Back To The Old School

I’ve managed to acquire sufficient chains and control cables for personal consumption and am delighted with Ursula’s Kinekt2.1 upgrade. This final switch has realised my 80’s vision of a drop-bar all-terrain bike. An engaging, lightweight go anywhere, four season’s machine.  

One I sketched, while completely disconnected from the school curriculum and for the most part, my classmates. Sketched without a clue as to how it might be realised, I might add. Daydreams alternated between building a bespoke frameset of my own, to buying something high-end.  

While I would never snub a genuine opportunity to build a frame (as distinct from attending a frame building course) I have decided paying a frame builder, such as Lee Cooper Home - LEE COOPER CYCLE FRAMES (webs.com) to execute my vision, or buying off the peg framesets are more cost-effective, time-efficient options for me.   

Now, I’d be the first to point out that the cynic knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. Building a frameset on a residential frame building course would be incredibly satisfying. However, my money is better invested in a suitable welder and tackling less specialist metalworking projects. Some for my own enjoyment and home economics, other for more immediate, fiscal gain.  

  

Ursula’s frameset is 24 years old, in my possession for 22 of them (bought new old stock). I’ve switched the Zefal Adventure R5 Waterproof Saddlebag ZEFAL ADVENTURE R5 WATERPROOF SADDLE BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) for this Carradice SQR Tour, which is twenty years old. Its waterproof cotton-duck fabric has cultivated a faded patina, but for me, this just adds to its character and testament to its build quality.   

Portly compared with bike packing luggage and can be a handful, laden to the gills but lighter and nimbler than an expedition rack and pannier configuration. Besides, I’ve the trailer for those occasions when I want to haul heavy/awkward loads.  

Unexpectedly, shifting had become unreliable. Cable was the most obvious culprit, since the chain had only recently been replaced, cassette was good. Ditto rear mech and hanger... Inner and outer cable replaced but no matter how much mechanically sensitive tweaking of the rear mech, the brifter remained out of step and a little sloppy.  

Dejected, I packed up for the day and after some reflection, decided on some Tektro RL340 drop levers and a Microshift ten-speed bar-end shifter. This combo might lack the outright refinement, dare I say convenience of Sti/Brifters. However, I ran a similar configuration (Shimano Ultegra) on the original build and there are several distinct advantages, especially on a machine of this kind.  

Aside from reduced vulnerability, in the event of a spill (worst case scenario, they are also cheaper to replace). Shimano Ultegra and the Microshift bar end shifters can be switched to friction, should need arise. Setting up the Microshift was more time-consuming, than the Ultegra.  

However, it all came together nicely, once I decided to take the gear cable in a more ‘cross traditional direction.  Part of the challenge and satisfaction of working on bikes (and machines generally) is working things through and getting them right. 

This also spelled the end for the discontinued (and in my view, fabulous), Control Tech bar tape and prompted a switch to the Soma Condor2 Shallow Drop Bars SOMA CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS | (sevendaycyclist.com), since I was in the mood for switching things around. For the time being, I’ve dressed them in the orange Acros Silicone Wrap Handlebar TapeLONG-TERM TEST: ACROS SILICONE BAR WRAP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), which is a more flattering contrast than I’d anticipated.  

The Peaty’s Bicycle Assembly GreasePEATY'S BICYCLE ASSEMBLY GREASE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) although will revisit in the depths of winter to see how well it performs, long term and in more challenging conditions.  This enforced leave, coupled with the good weather meant I’ve been getting the miles in on the Teenage Dream and enjoying every moment.  

However, the BBB guards had finally succumbed to fatigue at the mounting points, resulting in some periodic but irritating binding. I’ve stripped them, which has obviously solved the problem while resulting in a cleaner aesthetic.    

 

 

Ben Hur

 Life is continuously changing, evolving and thus we must adapt, accordingly. Bike Journalism/Kit testing aside, I am a fettler. My two-wheeled fleet is, to some extent always evolving. Not for change’s sake, or to fill a void in my life, rather ‘cos stuff wears out, or in some instances, breaks.

