Lord Of The Thighs

No sooner said than delivered... I am of course referring to a 140mm version of BBB's Razer saddle courtesy of the brands' Dutch headquarters and what a difference a few millimetres make. We've been chasing up and down the highways and byways this past week without the merest hint of discomfort or chafing. Employing the same micro-tech faux leather cover, the black variant is unsealed so feels extremely tactile but is less convenient to clean (cross aficionados and others wandering through winter sans guards take note!).Couriers bearing all manner of tasty test treats have been beating a path to my door these past ten days or so. Given the season, day glow is once again envogue but this jacket, pannier/rucksack cover and helmet from Pro Viz are particularly noteworthy-especially since £55 buys a waterproof garment with electroluminescent technology burning through the dullest days and darkest nights. Sure, being as it comprises of a simple waterproof shell and mesh liner there's some trade-off in terms of breathability and the cut while reasonably generous, is tailored for more relaxed riding positions. However, there's some lovely detailing too and it ensures the elements remain firmly outside.

Capacious side pockets keep keys, wallets and even compact cameras close to hand without impeding progress and the zippered poacher's stash is equally welcome. Fleece lined collar and adjustable cuffs complete the package, preventing wind, rain and chill billowing inside-even when the mercury hovers around zero.

Fifteen miles at nigh on race pace, the inner climate starts feeling clammy but a long way short of "Boiled in the bag". Alas, the electroluminescent technology rules out machine washing, which could turn socially awkward after a few seasons but by this juncture, it won't owe you anything and the outer can be wiped down with impunity. Rucksack/small pannier covers incorporating this technology aren't completely revolutionary- Respro's version is better equipped to resist regular encounter with brickwork, foliage and generic wear and tear.

That aside, the Pro Viz cover still represents excellent value for money, slips securely aboard rucksacks and single panniers with twenty odd litre capacities so could be the perfect Christmas stocking filler. Dressing in garments ruinous to the retina removes the SMIDSY (Sorry mate, I didn't see you) defence but contrary to popular misconception, has little practical effect upon driver etiquette. Recent outings in various attire suggests cars approach faster, overtaking riders sporting helmets and/or day glow with greater indifference. More tangible research reveals a marked tendency for "enthusiast" cyclists and motorcyclists to be targeted for abuse/wantonly dangerous behaviours by a small minority of drivers. Richard Ballantine's 1988 edition of his justly revered "Bicycle Book" indulges in some over simplistic pop-sociology when categorising drivers and their vehicles but anecdotally, there seems a grain or two of truth amongst his sweeping assertions. December the 16th marks the ninth anniversary of a hit and run involving myself and a red three series BMW along Streatham High Rd. Mercifully I escaped with little more than cuts, grazes, scuffed bar wrap and a bent mech hanger. Socio-economically deprived neighbourhoods are a bad bet at anytime and while reporting the incident with police out of principle, the legal process seems impotent when it comes to bringing unlicensed, uninsured and dare I suggest, contemptuous drivers to account.Adding some virility to commuter lighting comes Nite Rider's Minewt 150 cordless. Boasting 150 lumens, integral Li-on mains/USB chargeable cell, impressive performance coupled with nominal clutter means its perfect for fastidious fixers and tidy winter trainers. Output has me really excited; it's the first commuter derived lamp that brings country lanes alive, albeit in the highest setting. Medium is good but better suited to the suburban scramble whereas low is strictly for urban riding and flashing for overcast mornings/emergencies.

A combined switch/battery life indicator flashes when charge dwindles to 15%, typically providing thirty minutes grace before complete shut down, Used in tandem with the helmet mounted models mentioned in my last entry, navigating unlit rural backwaters and midnight green laning has been absolute joy. However, its 250 sibling is the one to go for if spirited nocturnal single track mountain biking/cross fun is your thing. Weather resistance seems equal to more traditional types so long as the charge flap is fully home and more extreme river riding is avoided.

Now to purge the Univega of salt, slime and generic winter road-grime.

Evolution of a Species

Dull and overcast November brings with it ideal testing conditions for the latest lighting systems. Helmet lamps are really exciting as they allow the rider to precisely attune the beam and in the context of Light & Motion's integrated (front and rear) VIZ360 direct 150 lumens at driver eye-level having the desired effect of registering your presence from afar without blinding oncoming traffic. Mounting effortlessly to most lids there's ample peripheral vision and output in the highest setting is sufficient to navigate forest trail and rural backwater.

