Longs & Silent Killers

 

Aside from the wet, slimy roads, harvest and diminishing daylight, temperatures have bucked those typical of autumn, with 15-17 degrees not uncommon through October and early November. Back in the 90s, I was reaching for longs- thin pile, fleece-lined tights, jerseys and gloves by the third week in October. Sure, fabrics and general technology have come a long way since, even at the budget end of the market, meaning a more temperate experience in changeable conditions.

 Less chance of uncomfortably clamminess around the pits, chest, lower back and hands.  I’ve been defaulting to a Gore Tex jacket and long sleeve Merino blend, or Castelli Do Di Ci jerseys. Gloves, it’s been a choice between the now discontinued Altura All Road and Q36.5 Amphib Waterproof Winter Rain Gloves. Both are relatively thin pile knitted designs with waterproof, breathable membranes, similar to those employed in waterproof socks.

Talking of which, I’m sticking with middleweight Merino blends, with the exceptions of very wet rides where there’s plenty of standing water and maybe I’m not feeling winter booties. The Sidi Algor, despite being a cold weather design, have proved surprisingly comfortable when temperatures have remained around 15 degrees.

The TPU upper’s glossy finish also seems very low maintenance- a quick shot of bike wash and soft brush dipped in warm water is enough to shift grotty stuff. We’ll see whether the cocktail of slush, slurry and possibly salty wintry roads have any impact on this, especially if it’s been allowed to cake on for a week, or so. I look after my kit, but there’s a reality that during winter, available light is more limited.

During salty spells, I will rinse the bike down with cold water after every ride, but weekly, when it comes to shoes, luggage etc. Good quality kit should withstand this. Some folks are more pedantic, others can virtually run stuff into the ground without batting an eyelid, ignorance, more money than sense, who knows.

Circus, monkeys spring to mind. Who am I to judge or pass comment.  Staying with surfaces, roads and lanes resembling Paris-Roubaix have given plenty of smiles and though more subtle than the beefy silicones, I’ve been impressed by the subtle, yet very effective Ergon Orthocell Handlebar tape.  

Wet weather grip and tactility doesn’t rival the former, but closer than I was expecting and 3mm thickness provides reassuringly good damping without aesthetic bulk.  Thus far, it’s also proving surprisingly straightforward to keep clean and generally care for.  The more nuanced qualities and possible weaknesses will take a good few hundred miles to assess convincingly. As for longs, those with a DWR (durable water repelling) coating at selected points- fronts leg panels being the most obvious, buys additional time and comfort, so a good feature. 

More significant for me than a deeper pile fleece lining, since this can become soggy and take considerable time to dry convincingly.  Saddleback has sent me these Castelli Competizone, which employs three different fabrics, although forgoes the DWR component I was referring to. These are apparently designed for “cool days to below freezing”, which could mean they cater for most conditions and a genuine go-to, or “Jack of all trades, master of none”. Too early to tell.  As for those three different fabrics, the front from waist to knee employs Castelli’s Core Due, which is a tightly knit heavier polyester/nylon mix designed to block wind.

The polyester sitting against the skin is for wicking, hollow core yarns supposedly resulting in improved insulation. Round the back- thighs and butt specifically, they employ a high stretch fleece for improved fit.   A single seam inside of the leg promised to eliminate rubbing around the knee.

A flat, raw cut ankle opening and flat knit bib straps. Pads are another crucial component. The Kis Air 2 also featured in the brands’ Entrata Thermal Bib Knickers I tested back in winter ’23 Castelli Entrata Thermal Bib Knickers | cycling-not-racing reckoned good for five hours riding.  Enough for most winter training duties.  I got along with it just fine, but as I’m always saying, contact points are very personal things-we’re all unique. I tend to form strong bonds, not only with two wheeled vehicles, but also four primarily since I run them long term.  

After almost 180,000 miles, my MK1 Ford KA failed its MOT- corrosion around the suspension mounts had resulted in pronounced structural weakness, despite my religious applications of Waxoyl- it had also hit the sills. I’ve made peace with its passing and having owned three over the past twenty years, would be wary of having another, even a last of the line 2009 model with low mileage that had been babied and garage stored.

