Autumnal Promise

 

Not had the cool, bright ambience I’m particularly fond of, rather the rush and rumble of sugar beet being funnelled into trucks and lanes carpeted in a mixture of leaves and acorns, bringing a new dimension to riding. Acorns can prove surprisingly good at testing a tyres traction, especially when the rains strike. No issues with the Maxxis Ravager Maxxis Ravager TR Tyres | cycling-not-racing, Rambler Maxxis Rambler Tubeless Ready Tyres | cycling-not-racing, Vittoria and Continental Pure Contact-plenty of feedback and compliant casings certainly help. The Weldtite All Weather is doing its thing impeccably too. It’s a lower viscosity formula, so a little trickier than some to get a really controlled, sparing coating on the chain. Doing so rewards with much less grit, grot and ultimately need for weekly wipes of the side plates.  Fitting the Zefal Crank Armor presented an ideal opportunity to check chain health-just shy of .5, so a reasonable amount of life remaining. .7 is pension point for 10speed chains, although sometimes, say following a more involved strip, or deep clean and there’s a replacement to hand, I may switch at .6.

There’s no such thing as the wrong weather, rather the wrong clothing- a phrase credited to Alfred Wainright, back in 1973 but it certainly resonates with me, both throughout my riding “career”. Basically, the notion we can enjoy any kind of weather, with the right kit. Admittedly, while I accept punctures and other mid ride mechanicals are “part of the ride”, not to mention product testing but they’re not my favourite experience when it’s raining dogs in the wee small hours. While DWR coatings found on jerseys are great for an unexpected showers and will typically buys 30 minutes to either reach home or don a technical jacket.

The Castelli Do Di Ci to my surprise, forgoes the DWR component in favour of rapid wicking (which it seems to do very effectively) although surprisingly enough, I’ve remained dry in the showery contexts described above. On longer, or potentially changeable outings, I default to Madison Road Race Super Light Men’s Waterproof Softshell Jacket Madison Road Race Jacket | cycling-not-racing since its packable and offers a decent level of protection. Unlike, the classic “condom” jacket, which are great if you want to sweat some weight off, the Madison breathes very effectively and packs nicely into a bigger wedge pack, assuming if like me, you prefer it didn’t consume a jersey pocket.    

Continuing the right kit narrative, packable garments have their place and can be a serious godsend. However, more persistently wet, wintry weather calls for a more traditional technical jacket. A sudden onset of “stormy” weather saw me reaching for this Showers Pass Elements Jacket SHOWERS PASS MEN'S ELEMENTS JACKET | cycling-not-racing which boasts excellent 15000mm waterproofing and breathability, not to mention some very clever retro-reflective technology. The only thing I’ve really missed is a breast pocket for easy access to my compact camera. It also proved an ideal opportunity to don the Sidi Algor, which have held up very well against deep standing water and similarly wet and occasionally gritty stuff. I’ve gone for waterproof socks in the first instance but will also get soe miles in wearing traditional merino blend socks to see how the boot’s water repelling properties hold off the elements.    

 

I was delighted to receive this Altura Night Vision Storm Jacket. The Night vision could arguably be described as something of an iconic model for commuting and general riding. I’ve used previous versions long term and found them very practical and surprisingly durable. Waterproofing and Breathability are 10,000mm apiece, which is my yardstick, for this kind of garment-one that will wick fairly effectively when turning a decent tempo.

That said, I prefer those with a breathability rating closer to 15,000mm for longer, more intensive riding. Weight is another consideration, this Altura tips the scales at just under 500g, which again is typical of this genre of garment but a higher end model, such as this Gore are around the 300g mark, which is quite considerable. Similarly, while models such as the Altura are packable, we’re talking 126-20 litre pannier, or Bike Packing Seat pack such as this PASSPORT CYCLES BIKEPACKING SEAT PACK | cycling-not-racing  or the Lomo 13 Litre Bikepacking Seat Pack  Lomo 13 Litre Bikepacking Seat Pack | cycling-not-racing not rack bag, let alone jersey pocket.

Fine on a tour, but not necessarily ideal on a training run, or day ride. Oh, and if you’ve gone this route (or at the other extreme, returned from a hell and high-water mission) hang the jacket out to dry properly.  Polyester blends are pretty easy to wash too-pop in the machine at 30 degrees, minimal detergent, line dry (or indoors) naturally away from sources of heat.   