On other occasions, I ruminate on something, explore a few options, THEN decide on the solution(s). This avoids consumption of resources. Money, time, energy/labour and of course, storage.

To some extent, bikes are like relationships, as we mature and (hopefully) gain greater self-awareness, we understand what works for us. I am deeply attached to the Holdsworth and Teenage Dream. However, for general, everyday riding, something with ‘cross type geometry, clearances and indeed, big tyres, is my preference.

Life and people are here to teach us lessons, it is up to us, whether we heed, and learn from them. There are a wealth of people/personalities I navigate on a professional and personal basis. I am pleasantly indifferent to most, deeply attached to a few. There are people with enormous amounts to offer, but nothing good/right for me.

Another narrative, which has endured from my teens, is user-serviceability. Anything I own must be relatively straightforward to maintain properly, and to the highest standards. This also goes for cars, and motorcycles. Back then, the ability to braze/frame build was high on the list.

However, opportunity/finances never presented, and I’ve long recognised it’s a skill best outsourced to those with years of experience. I like welding. A semi-commercial MIG welder capable of taking commercial Argon/CO2 cylinders would be a sensible investment for light fabrication, repair etc.

Fully equipped workshops with TIG welders. Oxyacetylene, Jigs etc are not. A week’s frame building course, does not a master craftsperson, make “Building by numbers” is one thing, being able to problem solve and deliver impeccable results is something entirely different.

To paraphrase my late Grandfather (40 years welding experience, 6year apprentice trained) “Any fool can blast metal together. Making something stick, and moreover behave according to draft, is something entirely different.”  

I do share his somewhat surly and difficult charm, although would like to think I’m more moderate, dare I say agreeable, overall. Contexts established, I leave frame building/modification/repair to the likes of Lee Cooper, and Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/gravel-bike-on-a-budget 

So, with all this in mind. I was overtaken by one of THOSE urges. Pandora’s box sprung open and with it, the yearning for Titanium…Forks. Yes, for Ursula…Not that there’s anything particularly wrong with the existing “school chair” setup, with its beefy legs.

That said; they were aimed at the “Jump” market, so there’s a weight penalty, relative to the original triple butted uncrown, or something like Kona’s iconic Project II. A Chinese manufacturer got in touch, offering me a set with disc, cantilever and mudguard eyelets. £450 was an absolute deal-breaker. If something comes along, at the right price and specification, I’ll take a closer look.  

Elsewhere, I’ve resurrected my Revolution Cargo Trailer (Bob Yak homage) from hibernation. Its primarily been used, not for shopping/utilitarian purposes, but rather assessing the laden handling prowess of test bikes. It needed a good polish, which proved the perfect opportunity to test this Muc-Off Cherry Pop Silicone shine (I also took this opportunity to treat the Univega).

Silicones certainly add shine-especially to plastics. They also add lubricant to polymers/rubberised components, which is good for suspension components. However, unless used sparingly, silicones can also prove dirt traps. To assess this, I delivered ours directly to the trailer chassis, tourer via micro-fibre cloth.

For the time being, said trailer can follow behind my beloved tubby tourer, hauling various weights, to scrutinise gearing more critically-now the honeymoon period’s done. I have a few minor niggles with the Yak homage.

Firstly, the finish isn’t particularly good. Its not poor, rather softer than I’d expect. Once it gets tatty, I’ll get it blasted and powder coated. Similarly, though the wheel is identified as being 16x1.75, offer a branded slick/road version against it, and, nope.

Since its functional enough, I’ve decided to whip out the valve core and introduce some latex type, puncture sealing splooge. Aside from the obvious, I needed to use it up, and this seemed the obvious candidate.

Letting the bike do the lugging, is a golden rule of touring and longer commutes. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tug-jobs However, depending on your payload, for shorter hauls, rider mounted luggage can be a boon, especially filtering through tighter gaps in traffic. Well-made messenger bags are old boots tough, (usually) weatherproof and ooze cool. Little surprise they’re so popular.

Statistically, many car journeys are less than 2.5 miles. Between this and 5 miles or so, messenger bags have a ln their favour. My Chrome Industries (model) is still serving me well, and Steve’s been putting this Chrome Modal Vale Sling Bag through its paces  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/chrome  .

