Fact & Friction

180 miles in, and I’m bonding with the 38 tooth Raval oval ring, the improved mid-range has given a better spread of power, improving cruising and climbing prowess quite considerably. It’s worth noting that oval/elliptical rings require careful consideration and favour a smooth, relatively high cadence. For these reasons, I (personally) would be inclined to shy away from them on a purebred MTB. 

Otherwise, there is the temptation to turn a taller gear than ideal, which can result in a jerkier pedaling motion, inducing precisely the knee and back strain the concept was intended to alleviate. Shimano’s bio-pace was originally marketed at tourists and time Triallists but over time, marketing shifted to novice and returnees. By the mid-90s it had fallen out of fashion, meaning decent cranksets with said rings were plentiful and very cheap. 

The Pro Gold Pro ink chain lube is also proving a reciprocal compliment to this setup, although I’ve decided topping up around the time its ¾ spent stage (150 miles, or so, during a dry spell) is the best means of appreciating its qualities, rather than allowing it to become a thin film. I’ve also applied it to the fixed’s new KMC HL710.  

I also discovered, on our first outing, that I’d got the tension too tight-this wasn’t obvious on the work stand but immediately apparent, when I headed out, on Sunday morning. It remained a little agricultural, so I’ve switched back to the PC1, using the Topeak All Speeds Chain Tool https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/topeak-all-speeds-chain-tool. One thing led to another and in this instance...A lower headset bearing strip, cable strip and re-lube, then I found another 35mm Zilent https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/vee-tire-co-zilent-mark-2-tyres, so popped that up front.   

Elsewhere, Redshift Sports have sent me their Shockstop Suspension Seatpost. Available in either 27.2, or 31.8mm diameters, it’s likely to sit pride of place on the Holdsworth. Not the most obvious choice perhaps, given the bike’s minimalist “enough parts to make it stop, go and handle in good proportion” persona and those relatively compliant plain gauge 531 tubes but we’ll see...Since we’re on the subject, here’s a seatpost overview...https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/a-guide-to-seatposts  

Set up is more involved than some, so set aside some time to familiarise yourself with the instructions- their youtube video is particularly insightful. It’s pretty low maintenance from then on. No need to lubricate the moving parts (although the internal preload spring may require occasional re-greasing) and obviously, regrease the post periodically, if you are pairing it with a metal frameset. 

Elsewhere, Buff has sent me their new, improved original Buff, which is now made from 95% recycled Polyester and their Pack Bike Cap. Pleasant, funky and very welcome surprises.    

https://www.facebook.com/sevenday.cyclist/videos/2275936309368820/ 

Roads remain quiet with most people broadly adhering to the UK’s lockdown policy-at least in this part of the South East but there’s a palpable, simmering restlessness. I can envisage the present administration banning all exercise, and that includes going out, into the garden. (Yes, and you thought the turbo trainer would sort this!)  

However, there are two potential scenarios (a) They won’t since they will not want to experience a backlash at the ballot box (b) People will simply flout this in bigger numbers. Indeed, many will argue an under-funded police force will not have the resources.  Therefore, even with drone and similar remote technology, enforcement, beyond major cities, will prove extremely difficult. My hope is that people will behave sensibly and responsibly, without recourse to further curbing of freedom.  

If you do fancy a read, this link will take you to a book review “The Story of A Bike” The Lotus 110 bike and its 108 predecessor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/the-story-of-a-bike 

Diversions & Fixations

Due to the sheer demand for Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating's expert services, my trailer and TIG welded forks blast n' paint rebirth, has been postponed. One of those things. I'd never ask anyone to work beyond their capacity. I wouldn't welcome it, so why would anyone else!

For some reason, the Halo Fixed-G https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-fixed sprocket's lock-ring, will not stay tight, subsequently, the sprocket moves along the splines. This would partly account for the annoying, low level chatter when riding across anything other than virgin tarmac.

Then of course, there's the selection of loose fasteners, zip-ties etc residing in the Carradice SQR Tour's side pockets. Lived in patina aside, mine's still looking great, 18 years on and is arguably the best option for my (general riding) needs. Big lock, tools, change of clothes/shoes, tubes, food and tooling- easily swallowed.