 

Caps & Other Staples

Cycling caps are one of those unsung heroes of a rider’s ensemble. Showers Pass sent me their Elite model for testing. It’s one of the more sophisticated, three-layer waterproof and breathable models.

This means you won’t get a wet bonce when it rains, or boiled brains when you’re bombing along on a balmy day. There is some debate when it comes to seams. Some say taped seams are the way forward, others point out this results in a bulkier aesthetic and makes them trickier to park in a pocket.   

Features, such as peaks, should never be overlooked either. A broad, but not obstructive peak will offer good protection from rain, wind, sun, and dust. Elastics need to offer generous stretch and solid tenure, without feeling like your head’s in a vice, given 40 minutes or so. I’ve had this unenviable experience a few times but not in the recent past.    

Bargain bin cotton types can be bunged in a pocket, or bike luggage and passed to riding companions. With the peak facing backward, it will also help protect against heat stroke/sunburn. This is particularly significant if younger children are en tow, since they may not be aware of the sun’s strength until it’s making itself painfully known.  

Then, of course, you can always use one for impromptu ablutions a 'la Tom Simpson- just don’t hand it back!

Or be prepared for palpable discord and to be shunned. Not that this would ever cross my mind, the Au Pairs and wizened farm cats raised me better. Old cotton caps with sensibly sized peaks can still lead positive retirements, protecting the wearer’s neck from welding spatter. Only cotton, mind. Semi/synthetic weaves will catch fire with agonising results.  

Weather is a very British talking point and as the weeks and miles have racked up, I’ve been unexpectedly impressed by the Madison Men’s Road race Softshell Jacket and Maison Bib Tights, especially given the asking price. Sometimes I deliberately start testing things “blind” I.e., without pouring over the specification in case this might lead to unconscious bias.  

This applied to the jacket and the waterproofing/breathability ratings (20 and 30,000 respectively) explained why I was so wowed by its ability to block rain and chill, while still breathing incredibly efficiently. In fact, it's one of the few packable models that has traditional technical jacket performance.

  

Many of the packable genre, though still particularly useful tend to be compromised when it comes to waterproofing, but so far, no such trade off. Unlike some laminates, including this likeable Oxford Venture OXFORD VENTURE JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), it doesn’t “sweat”, resulting in clamminess-most apparent when worn atop a short-sleeved jersey. That being said; especially if you’ve packed it mid ride, remember to hang the jacket out, so it can air out.  

Talking of which, (and this goes for technical fabrics generally) it’s good to wash them regularly. 30 degrees and minimal detergent is a good default (but check and follow manufacturer instructions). This will remove grime from the fabric, ensuring they can protect and wick moisture at optimum efficiency.  

 

Similarly, it prevents things like zippers getting clogged and being temperamental. Adding reproofing products every few months is another sensible move. Talking of which, some fabrics like to be tossed in the tumble drier (this reactivates their properties), but a lot don’t. The Madison certainly falls into that latter category. A few hundred miles before I form any definite conclusions.  

Multi tools can be godsends, but I’m attached to some more than others. I’m saddened (but not completely surprised) to discover Gerber no longer produce the Cool Tool or produce a contemporary equivalent. In some regards, it is a little dated but still truly relevant for fixed gear builds, thanks to the adjustable wrench cum headset and cone tool.  

Then there’s the chain breaker, the 4,5, 6mm Allen keys, and Phillips end. Admittedly, given a much wider range of Allen Keys and Torx drivers proliferate modern bikes, I’ve tended to pair it with another, simple multi-tool. However, I’m as attached to it now as my original, gifted me thirty years ago. Besides, a custom tool kit has its own, obvious advantages.  

Another clever model is the Torque Covert 7 Crank Multi Tool TORQUE COVERT 7 CRANK MULTI TOOL | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), which is innovative since it makes clever use of the otherwise dead space in a Hollowtech II crankset. This also means a greatly reduced chance of being without a tool when you need to tweak something by the roadside.   

While I much prefer it to those secreted within the stem cap/steerer tube, it is right in the firing line of wet, nasty stuff. (A quick shot of maintenance spray or oily rag wipe-over prevents the hardened steel bits tarnishing). In my view, the magnet could be stronger, preventing some very minor chatter. 

I tried slipping a rubber “doughnut” over the top, with varying success. Will probably revisit this when the opportunity presents itself.

Talking of revisiting, I resurrected this See Sense Icon+ Rear Light SEE SENSE ICON+ REAR LIGHT (sevendaycyclist.com) from 2016.  