He’s been similarly impressed with this Carradice Kelbrook Satchel, which is made here, in the UK  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-kelbrook-satchel

30 Years in Review...

It is literally 30 years to the day since an Austrian AuPair presented me with THAT book and my father relented to months of not so subtle hinting and THAT Holdsworthy built Claud Butler marked my thirteenth birthday.  Both Butler and Buxom woman have long since moved on...

These days Semi/compact geometry frames mean oddly proportioned riders, such as yours truly needn’t go the custom route and in real terms, prices have also fallen quite considerably.

Having Lee Cooper cold set the Teenage Dream’s rear triangle and replacing its pretty patchwork parts for a more contemporary groupset has often crossed my mind. Something along the lines of Shimano’s Tiagra, maybe Microshift...I have a Sun Race equivalent tucked away somewhere. A new rear hub and wheel build would complete the transformation. Calling in a favour or two, the cost implication is a very tempting £150...  

These thoughts call particularly loud when I’m out of the saddle. Powering along the climbs and dancing on the pedals, there’s some definite whip felt around the bottom bracket shell. Outclassed is sporting terms, these thin walled tubes still deliver a lively ride that has my soul singing and a massive grin engulfing my face.  

Ride quality is also determined by builder skill. The Holdsworth was built to a standard, rather than a price, which is very telling when hammering along at 35mph plus. By contrast and though technically made from a “better” tubing, the Teenage Dream’s build quality was decidedly “British Leyland” in places.

This was common to a lot of small manufacturers who were trying to compete with both the established masters and higher end volume producers during this era. That said; I recall a big French marque being plagued by similar woes. They too were offering complete machines for little more than the groupset, so even with their purchasing power; corners had to be cut somewhere.

Runny brazing, poorly reamed seat tubes and faced head tubes were commonplace. I even recall several customers getting the wrong paint job! Runny brazing, reasonable reaming and treat-like eggshells enamel demons were exorcised from my frameset in 2009.  

With this and the ill fated British motoring conglomerate in mind, it should come as little surprise to learn I also remain fascinated with the Kirk magnesium frames from this period.

Though these were flawed in many ways, I’d like one hanging on my wall. Frank Kirk came from an automotive background and sought to apply the same mass production techniques to lightweight bicycle frames. Seems they were also finished in house-powder coating, of course.

Simon Haydn http://www.kirk-bicycles.co.uk/Kirk.htm is particularly passionate about them. 

Under the metaphorical tutelage of Richard Ballantine, I love most genres of machine and also have a soft spot for rigid cross country mountain bikes. I spent many years thundering along the forest trails and getting seriously filthy on steel-tubed, fat-tired Kona and later Univega based builds.

Lights from this era fell into three basic types and in my view, grossly inferior to that available to us now. It basically boiled down to dynamos, home brewed Lead Acid masters blasters, or truly cheap and extremely nasty “Halogen” units, which were of the glimmer variety. These days, even a very basic LED blinkey is light years ahead, in every sense.

Some, such as this See Sense unit can even collect data about that potholed lane you would’ve only known about, having trashed a rim with those glimmer types. Once the preserve of suburban commuters, there are plenty of compact torch types packing 600 lumens plus.

Sure, there are still some minor limitations, usually in terms of run times in the highest settings. Here’s a few we’ve recently tested at Seven Day Cyclist www.sevendaycyclist.com     http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/moon-lx760-front-light  http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/moon-meteor-storm-pro-front-light

http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sigma-buster-600-front-light

Elsewhere, having heard of my recent puncture plague, the good people at the inner tube shop www.innertubeshop.com sent me a batch of five. I have since discovered my not so friendly farm feline has, for reasons known only to himself, been biting the tyre sidewalls! 

He’s not been able to reach the Univega, or Teenage Dream, hence no flatting there.  

If recent commentators are to be believed, we’re due for a serious cold snap, involving a healthy carpeting of snow. Perhaps I should be dusting down these 700x42 42mm Continental and my Univega's Schwalbe winter spiked rubber...