On the plus side, they are inexpensive to run and will do big mileages with regular servicing and twice yearly Waxoyling. However, they weren’t galvanised, Ford went straight to paint, so corrosion strikes hard. Some early MK1 were scrap within three years and things improved on the later models, but corrosion remained a major, unresolved problem. The MK2 are 80% Fiat Panda and have major issues with suspension failure and I’ve heard plenty of qualified horror stories from experienced independent mechanics regarding cam chain failures and to a lesser extent, corrosion.  

 There is a wider corrosion, not one of frame tubes, or chassis, or suspension mounts but democracy. The first assault upon democracy is lies, not violence.  Hegemony is linked to this and the present attack upon the UK’s BBC by Donald Trump and others is a fairly, dare I say frighteningly obvious example of this, a foreign power interfering with the news media. One that is flawed, yet still accountable. 

Then of course, there are those trying to dissolve the freedoms of ordinary people. The right to a free and fair trial, the subtle efforts to reintroduce the death penalty via the back door. The death penalty does nothing to deter crime, nor does it bring “closure” to families say in the event of murder, or similar atrocities. This is not about facts, or effective policy, its about show, spectacle and control. By eliminating critical thought and evidence and replacing it with simplistic, sweeping statements, spectacle and spoon feeding democracy and agency disappears.   I’ll end on a happier note with my review of the Zefal Pro II grease Zefal Pro II Grease | cycling-not-racing

 

                       

 

Who Loves Ya Baby?

 My Univega’s front Continental Speed Reflex tyre succumbed to a slow flat, inducing some squirm and prompted a switch to the Schwalbe Kojak. It also provided an ideal opportunity to check pads for any imbedded contaminant etc. To my surprise, the comparable 26x2.0 Kojak are considerably lighter than the Continental (527g against 675g) which may be attributable to several factors.

While both tyres are wire beads and similarly matched in terms of puncture resistance (at least by their respective ratings) the Continental’s sidewalls https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact-speed-reflex-ty  seem a little beefier. They are supposedly designed to entertain tyre driven bottle dynamos, which may account for this differential. Not that I’ve felt any inclination to try, since I’m a hub dynamo devotee and wouldn’t revert by choice.

The Kojak seem to roll a bit faster (not that the Continental could ever be considered remotely sluggish) but the Kojak can also be run at 70psi, the Speed Reflex a more modest 58psi).  

Whether these features will have implications for durability and puncture resistance remain to be seen, especially as we transition from mild, breezy conditions to wintry stuff. However, I’ve also switched to some heavier duty Schwalbe tubes. Tubes are one of those components easily overlooked. The generic bundle types, though worthy enough tend to be a little on the thin side, which has implications for puncture resistance, patching and indeed, pressure retention.

Having reached my conclusions regarding the Tru Tension Banana Slip Wet Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tru-tension-tungsten-wet-lube , I’ve switched to the Zefal Extreme Wet Ceramic. Apparently, its’ a ceramic reinforced, Teflon-based formula reckoned to cling on, rain, shine, snow, and ice. The latter has been threatened on these shores. Some crisp 5am starts and glazed surfaces have been a slight culture shock, but confirmed that both tyres grip asphalt like the proverbial leach

Personally, I’m of the opinion these adverse weather predictions are designed to grab headlines and online traffic. Forecasting has also reached the point where it’s so accurate in the immediate sense, its ironically inaccurate longer term. Either way, I’ll be sticking with the Pro-Viz Reflect 360 Gloves https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-reflect-360-cycling-gloves  which seem to have most bases covered.  

I digress, back to the lube. A little certainly goes a long way. Literally apply a tiny drop of the white elixir on every, freshly cleaned link, give the cranks a few rotations (wiping any excess from the side plates) and you’re ready to go.  

So, what are ceramics, then…In this instance it refers to a microscopic layer designed to infiltrate and bond with the surface, theoretically protecting it from the elements and premature wear. Thus far, it’s certainly slick and less gloopy than many wet blends but I suspect good housekeeping (weekly wiping of side plates, jockey wheels and cages) will be mandatory.

With falling temperatures, layering is even more important. Primal Europe have graciously sent me these funky Comic Book arm warmers and Showers Pass, their Elements Jacket. Apparently designed with mountain bikers in mind but versatile enough for other disciplines and indeed, off the bike.

