The Great Thaw

After two weeks comprising of casual fettling, inspecting potential car purchases and generally making best use of enforced saddle-leave, the coldest weather front in over two decades finally relented leaving water-logged roads and the need for mudguards-hence my first official ride of 2010 was aboard the Univega. This also presented the ideal opportunity for testing some fantastic little commuter lighting. Power to weight, the curiously monikered Nuke light easily knocks 5watt lead-acid lamps into the shade. Better still, it charges from the USB port or mains in just over three hours and the tool free handlebar bracket means it goes on and off in a flash.

Talking of flash, the sudden thaw brought legions of cyclists, from old couples aboard tandems to young families and competitive road racers freed from turbo trainer slavery flocking to the highways and byways. Unfortunately, I'd forgotten to swap the gorillapod from Univega to Teenage Dream so you'll have to settle for this shot of said machine lazing on the outskirts of Peldon village. More fun comes courtesy of this Miche Xpress road-fixed wheelset. Mid section anodized rims with machined sidewalls are laced two cross to shapely large-flange hubs turning on super smooth cartridge bearings, promising a heady blend of zip for time trialing and reliability for four seasons' road duties. Rumour suggests they're growing in acclaim amongst the dispatch mob which bodes well for us mere mortals.

With a moderate £200 asking price they're a touch pretty for daily drivers left locked for long periods in and around slum neighbourhoods and those lured by the thrills and spills of fixed gear 'cross racing will find small flange hubs deliver a smoother ride. That said, first impressions are very favourable and I'll return with a more comprehensive report five hundred or so miles from now...

I've also received a pair of the Russian made Flax linen socks From Mila Ptashenko of Pure Linen so we'll see if the claimed health giving properties ward off the evil eye, keeping me sans germs for the remainder of winter. 2010 seems to be forging ahead at phenomenal speed relative to my sense of achievement but maybe there's some truth in the old adage of things being darkest before the dawn and hopefully lighter evenings will resurrect my creative spark. Another nice surprise is this Gusset stem arriving in today's post. With thirty-five degree rise and detailing topping that of models costing twice as much, it may provide the optimum position for tarmac and trail duties aboard the Univega.

Business took me to Cambridge, a city synonymous with academic excellence and one with an enviably safe cycling environment. Cyclists and pedestrians co-exist peaceably and without incident-even in the main shopping areas while the extensive network of generous cycle lanes provide seamless connection to suburbia. Refreshingly driver behaviour/attitudes seems notably improved with fewer incidents or aggressive undertones. Joe and Joanna public all too frequently assumes that vehicle taxation pays for road maintenance and thus use this(consciously or otherwise) to legitimate irrational and downright intimidatory behaviours towards more vulnerable traffic. Roads are of course, maintained and developed through direct taxation-irrespective of whether a motor vehicle is owned/used on the public highway.
Reminiscent of Amsterdam, there's a real sense of liberation in watching heavy, single speed hacks trickling along the car free concourse, the gentle tinkle of bells and rattle of chain guards/fenders announcing their presence to passers by. Cycle parking can border on abandonment thanks to sheer numbers but the seemingly progressive local authority has addressed this with the construction of large, secure, multi storey parking nestling alongside short stay car provision .

Fixers were conspicuous by their absence and glancing at them drew suspicious stares from their owners so the little Fuji stayed tucked away in my breast pocket. Common to most cities, theft is a serious problem and while this particular region isn't beset with the same degree of socio-economic hardship as some inner city locations, relative affluence, a transient population and ready motorway links translate into higher insurance premiums.

Consistent supply and demand means machines are offered openly for sale on street markets at suspiciously keen prices. The uncomfortable truth is so long as people remain ignorant/indifferent to stolen property, it will continue to flourish. Thieves lack the rudimentary values of mercy and compassion and simplistically, continue their sordid activities because they can. Punishment and consequence are infrequent relative to economic reward while such behaviour is labeled "victimless"-they get a bike from someone who's insured and therefore likely to get a new/better machine anyhow. Bicycle theft is curiously regarded as small beer to police and public alike but frequently just another avenue of organised crime incorporating car, van, motorcycle theft accompanied by drug and people trafficking/ money laundering of industrial proportion.

