Baggage, Racks & Resurrections

 

Yes, I’ve plenty of the former apparently. Comes with age and experience but that’s not what I’m on about here, so don’t turn away just yet... Storms and general biblical rains have seen me switch Ursula back to the Carradice Carradry SQR Bag CARRADICE CARRADRY SQR BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) while the arrival of this Topeak Uni Super Tourist DX Disc rack saw the Carradice Super C Rack Bag resurrected from several years’ hibernation. I nearly sold it during the pandemic and so glad I didn’t.   

For the uninitiated, the Topeak Uni Super Tourist DX rack is made from hollow tubular 6061 T6 aluminium alloy, finished in a very fetching black powder coat. Ursula sported a Super Tourist DX for a few years-I was very endeared to it and some of the brands’ integrated MTX luggage. Integrated systems are a double-edged sword and on balance, I err towards luggage with a more universal, transferable fit. 

Talking of which, Uni stands for universal fitting, not just for bikes with disc mounts. According to Topeak, it’s built to entertain mtbs with 24–29-inch wheels and 700c builds. Oodles of clearance for big tyres- a boon if you’re switching between bikes of different genre.  

The beefy 10mm tubing also makes a reliable host to rear lights (assuming you’re not using two panniers) when the aero post insert is employed. This version now adorns the fixed gear winter/trainer’s braze-ons, for several reasons. Not least since I’ve been wanting to keep the Exotic carbon seat post, ruling out the SQR luggage I’m so fond of. 

There’s not much difference weight wise, the Carradry weighs 1390g, whereas the Topeak and Super C 1590g. At 915g for the Topeak is heavier than some tubular steel favourites and some aluminium alloy designs boasting similar, 26 kilo payloads. However, lateral stiffness is excellent. I’d much sooner a few extra grams and a laden bike that tracked and handled in good proportion, than one that felt like a runaway blancmange.

  

6061 racks should not be overloaded, or bikes lain down on their luggage. The former might sound obvious, but the latter also places increased stress on them. Wrapping electrical, or duct tape around the sections where luggage touches is another sensible precaution. I’ve only had two breakages in 38 years, and I’m pleased to report I was able to lash them up and ride home on both occasions. A well-known US brand replaced theirs under warranty-no quibble, no fuss.       

Though not a unique frameset by any means, my fixed gear winter has some quirks- most notably the mono stay rear triangle. I wondered if the Topeak’s disc-specific design would impede access to the track nuts-say when adjusting chain tension, or wheel removal.  

Not when using an open-ended 15mm but the cheap and usually cheerful box type are non-starters. I also needed to drop the rear, curvaceous Mud Hugger Gravel Hugger Mudguards MUD HUGGER GRAVEL HUGGER MUDGURADS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) by a few millimetres, allowing me to bolt the rack and arms in situ. 

 

Topeak have gone for 5mm, rather than 4mm Allen heads but stayed with 8mm bolts- remember a standalone ring spanner, or a multi-tool, such as their Alien in case you need to nip things snug by the roadside. As would be expected, the nuts fasteners employ a thin, rubbery insert, minimising the likelihood of them vibrating loose and being ejected into a verge.  

Anyhow, I’m loving the increased carrying capacity- means I can bring changes of gloves, spare glasses, lightweight shell jackets/gilets and shoe covers for changeable conditions. I also like to postcards and similar stuff mid-ride.  

A time management thing-they’re already en route and off my list, before the business day has begun.  I’ve also resurrected this Showers Pass Men’s Elements Jacket. SHOWERS PASS MEN'S ELEMENTS JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) which is aimed at mountain bike audiences, but in my view, well suited to general riding.  

A little heavier than the Oxford Venture (399g compared with 249g) the Elements is a 2.5-layer hard shell laminate model boasts waterproof and breathability ratings of 15,000 apiece and has plenty of internal pockets. Mine is the Titanium version, which is a neutral grey by day but comes alive under street and vehicle headlights. There’s also a “Night Ride” which I’d describe as a similarly fetching green/grey.   

Talking of which editors have been kind and I’ve just received some Altura All Roads Waterproof Gloves. Essentially these are closer to a waterproof sock, than a traditional cycling glove, which along with their subtle colours extends horizons to other, more generic outdoor activities.   

There's a tactile outer made from a Polyester/Polyamide mix (49 and 44% respectively) coupled with 4% Elastodiene 2% Elastane and 1% metal fibre. Internally 75% acrylic, 18% Polyester, 3% Polyamide, 2% Elastodiene, and yes, 1% metal fibre. Palms have the all-important silicone grippers and tech-friendly digits, while retro-reflective finger and thumb tips stop things being too stealthy. Waterproofing is an impressive 22,000mm, breathability 4,500 g/m2/24hrs.   

