Contact points are probably
the most personal and subjective components. Redshift sports are sending us
their Shock Stop suspension stem. Like most things, its not a new concept. https://redshiftsports.com/shockstop-suspension-stem
Redshift sports are a group of
mechanical engineers and this is apparent in their meticulous approach to
research and development. Other components include their Switch system. https://redshiftsports.com/systems
These include a quick-release
aerobar and a dual position seat post, which can be adjusted for an aero/road stance
to suit conditions. A very appealing idea, allowing a road bike to double as a
TT machine with minimal faff.
Those of us who spent the
early 90s blasting along the trails, will doubtless draw parallels between
this, and the Girvin Flex stem. I was very fond of my Flex stem (not to mention
the 1990 Kona Lava dome it was fitted to).
Though it offers between 10
and 20mm of movement, the shock stop is aimed at the thinner tyre Gravel/Cross/Adventure
faithful. The system is reckoned to be maintenance free.
Elastomers are the common link
between the two designs. The Girvin wears it’s with pride, the Redshift’s are
internal (primarily because it’s an Ahead system). Contact points can also fool
you into thinking it’s the best/worst change you’ve made.
I’ll reserve judgement, temper
my excitement and reflect after 400miles, or so. Several hundred miles hence and I formed some
definite opinions, regarding the Soma Highway1 handlebars. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-highway-1-handlebars
The change of stance is exactly what I
was seeking. Despite the Holdsworth’s pencil thin steel tubes and carbon fork,
the front end can feel very direct, when tackling washboard surfaces,
especially at speed.
I have also been impressed by
this Genetic seat post. Some have drawn parallels between this, and Thomson
units. There are clearly nods in the latter’s direction and these really appeal
to me aesthetically.
CNC machined 7075 aluminium
alloy is extremely durable and so far, the anodized finish is extremely
pleasing, aesthetically and better than I’ve come to expect from this price
point. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-syngenic-seatpost
Ours was the road biased 300mm,
plenty long enough for my ‘cross cum gravel biased fixed. There is a 400mm
version, arguably better suited to mountain bikes and/or taller folks, riding
smaller compact geometry road framesets. For the time being, it’ll stay, and
I’ve earmarked the mighty Thudbuster https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/post-modernism
for project Dawes.
Staying with contact, tyres
are our first point, with terra firma. A more changeable weather front has
presented an ideal opportunity to really test the Vee Tire Co City Cruz. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/vee-tire-co-city-cruz-tyres
Without giving too much away,
it’s a dependable tyre, well suited to commuting, general riding and winter
duties. The sort ideally suited to bikes that serve as trailer/tagalong tugs.
In my experience, children can
really enjoy winter rides (so long as the temperature’s not too extreme).
Properly dressed and at a steady tempo +3/5 is fine fir them. However, time
spent fixing a flat (s) can quickly lead to chill, misery and negative
perceptions of riding.
On the flip side, there’s a
weight penalty. In this instance, 1600g to a bike, which did give said fixed, a
slightly stodgy feel, so having done 400miles and reached some definite
conclusions, I’ve reverted to the Soma Fabrications Super Vitesse EX. A fast
and very supple tyre, which tip the scales at a feathery 566g (700x33c) https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-fabrications-vitesse
Now things tend to expire in
threes. First, my Cat Eye Rapid X rear light expired, refused to power up, or
accept charge. John Moss had a look on my behalf and said the switch had
mysteriously combusted, consuming the PCB track in its wake.
Bin fodder, essentially. Next
to expire was my ‘cross inspired fixed’s rear hub. Thankfully, I was only half
a mile from home, the wheel was literally dancing the samba. I headed home and
swapped it for the deep section Halo hoop.
Then I noticed its sidewall
had developed a massive bulge. Back to base, Soma Fabrication super Vitesse EX
transferred, it was time to disappear, along the backroads. So this
configuration stays, until I make time, to strip and investigate further.
