Faster Fun

With the leaves now beginning to turn auburn and slowly falling from the trees, I’ve been bombing along the backroads, guided by the mighty K-lite Bikepacker Ultra dynamo lamp. Though undoubtedly impressive, regardless. Choice of dynohub seems to make a difference.

Our formative 20miles were done using Shutter Precision SL9 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-evura-shutter-precision-sl9-dy  The SL9 offers a sleeker look than others, which may tip the balance for riders of sleek winter/trainers, or Audax bikes. To comply with strict German StVZO standards, the SL9 is listed as 6V1.5W. In the real world, I haven’t noticed any difference, bowling along at 16mph, or so, using the Exposure Revo or Trelock LS 906 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/trelock-ls906-dynamo-front-light .

However, on long rides (50 miles upwards), lower drag (compared with the PD8) is quite tangible. That said; with the K-lite, that slight dip at slower speeds- pulling away from a junction, or longer climbs, was more tangible.

The stand light function is very effective, and held enough charge for a good 15minutes solid, Though I love the SL9, I’d actually swapped over to the Halo Evura wheel, as it was quicker (at that moment) than replacing a dead tube in the Halo White Line/PD8 pairing https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-rim-and-shutter-dynohub-disc-b  . 

So, switching back to the PD8, I decided to remount the K-lite beneath the bars, for a cleaner aesthetic. I’d only mounted it atop, to test the claim doing so had no impact upon beam quality. Not unexpectedly, there was a small but discernible (welcome) boost in output between 6 and 15mph.

I’ve instated its trail sibling to my Univega and done a preliminary twenty miles. I was surprised to note the connection was more precise with its Shimano Ultegra, than my fixed gear winter trainer’s SP units. Not that this has been remotely problematic, in the practical sense.  

Given the trail specific beam pattern, I wasn’t surprised to discover it couldn’t pick out the same level of detail on metalled road. However, the broad carpet of light offered an excellent overview. It also ensured larger vehicles observed my right of way. Next step is to tackle some of the bridleways and unmade roads.

Will be interesting to see whether this configuration will, as K-lite suggest, render a helmet mounted flood light redundant. Staying with front lights, those looking for a compact, wallet friendly rechargeable torch for less intense commuting and general riding may find this Ravemen LR500S  USB Rechargeable Curved Lens Front Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ravemen-lr500s-front-light

I’ve switched back to the Selle Italia Novus Boost TM Superflow saddle, which offers a little more support than the otherwise likeable Oxford Contour Flow https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-contour-flow-men-s-saddle . Saves 70 odd grams, into the bargain. Though I tend to strip, inspect and re-grease components, throughout the year, its particularly important before the clocks go back. One of the biggest surprises, is just how relevant Tioga city slickers are, some twenty years since I last ran a set. 

I’ve only succumbed to a single puncture and they still handle convincingly, even in wet, greasy conditions. Ride quality is also very good, albeit not quite as plush as Soma Shikoro https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/s  or the Supple Vitesse EX https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-fabrications-vitesse .So, There will doubtless be revisions but I can see the City Slickers staying put for the darker months. While I’m out, getting the miles in, a lot of thought is processed. Moral panics are nothing new.

According to the mainstream media, there’s a “Loneliness epidemic”. Repeat something often enough, it becomes true. I’m leaning towards a hypothesis that alienation and anomie are being mistaken for loneliness. Is it more accurate that people are experiencing a sense of disconnect? Not only from their immediate communities but the wider social contract, and purpose…   

Lighting/rider attire and professional attainments aside, I like to think I generally lead a stealthy life. One free of introspection. So, you’ll imagine my surprise at being stopped at a local junction, by a dog walker. “I always see you going somewhere on your bike. Where are you off to, today”.  

