Sky Blue Thinking....Bars & Busted Levers

 

Sometimes simple jobs can become very involved. I’d decided now was time to retire the Genetic D-Riser 4. It was a two-horse race between 44cm Ridgeback (Promax) featuring a moderate 8-degree flare, which is modest, although double that of the Genetic D-Riser 4. Then there are these 42cm Selcof Sterrato V2 Flared Gravel Handlebars.  For the uninitiated, Selcof are a post war Italian marque sold in 2008 to the Rivolta Group and now a mid-point marque marketed and distributed in the UK by Planet X.

Neither feature any rise and the drop is deeper (125mm in the Selcof’s instance). However, the tops make for easier, dare I say, cleaner positioning of lights and other accessories, which is another definite plus from my perspective

I’ve gone for the narrower Selcof, given Muffin is primarily a road build, and I don’t need the same degree of flare. It will permit me to tuck in a little tighter reducing air resistance when battling headwinds and the steering should remain predictably brisk. While reflecting and taking a wander round the web, I spotted this T-One Mr Fantastic Handlebar Tape T-ONE MR FANTASTIC HANDLEBAR TAPE | cycling-not-racing . .  Greyville used to be their importer here in the UK, but I found some on a well-known auction site at a price I couldn’t pass up. I was pleasantly surprised by how closely it compliments Muffin’s livery.

It’s one of my all-time favourite bar tapes. I'm fond of others certainly and as with other natural silicones, at least those in lighter, or brighter colours, they do collect dirt and grime quite easily. Less so than the Acros Silicone Wrap Handlebar Tape Acros Silicone Wrap Handlebar Tape | Seven Day Cyclist, which features an embossed pattern. Otherwise, both share very similar pros and cons.

Comfort, damping and grip being the main draws- perfect for long training miles, touring lorries, bike packing, gravel and to a lesser extent, cyclo cross. Properties that outweigh their slight weight penalty over more traditional bar tapes, although this is only likely to be a turn off for owners of pared to the essentials TT missiles and other bikes on strict calorie-controlled diets.  The tear down was very straightforward, although the stem bolts had turned a little arthritic, having not been stripped and re-greased in a while.

Then I discovered the Tektro RL520’s resin cable run had warped, meaning a cable wouldn’t slide through. After some effort and the relentless barking of the neighbour’s three dogs inducing a splitting headache, I concluded the lever needed pensioning off. Running the very worthy, wall4et-friendly RL520 across the fleet long term, I’ve concluded the resin cable slot is a weak spot, so having double checked they’re compatible with disc invested in a set of Dia Compe 287 V.   I’ve used these before, albeit with V brakes and found them very effective with nice modulation and feel. I’ve forgone the Cane Creek dummy lever, since the different hood shapes meant I couldn’t get the alignment right when checked with one’s trusty spirit level.

Elsewhere, some winter Castelli goodies courtesy of Saddleback, Castelli's UK distributor has sent me the Ultimate Rain Jacket and Bib Tights. These are arguably intended for cool to moderate early season conditions, with a suggested temperature range between plus 4 and 14 degrees. The jacket features a PFAS-free PU membrane, taped seams, two hip pockets for parking stuff- hands too, when mooching around sans bike. There’s an integrated hood designed to fit beneath a helmet, while also continuing the dual use narrative.

Though a tailored fit, there’s plenty of adjustment, courtesy of the draw string hem, meaning you can bring it tighter on the bike, let t out when wearing street clothes. The Fordist “Any colour you like so long as its black” tends to divide opinion, but it compliment anything and retro reflective detailing around the hem and elasticated cuffs offer some nocturnal presence.  The tights feature the Progretto X2 Air Seamless Seat Pad and stretchy mesh cargo pockets on the thighs for snacks and anything else you might want quick access to are arguably a nod to gravel and bike packing.   

Formative impressions are favourable and what I’d expect from this end of the market. The Ultimate tights are best thought of as a middleweight model- apparently in the fabric density. None the worse for it. While they certainly have their place, I find the thermal Roubaix types a little too thick and toasty, even when the temperature’s dropping several degrees below zero. Part of this could be explained by my favouring of lower gears and a higher cadence, especially during the darker months.  To be honest, eight degrees upwards and I’m erring towards ¾ lengths, plenty of warmth and protection to the knees.

Continuing this wintry theme, I was also pleased to receive this Coospo TR70 Smart Radar Taillight, which boasts approaching vehicle warning, braking and a total of six other modes and a claimed maximum 40 hours run time (radar only). As is the trend for lighting, its designed to communicate with smart phones and indeed, some computers. The internet of all things some might say. Either way, I’m looking forward to seeing how it performs in the real world.