Anyone unfortunate enough to lose a treasured bike will confirm that insurance payouts are a last resort, sugaring the economic loss yet never replacing the memories of racing glory, epic rides, good times and bad told in nicked frame enamel and worn anodizing. Gone to pay for a fix, settle a debt or fill an order book!

Poverty and/or lack of opportunity are the over simplistic, default explanations for such phenomenon but fundamentally flawed rationale's. Much of the world lives in genuine poverty but does not steal. On a lighter note, the region has many fine bike shops and on the strength of my visit, a disproportionate number of hairdressers/barbers too-a bi-product of unprecedented incidences of helmet hair?

An Explosive Start

Well, not the sort of bangs one yearns for. Two punctures on the Univega caused by two shards of glass working through the tyre casing marked New Years' Eve but a minor irritation in comparison with the sudden demise of the Ka's cam-shaft, orbiting the M25 with son and co-pilot beside me on New Years' day. Mercifully as the Endura is an old eight valve pushrod engine, I was able to coax it the final eighty miles home. Alas, an estimated £600 rebuild pushes it beyond economic repair given twelve years and 90,000 miles. For the time being, this large load-lugging diesel Renault is serving me well. The purists will doubtless question my need for a car but 30,000 business miles (let alone the 9,000 aboard my two-wheeled fleet) dictates otherwise.

Purging the dreaded hiss proved trickier than first thought thanks to the unreliability of quick seal, glue-less patches that lift with frightening ease in sub zero temperatures. To the rescue comes my ultra dependable Rema tip-top found hibernating in the depths of a little used saddlebag, sealing both awkward holes first time, sans fuss-even opposite the valve stem on an ultra-light tube!

The river of advancement has flowed at a phenomenal rate over the past twenty years. Despite this, some things remain strangely familiar and the humble bar mounted computer is one such example. The Vetta on the right of the picture is one of the first generation wireless units, looking quaint in comparison with the fourteen function base model nestling beside it. However, they share identical batteries and very similar transponders, spoke magnets/consumerables.

Some firms are developing super-consoles incorporating rear view mirrors and a wealth of other space ace advances firmly rooted in science fiction. Not sure I'm ready for this particular quantum leap but that's the beauty of cycling-it can be as simple, or complex as we choose. An ultra compact, bar mounted sat nav on the other hand has my senses screaming with excitement...Technological developments and the economies of scale, supply and demand have certainly brought exotic materials well within the reach of most mortals while specifications continue to rise for the same and indeed, less outlay every year.

Admittedly, there's considerable badge engineering and cloning at play with only the decals and livery separating some brands. Such must be partially responsible for the revival in traditional, bespoke frame building. Now, I've always loved high quality steel framesets but contrary to the romantics, we're unlikely to return to the halcyon days of the post war era where (predominantly) young men qued up, desperate to be chosen for an apprenticeship by local wizards of the oxyacetylene torch.

Time and again, letters from bright young things crop up in the Cycling media asking if they should embark on a frame building course in preference to a BSC in engineering. The usual, reasoned editorial response is that academic qualification is a sound, life-long foundation. There's no reason why a career in frame building shouldn't follow but should demand drop off or ill-health force retirement, the academic grounding provides options and in some cases a lifeline. Twenty five years ago, skilled typesetters and artists re-touchers in the print industry enjoyed earnings equivalent to £1500 per week. Those days are but a memory thanks to radical changes in both production methods and the political landscape.