The battery and other components were still good, and I was curious to see how well it had aged/kept pace seven years down the line. Aside from the tuneable nature (controllable by smartphone app) and bombproof build quality, it's capable of delivering 250 lumens. Yes, I know with great power, comes great responsibility. However, this kind of tuneable output is fabulous for foggy mornings...February can be an unforgiving month weather-wise.    

Dynamism

 John finished my Halo white rim, Shutter precision PD8 wheel build on Sunday. Beautifully true and expertly tensioned, I returned to my southern base, eager to see how it would perform. Schwalbe rim tape in place, I whipped on their excellent Marathon GT https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres  and went for a quick twenty mile, backroad “bonding session”.

Initial impressions are silky smooth, with minimal resistance. With lights off, they reckon resistance is 1watt at 30km/h. Tipping the scales at1239g (403g for the hub), it’s comparable with a 32hole Mavic Open Pro, laced to Schmidt SON deluxe. Shimano’s venerable Ultegra unit is my benchmark comparator for high power and relatively low resistance.

I barely notice it, which is a far cry from the old but nonetheless, worthy Nexus units. Now, according to Shutter Precision, the 8 is their workhorse model and purportedly the most efficient available. Lights on and at 17km/h, apparently its 73% efficient, dropping to 50% at 30km/h. Not overly enticing on paper perhaps and I’d be inclined to switch off when lighting/charging gizmos is not required. At least, on longer runs.  

Trelock and several other big brands like what we’re doing at Seven Day Cyclist www.sevendaycyclist.com Trelock have sent me their 80 lux LS906 bike-I pro dynamo lamp, complete with handlebar bracket. Looks perfect for the backroads. 100metres is reckoned the navigational field and visible to 1500metres.

Standlight technology is pretty much a given, when talking modern, good quality dynamo lighting. It also features an on/off switch and auto function. Build is, dare I say, typically Teutonic. However, the wiring instructions were a little vague. Diagrams imply feeding the exposed wires into the tiny white interfaces...

What you need to do is press these in, feed the exposed wires into the black holes either side. Now press the white parts again-this will lock the wires in situ.

The switch bracket is a hinged clamp affair. Unfortunately, this is very narrow. I had to unwind some bar wrap and place the switch on the narrowest section of bar. Even then, it called for a longer screw, which luckily I had in my tool chest. Minor misgivings aside, everything is behaving impeccably.    

Will be very interesting to see how it compares with Busch & Muller’ Lumotec LQ2 Luxus and of course, my Univega’s MK1 exposure revo. Since I’m here, a word about Lux and Lumens.

Obviously, factors such as diode, reflector and lens quality will have a big influence on real world performance. There is also an argument that lux is truth, lumens sales-speak, in the sense that horsepower sells cars, torque wins races. That said; by definition, any sweeping generalisation, is by definition, prone to glaring inaccuracy.

Lux is a measure of light, probably best thought of as light intensity within a specific area. Lumens is the total output of visible light, bigger numbers, brighter light. One Lux is equal to one lumen per square metre.

As light travels from its source, it gets dispersed, rates of dispersion depend upon factors, including the angle. Therefore, a light with 800 lumens but top notch lens, diode and reflector is going to be a whole heap better than a cheap 1500 lumen retina tickler.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this explains why 650lumen torch type lights (the sort designed for sub/urban training/commuting and giving change from £60) don’t deliver the same navigational prowess, as a 600lumen trail type commanding twice the cash.  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/blank-ypcqd   

Numbers are also pretty significant when it comes to rider apparel. Ratings of 10,000 are pretty standard for “waterproofing and breathability” for commuter jackets, especially those of the sub £100 price point.

Less will leave you feeling decidedly feted and clammy. Contrary to popular misconception, you don’t actually want something 100% waterproof, otherwise, your own moisture cannot escape and aside from feeling “boiled in the bag”, there’s an increased chance of catching a chill.  

In scientific terms, these figures mean the garment will resist and expel moisture reasonably efficiently-90minutes persistent downpour, which is adequate for commuting at a moderate pace. However, for more spirited and/or longer distance riding, 15,000-20,000 makes life a whole lot more comfortable. 

I like pockets. Hip, nelson and a poacher at the rear cover most bases and are really useful for commuting and touring, although a Nelson and poacher are more typical of training models. Long tails protect the back from spray and chill, elasticated/wrap over Velcro cuffs prevent it blowing in, especially when hunkered low on the drops. Might be a lot of that in the coming days, if our weather forecast is anything to go by...