 

Two Deore & Fresh Cable

 

Three rides in and I concluded a slight kink in the rear derailleur housing was causing mischief-it wasn't obvious, until I was cruising on the hoods and happened to take this shot.  I obviously replaced the outer and inner cables upon returning home.  Little surprise that shifting became that bit snappier and free of phantom shifts and similarly unwelcome distractions.

Even if bars look comparable, width and shape can influence things, so if changing contact points, or making wider changes, it's worth changing the cables, ideally during, rather than afterward.  Talking of bars, here’s Steve’s review of the Lomo 3 Litre Handlebar Bike Packing Dry Bag Lomo 3L Handlebar Bikepacking Dry Bag | cycling-not-racing

All part of bedding in, dare I say bonding (deeper) with the build. Not one, but two Deore mechs arrived, which is welcome. The SR Suntour fitted to Ursula is box fresh and the STX adorning Denise’s downtube still has plenty of strength in its spring. Nonetheless, it’s thirty years old and these things tend to expire at the least convenient moment. Both Deore hail from the same era but have little signs of use and plenty of power within their springs. 

I'm sticking with the Shimano CX50 stopper up front since there's plenty of bite and pads are readily available. Temptation was to pop another Kore on, but this is change for change's sake.

Mick Madgett has worked his wheel building sorcery and built the older, non-disc Ultegra dynohub into the Ryde Sputnik rim. Not an urgent job but glad its sorted. I've switched the existing disc braked Nexus Shimano Nexus DH-UR700-3D Dynamo Hub | cycling-not-racing over to Muffin and run the low drag Shutter Precision SL9 HALO EVURA & SHUTTER PRECISION SL9 DYNOHUB BUILD as a second/spare, as need arises. Otherwise, I'm really pleased with the bikes in their present guises.

Denise's 36/26 is actually quite close to the "cut down" trend that struck in the early 1990s, where riders would often forgo the big ring (typically a 48 tooth) in favour of the 38 and 28 since this saved a few grams and was arguably more practical off road. Though there's a lot to be said for triples, especially on a tourer, I've found keeping them on song four seasons round to be something of a chore.

I also ran a Shimano 600 with a Stronglight 48/38/28 setup, and this could also prove temperamental. I should point out this was inherited with the bike, not of my doing and was ultimately replaced with a Suntour XCD six months after the frameset's powder coat makeover in March 1990.  I was a big Suntour fan and remain very fond of the late 80s and early 90s groupsets.      

Elsewhere, I fitted the Blackburn Atom SL computer to Muffin and though accessing the battery compartment is fiddly, thanks to the tiny screws, the rest of the unit, including sensor feel solid in the Blackburn tradition. The display is very clear and the switches similarly solid. Not quite as bombproof flavour of old school, late 80's Cat Eye, but not far behind, so we'll see. 

 

Staying with Cat Eye a minute, I was interested to note they still offer wired versions, including one called the Enduro, which is apparently designed for off road duties. I'd go for a wired model since by definition, they are the most accurate, reliable option, but there's the risk of me embarking on a headset strip/similar, forgetting about the wiring and ultimately knackering it. I've got form for this, having done it before, to a Strada back in 1994.  I spend considerable time connected to the internet in one form or other, to the point where I simply want to decompress and disconnect on my rides- escape, for want of a more involved explanation.  

 

The Lomo Mountain Bike Gloves are still seeing plenty of action and continue to impress in their pleasant, understated way. Also on the test bench is the Lazer Strada Kineticore helmet, a design that blurs genres.

It employs their ScrollSys system for a precise, 360 degree fit, TPU eyewear docking system for parking sunglasses, a rear light mount and Keneticore Propriety Integrated Rotational Impact Protection, offering protection in a similar manner as MIPS. Where the two systems differ is Keneticore Propriety Integrated Rotational Impact Protection is built into the helmet from the beginning, whereas MIPS is added afterward. This ensures it covers the entirety of the helmet and theoretically, improves ventilation, while also using less material.

Hopefully none of us will ever need to call on this, or rely on our lids, but twisting forces can prove particularly harmful in a crash.  

Build quality and attention to detail impresses me at this price point. Simple things like the polycarbonate shell extending around the rim and an intuitive "conveyor belt" type adjuster tightening or relaxing the cradle tension being prime examples.

On the subject of sizing, I went for a small, finding the medium can be a little larger than others. I'm at the upper end of the 51-56cm circumference but still achieved a secure, comfortable fit with scope for caps, buffs and similar headwear. Our sample also coordinates nicely with these Shimano RX600 Shimano SH RX600 Gravel Cycling Shoes | cycling-not-racing and cap 

Bouncing Back

Having recovered from side-effects associated with the second COVID shot, I found myself contemplating some front-end revision. Now, I’m a HUGE fan of the Soma Condor TEST: SOMA CONDOR HANDLEBAR (sevendaycyclist.com) and Condor2SOMA CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS | (sevendaycyclist.com) bars. The former is absolutely bang-on for Ursula-in every respect. Ok, so why swap the condor2 for these Gametic D-riser4 GENETIC DRISER 4 HANDLEBARS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), then?  

