Booties, Jerseys & Bar Tape

 

Cooler conditions have seen a transition from wax to middleweight wet lubes and more layers. Castelli’s UK importer were generous enough to send the marque’s Do Di Ci Jacket, which promises “unmatched breathability” coupled with a water repellent finish and is designed for temperatures between 5 and 10 degrees.

Following the all-important layering principle, its designed for use with a base layer and on longer outings with a rain jacket to protect against more persistent showers.  Corresponding big longs were also included in the bundle, which is similarly welcome, although ironically the mercury had slid upwards again, to the high teens come midafternoon.

No sooner had I dusted down the Mighty MW7, I was invited to try Sidi Algor MTB Shoes. I’m a big fan of booties for winter-bit of a luxury in some respects but infinitely more convenient than overshoes. Algor is Latin for “Cold”, which is bang on from specification and marketing standpoints.

I’ve opted for a two bolt SPD/Time/Crank Brothers model since they are my default and frankly, the most practical option for the wetter, slippery months.

Available in our monochrome, or black/grey, the Algor feature uppers fashioned from a hybrid of textile and TPU, a triple closure system comprising of a waterproof YKK outer zipper, Velcro® strap and Quicklace Closure System. Primaloft internal lining promises excellent insulation from winter’s chill.  Retro reflective detailing around the heel, piping and heel pull.

 I’m excited and keen to see how they compare with Shimano MW7, which could be rivals, given the price point Shimano MW7 (MW702) Gore Tex MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing.  At 1048g for the 44, they’re 90g weightier and while the sole is a mix of carbon and nylon the stiffness rating is 5, at the lower end of their stiffness range, so it will be interesting to see how they compare.  

Fresh cleats spun home-with a liberal helping of Zefal Pro II Grease, I’m wondering if sole stiffness might be closer to the Shimano MW501 Shimano MW501 Dry Shield SPD MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing Reinforcement is apparent around the toe warp bodes well for longevity, while promising some additional protection from stones, stubbed toes and trail debris.  Studs are viable up front, but as with the Sidi Aertis Sidi Aertis MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing aren’t included in the package, which though not a major thing, is perhaps slightly disappointing, given the asking price.  

Wetter autumnal conditions have meant sudsy bucket washes for Muffin and with it, switching from the Weldtite Wax Weldtite Wax Lube | cycling-not-racing to its All-Weather Stablemate, being mindful to apply it very sparingly. Thankfully, the moderate flowrate makes this very straightforward, and this PTFE free version doesn’t seem so prone to fling. A little too heavy for cleat mechanisms, but fine for cable ends and perfect for adjuster screws, where they enter the frame ends, which can be conduits for trafficking moisture inside frames... 

I wasn’t surprised to discover the no brand crank protectors have disintegrated, so I’ve binned them and replaced with some genuine Zefal Crank Armor ZEFAL CRANK ARMOR | cycling-not-racing, which have lasted over five years without any sign of wear.  An illustration of the old adage buy cheap, buy twice. True, crank arm (or indeed, brake lever protectors) aren’t essential, but they will defend expensive comments from needless accidental damage, especially on a gravel, cross, or mountain bike.

As the temperatures slowly slip downward, the benefits of thermal bottles start becoming particularly apparent. Ok, that’s not strictly so, since thermal bottles have a lot of value during the hotter months, when we want drinks to retain that cold, crisp, dare I say palatable. There’s little merit in tepid tea, or cold coffee. Not the most obvious choice perhaps, but I’ve found traditional Thermos designs surprisingly practical and compatible with standard composite cages.

These are around £25. At the other extreme, there are bike specific models, which promise to keep beverages at their optimal temperature for 12 hours or so and theoretically slot into a standard cage. This Bivo Trio 21oz Insulated Bottle is proving a good fit with standard designs, including these rather nice stainless steel Wolf Tooth Stainless Steel Morse Cages presently adorning Denise’s seat and down tube bosses.

Though generally impressed by the Silca Nastro Piloti Bar Tape Silca Nastro Piloti Bar Tape | cycling-not-racing , I’ve also found some limitations when doing long, steady miles along green lanes and unmade roads. While the grip great, allowing for a more relaxed tenure, it’s a road tape and unless you’re going for gel underlays, I’d steer you towards something thicker. I’m also quietly annoyed I sold a set of On-One Midge drops a few years back, since these are shallow and swoopy for great control sans asphalt. Still, I’ve spent time and effort with stems and other mods, so Denise’s WTB drops are staying.   I’ll leave things here and with Steve’s review of the Magicshine Hori 900 Magicshine Hori 900 Switchable Bicycle L | cycling-not-racing

Urges...The Digital Devil Made Me Do It

 

 

While engaged in an orgy of online Christmas shopping before prices, availability and other headaches start kicking in, a USE SUMO post snared my attention-New Old Stock, and the starting bid was £20.  