However, UK law dictates it must be used in conjunction with bike mounted types. Given the way the legal system operates, a careless driver could be acquitted on such a technicality and even though the four lumen rear is genuinely visible in all contexts, it only takes a split second turn of the head, the approaching driver momentarily distracted for a fatal collision. That said, the Vis 360 has saved my bacon once following main systems failure-impromptu ride, lost track of time etc and to be frank its the perfect companion for this interesting Haloglow helmet. Sure on the face of things the Haloglow is just another very competent universal fit road lid with twenty vents conforming to CE1078 standard. Look closer however and there's an LED type halo around the circumference. Pressing the positive rear mounted switch for a few seconds engages and toggles between static and flashing modes. First impressions are favourable but the coming weeks will cement my opinion in a constructive and informed manner. In the meantime, take a closer look (http://www.moorelarge.co.uk/)

Continued subtle reconfiguration of the mighty Univega sees only the headset, Ultegra bar cons, front mech and Kalloy post remain of the original build. The rear wheel has been upgraded to a disc compatible Mavic/Alivio offering. Detailing is remarkably good, includes disc mounts, extremely well sealed bearings coupled with a satin ball burnished finish serves to illustrate how far lower end components have come in the last decade or so as technology trickles downward. Contrary to popular misconception, the spokes and the rims are to some extent, of greater significance to a wheel's quality than the hubs themselves.

A skillfully built budget offering can be a much better bet than superior components thrown together by a machine or "Saturday boy". That last remark reminds me of a situation some twenty years back when a customer came into a bike dealers collecting £200 worth of bespoke road wheels. Alas the hapless employee omitted rim tape and the subsequent explosion caused raised voices and red faces a plenty. These days litigation wouldn't be an idle threat. The Univega also enjoys a tyre upgrade courtesy of some lovely Schwalbe. With two inch wide profiles you'd expect them to be as responsive as the proverbial snail on mogadon. Oh contraire, they're the fastest two inch rubber I've used to date with superb acceleration and control whether thundering along the slimy rural backwaters or trickling through town.

Positively gliding over man hole covers, shards of glass, speed humps there's been no sign of the dreaded hiss and provocatively sneaking an extra fifteen psi past their 70psi maximum couldn't detract from the graceful, magic carpet ride. The 14-28 cassette left us feeling under-geared though so was substituted for a nickle plate 12-25. Lock ring tools, especially cassette types are so readily misplaced. Mercifully I found this hyper cracker pocket marvel in the spares drawer- It's really designed for touring, using the frame as a giant chain whip to remove (or refit) the ring but salvaged that particular evening's ride.

Contact points are amongst the most hotly debated (and oft contested) subjects when cyclists congregate for any period-saddles being a time honoured favourite. BBB are a Dutch firm doing things slightly different to the rest of the world in a very positive sense. Understated, the brands' Razer comfort lite sports remarkable attention to detail. Cro-moly rails are extremely well finished while the composite base and micro density memory foam are equally impressive. White leatherette covers usually turn my blood cold but this one's encased beneath a thick, durable lacquer meaning greasy finger marks, dirt and general ingress vanish with the first flick of a damp cloth so its practical, even for 'cross.

So where's the rub? Well, it just comes down to the 130mm base that is thirteen millimetres too narrow for my posterior over longer distances, leaving me uttering more "Ooooh!" than the late Frankie Howard (Titter ye not). Those worried about mutual compatibility will need to get themselves over to their nearest Specialized dealer for an assometer measurement or alternatively go the DIY route. Find an old but clean foam off cut. Sit on it long enough to leave a deep, obvious butt-print. Now, mark these points with ball bearings, marker pens or similar reference and measure the distance between the "sit bones" Voila you now have your optimum size!

Allow a little leeway- slightly wider for a more upright touring/mtb configurations such as the Univega but your newly discovered measurement will work just fine in the contexts of track or road mounts...

Now, you'll have to excuse me, I'm off to play with another lid, One23's 1 watt extreme light and Schwalbe's Kojak- who loves ya baby.

Happy Monday- A morning with Maldon Shotblasting & Powder Coating

Popped over to Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating for a morning's photography. Amongst the neat rows of go-kart chassis, motorcycle components, swing arms and other project works, this frame emerged from the blast cabinet. Horizontal Campagnolo ends, cable guides and intricate lugwork bear the hallmarks of a volume produced 531 tourer from the mid to late seventies.

