A fit of pique saw me change the Holdsworth’s arguably gorgeous Nitto cockpit in favour of this ultra stiff BBB flat section aero bar and shorter Outland stem configuration. Dun might not be the most exciting of finishes but blends nicely with the blue, black & pink livery. More importantly, I sought a shorter reach and the improved rigidity is a bonus. The flat sections are designed to accommodate aerobars but restrict brake lever choice to traditional road or TT types and while drilled for internal cable routing, running them outside results in smoother lines and better braking without compromising comfort. 
I was fortunate enough to salvage the flamingo pink bike ribbon-not the most obvious, or manly choice but one to which I have developed fierce attachment. Greater rigidity really sharpens the front end, making handling that little bit crisper while the flat sections provide convenient, if unintentional resting points for the palms.
The rather fetching slimline computer with phenomenally clear display has been substituted because I didn’t have any of the ultra slender cable ties needed to secure it to the bars and the wiring along fork leg- it may even see a return once some skinny ties come under my radar but the Echowell is neat, tidy and perfectly adequate for now…Well at least it was until the sensor made a bid for freedom at 25mph along the back roads… This continues a generic theme of electrical woe, my Li-on camera battery charger awaiting replacement having expired without warning three weeks ago. 
Manufacturers will argue to the contrary but in practice compatibility isn’t an exact science… My garage has played host to extensive late-night experimentation with redundant wireless sensors until we struck gold. Gentle cajoling couldn’t persuade this Cat Eye cordless II to capitulate with the Echowell but perseverance saw the Univega’s play nicely. Encased in medical grade silicone I was convinced the sensor wouldn’t communicate but much to my surprise, spinning the wheel induced the familiar muted bleeping while the head unit flickered into life, giving more consistent and accurate readings than most stock models!
Wired designs offer the last word in accuracy but are more vulnerable to damage during headset and other front-end overhaul. So, the solution to this and slightly fiddly escapee sensor mounts, is to continue with the wireless theme and purchase a second tool-free Knog type from the UK importer. Patience and carefully reasoned experimentation can prove extremely satisfying.
Winter, given light is very much of a premium, is the season for big reflective projects, bike builds and/or reconfigurations ready for spring and summer’s call when the workload is more consistent and the extended evenings buy greater time. Paul (Vincent) has revealed a little of his second build, apparently a twin seat and down tube design but needing paint to bring the concept alive. He’s also kindly agreed to have a meander through his spares bin in search of a dynamo lamp.
Hmm, I suddenly feel the need for something classic, a rigid mtb frameset with taller head tube (allowing me to use Midge or similar flared drops without recourse to stems with 35 degree rise), Surly type ends meaning it can accomodate various derailleur/hub geared or fixed guises oh and assorted bottle bosses/other nick-nacks too…Topped off with dove grey powder coat for a durable and unassuming (read less likely to get noticed and stolen) finish.
Clearing out the old Ka unearthed these salmon colour Kool-stops ripe for replacing the Univega's OEM Dia Compe pads-being a much softer compound gives significantly improved bite in the wet, although they’ve demanded some very precise toe-in to prevent the banshee screech upon applying the front brake in anger. Ironic since I timed the upgrade to coincide with a thorough purging of the rims' filthy sidewalls but a few longish rides are starting to see them settle down and the wintrier weather forecast should only accelerate this process.
Drawing parallels with diamonds, hours are precious and not to be squandered but hopefully the spring will invite some warmer weather, allowing greater playtime aboard the Holdsworth and Teenage Dream. Right now, most mileage is courtesy of the tubby tourer with its big, supple tyres, stable, yet engaging handling and wide fenders keeping man and machine from being drenched in spray, minimising the need for perpetual post ride cleaning.
Manufacturers will argue to the contrary but in practice compatibility isn’t an exact science… My garage has played host to extensive late-night experimentation with redundant wireless sensors until we struck gold. Gentle cajoling couldn’t persuade this Cat Eye cordless II to capitulate with the Echowell but perseverance saw the Univega’s play nicely. Encased in medical grade silicone I was convinced the sensor wouldn’t communicate but much to my surprise, spinning the wheel induced the familiar muted bleeping while the head unit flickered into life, giving more consistent and accurate readings than most stock models!Wired designs offer the last word in accuracy but are more vulnerable to damage during headset and other front-end overhaul. So, the solution to this and slightly fiddly escapee sensor mounts, is to continue with the wireless theme and purchase a second tool-free Knog type from the UK importer. Patience and carefully reasoned experimentation can prove extremely satisfying.Winter, given light is very much of a premium, is the season for big reflective projects, bike builds and/or reconfigurations ready for spring and summer’s call when the workload is more consistent and the extended evenings buy greater time. Paul (Vincent) has revealed a little of his second build, apparently a twin seat and down tube design but needing paint to bring the concept alive. He’s also kindly agreed to have a meander through his spares bin in search of a dynamo lamp.
Hmm, I suddenly feel the need for something classic, a rigid mtb frameset with taller head tube (allowing me to use Midge or similar flared drops without recourse to stems with 35 degree rise), Surly type ends meaning it can accomodate various derailleur/hub geared or fixed guises oh and assorted bottle bosses/other nick-nacks too…Topped off with dove grey powder coat for a durable and unassuming (read less likely to get noticed and stolen) finish.
Clearing out the old Ka unearthed these salmon colour Kool-stops ripe for replacing the Univega's OEM Dia Compe pads-being a much softer compound gives significantly improved bite in the wet, although they’ve demanded some very precise toe-in to prevent the banshee screech upon applying the front brake in anger. Ironic since I timed the upgrade to coincide with a thorough purging of the rims' filthy sidewalls but a few longish rides are starting to see them settle down and the wintrier weather forecast should only accelerate this process.
Drawing parallels with diamonds, hours are precious and not to be squandered but hopefully the spring will invite some warmer weather, allowing greater playtime aboard the Holdsworth and Teenage Dream. Right now, most mileage is courtesy of the tubby tourer with its big, supple tyres, stable, yet engaging handling and wide fenders keeping man and machine from being drenched in spray, minimising the need for perpetual post ride cleaning.