to installing wall-anchors and other high security measures. However, aside from robust physical security, think carefully about your online activity. I’m astounded by the number of people who post photos of their pride and joy in a way that leaves them sitting ducks.