The only minor consideration is weight distribution. Laden anywhere close to their ten kilo capacity, the SQR and its Carradry cousin  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry    can be something of a handful. That said; it’s a characteristic that I became accustomed to, and accounted for, within a matter of rides.

Back to sprockets...For the time being, I've gone for this 15-tooth, Andel Threaded Cro mo track unit-mounted on the hub's threaded side (obviously). Given these get the lion's share of dodgy water, salt and other detritus, greasing the threads with a suitably stiff grease, is essential. In this instance, I've opted for a ceramic, to avoid galvanic union later on.

I prefer ceramics. Durability and to some extent cleanliness being the main draw. However, a synthetic PTFE fortified prep will be fine, even on Titanium/aluminium interfaces. Old fashioned lithium greases are also fine...Provided you are pairing an aluminium alloy sprocket and hub.

I've also forgone the lock ring- for now. Lock rings are a sensible move. However, I find, even given a liberal greasing, the forces placed upon a fixed transmission, ensures sprockets get wound on very tightly.

Harmonious swoosh restored. I would be interested to try Level Components "bolt on" system, which in theory, should be the most secure going, albeit another demanding dedicated  sprockets.

What I’d expect, from a straight cut, CNC machined example. Bevelled sprockets have their place and tend to be relatively cheap. Hence their popularity on road bikes, converted to fixed. 

Overcast, slightly oppressive humidity has been the climatic theme these past week, or so. Nonetheless, I've managed to get out, and really let my hair down on the Holdsworth. No word from Apeman regarding the sheared A80 casing and mount. For the time being, video falls exclusively to my Tom Tom Bandit, which is beautifully intuitive to use. 

Though slightly quirky, the swoopy Soma Condor drops and Tektro RL520 lever are proving inspired revisions. Revisions offering improved control, both in terms of leverage and braking. The bars shallower drop ensures I can hunker lower than with the pursuit type.

I liked the Highway1 handlebars, too https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-highway-1-handlebars. Another relatively shallow design but one that felt deeper, probably given I was running a TT type lever, at the end. I spend much of my time on "open" roads and relatively quiet lanes. Thus, this voluptuous genre, are a better fit. 

The Tektro RL 520 and Miche dual pivot calliper are a decent marriage, offering lots of controlled bite. Enough power to lift the rear wheel, so not something I'll be looking to upgrade. No call for a rear brake, unless you run a flip-flop (Fixed and freewheel setup) or live in a really mountainous region (at which point, you probably wouldn't be running a fixed, or single speed setup).

Other contemplated revisions, include the Crank Brothers Cobalt 3 seatpost, in favour of this Genetic Syngenic https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-syngenic-seatpost . While I love the Cobalt3's inline design, svelte profile (250g for 400mm, anyone?) I'm less endeared by the single clamp. One that is fiddly to adjust, and more prone to slippage, compared with other designs. Single bolt, or otherwise.   

Aside from the greater leverage/control, wide bars also open the chest cavity, which assists breathing, and of course efficient climbing. Gearing between 76.1 and 81 inches, is arguably bang on, for most road contexts.

https://www.facebook.com/sevenday.cyclist/videos/2068629046766215/

Tall enough for maintaining a steady 20mph, without grinding up the gradients, or spinning out on the descents, like a demented, caffeine-fuelled hamster.  Talking of which, check cleat health regularly. Unplanned disengagement at 25mph plus is a very unwelcome, and potentially painful and expensive experience.  We have become very accustomed to a fantastic system of universal healthcare, here in the UK.

As is to be expected, given its enormity, there are sections of the NHS that would merit improvement, However, the present political administration seems determined to dismantle, in favour of a US-style, insurance-based system.

Combine that with a public happy to share their DNA, in order to "discover their ancestors" and "heritage", it’s not difficult to see how an insurer could test for genetic susceptibility and increase premiums (or indeed, decline insurance for certain conditions). This would also have implications for other things, including mortgages, and related premiums.

Making Contact

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.