How Did We Get Here?

 The world is in a very fluid state at present, not least here in the UK. My default move, when it comes to processing anything complex and with consequences usually involves some time in the saddle. Having fitted those new chain tugs and tweaked the S1’s tension, I went for a tyre and tube swap up front. I’m back to the Bontrager AW3 Hardcase Lite (700x32) and the Tubolite X-Tubo City/ Tour.  

The latter is a wider section TPU tube that they reckon is puncture proof. Hmm, one of those terms begging for contradiction. While the context is different, watchmakers, since the 1960s, progressively replaced “waterproof” with “water resistant” since it is arguably the case that in this instance, a watch is only water resistant, but not impervious to water, in all conditions.  Catch a nail with your name on it, that bombproof tyre could go boom.  

Anyhow, back to the tubes. To assess their claims, I’ve switched the Vittoria Rubino Pro Control Graphene Vittoria Rubino Pro Control Graphene 2.0 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) for the Bontrager, which is showing some minor nicks and cuts in the casing. Minor wear I would usually plug with a drop of superglue, but in this instance, leaving them open and technically vulnerable stands a reasonable chance of calling Tubolite’s bluff. I’m running a 25mm Eclipse TPU at the rear and both tubes afford a quicker, more compliant ride with the two loosely comparable tyres.  

Whacking one in a heavy-duty commuter/touring model, such as this Vee Tire Co Zilent 2 TESTED: VEE TIRE CO ZILENT MARK 2 TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com) isn’t going to reap any tangible weight-saving benefit. Talking of which, the Tubolite X-Tubo City/Tour is designed to work with tyre sections between 30 and 50mm- I’ve also whacked one in a 42mm Maxxis Roamer TESTED : MAXXIS ROAMER TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com) with no issues.

 

In my experience, the TPU genre of tubes are easier to fit and harder to pinch than traditional butyl. Less call for tyre levers-I've only ever required one, to hook the last section home. I like the improved ride quality and in comparable climates and contexts, I’ve kept a higher average speed-18.1 mph, rather than 17.6. hardly meteoric, but palpable. The Momo MIC Dry lube is also clinging on, despite some more changeable conditions and the odd off-road excursion.  

The Souma Leather Leather Handlebar tape, much as I predicted continues to impress with its refinement and grip. This has simply improved with 400miles and though I’ve liked and been impressed by other brands, I’m thinking the Souma will stay, on both bikes, long term. Talking of which, when I started this blog, back in 2008, we’d just entered another major economic crash, instigated by various things but the sub-prime mortgage market and bad debts being major factors.  

I never thought the UK would decline, almost beyond recognition. Affordable housing, rented, or mortgaged has long been at a premium and had quite profound effect upon communities. However, an increasing number of the population, even those on moderate incomes struggling to feed itself and cover the basics.  

Reading between the lines, might I say lies, I can see a privatised, insurance-based healthcare system and private, for-profit prisons becoming a near future reality, in the UK. I also suspect the present government is intending a system of conscription. Those receiving Universal Credit and without employment will be forced to work for their benefit, not pressed into work and paid a wage/salary. Then of course, defence spending has been greatly reduced, so others may be drafted...

Political scandals are nothing new, but standards in public life have virtually evaporated, without barely a murmur. The UK was once a respected, some might say positive presence on the world stage. Now, the country is becoming increasingly insular and isolated.    

I’d been thinking chains once more and decided, upon reflection and some general inspection, it was time to pension-off the KMC S1- it'd been in situ, for ten months and a good few thousand, so certainly didn’t owe me anything. Besides, these chains are inexpensive, rings, sprockets and similar less so these days.  

I fitted another S1 and acquired a Z510HX for next time. Checked the 16tooth Halo Fix G HALO FIX G TRACK HUB | Seven Day Cyclist Tourin Tests Commuting sprocket was snugged tight, gave the frameset a good clean and wax, then fed the Souma leather bar tape and saddle. Prevention is always better, and cheaper too. Lube-wise, I’ve gone for the Momum Mic Wax Momum MIC Wax Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) since I’m rather fond of it.    

Get some nuts, temp work and install a new bottom bracket while you’re at it!

You at the back, stop guffawing! I’m referring to the track variety and more specifically these electroplated beauties from the good folk at Edinburgh Bicycle. These are designed so their sadly defunct Cargo trailer can couple with fixed, or indeed other steeds using solid axles. Might need to revise that eighty-one inch gear though…Time will tell. Falling leaves also signalled the boxing up and return of their Audax bike-its been a very welcome, albeit temporary addition to the fleet and I’ll confess to shedding a farewell tear as I drew the gaffer tape taught around the box. However, akin to ET, it didn’t belong in my world/workshop indefinitely.

Experience suggests there’s a fine line between complimentary, dare I say comforting clutter and that countering creative flow. A healthy sense of organised chaos permeates my workspace and on a day-to day basis, this works just fine. However, a post features/testing binge calls for cathartic cleansing of papers and where appropriate, repatriation of equipment. In common with most teenagers, I had dreams of professional recognition as a successful author-name in lights stuff. Fundamentally nothing has changed and these remain a central focus or paraphrasing Tom Simpson, “Something to aim at”.