I've run both on my fixed gear winter trainer and for some miles.  

However, the D-riser are uniformly oversized across the top section, thus making accessories easier to fit, and to my eye, has an aesthetic edge. The lower profile not only looks sharper, it allows me to hunker lower, out of the headwind (without being nose against the stem or in snake’s testicle territory)  

Prior to this Eureaka moment, I was pondering returning to the Kinekt stem and inspecting the outer cable’s condition beneath the bar wrap. I’d also noticed the otherwise grippy silicone has slipped in places, so I needed to partially rewind it, in any case. Rather than procrastinate, an hour later, everything was switched, checked, and ready to ride. 

The D-Riser 4 have a very subtle flare. More so than their D-Riser 16GENETIC D RISER 16 BARS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) stablemates, which lends them best to road duties. For the uninitiated “flare” refers to the degree by which a handlebar slopes outward.  

Gravel/Adventure bikes usually sport drops with quite pronounced flare, which provide greater stability, and ultimately control, when riding on the drops, off-road. Elsewhere, although along similar lines, after a few filthy rides, it was time to give Ursula a good sudsy bucket wash. This presented the ideal opportunity to check and purge anything abrasive from the brake pads and enhance the front brake’s performance slightly.  

Around the same time as the bar swap struck, I was giving serious thoughts to upgrading Ursula's existing Selcoff post in favour of the plush Kinekt 2.1KINEKT 2.1 SUSPENSION SEAT POST | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). I had planned this a while back, but the seat tube needed a comprehensive cleaning first, to avoid scratching the shim and post. Not a complex job but quite time-consuming and best performed without risk of interruption/distraction. I used some 180-grit sandpaper, rather than a powered abrasive. Pedestrian but infinitely preferable to removing too much metal.   

50 minutes later, the Kinekt shim glided inside. I introduced some of the Peaty's Assembly paste to the post, then slid it in situ and torqued the seat collar snug. I have refitted the Zefal Adventure R5 Waterproof Saddle Bag ZEFAL ADVENTURE R5 WATERPROOF SADDLE BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), while I hunted around for the Carradice SQR mount and (only to discover the clips were showing obvious signs of fatigue).  

Thankfully replacements are readily, and cheaply available) the Carradice CARRADICE CARRADRY SQR BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) . Reversion might sound odd but the Kinekt’s protruding suspension components will wear through the Zefal’s top section. The SQR can be mounted lower, thus avoiding this problem. A formative 20-mile blast purged any post-creep anxieties, although confirmed suspicions that I’d set it a few millimetres too tall.  

Easily sorted upon my return- could've done mid-ride but didn’t want to tempt binder bolt bother miles from home. This wouldn’t usually be something I’d give a second thought, but I’d gone for a budget bolt of unknown quantity since that was all, I had “in stock” of the correct length and diameter.   

As I have said in earlier entries, getting components/spares has been increasingly tricky, partly due to the global pandemic but the impact of Brexit cannot be underestimated, either.  

The sudden and complete dismantling of any restrictions here in the UK is likely to induce unprecedented levels of infection, with lasting social and indeed, economic consequences. I have bought new supplies of PPE (masks with filters and aerosol-based santisers) and on a different note, maintenance sprays and other workshop products, while prices and supplies were favourable.   

Talking of favourable, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the performance of the Peaty’s Link Lubes- dry and all-weather alike. The dry is closest to an emulsion/wax and has returned a decent mileage from a single application, well past 300 miles, and that included some decidedly wet, gritty backroads. In the higher temperatures, there’s no hint of it being temperature-sensitive in the melting sense.  

The All conditions is essentially a middleweight wet formula. One that I’ve found particularly effective on the fixed. It seeps deep within the links and clings to the rollers tenaciously, serene silence, albeit it attracts a little more contaminant than some.  

Talking of attraction, it seems that a previous low-paying, high-stress, and socially isolating career is drawing unwanted attention. There has long been a recruitment and retention problem within social care. There are several core reasons for this, at least in the UK. Appalling work/life balance, perception of it being unskilled (and paid accordingly) are major detractions.  

Recessions help in this respect, but observations and personal experience of the sector suggest these problems have remained consistent, for at least 25 years. Thankfully, it’s not an industry (or indeed era in my life) I have any intention of revisiting. However, the attitudes towards our most vulnerable are in my view, a barometer of the society we are living in.  The re by the grace of God some would say. Indeed, the long-term implications for young adults experiencing, or susceptible to long COVID are yet to be realised.