Too Much Pressure?

There’s been no relent in the wet weather. Thankfully, my Univega’s dressed for foul conditions and mixed terrain service. Besides, I needed to test the mud-shedding prowess of these Wellgo MO94B pedals https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/wellgo-m094 and cast my own, personalised imprint in the Cycles Berthound Solour leather saddle. 

After 85 miles, the latter and I were in friendly acquaintance territory, 150 miles in and the friendship is blossoming. Regular feeding of the hide, using Proofide, or a similar quality leather preserve also helps accelerate this process. Once forming is complete, feeding need only be done every 6 weeks or so.  

Existing gearing was low enough to winch myself through the thick, boggy mud. However, I’ve concluded a 38 (rather than 40) tooth ring would strike the elusive sweet spot. Enough zoom for the flat and descents, just a little more grunt on the climbs.  

Production 5 arm 94 BCD rings are getting harder to source (although I am advised that Stronglight still list them). I’m not prepared to pay “classic” prices for NOS (New Old Stock) rings either. However, the existing Talon ring is in rude health and if something suitable comes along, brilliant, if not the gearing is, in the main, perfectly serviceable. 

While I’m delighted that high quality, small scale manufacturing/engineering is very much alive, sourcing products from Europe and indeed, elsewhere could become fraught with difficulty, come 2021.  

Unfortunately, highly skilled engineering and similar vocational education is (and has long been) regarded as a poor second to academic learning. A long-standing snobbery, which is neither accurate nor desirable.  

I graduated 25 years ago, during a recession. During this period, I was also keen on pursuing a new life in the Netherlands. I had a girlfriend studying there. Catching her aside her housemate (who had a 1st class honours degree), seemingly ingesting his enviable intellect saw any love for her evaporate, replaced by a strengthening bond to the Dutch.  

One thing led to another and I decided to check out the cross-country mountain bike scene there. I met an ex-pat and former banker who had relocated from the UK and retrained as a skilled machinist. Decent salary and standard of living, too. He’d never looked back. 

For the uninitiated, a skilled machinist operates machine tools to manufacture and repair precision equipment. It requires a solid understanding and application of mechanics, metals, layout and machining procedures. Apprentice trained engineers are life-lomg learners by nature and continuously develop their knowledge/skillset.  

The same is not necessarily true of University graduates, regardless of specialism-at least, here in the UK.  In the late 90’s, the UK administration introduced life-long learning accounts. A system, which was well-intentioned and originally aimed at people made redundant, when traditional industries collapsed.  

Unfortunately, this didn’t reach the intended/target audience, so it was quietly disbanded. It was recently resurrected as part of the Liberal Democrats’ election manifesto, and once again, been consigned to the vaults of history.  

Observing the patterns, I do not feel we will reach a point of total automation, where human labour/skills are made redundant but the skills required (and to some extent, legal/insurance implications) will need to change and it is quite possible that many people will be unable to make these transitions.   

These will not replace important “soft” skills, such as emotional intelligence, which are also incredibly important, in any role requiring human interaction. For example, a heating engineer who communicates well and problem solves on this level, is also likely to have more customers than one who is technically very competent but lacking in inter-personal abilities.   

I’ve been chatting a lot about handlebars in recent entries, specifically Soma Condor and Genetic’s D-Riser family. These are riser drops and some would argue, more specialist than required by some road-biased riders. Arguably, components on complete bikes should be proportional to frame size e.g. stem length, bar width etc.  

Similarly, there is a perfectly reasonable argument for making substitutions/upgrades at the point of sale. Tyre and saddles are two prime examples. This has changed slightly, given modern retailing- the switch to online, rather than physical shop consultations and purchases.  

However, unless something is obviously the wrong width/pattern/size, there’s an argument for running stuff a little while, then upgrading/replacing at a later stage.  At £30, Steve reckons the Genetic STV Road Handlebars are a great starting point for generic, road-biased riding.     https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-stv-road-handlebars 

Continuing my theme, some inexpensive but cheerful “Lifeline” branded tooling arrived, including this digital tyre gauge. Even though those fitted to most track pumps have much closer affinity to reality, getting pressures spot on gets the best from tyres and ride quality. Capable of registering 160psi, the digital is a little small, compared with a  Topeak Smartguage I had some 15 years back.   

However, in common with this premium quality SKS unit (that’s been loyal to me for a decade, or so), it features a useful backlight. Another similarity is the dual (rather than “smart”) valve head. There’s no denying the “Smart” type, which automatically morph to fit Schrader/Presta heads are super convenient.  

However, in my experience, the sprung mechanism is their Achille's heel, eventually going the self-destruct route. It also features a bleed valve, for quick tweaks and runs from the ubiquitous CR2032 button battery.  