Just as there are remarkably good frame builders with little or no academic or formal education, there are salesmen "from the streets" earning five figure salaries, capable of out-witting psychology graduates without raising a finger. However, failure to adapt often sees such revered economic prowess vanish overnight.
Recent "Arctic" conditions have caused coastal based frame builder Justin Burls to contemplate the integrity of his workshop roof as it groans under the sheer weight of snow. That aside, he remains focused on long steady swims and turbo trainer slavery in preparation for his first triathlon in June. Our postman continues to slither tirelessly along the lanes aboard his 50lb Pashley delivering our mail with a cheery smile. However, such was seasonal demand, I've only just received the Jagwire cableset sent on December the 16th!
This week's new toy is a Gorilla pod- basically a highly articulate tripod made from rubberised discs capable of latching on to pretty much any surface-great for touring or casual group rides. This version comes complete with an integral spirit level and entertains cameras-including SLRs up to 800g. Thus far, I'm really impressed, although, there's been scant opportunity to come out to play/take many "from the cockpit" shots...Maybe next week!

Year's end coincides with the transformation of an old friend

Determined to complete the Teenage Dream's revamp, I set about stripping the old quill stem, fork and other threaded components ready for the local shop to work their magic given my mighty Czech headset press is nowhere to be found. To his credit, Alan at Riverside Cycle Centre very kindly performed the op on a while I waited basis. The early nineties saw a fashion for small scale/bespoke builders offering winter bike/frameset which was basically their race model only with mudguard eyes. The Teenage Dream is a textbook example of this genre with insufficient clearance even with 23mm rubber! While the full length Maple wood fenders look divine, endless fettling couldn't dissuade them from fouling the tyres. Therefore, for time being at least, we are sans guards until some race blades/similar come under my radar at the right price.

However, I'm delighted to report the New fork and Woodman components have transformed the front end, bringing handling bang up to date. New computer battery installed, it was time for some serious riding along memory lanes. I'm about twenty pounds heavier than back in 1991 but if anything I'm faster on the climbs and relatively fearless on the descents. Thundering along the flat, rural roads saw me transported back to the days spent emulating our racing heroes, the strange phenomenon of tractor racing and of course, exchanging personal philosophy, tales of unrequited love and component choice/preference at cola stops.
So as we count down to the New Year, a timely look at said bike's evolution. Gone are the Cinelli bar and quill stem, the Stronglight 80 cranks, FAG bottom bracket, Campagnolo Athena brakeset, twenty year old Vetta wireless computer, New Old Stock Gran Sport levers and Look/SPD pedals and Hutchinson HP20 tyres. Only the Mavic/Campag wheelset, Rolls Saddle, Kalloy Uno post, Campagnolo Victory mechs and Regina six speed block remain.

Today's spec sheet reflects a less arbitrary European stance: Campagnolo Xenon 53/39 crankset, Shimano UN53 bottom bracket, Genetic Look type pedals, Acor Carbon fork, Woodman Saturn headset, 8cm stem, Salsa Bell-Lap bars, Miche dual pivot brake callipers, Cane Creek SC5 aero levers, Dia tech light action down tube shifters, Kenda Konstrictor 700x23 tyres, basic cork wrap and Decathlon ten function wireless computer& Van Nicholas Ti bottle cage complete the line-up. The only planned developments are mudguards and of course, the Thompson post. However, these are wants as opposed to needs. A second "cold snap" is promised for the next forty eight hours so I think the Univega and I will be starting the year together. 2010 hasn't yet begun and I've already been invited to parts of the globe as diverse as Perth (Australia), Negombo and the Czech republic (No, I'm not going all that way for a headset press!). However, right now, I'm having a wander round the web in search of these, my favorite Cola...

Happy New Year!

Christmas Closure

Nothing's ever simple, began my rant in a fashion mirroring that of my six year old as I tackled the Univega's makeover. Having performed the rush around and cut the cables routine before stripping cantilevers and cockpit, other gremlins presented themselves. It was one of those jobs for Boxing Day when respectable folk were leaping in their cars and heading for the holy grails of DIY and superstore but oh no, I had to plough headlong into this having returned from the temp job and twenty minutes before dinner... Having transplanted bar, stem and controls, it became immediately obvious that the curious, yet extremely effective star fangled nut substitute wasn't re-useable.

