I’m not just talking weather, or global politics (although it certainly applies). The icy weather proved a brief interlude, a five-minute wonder and we’ve returned to the warmer, wetter narrative that has been typical of UK winters the past fifteen years or so. Having set the scene, I received some interesting luggage from Oxford Products and Lomo. The former is a single, 20 litre design made from 500denier PVC, employs a roll top closure and welded seams.
The latter is a 13litre bike packing model, twice the Topeak Back loader 6L’s size, promises not only excellent weatherproof carrying capacity but reduced sway, courtesy of reinforced panels and double straps. At £36.00, it’s markedly cheaper than the Topeak Back loader family. I’m keeping the Topeak homage saddle support in situ, if only to assess its taming credentials with bigger models.
Shimano MW7 remain my defaults during this spell, thanks to their temperate weather cheating charms, not to mention the relatively stiff soles and Boa closures. Shimano MW7 (MW702) Gore Tex MTB Shoes | cycling-not-racing I was somewhat disappointed to find the Oxford Venture Windproof GiletOXFORD VENTURE WINDPROOF GILET | cycling-not-racing had become bin fodder, courtesy of a knackered zip and shagged pocket stitching (love this technical terms).
I recall having a black version somewhere...Will have to dig it out... Meantime, I’ve resurrected a very cheerful Van Rysel High Viz Cycling Jacket- gilet by another name. Day glow yellow body, two rear and one breast pocket, reflective detailing, two-year warrantee and £24.99 are hard to beat. Cycling’s clothing manufacturers seem to be experiencing something of a slump at present.
I’m a huge fan of Endura, the Humvee shorts were a bombproof classic that I would argue have stood the test of time and managed to bridge the gap between messenger knickers and trail shorts. Great for touring and general riding where you might want to drop by someone’s for Sunday lunch etc. I’ve also some Xtract bib tights serving me very well, especially given the asking price (£54.99) and they’re made in Scotland, not the Far East.
Lusso are another UK brand (Manchester based) I’ve had positive experiences with their summer weight jerseys and adventure bib shorts. These, in common with others, including Madison Roam Cargo Bib Shorts Madison Roam Men's Cargo Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing feature pockets for longer rides and though different takes on the narrative, both are effective and practical.
However, they’re summer designs, so I’ll be sticking with mid- winter bib tights, maybe ¾ lengths when temperatures climb slightly. Winter, as any cyclist knows, can be similarly cruel to components- chomping through chains, cassettes- derailleurs and rings too, if you’re lazy, or haphazard. Cables can also fray and gunk up. I spotted Denise’s inner wire virtually disintegrating, so wasted no time in Tackling. However, what should’ve been a twenty-minute job took on a life of its own. I found a problem with the RL200 lever- the plastic cable entry had become misshapen, necessitating lever replacement. I found another what I believed to be like for like lever, fitted a fresh stainless inner wire and dialled in the front brake.
However, stopping prowess was markedly superior...Closer inspection confirmed I’d picked up an RL520 by mistake. These are designed for V brake and cable- operated discs, not cantilevers. However, while powerful, it’s not throwing me over the bars, so stays for now. Mechanics is not a means to an end. Aside from bonding with my machines, it’s also a conduit for processing and working through other things. This can be personalised and localised to me, or more abstract/generic.
There’s a lot to be said for winter specific bikes and simple ones at that. Fixed, or single speed cross bikes with mudguards are in some respects ideal-bigger clearances allow stouter tyres. Tyres are our first point of contact, so it pays not to skimp here. Cheap mudguards can also prove false economy, warping and failing at the least convenient moment, so worth spending a bit more.
Of the traditional types, I’ve had positive experiences with Tortec and SKS SKS BLUEMELS SHINY MUDGUARDS | cycling, but not ususally racing If you’re looking at escaping asphalt, the Mud Hugger Gravel Hugger MUD HUGGER GRAVEL HUGGER MUDGURADS | cycling-not-racing have impressed me with their solid build quality and levels of protection. Sure, the bike will get a liberal helping of gloopy spatter around the rear triangle but you, luggage and other kit remain broadly dry. Gravel hybrid more your kind of hack? Take a look at Robert Adair’s Fuji Enjoy a unique moment in every cup of L’OR coffee. On a strictly personal note, I would’ve applied some marine/high build primer to the bare frame ends/similar before but otherwise, like his resourceful, solid ressurection.