Giving change from £10, it doesn’t feel fragile but it will be interesting to see how accurate and durable it proves. The backlight and valve light and similar features suggest it’s intended to be taken along for the ride.  

Given the price point, if it did take a bad knock, then cheap enough to replace. Nonetheless, I’m more inclined to carry an analogue model, such as this Revolution, since there’s no risk of accidental, battery draining engagement.         

There is a perception among some, that tough tyres “suck the joy out of riding”. However, this needn’t be the case. The Schwalbe Marathon GT https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres are relatively portly but still deliver a very smooth and relatively quick ride.  

I’ve had a couple of flats over the past few years and countless thousand miles. 800 odd grams is pretty much as portly as I’d want to go. Nonetheless, I’d prefer a few additional grams and reclaim riding time, over tending punctures on dark, rainy nights.      

Primal Stirrings

Despite the seasonal increase in lost/stolen parcels, these Primal Dawn men’s bib knickers made it through. Formative feelings are very positive.

Bridging the gap between shorts and thermal bib tights, ¾ lengths are perfect for autumnal and early spring rides. Milder winters too. (That said; Primal cite an optimal operating temperature range, between -7 and +24 degrees) In fact, ¾ lengths my preference over bib tights, unless wind chill/air temperature really bites. Our medium fit my 1m81, 70 kilo-frame perfectly.

The bibs offer ample coverage to the vital organs, the braces, unrestricted movement. Though less common, these days (especially at this price point) the elastic in some designs can be overly firm. To the point of feeling restrictive. Several in my collection, leaving unsightly tell-tale branding, after a couple of hours riding.

Panelling and cut seem equally precise. I managed 16miles in 45 minutes during our first outing and on the fixed. Much of that fuelled by very controlled rage, induced by an inflammatory communication, from my ex-wife. Nothing particularly new there. Another example of resilience, which I touched upon in my last entry. The season of goodwill generally slumps during December, on the roads, too.

I wasn’t surprised to find myself on the receiving end of some crass overtaking. Now, simply put, if you want to kill someone without experiencing punishment, incarceration, or indeed, loss of licence-do so with a car, or larger vehicle.

The occupant of a Mercedes Sprinter began overtaking (on a bend) but then decided he might collide with an oncoming vehicle, so just swung back. I’ve had closer encounters but was fuming at this display of elephantine ignorance.

The Sprinter remained stationary, engine running for around thirty seconds, blocking my progress. A baleful “Sorry mate, are you OK?” was offered on three occasions. I remained silent and unresponsive, partly in the hope my contempt would register. Life is very short, responding would only serve to ease his awkwardness. Hopefully this experience gave him food for thought/improvement.    

On the alternative lubes front, after 480 miles that familiar, subtle metal-on-metal tinkling struck. This coincided with a well-deserved sudsy scrub, for Ursula, who was sporting a fair bit of accumulated grot around the fork legs, bottom bracket shell and chainstays.

This was dismissed with some Pro Green MX Cycle Wash https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pro-green-mx-triple-pack . Fenwick’s foaming chain cleaner and Green Oil bicycle brush https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/green-oil-bicycle-brush  had cassette and chain gleaming, ready for chainsaw oil.  Applied via dropper bottle, this went on in a fashion, reminiscent of Weldtite TF2 extreme wet chain lubricant https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/weldtite-tf2-extreme-wet-chain-lubr  and some others adorning my shelves.

However, I was surprised by the initial clean up required. There was a fair bit of excess clinging to the side plates and a spattery patina (reminiscent of that effect employed by Kona on their late 1980s mtb frames) adorning the Univega’s chainstays. Less drizzle n’ go than bike specific blends but not markedly worse than the motor oil, in many respects.

On some levels, its to be expected, but the fixed has been running much cleaner and the lube is really clinging to the chain’s dimpled galvanised texture. Several wet rides in, the chain has almost “bedded in” and the initial gravely patter, replaced by a serene swoosh.

Talking of gravelly, (and before the so called “beast from the east” sweeps in Steve has just reviewed these GoodYear County https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/goodyear-county-premium-tyre  

Ison Distribution have been investigating my SP PD8 dynohub wheel https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-rim-and-shutter-dynohub-disc-b  and confirm the hub is fine. However, the rim appeared to be pulling itself apart (albeit, very slowly). Therefore, they’re stripping the wheel and rebuilding with a new hoop.  I’ve also decided to revisit the Univega’s front stopper.

Though the IRD CAFAM 2 cantilevers https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ird-cafam-2-cantilever-brakes  are beautifully engineered, their mechanical advantage better suits traditional levers.

My Univega’s existing Microshift are shallower reach. Great for smaller hands, but Avid Shorty 4 and M system designs are better pairings. The humble cantilever is becoming harder to come by, although still has a solid following in ‘cross circles.  Some Shimano CR50 presented themselves, so we’ll see how they fare.

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.