Curly Bars & Fat Tyres

 

Hybrid certainly applies in the context of Ursula and drop bar mountain bikes have been around since the mid-1980s. There is a solid argument, (even if you don’t necessarily agree with it) that gravel bikes are in fact hybrids of road and mountain bikes. I lean toward them being the love child of cyclo cross and rigid 90s cross country mountain bike. The trend for converting 90s cross country mountain bikes to drop bar gravel machines is perhaps predictable. Something I can certainly get my head around.

Afterall, Denise is a late 80’s mountain bike frameset modified to run 700c wheels. That said, like most trends, I’m of the opinion there should be nuance and not a cult or heard like wholesale movement. Early 90s cross country mountain bikes were very capable and engaging machines that handled beautifully.

My 1990 Kona Lava Dome was a case in point. There was a genre called hybrid, which featured flat bars and slowly died a death as the 90s wore on. The higher end models boasted Reynolds 531 and similar grade tubesets- closer to a flat bar tourer with bigger tyres. However, the majority tended to be marketed as commuter steeds with an upright stance, wider saddles lower grade tubing and components.

Mudguard and rack mounts and with clearance for 35-38mm meant they made serviceable town hacks and utility bikes.  I was quite drawn to the Orbit Frontier, which was a drop bar 531 tubed rough stuff tourer with clearance for 700x38c tyres inc full length mudguards.

Marketed as the best of both worlds, the press felt it was too compromised, master of none, essentially. Top-mounted thumb rather than bar end shifters were an example of this and a really strange choice for a drop bar small scale production build. The most commonly remembered frontier was their 531 tubed mountain bike dressed in Shimano XT. Quality control was problematic during this period but turned around under Lee Cooper’s supervision.  

Muddy Fox Trailblazer was another curious beast- drop bar mountain bike with bar cons and 26x1.75 tyres. Similar theme to Specialized’s Rock Combo, but a little earlier- I spotted it in “Bicycle” magazine back in March 1987.  Both machines were well ahead of their time and in my view, the epitome of ATB (All Terrain Bikes). Neither I would pay classic prices for, mind. Sentimental I may be, stupid I am not.

Back to 2026 and I’ve reached my conclusions about the Sidi Algor and decided to try a different front mudguard on Ursula. I’d been buying in some consumables and spotted a reasonably sturdy reinforced plastic model, which would also mean free postage, so took a punt. I’ wanted something with more coverage than the existing shorty fender- I’d reversed it to see if there was any improvement in mud protection. No, is the answer, but a worthwhile experiment.

Rain, mud and slurry had given way to icy winds and tumbling temperatures over Christmas-perfect for testing winter gloves and similar attire. The gritters had been out, prompting the switch to Denise and the Schwalbe Marathon Winter tyres, providing dependable grip and feedback as I hustled through the lanes.  Curiosity and the urge to experiment got the better of me, so I raised the bars slightly and whipped some other lights atop the Gaciron Cetus 1700 Gaciron Cetus 1700 Underneath Bike Light | cycling-not-racing mount. 

Not because the Gaciron Cetus could ever be described as lacking, but I hadn't charged it in a while and didn't want to be plunged into darkness several miles from home.  I had the Magicshine Hori 1300 Magicshine HORI 1300 Front Light | cycling-not-racing to hand and was relieved to discover the mount took its 200plus grams in its stride, same story when I substituted for the Magicshine Ray2600, which was a bigger surprise.  Arguably the best fit was this See Sense Beam, which weighs a feathery 59g. 

While dynamos are bright and highly dependable, I like a powerful backup, just in case- comes in handy should I need to tackle a flat, or similar roadside mechanical by the roadside. Similarly, while the Exposure Revo is a beautifully made and relatively powerful lamp, 800lumens is a little underpowered for backroad blasting, adding another 500 or so makes a very tangible difference, while sipping reserves-at least on a more powerful torch-type rechargeable system.

Similarly, I usually carry a spare rear light-failures are infrequent but do happen and are at best inconvenient.  One old favourite is Nite Rider's Cherry Bomb- the 100-lumen version. Aside from being very bright, it was fuelled by AAA cells and enjoyed a seriously generous run times and would withstand being frozen- I left one submerged on a very chill winter day and it passed the ice bucket challenge with flying colours. 