Both book projects continue with a gentle, lapping tide of progression. However, a sense of pragmatism dictates that freelancers adopt other flexible income streams. While something of a frustration, it is impossible to remain relentlessly creative, nay productive on a 24/7 basis

Many, myself included have a notion that if we’re not locked away in our studios or  ivory towers; then by definition we are not working. Creative forums can serve as useful  springboards but all too often descend into habitual and moreover dis empowering grumble fests sapping morale and moreover ingenuity. Thankfully a temp opportunity arose which helps with short- term liquidity while allowing investment in other areas.

Speaking of which, I’ve discovered Green Oil can supply their chain degreaser in workshop quantities (forms the basis of their miraculous citrus based bike wash when diluted) so I’ll be investing in some. They’ve also sent some second generation “White” clean lube. Devoid of petrochemicals, the original was good (at least while it lasted-we were averaging a mere forty road miles per application) so it’ll be interesting to see how the new formula compares.  

Dressed in black patent leather, I feel so much better…as the weather starts becoming more inclement and nightfall descends around 19.30, I’ve resurrected these Bontrager twin bolt commu-tour types. Low “ deft lick of the Jey cloth” maintenance, grippy soles and neutral colours compliment both ends of the wardrobe, although their footbeds were firmly in wallpaper stripping territory given a few season’s service! A fresh set of cleats completes the makeover and the design is just narrow enough to accommodate traditional overshoes should things turn decidedly damp…Shame they’re no longer current-although online retailers seem to have healthy stocks at generous discounts…

A penny shy of £70 this rather fetching Dhb EQ 2.5 jacket continues my black theme. It’s an affordable weatherproof model with a sportier than average, tailored cut that still entertains the time honoured base layer and race jersey combo. Red/black or grey/green are the similarly subtle alternatives, which may not be to everyone’s taste in murky weather and a few moonlit miles saw me don a Sam Browne belt or reflective tabard for enhanced road presence. On the flip side, the darker colours and Teflon coating slows the advance of grimy patinas in between low temperature machine washes.

Moisture management is pretty much on par with competitor models, keeping pace with my own at steady cadences and to around 20mph. Upping the tempo closer to chain gang speeds sees it struggle, especially when the mercury creeps into double figures but its available in gender specific cuts and seems ideally suited to winter proper (November-March).

 Much is made of China's status as an economic powerhouse and its implications for the West. Schools in particular have been quick to leap on a dogmatic bandwagon of teaching Mandarin. However, thanks to an ageing population and one child policy, the numbers of economically active adults fuelling its corporate engine will be greatly reduced with crippling implications.

Arguably next in line are India and Brazil, so Punjabi or Portuguese might be more prudent. Some within the cycle industry are suggesting the rising costs of imports from the Far East may be fuelling a slow but steady return to large- scale domestic production of lightweight frames…

Right, I’ll leave you all to ponder this while I whip out my big 13-½ inch (33.5cm) Lezyne CNC rod and replace the Univega’s cartridge bottom bracket. 

Cometh December, Cometh The Dayglow

Drifting through to December brings with it the joys of day-glow. Prime examples to land at my door are these Proviz gloves and Altura night vision socks. At a whisker below £25, the former boast a windproof and water repellent laminated polyester exterior and micro fibre palm proliferated with silicone dots for a superlative, all conditions grip. The ubiquitous gel/foam ulnar padding is relatively low density, which works better for me, since the pronounced types are prone to inducing precisely the discomfort they were intended to alleviate. Thinner, wind blocking fabric makes for nimble fingers, enabling photo opportunities and less glamorous roadside puncture purges without necessitating removal. Speaking of which, they’ll resist heavy rain to the tune of thirty, maybe forty minutes-depending on how we’re defining cloudburst but mercifully, things stay toasty inside and there’s no danger of extracting a limp, soggy liner come the ed of an inclement training run. For the feet, Altura have taken their night vision concept to the logical, if slightly quirky conclusion. Available in warm orange (my preference) or the acid trip neon yellow, they’re made of common or garden Coolmax and do most things very well, albeit not on the same terms as Merino wool. However, the safety aspect works best with 3/4lengths which might not be everyone’s first choice in the depths of winter-although again, this is highly dependant on where you are in the world…
Those two frames have emerged from the curing ovens with new red and blue liveries. I’m still none the wiser as to their heritage but the suspected Holdsworth was badly nibbled, especially along the chain and seat stays, disguised by a thicker coat of powder since the customer was reluctant to foot the bill for more extensive filler-based preparation. Graham noticed some imperfections in the final colour coat induced by the seepage of residual oils languishing within the tubes. Fearing another trip through the blast cabinet would induce structural damage (even left softening in the stripping tank overnight) he addressed this by rubbing flat and introducing further, light coats, passing through the oven once more. John Doe’s chrome plate rear triangle and forks were of the lick and promise variety, vanishing with the introduction of gentle aluminium oxide particles. This was a moot point since the customer wasn’t looking to replicate the original effect and the parent metal gives a much better key for the colour coats.

A quick look around their holding bay gives an insight into the country’s wider mood. More and more people are having basic children’s frames refinished and passed to younger siblings. This is indicative of a very different mood that has replaced the buy new ethos for may working families frightened for their futures, economic and otherwise.

Elsewhere, I’ve been revisiting my series of children’s stories penned some years ago and aside from strengthening the characterisation, I’m hoping to generate sufficient publisher interest. Having seen my late father successfully publish several academic titles during the 1980s I am acutely aware of publisher resistance to “unproven” or previously unpublished authors but this is just a phenomenon I will have accept and ultimately overcome.