After some uncharacteristic sulking, my focus shifted to the twenty three year old CK toolbox containing all manner of ill sorted spares. A quick sift reveled a Gusset SFN replacement of exacting dimensions. However, while the black bung does a superb job of retaining precise bearing adjustment it obscures the fork crown fender mount. Some lateral thought resulted in judicious bending and filing of the stainless steel hardware, allowing the black bung to pass through while securing the fender securely inside the steerer tube.

Convoluted perhaps but it solved the problem and meant I could progress to the Dia Compe V brakes. These are surprisingly proficient stoppers combining great power with none of the mushiness associated with lower-middle range brakes-especially with Tektro's RL520 linear pull specific levers.

Continuing the best laid plans theme, the STX pods proved impractical thanks to torturous cable run and delayed shifts so it's back to the faithful Ultegra bar cons. I've always had something of a soft spot for STX components primarily because they offer a lot of bang for very modest buck. However, the marginally "Superior" STXRC front mech has proven one of the most temperamental I've known-fine on a day to day basis but the proverbial pig to set up.

Earlier in the day I'd driven cautiously through the icy lanes to the temp job via the bank and a bike shop that caught my attention. Paying cheques into the bank meant I'd financially survive the festive season and the bike shop provided some good, benchmark cables. Some gentle enquiry revealed he'd be happy to install the Teenage Dream's front end for a very reasonable sum. Frankly, these are very frustrating jobs-annoying because I can undertake them myself but available time and a missing tool eludes me. Therefore, the sensible solution is to outsource this while I attend to more pressing matters. As my late father often remarked, just because you can, doesn't mean to say doing so is the best use of time/resources. Needless to say, the Univega's upgrades have transformed the handling- not that the Nitto bars were remotely floppy but the WTB and Salsa stem make for a phenomenally rigid, yet comfortable cockpit.
Further success has been achieved on the wheels front. While drafting some copy for another publication, I had cause to contact Greyville enterprises. Serendipity lead Steve to suggest these 700x23 tubes with 60mm long Presta valves- just the ticket for the Halo Aerorage wheelset, meaning the original hoops can be returned to the Ilpompino complete with 38mm snow tyres. The ITM fork while undeniably gorgeous can wait for now- a fully operational and finely fettled fleet is what's called for in the depths of winter. Sure, I wouldn't dream of subjecting the Holdsworth or Teenage Dream to the horrors of salt and slush but I like the idea of machines being ready for action.

Contagious Carbon & Conspiracy Theories

Forget the swine flu pandemics, I appear to be gripped by a frenzy of carbon conversion. This time it’s the turn of Izzie, my beloved Ilpompino. Having seen the new Genesis Day-One- basically a Reynolds 520 framed cyclo crosser with track ends, carrier, fender mounts and flip/flop hub I am thinking very, very seriously about a revamping the Ilmpompino too thanks to an ITM carbon cross fork and a simple conversion to cross rubber. Afterall, with some obvious nods in the direction of the road path genre, the Ilpompino is in effect a crosser with track ends so it makes sense to exploit these characteristics to their full potential. Gearing of around sixty to sixty-three inches is practical sans asphalt with something in the seventies for grinding away on metalled road. A very refined Ritchey post provides some additional luxury and will compliment the ITM fork superbly.

The sturdy Surly rack is staying put as while I don’t rush to fit racks per se, it means a pannier or two can be towed should fancy take me. One of the main advantages over the venerable Genesis in my eyes are wide armed cantilevers giving better modulation, feel and mud clearance. Mini Vs seem to crop in and out of vogue but my main (relatively mild) aversion to them stems from their need to run so close to the rim, clogging at the first hint of mud and grit.

Wheels are less of a concern but tyres are a little tricky. There’s some loose talk of snow in the weeks following Christmas but this to me is little more than bored weather forecasters wanting to capture the public’s imagination and evoke a more magical aura to the festive season.