Rather akin to the hungry little Caterpillar, internal corrosion had chomped holes in the seat tube but Graham skillfully plug welds the affected areas using a MIG unit on the lowest setting before grinding them flat and applying a lick of thermabond3.

Cometh the man, cometh the chromate...
Top-coat

Fresh from the oven...
Total cost of the renovation (including forks) £60. Like what you see? Give Trevor a call on +4401621 841100 or visit http://www.ctc-powder-coating.co.uk/ for more info.

Bother, Bother, Bother That Brake!

"Father did not riot, he loaded his pannier full with DSLR, lenses, spare batteries, hopped on the Univega and went in search of politicians in compromising positions. After a particularly long and arduous descent, the V brakes rebelled and he replaced them with cantilevers".

This is a shameless and deliberate play on Norman Tebbit's infamous speech made in response to civil unrest instigated by harsh socio-economic conditions in the early 1980s. Quotes frequently morph or are bastardised with time and a publication's political colours but Tebbit is widely believed to have said " I grew up in the 30's with an unemployed father. He didn't riot, he got on his bike and looked for work and he kept looking 'till he found it". Before embarking on our tale of woe, I've caught some very candid shots of local government figures partaking in midday massages and moonlight meanderings. Several meadows close to Dorking town centre reputedly bore witness to the latter but this could've been small talk and unfounded rumor amplified by poor journalism.

Few can escape the continued focus and speculation around the economy and the extensive rationing of public spending-especially here in the UK. Cycling England which served to promote cycling in all its genres and contexts has become the latest casualty. Cynically one might suggest this was predictable given cycling seemingly rates on par with welly-wanging in the public consciousness (although the British track team's recent successes certainly improved matters). However, responsibility for the coordination of related projects/developments has been returned to local authority control which isn't particularly good news, not least as the present administration seem determined to wield power centrally, thus local governments will become little more than paper tigers. Paraphrasing a line from Jaws "We're gonna need a bigger boat" to keep the momentum going at grass root and national level.

So to matters braking. Dia Compe 988 might seem a curious choice, necessitating new levers, cables and bar wrap but there's a method in my madness. First and foremost, their slender profiles improve pannier and heel clearance compared with their wider and more powerful brethren but secondly, cantilevers cope better than linear pulls in wet, muddy conditions. This is very significant seeing as Joshua loves riding but the tight, narrow roads are heavily trafficked and unsuitable for children his age-ergo much of our time is spent riding, wet muddy farm and forest tracks/trails. Such reconfigurations present the ideal opportunity for more comprehensive annual overhaul before the winter miles set in, although the 988 mounting kit was instantly upgraded and the pads will follow suit so as to bring modulation and feel on par with higher end models. That said, even as stock they're not to be sneezed at-especially for winter/cross builds.

Well-dressed riders and machines form the basis of winter survival and it's been the first week that 3/4 length knickers have been shunned in favour of tights. Hands and feet are the first extremities to suffer in the cold so with this in mind, its timely we take a quick peek at these weatherproof gloves from Altura and Protective.

Both are competitively priced, completely waterproof to the cuffs, offer good insulation from road and trail shock and feature the ubiquitous Ulnar padding. The Altura features a series of hefty gel tablets dotted around the palms whereas Protective have opted for a less pronoun ed and very compliant single cushion. There's no magic bullet when it comes to comfort-we're anatomically unique with different riding styles and so one wo/mans padding is another's pressure point. The first few hundred miles suggests the Protective provide a more sculpted anatomic fit-especially after two hours continuous riding.

Altura's mid-weight night vision technical winter jersey addresses the issue of beating winter chill without incurring increased bulk. Polyester based it's heavily impregnated with Scotchlite detailing-the sort that reflects back when graced by vehicle headlamps, street lighting etc. Three large pockets capture keys, phones, cameras, change and other assorted nick knacks and the middle will even swallow a 750ml trade bottle. Paired with a decent base layer it beats early season chill hands down and resists light showers and moisture management's pretty good-about twenty five minutes following a light shower or machine wash. Another lovely touch is the fibre optic strip that attaches to the garment courtesy of a large Velcro bed. This completes the really neat, integrated appearance and could spell the slow but steady extinction of the traditional LED tab. If only all lighting systems were this simple....

