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
