700x28c

 The Tyre Gods seem to be deciding 700x28c my new default for road-biased riding. These Specialized Road Sport Tyres have just landed at my door. They’re cheaper than the CST, so also sparked my curiosity. Ours are the 28mm but they’re also available in 700x 24, 26c, 700x32c, 35c, and 27x 1 ¼. Unlike the CST, they’re a wire bead, which adds a few grams. They feature a bead-to-bead puncture repelling belt and promise increased speed, grip and durability, so it’ll be interesting to see how they behave in the real world and obviously, compare with the CST. 

Temperatures are still seasonally high, but the days are getting shorter, so my thoughts are increasingly turning to ¾ length bib longs, arm warmers, caps and other tuneable attire. Summer and depths of winter aside, I default to ¾ lengths on account of their versatility, even off-road, which has induced playful derision from some sections of the mtb community. I can live with that. I’m also a major fan of Decathlon’s in house clothing ranges. I’ve been sent some Triban Men's Road Cycling Bib Tights RC500, which are in fact, ¾ lengths!  

No problem for me. I like ¾ lengths. Primarily because they bridge the gap when it’s too cool for shorts and too mild for full-length tights. Between 5 and 15 degrees (c), loosely speaking. At the lower end of this temperature scale, I pair them with calf-length socks-sometimes waterproof and these FLR Defender MTB Thermal Dry S-Tex Boots FLR DEFENDER MTB DRY BOOT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

I remain a big fan of these Primal Dawn Men’s Bib Knickers TEST & REVIEW: PRIMAL DAWN MEN'S BIB KNICKERS (sevendaycyclist.com) which are still going strong. Fond of these Funkier FUNKIER RIDE FLO MEN'S 3/4 BIB TIGHTS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) too.   

Unless it’s raining dogs, I default to lightweight, packable caps such as this Buff BUFF PACK BIKE CAP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and several seasons along, I’m still seriously attached to these Specialized full finger gloves, although it's temperate enough for mitts and likely to remain so, for some time. I also err towards photochromic (light-sensitive) lenses, which adjust to suit changing sunlight.  

However, as time goes on, I’m more inclined towards amber/yellow lenses, since they enhance vision on cloudy days, and crucially, low light. Some say they help improve mood, during the darker months and I’m inclined to agree. These Salice 026 RW glasses Salice 026 RW Glasses | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) have become my defaults during pre-dawn dashes.     

  

Traditionally Autumn (The fall for those of you reading this in the US) is my favourite season given the bold, changing colours. I also associate it with a time of learning- having commenced a degree in the autumn of 1992. I’ve always liked learning (although admittedly, needed to “cool my brain down” following 5 years post-secondary education and coasted through some entry-level jobs. Constructive dossing, you might say.)  

Anyhow, I’d suddenly found myself curious about CNC machining. Training to a commercial standard takes around three years (although as with many skilled professions, mastery takes a lifetime, since you never cease learning and developing skills and expertise).  

However, some sources suggest using CAD software, someone can learn the basics in a few weeks. Now, given the UK’s trajectory, I’m not looking at this as a commercial/vocational outlet but rather, wondering if I can develop sufficient skill, if I can make components and other things-not necessarily bicycle/related but as means of subverting supply chain issues and shortages in a wider context...      

Autumn is also a time when I stock check, since chains, cables, pads and similar take a spanking come winter. I’m pleasantly surprised to see Ursula’s KMC chain is still going strong 1700 miles down the line. Something I attribute to a very dry spring/summer and lighter/drier lubes.  

Nonetheless, with global supply issues and BREXIT meddling, I’ve been inclined to keep a closer eye and stock up on consumables, buying multiples, while prices are still favourable.  There’s a limit to these things of course, but fact remains, I’m going to get through them, so best to buy while prices are favourable. This has even extended to maintenance sprays-which I have bought directly from factories.  

There are a wealth of things government could implement to mitigate shortages and protect its citizens, but the UK’s present administration seems determined to dogmatically follow a hands-off ideology. One which will have greatest impact upon society’s most vulnerable and is leaving other countries completely bewildered and the nation a laughingstock. The aspiring prime minister (presently foreign secretary) has been talking in terms of pressing nuclear buttons and seems hell-bent on destroying what remains of the UK’s credibility, its health service and economy...

Cooler days, Warmer Kit

September is here Temperatures and leaves are beginning to drop, Eurobike is in full swing and other shows are limbering up. I'm getting as many miles in on the Holdsworth, before October, when I'll probably commit it to seasonal hibernation. 

Given daylight seems to evaporate by 19.45, I've swapped over to the Ravemen LR1200 front lamp https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ravemen-pr-1200-dual-lens-front-lig. Not that the PR500 is woefully under powered per se. However,1200 makes life much easier, at 25mph plus. Besides, the brackets are mutually compatible. Would like to get my hands on its 1600lumen sibling, too...

Up the rear, I've been running Oxford Ultratorch R50 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-ultratorch-1  along with the Smart Gem Rear Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/smart-gem-rear-light . Enough for most contexts. 

If I don't indulge these Holdsworth riding urges now, I'll only lament it, come the depths of December. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, and all that.  25mph along the back road, 35 on the descents-lovely. That said; I was surprised, when a fully faired recumbent blasted past, blowing me into the metaphorical weeds! 

Had a few, more traditional e-bikes momentarily drawing alongside, only  to discover they couldn't keep pace with me. Much to their annoyance, and my amusement. I have nothing against e-bikes, whatsoever. Motor doping isn't on, in a competitive context. However, the technology has made quantum leaps in recent years ( some of the race models are very attractive, almost indistinguishable from their exclusively human powered counterparts). 

E-bikes open a new world for people who couldn't previously enjoy cycling and they have obvious applications for cargo bikes and similar beasts of burden. Though I have a working knowledge of the breed, we call upon specialist testers to review ours https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/haibike-sduro 

The Holdsworth is minimalist, built for speed.

 Aside from being seduced by its lively responsive persona, its where I zone in, and exorcise some demons.  I have some profound regrets, and the decisions we make can have lasting, and serious consequences. I often hear the line "If your children have the right skill set, demanded by the economy, they will be fine". 

A somewhat blinkered perspective. One that fails to take a wealth of variables into account. Switching from a manufacturing to service led economy, being a very obvious example.  Yes, continuous development, coupled with transferable skills , offer  solid foundation and a sporting chance of navigating fiscal storms. 

However, getting into bed with the wrong people, romantically, or fiscally (and indeed, both) is an incredibly incendiary, toxic mixture. One that can test in obvious, and unexpected ways. 

Good friendships, stoicism and resilience are pivotal. 

With the seasonal transition in mid flow, little wonder that we're putting the finishing touches, to some late summer tests.. Several weeks and a good few hundred miles hence, I've reached my verdict on the Rock n' Roll Gold LV chain lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/rock-n-roll, which seems a very clean and capable "everyday" blend. 

No compunction to switch the Holdsworth to its heavier, Extreme sibling but I have taken this route, with my fixed gear winter/trainer. Not that its a hardship, since this family of lube is mutually compatible. The solvent content will strip the existing formula and leave the Extreme/Gold/Absolute dry in its place. No call for chain baths, or similar, first. Do go the stripper route, with any other brands' mind and allow a few hours curing time, too.   

For time being, the mercury's still hovering around the high teens, so I can get by with Bib shorts and short sleeve Jerseys. Thoughtfully, Bob Elliot& Co have sent me some Funkier 3/4 lengths. Timely too, since a much loved, and long serving set have gone decidedly sheer, around the buttocks.