This was want, not need, so I wasn’t going to engage in a bidding war. Serendipity saw I was the only bidder, leaving me convinced it was meant to be mine. I had also been quick to check, while watching the auction, that I could acquire a suitable shim and at the right price. No room for “White Elephants”.  

Fortunately, these were still readily available, so £33 all told, including postage. I’d decided I’d go the 27.2 shim route and had earmarked it for the fixed gear winter/trainer, since I was happy with Ursula’s Kinekt 2.1 KINEKT 2.1 SUSPENSION SEAT POST | cycling-not-racing and Denise’s USE SX. I’m certainly not going the “boing” route with traditional pared to the essential's road build. The Sumo, in common with the SX and Redshift Sports has a preload tucked within the post, requiring removal to set, or adjust the degree of bounce but arguably a cleaner aesthetic.  

Given it had been in storage for some time, I suspected any grease had degraded to the point of being ineffectual, so took the opportunity to clean the spring and elastomer components and delivering some Peaty’s Speed Grease inside to lightly lubricate. I was tempted to go for the strawberry jam flavour of Muc-Off Bio Grease, but I’ve been impressed by how well the Peaty’s perked up the SX fitted to Denise.  

In common with the SX, I found the saddle cradle something of a faff and not something you’d want to approach in a rush, yet dependable enough. I’ve added a lick of Oxford Mint Assembly Grease to the fasteners before snugging everything tight with my torque wrench. 

I’ve switched the Ritchey WCS saddle from the Carbon Cycles eXotic Carbon Ti Seatpost Carbon Cycles eXotic Carbon Ti Sea | cycling-not-racing and left the Selle Royal Respiro Sport (281x143mm, in case anyone wondered) adorning the Cane Creek, should I feel the urge to switch things around again.   

While uncovering and fitting the Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Tyres | cycling-not-racing to Ursula’s Ryde XT and Ryde SP SD8 SHUTTER PRECISION SD8 HUB DYNAMO | cycling-not-racing wheels, I happened upon a pair of Schwalbe Marathon Winter Spikes 700x35c, which would comfortably fit Denise’s clearances should we suddenly get another “Beast from The East” or prolonged period of icy, slippery weather in the coming months.  

Chances are, I’d simply stick to Ursula for such a period, but it’s nice to have the option, especially if I’m testing kit, or just fancy taking Denise out. These were the base model with 120spikes, which still gives some definite bite. I also had some Continental Nordic Spike (120 spikes) which are another reliable choice but at 42mm, the absolute comfortable limit for Denise.    

Given a choice in these matters 35-37mm is my preference since you’ll need clearance for snow, slush and slurry. 120 spikes are at the lower end of the spectrum, 240 is my benchmark for snowier conditions and/or deeply impacted ice but 120 still offer dependable bite on slippery surfaces.  

Kenda Klondike is another long-standing studded choice. The 700x35c feature 30tpi casings and 100 studs, which again, are a better bet for when its icy, rather than snowy. There’s a 26x2.10 version with 252 spikes and a 26x2.35 with 400, which would be an interesting comparator to the Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Tyres | cycling-not-racing  There’s still a few helpings of WTB lube left, so I’m staying with it for now but will probably reach for the Peaty’ Link Lube Premium All Weather PEATY'S LINK LUBE PREMIUM ALL WEATHER | cycling-not-racing since I want chains fed something stoical, yet still relatively clean running.    

The roads remain very muddy and the trails less so, although I’ve stuck to the mighty Shimano MW7 booties, which continue to impress with their efficient power transfer, temperature management and water resistance. Shimano MW7 (MW702) Gore Tex MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing 

I’ve erred toward waterproof socks more often now the seasons changing and leaves carpet lanes and trails. I’m also increasingly endeared to the Gorewear C5 gloves. I’d experienced some unexpected discomfort in the left hand, but this tempered after 60 miles or so, suggesting the padding settles given a bit of time.  

A relief too, given the asking price. However, doing an impressive job of keeping vibration, chill and wet firmly locked out. Oh, but wait a moment, they’re not waterproof in the submersible sense, so if you’ve jettisoned a bottle and it’s landed in a stream, you’ll get a soggy hand retrieving it. Though not as nimble as some, for a deep winter glove, they’re surprisingly dextrous. I keep coming back to the old saying “No such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong kit”. On that note, here's Magicshine's Black Friday PromoBike Cycling Lights & Gears for Night Riding | Magicshine – Magicshine Lighting