Petting the Hedgehog

 Generally speaking, I hold up pretty well during the cold, wet and sometimes icy months but I’ve been finding riding in perpetual darkness tricky of late, so I mixed things up a little. Midwinter is also a season of temptation and er, sometimes five-minute wonders. Tempered in my case by outgoings, and cost-benefit discipline. Want versus Need, at its simplest.  

The Holdsworth’s fork is a modest expense with genuine benefits. The mighty KA was due for servicing and two new front tyres. They were still within the legal limit but safety’s not something I mess with, particularly during winter. 

Admin and emails before 7.30 and out riding come sunrise. I enjoy the changing seasons- always have and though I can cope in hot, humid conditions, there’s a lot to be said for cooler weather. People’s tempers seem more even, and, on the bike, I can don, or remove additional layers.   

Some of you will notice a pink theme creeping in. Now, I wouldn’t have a frameset finished in pink, nor is it a colour I’m traditionally drawn to. Much will also depend on the shade. However, I’m perfectly secure in my masculinity, so not overly fazed when a manufacturer sends me something- bar tape, bar bag, jersey with a subtle hue, or theme.  

Contrasts nicely with Ursula’s cream and black colourway and of course, the Holdsworth’s “French” blue (RAL 5024). I was also suitably taken with the Giant Continuum 9 function wireless computer, that I’ve acquired another. Not least since it’s bankrupt stock and pink is cheaper than the alternative colours by several quid.  

There are a few devices l personally prefer to be disconnected from the internet. Bar-mounted computers are cases in point. Phones and other technology spy on us- for some reason, I’m being offered prostrate massagers, laxatives, inflatable companions, commodes via Ali Express. Hmm...Can only be that grunting on those long climbs... I digress...   

Ursula and the Holdsworth sported 80’s pink/black spatter Bike Ribbon in the past-£1 from a bargain bin dive. Peugeot and a couple of small-scale British frame builders offered framesets with a black and pink theme too.      

UK media hysteria about snow blasts, white outs and complete chaos have in this corner thus far, translated as minus 6 and plenty of ice. Not an issue with the right kit- Ursula's shod with the spikes, I’m wearing long sleeve base layers, Belgian style caps (greater coverage for the ears) softshell jacket, Oxford Venture Gilet, or if the wind’s really biting this Madison Roam 2.5 Madison Roam 2.5 Layer Waterproof Jacket | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  Waterproof socks and gloves are another definite plus, while glasses shield the eyes from windblast, sleet and debris. Amber lenses are reckoned to reduce glare and make it easier to see in low light. There's suggestion these also enhance the mood and anecdotally, I’ll agree.   

The invisiFrame Protectant is proving a remarkably effective barrier against, wet, gritty, corrosive stuff and I’ve been very surprised at just how clean Ursula has remained after much mixed terrain fun. Judging by this Bell Avenue, it works equally well on matt polycarbonate finishes.  

Titanium is a little trickier though. Matt, “submarine” greys are fine but those with a satin hue required more enthused buffing to remove any haze- the Holdsworth’s Torus stem being a case in point. I took that opportunity to dress its Coefficient Wave Carbon Handlebars COEFFICIENT WAVE HANDLEBAR | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) with Cycology 8-day Handlebar tape. The outer, silicone-based coating means it’s a little tricker than some to get tucked into the end and needs a firm, even pressure. That said; it’s hardly challenging to fit. I’m enjoying the Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar bag.  

It’s made from a sturdy waterproof 900d polyester with a waterproof zipper and 2.4 litre carrying capacity. There’s also a carry strap for convenience off the bike. Internally it has a relatively large “open plan” main and a zippered “valuables” stash within the wall- change, keys and other stuff you don’t want going AWOL. Given the bitterly cold, icy snap, the fixed has been enjoying a rest.  

One quirk I have noticed with the Topeak DX rack is that to adjust the chain tension, with the present chain tugs requires removing the rack from the eyelets (since the legs sit proud and obstruct). The obvious, although relatively pricey option was to go for another set of MKS NJS chain tugs. Nice, but I decided I’d take a punt on some auction site specials, which looked to be of the genuinely cheap but cheerful variety. The supplier claimed UK stock and in fairness, they arrived within a week. Time will tell but if these fail, I’ll take the MKS route.   