Therefore, the Schwalbe studded snow tyres are overkill and will remain firmly tucked away in their corner of the workshop for now. However, these Panasonic Mach semi slicks in 35mm form should be fine for firmer trail and mixed work- they’re not the best in wet, muddy conditions though so we’ll have to see what the weather front brings. On the subject of weather, Justin (Burls) has made the brave step to recovery and cleaned his winter bike- he’s even supplied proof and can faithfully say there’s been no foul play, no photo-shopping here! This loyal, high mileage (and some might say, mistreated) racy winter companion extrudes a really authentic lived-in beauty that makes it all the more desirable. True, the salt monster has left his calling card on the crank arms but despite countless miles in all weathers, it looks remarkably well preserved and certainly owes him nothing. Old faithful is fairly unique being one of Justin’s earlier frames painstakingly finished in automotive two-pac rather than stoved enamel. Those in search of glamour will undoubtedly left mesmerized by his latest sub 15lb Ti road build but I must confess irrational, nay guilty attraction to his Rosso red workhorse. Yes, deep down I acknowledge this is wrong, on a par with fancying your best mate’s wife/husband and such public declaration is likely to find me prohibited from passing within four hundred metres of his workshop. However, assuming Justin and I remain on speaking terms following these revelations, I hope to be back in the New Year with polishing cloth, Waxoyl and MR Sheen-er, I mean a full report on his latest featherweight Ti missile.
Maybe a consequence of my vocation but I’ve become slightly jaded by professional cycling’s fall from grace- that is to say, I expect and am almost nonplussed by scandal and revelation. Sometimes, usually as the elderly Ka and I are meandering along another stretch of motorway at steady speeds, these things resonate within me. Is there something inherent to competitive cycling which predisposes it to doping and similar cheating or is it the consequence of enormous commercial interest that applies to many others? I have arrived at the conclusion the media spotlight concentrates on cycling as a soft option, wanting to pretend dark undercurrents don’t flow through soccer, athletics, show jumping and of course, golf!

A very prudent observation is that cycling, though specifically cycle racing needs to focus on getting it’s own house sorted rather than pointing to other sports and disciplines as a convenient distraction. Otherwise it is behaving in the way of a defensive child retorting they’ve done better than little Johnny or Joanna… I must confess to being fond of historical scandals- Coppi and the White Lady, Anquetil and his interesting solutions to his wives' infertility being two of particular note. However, the dirtier side of corruption, sleaze and quasi ritualised drug taking in some teams disappoints yet doesn’t surprise me. I hate to say it but cheating in competitive sport is here to stay, detection just becomes increasingly difficult.

Researching the death of Johnny Thunders, former New York Dolls guitarist and Heartbreakers' front man in a seedy New Orleans motel some twenty years back draws interesting parallels with Marco Pantani's mysterious demise. Both share the open and shut junkie overdose/suicide label but they smack of botched investigation/laziness on part of the authorities. Thunders had been openly critical of the music industry for some time and was battling heroin addiction with large quantities of methadone acquired in London.

Contrary to the rock and roll cliche' he wasn't found dead on the toilet, guitar around his neck but very badly beaten. Pantani's career had been overshadowed by depression and rumor of cocaine addiction on an industrial scale. Allegedly, he died in his hotel room on February 15th 2004 having "trashed it" beforehand yet his body was found with perfectly manicured fingernails...

Snow drives back the foot that's slow, the dogs of doom are howling low. Despite my cynicism, we've had eight inches of snowfall overnight and six hours without power and I'm annoyed at not seizing the moment and getting the Ilpompino ready, or at least shodding the Univega with snow tyres...

Snap, Crackle and Things Kept Going Pop

There’s certainly some truth in the old adage of things coming in multiples, good and bad in my experience. Bustling along the back roads late last Wednesday night, aboard the Univega and looking forward to watching Channel 4’s “ The family” (a weekly fly-on the wall docu-soap); things were looking good, fifteen minutes clear- I’d be home in eight. Turning a cadence of around 95rpm, there was a sudden snap, followed by a feeling of disconnection as my mind worked furiously trying to comprehend the severed chain and locked transmission, man and machine hurtling towards Terra firma.

