Midwinter Blues...

Midwinter and its gloom can be tricky customers but I have the lanes largely to myself, all the head-space I could need.

Stout tyres, mudguards and stocky chain lubes, coupled with regular post ride, freshwater rinses keep bikes happy and reliable. Perpetual rains have dismissed space age favourites from the fixed’s stainless steel KMC chain in a modest 225 miles. I’ve resurrected Weldtite TF2 Extreme wet, which is holding up pretty well, without harbouring too much crap.  

To conserve supplies of expensive, space-age wax polishes during the slushy season, I’ve reverted to car wash n’ wax formulas. 1-litre bottles of these foaming elixirs can be bought along with a water guzzling sponge for £2.50 from discount/car accessory shops. Most do the 2in1 cleaning and protecting job pretty convincingly, conserving valuable time into the bargain.

Decent layers, tights, jackets, gloves and overshoes maintain my inner smile. Yes, like Charlie Watts and many Moscovites, I give little away. I will wave, or nod as we pass but that’s about it.

Don’t take it to heart, I’m just enjoying some quiet time, mulling things over, escaping the torrent of calls from ambulance chasers and inept telesales people. I appreciate you are just doing your job and will deliver my rejections graciously. 

However, I don't wish to sue anyone for medical negligence, I've not had a hernia, I don't want a combi-boiler, thirteen brides from Ukraine (Or I might be needing the erectile dysfunction meds offered with disturbing regularity). An all expenses paid trip to the former Soviet states and the opportunity to photograph its abandoned military/industrial sites, would be welcomed.

On the extremities front, there’s plenty of Hi-Viz yellow to burn through the darkest of cobalt skies. I’ve Grip Grab hi-vis Hurricane gloves and for feet, these Ale shoe-covers with retro-reflective detailing. Designed primarily for sleeker race slippers, I was pleasantly surprised to discover (albeit with a bit of gentle persuasion) they'll entertain wider profile mtb and trainer type commuter/touring shoes too.

The Grip Grab gloves follow a most conditions narrative. A shorter cuff means they need tucking beneath the cuffs for a decent seal this time of year but won't look odd in mid-March when it's often temperate enough for a long sleeve base and mid-layer.

Talking of which, these are designed specifically for temperatures between +5 and 15 degrees, which caters for most contexts between September and March on these shores, although frankly, by the time the mercury is inching into double figures, I’m looking toward mitts or very thin mtb full-finger fare.

The emphasis here is water and wind resistance but for the most part, this strikes a decent compromise for general riding. I’ve been belting along comfortably for a couple of hours with the temperature struggling into single figures. 

Hands and to a lesser extent feet (Unless you are free-wheeling for long periods) are the first parts the brain shuts down to conserve energy. During one particularly cold mid-afternoon blast, I was conscious of the bitter arctic wind permeating the wind repellant membrane.Thankfully, this was fleeting and the 90minute ride remained enjoyable. 

Tech-friendly, silicone detailed digits pretty much mandatory these days. I’ve had no problems taking photos, popping lights on/off, rummaging around for keys, energy bars etc without removal.Optimum dexterity means a super-precise fit. I've had other Grip-Grab gloves so this didn't come as a surprise, although something of a culture shock if you're used to other brands'.  

Thankfully; 400 miles in those Schwalbe Marathon GT haven’t missed a beat; let alone succumbed to a flat.

Neoprene can be very useful when it’s really cold AND wet; since it insulates against the chill.However, they’re not my first options, since I don’t like their soggy, clammy feel. That goes for hands and feet. 

At the other end of the price spectrum, I’m also lucky enough to be testing this Showers Pass Torch jacket, which is very well equipped and aimed at similar audiences i.e. road, commuting and touring.

Experience leads me to suggest, satisfying all three groups is a tall order. Take commuting, for example. Some folks do bike as car runs-say 2-3 miles at a modest 12mph, or so, others 25mile round trips at a steady 20mph.

As I’d expect from a jacket commanding over £200, it’s made from a 3 layer, breathable rip-stop “Elite” fabric. Taped seams and YKK Aquaguard Vislon front zipper should keep monsoon rains firmly outside, while zippered side and shoulder panels provide physical ventilation.

There is also the option of adding an aftermarket hood (not really my thing, simply on the grounds hoods tend to compromise vision). Brushed lining provides comfort and warmth when the mercury slides

The main body features an attractive retro-reflective reflective map design along with day glow panels and four, removable button type “beacon” lights. These have three flashing modes are conspire with the other features to maximise visibility in all conditions. There are two sensibly sized pockets. My favourite. The "nelson" up front will gobble a 5inch smartphone and a thin, freelancer's wallet, or long zoom travel compact camera. 

The rear's diagonal poacher is also sensible. Easily accessed, I've had no problems stuffing bananas, Jailors bunch of keys and spare tube inside but it doesn't encourage over-stuffing, causing it to sag and bounce like an over-excited Labrador puppy.

An LED loop provides another lighting option at driver eye-level. So far, it’s performing well on most fronts and in temperatures ranging from 3-4 degrees. Forecasters are promising a seriously vengeful twist in the coming days, which shouldn’t call its bluff... Only one way to find out. Hmm, it's snowing now, so I'll switch to the Univega and those spiked  Schwalbe Winter tyres.