It’s a seam-taped 2.5 layer waterproof/breathable laminate with front pockets, core ventilation points, a removable hood and features a carbon print lining, which theoretically subverts clamminess and odours, which can be an issue with some 2.5 layer models, which I’ve otherwise been endeared to. Lighting is always a big draw, but particularly as the days are much shorter. I’m still very endeared to the Magicshine See Mee units discussed last week but this Lezyne Stick Drive is another neat design.

30 lumens isn’t jaw dropping by contemporary standards but the optical technology mean its very bright and useable, even in the lower settings. I’ve deliberated whether the 4lumen mode could be culled, although in common with some other Lezyne I’ve used in the past, it could be a life-saver, giving you something to limp home on, should reserves tumble.  

My Univega’s front Continental Speed Reflex tyre succumbed to a slow flat, inducing some squirm and prompted a switch to the Schwalbe Kojak. It also provided an ideal opportunity to check pads for any imbedded contaminant etc. To my surprise, the comparable 26x2.0 Kojak are considerably lighter than the Continental (527g against 675g) which may be attributable to several factors.

While both tyres are wire beads and similarly matched in terms of puncture resistance (at least by their respective ratings) the Continental’s sidewalls https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact-speed-reflex-ty  seem a little beefier. They are supposedly designed to entertain tyre driven bottle dynamos, which may account for this differential. Not that I’ve felt any inclination to try, since I’m a hub dynamo devotee and wouldn’t revert by choice.

The Kojak seem to roll a bit faster (not that the Continental could ever be considered remotely sluggish) but the Kojak can also be run at 70psi, the Speed Reflex a more modest 58psi).  

Whether these features will have implications for durability and puncture resistance remain to be seen, especially as we transition from mild, breezy conditions to wintry stuff. However, I’ve also switched to some heavier duty Schwalbe tubes. Tubes are one of those components easily overlooked. The generic bundle types, though worthy enough tend to be a little on the thin side, which has implications for puncture resistance, patching and indeed, pressure retention.

Having reached my conclusions regarding the Tru Tension Banana Slip Wet Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tru-tension-tungsten-wet-lube , I’ve switched to the Zefal Extreme Wet Ceramic. Apparently, its’ a ceramic reinforced, Teflon-based formula reckoned to cling on, rain, shine, snow, and ice. The latter has been threatened on these shores. Some crisp 5am starts and glazed surfaces have been a slight culture shock, but confirmed that both tyres grip asphalt like the proverbial leach

Personally, I’m of the opinion these adverse weather predictions are designed to grab headlines and online traffic. Forecasting has also reached the point where it’s so accurate in the immediate sense, its ironically inaccurate longer term. Either way, I’ll be sticking with the Pro-Viz Reflect 360 Gloves https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-reflect-360-cycling-gloves  which seem to have most bases covered.  

I digress, back to the lube. A little certainly goes a long way. Literally apply a tiny drop of the white elixir on every, freshly cleaned link, give the cranks a few rotations (wiping any excess from the side plates) and you’re ready to go.  

So, what are ceramics, then…In this instance it refers to a microscopic layer designed to infiltrate and bond with the surface, theoretically protecting it from the elements and premature wear. Thus far, it’s certainly slick and less gloopy than many wet blends but I suspect good housekeeping (weekly wiping of side plates, jockey wheels and cages) will be mandatory.

With falling temperatures, layering is even more important. Primal Europe have graciously sent me these funky Comic Book arm warmers and Showers Pass, their Elements Jacket. Apparently designed with mountain bikers in mind but versatile enough for other disciplines and indeed, off the bike.

It’s a seam-taped 2.5 layer waterproof/breathable laminate with front pockets, core ventilation points, a removable hood and features a carbon print lining, which theoretically subverts clamminess and odours, which can be an issue with some 2.5 layer models, which I’ve otherwise been endeared to. Lighting is always a big draw, but particularly as the days are much shorter. I’m still very endeared to the Magicshine See Mee units discussed last week but this Lezyne Stick Drive is another neat design.