Topeak Redlite Aero Topeak Redlite Aero USB Rear Light | cycling-not-racing and its Mega stablemate are two further good examples of lights with AAA options. The former is only two modes- steady and flashing. Arguably all we strictly need, but sometimes a choice of flashing modes is nice, especially if navigating city centres with competing illuminations, or when fitted to a trailer, or tagalong.

 

Fast Fifty

 I’ve crossed over into five-decade county and it’s been a cause for much reflection. 37 years since I took delivery of a Holdsworthy Claud Butler I’d been lusting after for a summer-I'd go and “visit” it every weekend that summer. My parents had a colleague who was in his early 60s but could’ve passed for late 30s. A lifelong racing cyclist, he’d often commute to work and then do a “fast fifty” on the route home. Several scoffed at this, until one sceptic happened to follow him and his curly stay Hetchins Hetchins Cycles (classiclightweights.co.uk) in their car.  

There are a lot of myths surrounding the Hetchins curly stays and ornate lugwork, some suggesting the curly stays would spring out and become a structurally sound straight tubed frameset following an impact...The real reasoning for those swoopy stays and fancy lugs was to subvert advertising rules of the post-war period.  

Now, I’m the first to admit they’re beautiful, masterpieces, even but while I admire them, they’re a just that bit too flamboyant for my tastes. Those lugs and other detailing also add a few grams over a more traditional frameset- if that’s important to you. Concepts and standardisation come and go. My frames are older, for starters- the youngest being from 2005, so sport uniform 1& 1/8th, rather than tapered head tubes and therefore, forks.  

The main argument in favour of tapered head tubes (1/18th top, 1.5 bottom) is that a wider fork steerer result in a more responsive, engaging ride without feeling unduly harsh. It also allows a larger downtube, improving rigidity and therefore, on paper at least, efficiency. Now, trend has been for internal cable routing, which seems to be encouraging a shift back to uniform, or strait steerers, albeit larger diameter. Frames with tapered head tubes can run “standard” straight 1/18th forks using a crown race reducer, so not overly problematic.  

Sadly, although not unexpectedly I’m noticing an increase in insolvencies within the UK’s small cycle industry, which is worrying and saddening in equal measure. Much of this seems attributable to Brexit and related trading issues-something that was inevitable to anyone with a basic understanding of economics and to a lesser extent, international trade.  

The less money in people’s pockets, the less taxation there is to fund everyday services, less disposable incomes mean other industries also suffer and so the cycle continues. Hopefully, favourable rescue packages can be secured. Rides allow me to reflect and unload and the dark’s perfect for this kind of processing.  

Back to tech talk, it’s no secret that I love winter booties for warm, dry feet. My preference has always been for mtb versions, if for no other reason than recessed cleats. The ability to walk, rather than hobble is infinitely preferable, especially during winter when roads are wet, greasy and often icy.  

Then of course, I default to SPD pedals and like riding off-road. I recall a small minority of riders in the late 80’s using LOOK pedal systems on the trails but despite my quirks, not an avenue I took.   

I’ve run the FLR Defender FLR DEFENDER MTB DRY BOOT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) for three seasons, through snow, ice, bitter cold and sometimes high water. For a budget model, they perform well but though the design’s wraparound Velcro closure is convenient-especially in winter weight gloves and has relaxed over time, the cut means it can lift allowing water and snow to creep inside. I’ve returned to them, with the advent of storm Babet and was curious whether their bulk might catch on the Topeak Hide n’ Tool.  

The latter’s been a moot point. I was also curious how the FLR would compare with Shimano’s price point rivals, the SH-MW501. These employ a water-repelling outer laying and plentiful retro-reflective technology, which bridges the gap between winter road and mountain biking duties. Beneath, big S has opted for a speed lace system, so it’ll be interesting to see whether this is a better, weather-cheating system.  

