Springing Surprises

 

Spring is here and along with it, longer days and traditionally changeable weather. Something of a British obsession, although I've found Belgian and the Netherlands less predictable through Spring. Mild enough that I’ve been temperate in the evenings wearing a full-length base layer and jersey. This Prendas Ciclismo Bordeaux Paris Long Sleeve Jersey PRENDAS CICLISMO SHORT SLEEVE JERSEY | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  Though a micro jacket, or this 7Mesh Cypress Hybrid Jacket 7mesh Cypress Hybrid Cycling Jacket | Seven Day Cyclist usually comes along-either from the start or stowed away in the Zefal Adventure R5 Waterproof Saddlebag ZEFAL ADVENTURE R5 WATERPROOF SADDLE BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and it’s bigger R11 counterpart. Both are becoming serious favourites and the R11 is surprisingly stable, given it secures to the post via a single strap.  

Farmers are busy harvesting Sugarbeet, and the roads dotted with mud from the fields, which I’ve tended to weave through on the fixed gear winter/trainer, to see if I could fox the frisky Bontrager AW3 Hardcase Lite Reflective Road Tyre. (Short answer’s no, in case you were wondering), and I’ve just relaxed and enjoyed their compliant, speedy characteristics. IRC Roadlite X Guard tyres are another speedy option if you’re looking for a narrower section. INOUE ROADLITE X GUARD TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Staying with the Schwalbe GT365 and Marathon Mondial pairing on the Univega but here are my thoughts regarding the Billy Bonkers SCHWALBE BILLY BONKERS TYRES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com).  

300 miles down the line and I’m almost convinced I’ve got the gearing right for most of my riding contexts and needs. Enough torque for the trailer and/or dignified, seated climbing, bridlepath blasting and without spinning into orbit on the flat.  

I’ve also found it necessary to add another washer to the “cassette” side of the Fix-G hub, since the fat foot sprocket had begun to slide about on the splines. Snugged the lockring down and will keep a closer eye, going forward.  Sticking with the Weldtite Ceramic Lube on both bikes, since it seems a solid seasonal choice. WELDTITE CERAMIC LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

I’ve also switched from the FLR Defender MTB Thermal Dry S-Tex Boot FLR DEFENDER MTB DRY BOOT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) to the FLR Rexton Active Touring/Trail Shoe FLR REXSTON ACTIVE TOURING/TRAIL SHOE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and I wasn’t expecting such a difference in sole stiffness. The Rexton are efficient but the Defender’s increased rigidity are quite palpable. I dare say I’ll be alternating between them, given Easter and April’s tendency towards the unpredictable.  

Elsewhere, I’ve been erring towards ¾ , such as these Funkier Rie Flo Men’s Three-Quarter Length Summer Bib tightsFUNKIER RIDE FLO MEN'S 3/4 BIB TIGHTS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) or the Primal Dawn Men’s Bib Knickers TEST & REVIEW: PRIMAL DAWN MEN'S BIB KNICKERS (sevendaycyclist.com) rather than full-length tights and lighter gloves-the Chiba Pro Safety Reflective Gloves CHIBA PRO SAFETY REFLECTOR GLOVES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  and liner types, depending on whether I’m heading out early in the morning, or during the evening.  

I reflect on many things during my ride. Product quirks and performance are the most obvious, but two-wheeled escapes are very conducive to other forms of contemplation.  

  

There has long been a narrative that automation/digital technology would render many roles, peoples and communities excluded. Car assembly lines are the most obvious examples of this in action. Automation has greatly reduced the need for repetitive tasks such as spot welding- the robot arm being a common sight since the early 1980s.  

More topically, the UK government have announced they will be reducing military personnel. The public likes the “Boots on the ground” rhetoric but, cyber-attacks, the deployment of drone soldiers, rather than humans will be more prevalent.  

Taking things to their logical conclusion, it is more likely that a hostile nation will launch a missile attack from someone’s wi-fi enabled kettle in the recipient country, not send fighter planes. Indeed, taken to its logical conclusion, liability could even be levelled at the unwitting householder.  

Contemporary cars are stolen by digital stealth, rather than physical attack. Nothing to stop a malicious person with the appropriate skills could disable components of the engine management system, inducing breakdowns, disengaging the brakes, using a remote computer.  

Machines, and other technology that can “think” for themselves are very much here to stay. HGV driving will still be a trade, requiring human labour but I suspect this will take the form of a lead driver with two, possibly more couplings tracking behind via a wireless signal. In common with other aspects of logistics, I can envisage the driver, rather than haulier, being required to hold specific liability insurance cover.  

The reality, which some seem unable to accept is the fact many people will quickly become redundant and possibly permanently, economically inactive. Leading to wider, social exclusion. One argument suggests that this need will be met by humanoid companions, both romantically and in terms of physical care. However, this technology is going to require considerable financial means. Means which these strata of people will have no access. How governments will respond (if at all), remains to be seen.  

 

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.