30 lumens isn’t jaw dropping by contemporary standards but the optical technology mean its very bright and useable, even in the lower settings. I’ve deliberated whether the 4lumen mode could be culled, although in common with some other Lezyne I’ve used in the past, it could be a life-saver, giving you something to limp home on, should reserves tumble.  

Wet n' Wild

Wet roads increase the risk of punctures. Clearly, I was tempting fate by saying the 32mm Tioga City Slicker had only succumbed to a single flat. As of last Monday night, the running total, is two. Impressive though, given their mileage and lack of puncture repelling belt. 

Something sharp and thorny had worked inside, while racing along the sweeping, waterlogged lanes. This grazed the tube, inducing loss of pressure one mile from home. Mercifully, despite the water amplified hiss, deflation was at snail’s pace, so I made it back without incident, and with 45psi remaining. 

This prompted close scrutiny of butyl stock. Ultimately, I needed to cull several but was able to patch the wounded tube and had two serviceable 700x28-35c, and a virgin 700x35/42. These were quickly ported over to my Carradice SQR Tour bag. Sometimes it’s about using what you’ve got. I’ll replenish when a decent wholesale deal presents. 

I also switched the City Slicker for The Vee Tire Co Zilent MK2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/vee-tire-co-zilent-mark-2-tyres, which were introduced with stronger sidewalls. Seems some folks loved the originals so much, they deployed them as laden touring rubber. No such stresses on my fixed gear winter/trainer and in some respects, they’re a little portly. 

That said; they roll much quicker than a 38mm 997g tyre might imply and a 5mm aramid centre strip adds confidence. Similar genre of tyre to the rear’s long serving Schwalbe Marathon GT https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres . 

Though I love the changing seasons and night riding specifically, shorter daylight means dependability trumps exotica. As with location-based photo-shoots, its imperative rider and machine return home without incident. 

Therefore, a more time-efficient, disciplined approach to maintenance. Heavier duty tyres, chain lubes, backup lighting, Co2 cartridges and decent pump being good bets. Throw in a tyre boot, patch kit, change of socks, gloves and Buff type “tube” and you’ve the basics covered. Talking of which, I’ve reached my conclusions regarding the Follow Hollow Alpaca Socks https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/follow-hollow-men-s-alpaca-socks .

The Zefal Pro Wet Chain Lube is showing little signs of waning, despite the weather, which is quite impressive. Like other, dare I say, more traditional wet blends it’s tacky to touch. Transfer to skin and clothing is moderate. 

In terms of rider dressage, Pro Viz have also sent me their 360+ jacket. Typical of most at this price point, it’s a polyester blend with breathability and waterproofing ratings of 10,000+gm and 10,000mm. Its seam sealed, has a fleece lined collar to retain warmth and stop wet stuff, from trickling inside. 

Sensible range of pockets too, which is welcome. Then of course there’s the retro-reflective layer that’s grey by day but brilliant white by night, when graced by vehicle, or street lighting.  Steve’s been busy putting Showers Pass Skyline Trousers https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/showers-pass-skyline-trousers  to the test.

Talking of lighting, I’ve done 100 miles with the K-Lite Bikepacker Pro V2 and it’s another lovely model that loses little to its Ultra siblings-at least for road riding. It doesn’t quite stop SUVs in their tracks, or cause them to flash their lights, and I reckon the full 1300lumens comes on tap at 15mph (rather than the 11.18 suggested). 

Sensibly, it runs the same switchgear and yes, you can whip in the USB charger and refuel blinkies, phones/other gizmos on the go.  

 See Sense Have sent me their ICON2 rear light, which is so much more than just a super powerful, tuneable rear light. Though fascinated and rightly intrigued by smart technology, I’m slightly wary of things that are connected via apps and internet. That established, with the app downloaded, the unit can record all sorts of data, including theft, road surface quality and an array of other information. 

It’s also proving extremely solid. I decided to mount ours to my SQR bag, using their clothing clip (Jemma at See Sense warned me against this, given the Icon2 is heavier than previous incarnations…)

It subsequently ejected along some washboard tarmac. Took a direct hit, bouncing along the dimpled asphalt. I needn’t’ve worried. Build quality is superb and there wasn’t a mark on it.

Here’s our general overview of LED safety lights https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/in-the-blink-of-an-eye