Reminiscent of the Q365 Anfibio Winter Rain Cycling Gloves I reviewed last year, and there’s little separating them price-wise. Formative impressions are favourable, but it’ll be interesting to see how they really compare several hundred miles down the line. Steve's been really impressed by these Chiba Bioxcell Winter Warm Line Gloves Chiba Bioxcell Winter Warm-Line Gloves | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)

Talking of which, here’s my review of the Schwalbe Smart Sam Performance Line Folding Tyre Schwalbe Smart Sam Tyres | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)

I’d planned to resurrect the Weldite Extreme Wet Lube but couldn’t find it, so have opted for the SKS Lube Your Chain TESTED: SKS LUBE YOUR CHAIN (sevendaycyclist.com) instead- super durable in some very challenging conditions.  

 

Laws of Attraction

Brakeless fixed gear builds belong on the track. People riding fixed, on public roads, without a front brake is a pet peeve of mine.

Being brutally honest, given the publicity surrounding Charlie Alliston (Reportedly riding a fixed gear track bike-brakeless, when he collided with a pedestrian in February 2016) I’m astonished that some riders still set their daily drivers this way.

Mainstream press coverage was anything but neutral in tone.




There are a wealth of cars and other vehicles driven with defective components and by operators, without appropriate licences or insurance. Some industry sources estimate there are as many as 216,000 uninsured car drivers. 13.4% residing in East London, where the tragic incident occurred.

Their risk/likelihood of killing, or otherwise ruining lives is considerably greater.







Nonetheless, the law is unambiguous.

It is an offence to ride on a public road without two efficient braking systems. These must apply to both wheels. Riding fixed allows the rider to regulate sped by holding off against the cranks-much better in wet, or icy conditions. A handful of front brake then, could result in a very painful and undignified face plant. That said; a lever operated brake mechanism must feature.

Now, back in the 1950s, when Velodromes packed in the crowds, it was common practice to arrive on your road-path bike, stripping it of mudguards and front brake.

Some folks carried their race wheels on sprint carriers-I still have a set and occasionally deliver/collect a freshly trued wheel this way. One of those concepts I would appreciate coming back into vogue. That said; they’re easily made from aluminium alloy-assuming you’ve got some basic engineering/metal working skills.

I digress… This particular outpouring was sparked by a Bianchi conversion spotted around Coventry’s canal basin. Aside from being badly locked and that unmistakable celeste livery, the bare fork drilling caught my eye.

Thinking back to my earlier paragraph, while unlikely, it is still possible that its owner booby trapped their  bike. Removed front calliper and Dia Compe “Dirty Harry” type lever when parking up?

ON the subject of Celeste, these Jagwire Pro-shift and Pro road brake cables have arrived on the Seven Day Cyclist www.sevendaycyclist.com test bench.

 

I’ve earmarked ours for my Univega, since its neutral cream livery won’t clash and there are signs of kink damage where the existing (model) enters the rear mech. Ideal opportunity to pop said tubby tourer’s wheels on the jig-a quick tension and true before winter.

Speaking of winter, we’ve also had these early winter and lobster gloves arrive from Phew.cc www.phew.cc . These are designed to bridge the gap between spring and full blown duvet type winter gloves. Their windster, windproof and breathable fabric is essentially a fleece lined polyester/nylon mix designed to keep hands temperate between 3 and 12 degrees.

I’ve only had chance to give them a cursory 20miles but was impressed by how temperate the early winter were, as the mercury slipped into single figures. Fit and dexterity are also immediately noticeable too. Flipping them over reveals subtle ulnar defending gel blobs. Grippy silicone detailing adorns the palms, thumb for improved communication with brifters. 

 

Let’s see what the next few weeks and a few hundred miles say.

Elsewhere, I’ve had another of those September inspirations. I’ve always been fond of the now seemingly defunct IRO range and specifically, their Rob Roy, which was similar in concept to On-One’s Ilpompino. https://www.flickr.com/groups/723385@N25/pool/

I had originally wanted to import a Rob Roy back in 2005 but the Ilpompino seemed a better bet all-round. Primarily this was down to concerns over import tax and of course, the baggage destroyers. Would probably bite, if I found a 54/56cm with tatty cosmetics at the right price.

This slightly scabby Peugeot competition frame also triggered my spidey-senses. Hailing from 1981, these were 531 frames in the main triangle sense, which kept prices, well, competitive!

I’ve seen a few sporting 531 part chrome forks, which look lovely. Since there is overlap between electroplate and enamel, the latter tends to flake eventually. Personally, I'd opt for a chrome effect powder coat and colour lacquer, second time round.   

Changeable weather has been perfect for testing the staying prowess of chain lube. I’m still on the first helping of TF2 ultra wax lube 330 miles hence, which is pretty good going, given these types are primarily intended for dry, dusty conditions. A full review will be coming to Seven Day Cyclist very soon. That’s it for now, off to prepare for next week’s NEC show.