The rubberised outer sole is less aggressive than some and doesn’t have drillings for studs- the FLR Defender do. However, in practice, I’ve only found these necessary in the boggiest of conditions. The Shimano are yet to arrive but childlike anticipation aside, that’s not an issue-we're only just entering the wetter, colder season...I’ll close with Steve’s review of the Ergon IP Touring Solestar Insole Ergon IP Touring Solestar Insole | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  and my test of the Topeak Redlite Aero USB Rear Light Topeak Redlite Aero USB Rear Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Darker Side

Daylight is becoming increasingly short and brings a mix of pros and cons. Great for testing lighting, but also other products- from chain lubes to socks, shoes, tyres and indeed clothing. The farmers are doing their best to fill in the crumbling infrastructure with mud, dung, and similar mucky, slimy infusions, so I’m defaulting to Ursula, since this also means I can roam, exploring the many bridleways and green lanes dotted around.  

Escape has always been a central narrative of my riding- free the body, free the mind. I think quite deeply, which is a double-edged sword and the inner dialogue during some rides-where I’m putting things into perspective, or mentally drafting a script would chill some. Thirty years on, there are a few things that still haunt me. We cannot change our pasts, only our relationships to them.  Either way, I’m usually returning with a big inner grin and renewed sense of purpose, so not cause for concern.  

1,000miles (about 1609.34 km) later and according to the Birzman chain checker the KMC is due for retirement-I'd bargained on November, so I’ve parked the 106 link, pre-cut unit in an obvious place. Hopefully see me through to March, mileage and conditions allowing, obviously. I’ve decided the Muc-Off –50 degrees chain lube will remain my default.  

Switching to the 145mm wide BBB Echelon saddle was an inspired choice, serving me well on and off road. I'm always banging on about simple and rugged being a recipe for reliability during the darker months and sometimes this goes for things like lights too. Topeak Redlite Aero 30Cd USB Rechargeable Rear light has been around for a few seasons but is a prime example of this principle. It’s bright but only has two modes-constant and flashing. No need for memory functions-I'd go for constant through built-up areas and on group rides, flashing in the sticks. Simple.  

This supposedly translates into 10.5 and 40 hours from a full charge (There’s also an AAA-fuelled cousin, should you prefer to ditch the ubiquitous micro-USB cable). The three super-bright LEDS also have a slightly old-school feel but coupled with the lenses’ surface area translates into a surprisingly bright arc of light. 

 

Not sure about the aero credentials but it will accommodate round or aero posts, pencil-thin seat stays, helmet mounting too. IPX4 might be lower on the winter cheating scale but shouldn’t be an issue with full-length mudguards (fenders) and/or periodic shots of Joker 440 Motorex Joker 440 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) or WD40 to the charge port.  

For now, its sitting low on Ursula’s seat stays, so we’ll see how it fares in the coming weeks and months.  Fancy something more exotic, here's Steve’s review of this Exposure Boost-R ReAkt & Peloton Rear Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/exposure-boost-r-reakt-peleton-rear-li 

 

Topeak's Redlite Mega is still serving me well a decade down the line. Mine runs off 2 AAA cells. Great for touring, since they’re easily found, pretty much anywhere, assuming you’ve forgotten to pack spares. There’s also one with a rechargeable lithium-ion cell. Both boast 72 cd output, employs 5 LEDs- a 1 high flux red LED and a further four-two red, two yellow.  

Five modes include a nice hybrid (steady/flashing) although there’s no memory function. In common with the Redlite Aero, it has impressive run times- 44 and 89 hours (50 and 100 cited). Of the two, the Mega would be my choice for recumbents, tandems and trailers. 

    

Temperatures until now, have been uncharacteristically warm for this time of year. Even at 5am, I’m typically dressed in ¾ lengths (sometimes bib shorts Madison Roam Men's Cargo Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)) short sleeve jersey, base layer and thinner full finger gloves, such as these Madison Roam News about Seven Day Cyclist  

Saddleback, Castelli’s UK distributor has just sent me the Italian marque’s Perfetto ROS Glove, which is a thin pile design using Gore Tex Infinium Wind Stopper fabric. Detailing is to a high standard, but no less than I’d expect at this end of the market. They’re a very snug fit for precise control and nimble digits.  

Fleece lining for comfort, there are silicone grippers for extra purchase, touch screen compatible fingertips, and their Castelli Damping System (CDS) designed to protect the median nerve.  Windproofing seems excellent but miles and more wintry conditions will reveal just how water-resistant they are. I'll close with my review of the Ravemen PR2000 Wireless Switch Control Headlight Ravemen PR2000 Wireless Headlight | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)