Mercifully, the universe was feeling relatively charitable; presenting a well-padded ditch that cushioned both collarbone and beloved machine from harm. Clear skies saw the temperature plummet and with a severed chain beyond repair, I ran the remaining five miles leading the beefy tourer by its stem. Light bruising-mainly to my ego and a fresh chain later the world was indeed round and true once more but it could’ve been so different.

Further fun and games were presented courtesy of the Ka. 120 miles from home and a sensation suggesting a faulty alternator demanded concentration, steady revs and will power complete the circular journey. A final mile from my home, I slid the stricken beast into the yard of a friendly local garage, leaving a note and keys through their office door. Walking the last leg through quiet, deserted streets was blessed relief after 87 miles of being shaken like a Mcflurry. Despite abandoning the Ka without prior appointment, the garage took the time to diagnose and moreover, rectify the problem by 8.40 the next morning. The culprit is this little fella known as the ISCV (Idle speed control valve). I’ve cleaned him quite regularly and I know when he’s feeling mischievous, stalling at junctions, refusing to idle properly etc but I’ve never had him mimic a faulty alternator before. A big Thank you to John and everyone at Palmer’s for keeping me and the little beast on the road.

As a child I was mesmerised by the graveyard of scrap cars and in the still, night air Palmer's yard retains a curious, inviting magic but these days serves only to remind of the little Ford’s mortality. Well, after much muted debate, the slumbering phase one nuclear reactor dominating our coastal landscape for miles around has ignited further controversy. Not only were the owners prosecuted for allowing nuclear waste to seep into the surrounding residential areas but plans have been announced to build a new generation of reactor there. Naturally, this has been played down as a consultative exercise but since the existing Magnox unit has been dormant, fishermen report the return of oyster beds and other marine life. Most of us will acknowledge the need for alternatives to fossil fuels but the consequences of corporate interest over public safety doesn’t bear thinking about.
Back to bikes and the Holdsworth’s new carbon Tifosi has been nothing short of a delight, providing some additional comfort and shaving a few grams into the bargain while the 15-tooth Halo sprocket seems a surprisingly good choice for general riding, albeit lacking the outright refinement of the hand polished EAI. Having now clocked up 265 miles aboard the Dia Tech Gran Compe leather saddle, I’m pleased to report it has largely moulded to my shape, discomfort a distant memory-although liberal applications of Nikwax continue so as to encourage this process and keep the elements firmly at bay.
Ison distribution, the UK importer for all things Salsa have once again come to my rescue with this here twenty-five degree oversized stem, raising the Univega’s bar height without giving it the aerodynamics of a Dutch Grandmother gracefully clattering across the cobblestones aboard her 40lb Gazelle. This will see the WTB fall neatly to hand for trail taming, yet just low enough to shelter from a headwind and 200g is reassuringly svelte…For all this, I can’t quite bring myself to complete the metamorphosis thanks to these very nice, old school Tektro cross cantilevers that stop the beast (complete with laden trailer) on the proverbial sixpence, with a gentle, yet definite caress of the lever. Another gizmo sure to capture the imagination of those seeking seductive stocking fillers is this nifty Surly stainless steel cable hanger. Designed to replace the old chrome types typically found adorning cross and touring on bikes, it slots between the seat collar/binder bolt for a really smooth cable run and is ideal for using cantilevers on frames built for Vs. Basically a paper clip on steroids, the mechanically minded could fashion one in a matter of minutes using scraps from the spares bin but it’s nice to see these products readily available. On the subject of fabrication, when Justin (Burls) isn’t tempting me with thoughts of fillet brazed drop bar specific off-roaders, he’s flaunting more titanium including a sub 15lb (geared) road bike and another road/track fixer…Just look at the sculpted beauty of those wishbone stays… Smiten? Then have a chat with Justin (email:Justin@burls.co.uk or www.burls.co.uk).

Substitute!

The Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways. Sunday saw me pop out for a quick twenty mile blast aboard the Holdsworth before the weather had chance to turn bandit with wind and rain of biblical proportions. Everything was right with the world, riders waved cheerfully as we passed in opposite directions and I was mentally in the zone for typing some extensive copy upon my return. This was shattered suddenly by a very literal sinking feeling. The inexpensive but otherwise very cheerful Outland was creeping into the seat tube. Stopping and tightening the binder bolt made no impression. Arriving home, I reasoned the post diameter might be incorrect. Removal and closer inspection of the seat-tube confirmed these suspicions. The ten year lay-up sans post and subsequent traces of powder coat had seen it compress, explaining why it has entertained a 26.8 for so long.

Purging contaminant presented the ideal opportunity for a light reapplication of Waxoyl. As the sand coloured gloop flooded inside the tubes, a light bulb moment saw me try an old, badly scored 27.2 Kalloy; after all, there was nothing to lose and everything to gain. Cue drum roll, slither of grease around the shaft and in she goes… Admittedly it was tighter than ideal but close enough and besides, cheaper models aren’t machined to the same tolerances as their costlier counterparts. This presented a choice between the beautiful and super svelte Thompson earmarked for the Teenage Dream and an equally tasty budget Carbon Tifosi. Fate decided the latter. Having “skilfully” dropped the Thompson’s cradle bolts, the wind grew with intensity, blowing them into bedding plants and frustratingly out of reach. The carbon Tifosi complete with simple, if slightly agricultural, single bolt cradle was the obvious candidate. Two minutes in the shelter of a warm kitchen saw the Specialized Toupe’ swapped over and the Holdsworth blessed with a beautiful new post. This torrent of Euphoria prompted other changes, most notably this very fetching CNC machined Halo track sprocket and Surly Nick-Less Cage. The Halo replaces the ultra lightweight anodized aluminium model that wasn’t doing a great deal thanks to the unsurpassed refinement of an EAI superstar typically in charge.

It is in fact Cro-moly steel, boding well for longevity and is reasonably priced. The striking blue effect is achieved through a process similar to anodising known as electrophoresis deposition (oft referred to as ED coating) developed and used extensively within the automotive industry. The Surly is a sturdy stainless steel cage, claiming to be a unique design but aside from beefier rod, it mimics the dainty Nitto Continuing a theme of sitting comfortably, the Univega and I have been getting the miles in aboard the classic cutaway Dia Tech. Subjected to Liberal Nikwaxing to protect the hide and promote the breaking-in-process, fifty miles in and we seem to be forming an affectionate bond. However, the base is seven millimetres broader than my regular perches (as determined eighteen months ago in a BG fit consultation) and the initial ten miles had my Ischial Tuberosity screaming for mercy. However, this didn’t demand these buttock abrasion patches but I’ll keep them handy in the rack bag just in case…
The season of tool abductions continue... This week it’s been the turn of my trusty long 5mm Allen wrench needed to tackle the recessed bolts in these Cane Creek V brake specific road levers. These play a central part in the Univega’s reconfiguration but thankfully, this little T-handled beauty came to the rescue, giving change from £3! 8spd bar end levers and 7 speed cassette have been temperamental bed fellows of late so a quick wander around the web unearthed these NOS (New old stock) STX RC pods going for the proverbial song.

These have been mounted inboard of the ends, thus protecting them from thrills, spills and everyday knocks while falling neatly to hand for sweet, swift changes. Having experimented in this direction previously with my mtb based crosser/working bike, mounting the pods low demands some very judicious filing of the internal clamp diameter. Contrary to popular belief, there is no need to splay the clamps, even on very substantial bars as this risks bracket fatigue and/or fractures. However, the makeover cannot be completed without a new stem, one with at least twenty five degree rise. Specialized and Gusset both produce models perfect for these applications-especially riding off road where for effective control, the drops should fall roughly where a flat XC bar would. However, this will have to wait as MOT, servicing and tax were due on my car, leaving me £260 lighter.

Dear Father Christmas…..