Hyper vigilant, I responded, with a polite smile; advising I was just popping out for a quick twenty miles, before returning to work. Her next remark revealed she’d clearly been observing me quite closely” That’s a different bike, isn’t it” I happened to be on the Holdsworth that morning and was pleasantly noncommittal. Seeking to swerve further introspection, I wished her a lovely day and continued my ride. Hmm, perhaps she was seduced by these Funkier Ride Flo Men's 3/4 Length Summer Bib Tights  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/funkier  

Spaced Out & Salvaged

Inspired by warmer drier weather, and of course, that Holdsworth Cyclone awaiting refinishing, I’ve plucked my Holdsworth from hibernation and decided to revise the cockpit, again. My love of flared drops seems to know no bounds. This might offend traditionalists, but my bikes are built, and evolve to suit me.

That’s not to say I don’t appreciate some people’s desires to keep a classic bike’s authenticity-right down to fasteners. The Soma Highway1 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-highway-1-handlebars are a fine set of shallow drops, but that oh-so familiar urge for tweaking was calling. Condor’s hybrid design, combining riser and drops https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma  wasn’t the most obvious choice, I’ll admit.

After some reflection, I opted for the MK1, and then decided I also fancied a change of brake lever. A quick rummage in the spares’ drawer, unearthed this solitary, orphaned Tektro R200. Seemingly superseded by the RL340, these are nicely finished Campagnolo patterns, right down to the push button Q/R.

Giving change from £25 (pr) they play nicely with dual pivots, centre pulls and cantilevers. Their RL520 cousins were designed for V brakes and compatible with, cable operated disc callipers, such as these Tektro Spyre. Light springs, decent modulation and feel.

Some folks might be a bit snooty, but both represent fantastic value for money. Oh, and if you’re really that fussed about branding,, the Tektro logo could be stripped, using a cutting compound, such as Crankalicious Mayo Jaune Intensive Frame Cleaner https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/crankalicious-mayo-jaune-intensive-  

At 145g, the solitary lever is 85g heavier than the Acor carbon TT lever, it replaces. However, I felt it a more suitable revision-knew it’d come in handy someday! I described the Soma Condor2 Shallow Drop Bars https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars  as   “The bar the original Soma Condor Handlebar should’ve been”.

Generally, I stand by this statement, but the original’s lower slung tops, are a better fit with the Holdsworth. Being able to salvage the silicone handlebar tape, was another definite bonus.  In some respects, The Genetic D-Riser 16 Bars https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-d-riser-bars  might’ve been better still. However, they’re staying on my fixed gear winter/trainer, thank you.

Holdsworth makeover complete, I tweaked the Woodman Saturn Aheadset bearings, gave it a good sudsy bucket wash, then treated it to this Velo21 Blueberry Glaze wax. Despite some initial scepticism, performance and longevity are quite impressive. Aside from apparent quality, and longevity of sheen, its genuinely compatible with matt, satin and gloss finishes. Yes, including this Torus Titanium Stem https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/torus-titanium-stem

Talking of wax, I had intended to dress the chain in Zefal Pro Dry Chain Lube but picked up Zefal Extra Dry Chain Wax, by mistake. An error that only became apparent when the white emulsion began seeping into the links. Mildly annoying, but there we are. No sense starting again, so I delivered three coats and popped the bike away. Quitting while ahead is a definite virtue.  Talking of chains, I checked the Univega’s FSA using my KMC digital unit. To date, wear is nominal, but I acquired a KMC X973 grey replacement, for when the FSA needs pensioning off.  

Fixed chains don’t require the same degree of introspection, but you’d be foolish not to inspect and where appropriate, adjust tension. This was only necessary a couple of times, during the KMC Z1 X’s  lifetime. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/kmc-inox-chain  By comparison, this is the third time in 1100miles, for the Passport Elements Single Speed Anti Rust Chain https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/passport-elements-single-speed-chai .

Nonetheless, the Passport is a very reliable, relatively smooth and highly corrosion resistant option. The galvanised texture genuinely seems to retain lube better, than traditional polished/electroplated models.

While it copes well with the stresses of a fixed transmission, I’d opt for a heavy-duty track version, if like me, you only run a single, front brake. Perfect for a single speed, or hub geared bike, especially those that see year- round, four seasons; service.