Paradoxes & Pleasant Surprises

 I was trained as a journalist. In a cycling context, I review products and write technical features. I am not an influencer in the commonly accepted social media sense. Nor do I wish to be. My work is impartial, based upon real-world mileage and experience. I genuinely care whether stuff works and is fair value. I don’t write advertorials.

Though I’ve always wanted my work to be recognised for its merit, I’m a very private person preferring to be “behind the scenes”.       

Funny then, for a man purportedly not wanting to draw attention to himself, that I’ve been so drawn to Kostume’s jersey and cap. These are limited edition prints (in this instance the #Edit002 created by Alice Irwin) produced in small batches. Theoretically great for quality control, compared with mass production, although this, and the quality is reflected in the pricing.  

They’re made from recycled polyester and compared with other, likeable recycled models, they don’t feel synthetic-even when worn directly against the skin.  The Jersey features six pockets, which again are sensibly engineered and don’t sag, or bob around when laden with bottles and similar goodies. Arguably the effect, though unisex has a pink narrative, which I appear able to carry off. A combination of skin tone and being secure in my masculinity, perhaps.  

Then, of course, there’s been more lighting and tyres. I’m trying to get as many miles as possible aboard the Holdsworth and Teenage Dream while the balmier conditions allow. Doing so has also presented the opportunity to touch up Ursula’s mudguard eyelets- a light coat of high-build “marine” primer for a smooth surface and sharp effect when the Humbrol enamel’s applied.  

Everything cures nicely this side of September, too. I also took that opportunity to inspect and ultimately replace the brake pads. I went for some baseline Shimano as that’s what I had in stock, but I’ve taken this cue to order some more of the Disco Brakes Pads, which have impressed me (and Steve) DiscoBrakes Sintered Brake Pads | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) with their durability and stopping prowess.  This Birman Chain Checker had also come my way, presenting the ideal opportunity to check Ursula and Teenage Dream’s chains.  

Ursula’s had only just been replaced but I was beginning to wonder how much life the Teenage Dream’s Sachs had. It registered   .5, which would be pension day for an 11/12 speed but late middle age for a 6spd (should be retired at .8). I’m confident I’ll get through the summer and replace to coincide with seasonal hibernation.      

Mornings, or dawns are becoming later, so I’m now heading out with a proper front light. Until recently, I’ve been running the Holdsworth’s Magicshine Ray 2600 in flashing, it’s See Mee 150 cousin behind.  

I’ve received a Ravemen PR2000, which pumps out 1000 lumens in the highest “road” mode, 2000 in the dual flood/spot mtb setting, although this obviously has an impact on run times. Thankfully, the PR2000 comes with a wireless remote, seemingly identical to that employed by its LR1600 cousin, meaning switching modes is easy on the fly.  

I was pleasantly surprised to find they weren’t interchangeable and those of us having visions of being able to hijack a fellow rider’s light, say on a training ride, will be disappointed.  

Interestingly, the mid (500lumens) has been fine for 5am onwards and once dawn has properly broken, I’ve switched to the 500lumen rapid flash as it gives excellent presence and reassuringly frugal.  Time and miles will tell but Ravemen’s build, and quality control has always impressed me. The PR2000 meets IPX8 for weatherproofing, which bodes well for winter’s worst-especially off-road.   

Clinging limpet fashion to the Holdsworth’s pencil-thin seat stay is an Infini Sword Super Bright 30COB Rear Light. The Sword has been around for a few years now but still seems truly relevant. 50 lumens aren’t uncommon these days but there are sensible modes for most riding contexts and two super frugal flashing modes. According to Infini, they’ll do 200 hours from a full, two-hour charge. Again, we’ll see... 

Rubber-wise, the Schwalbe Smart Sam have arrived for Ursula and Hutchinson are sending me their Challenger which comes in tubed and tubeless versions and is reckoned to return 5,000km and 10,000km respectively without any loss of performance, or indeed puncture resistance (which, in my experience can wane, towards the end). Holdsworth and fixed-gear winter/trainer’s rear wheels seem the most obvious hosts...