Charging the assorted nimh, li-on and Lead acid systems has proven somewhat more demanding with some losing charge before we'd reached the end of the drive and others just refusing to replenish full-stop. Seven hours-the lion's share of a working day (or night) brings this old school but likable Electron unit to life for a couple of hour's return-not the most convenient for a quick twenty mile chase around the block. No longer made and showing it's age beside this simple, compact Li-on fuelled units such as this from One23; the Electron slips into the bottle cage and alternates between settings via two handlebar mounted switches.

Fine for commuting and winter training, the beams deliver a bright but yellow hue that isn't so effective off road or tackling pitch black rural lanes...Let's take a closer look at the One23 extra bright. This unit is the perfect illustration of why watts are a very outmoded and slightly misleading measure of power/output. The super bright LEDs knock old fashioned ten watt lead acid systems for six, projecting a really pure white beam good enough to belt along the back roads at 20+ mph in the highest setting.

Low isn't radically better in terms of economy but more than adequate for sub/urban runs while flashing saves the day when battery life and visibility to other traffic preside over outright visual clarity. Run times are around three hours in top, four in low and six in flashing. Fully charging the lithium battery will cost a couple of hours at the mains while the helmet mount option and very modest weight opens horizons to nocturnal singletrack and forest fun when accompanied by a handlebar system.

Snap, Crackle.... My Rack Went Pop (aka Midnight at the Lost and Found)

Pride is said to signal a fall from grace. Quietly smug at my ingenuity in devising a lighting bracket from a retired under saddle bottle caddy, the Univega and I were hurtling through the lanes at warp-speed when our serene silence was rudely interrupted by a disconcerting tinkling. Believing it a rogue mudguard stay bolt we drew into the siding but to my surprise,said oh-so-clever lighting bracket had proven too much for the Topeak's LED tab, shearing it clean off! The immediate solution was to pop the light, complete with bracket into the rack pack, closing the zipper tight enough so the corpulant light remained visible.

Being a resourceful hoarder, a recent rummage through storage recovered this very fetching 4130 aircraft grade cro-moly rack complete with a rear bracket ready drilled to accommodate dynamos and lights of similar proportions. Finished in durable satin black powder coat, it boasts phenomenal rigidity and greater heel clearance with bulky expedition panniers. Fitting was surprisingly straightforward, although the stainless steel arms required cutting to size and some longer hex bolts. Twenty minutes, a quick furniture polish blow-over and we were ready for a twelve mile back-roads tester. In short it's transformed the handling under load and adds extra refinement to the build as does the return of these SPD.

Recent muddy green laning has seemingly taken its toll upon the otherwise charming Ritchey copies (manifest in an infuriating squeak suggesting the goo has got to the bearings) so, they've been swapped for the arguably superior 2003 Shimano. The front Dia Tech linear pulls came out in sympathy too-just a question of stripping, cleaning and purging the hidden witches brew of congealed grease, gunge and grime. Last but not least in my catalogue of resourcefulness comes an unexpected replacement for my beloved four dollar Timex. Hunting through a bedside drawer for a replacement CR2032 computer battery, I stumbled across this Chinese made Heart RateMonitor.

A blank display confirmed suspicions of battery demise but carefully opening the back plate and inserting a replacement cell brought the display surging into life. Ensuring this surgery hadn't dislodged the tiny but significant weather seal, I refitted the casing and whizzed the tiny screws fully home. A new watch cum training tool for the princely sum of £3!

Never sans camera, I happened upon two very different, yet equally compelling machines while going about my business. This Cannondale was found loitering, fully dressed in a town centre alleyway secured only by the flimsiest of cable locks. Reasoning the owner had been dancing to the full bladder shuffle and popped into the toilet opposite, I took a few shots before dropping by the bank. To my astonishment it was still there, unmolested with the full complement of "steal me" accessories when I returned some thirty minutes later. Another machine that caught my gaze is this Bianchi conversion. While familiar with the brands' crossers, we don't see to many here on UK roads and I thought the eclectic mix of Celeste, black and baby pink showed remarkable reciprocity. Racing days seemingly over, parred to the essentials it remains a very attractive and practical working bike. Front and rear cantilevers might seem overkill but the Mole Valley is an area of extreme natural beauty, long climbs and breathtaking descents so a rear set is quite welcome-especially in the event of sloppy shoe cleats... Joshua has taken delivery of his new Cro-moly single-speed. Neatly finished and with basic but serviceable components, it tips the scales at a moderate and ultimately manageable twelve kilos. Being a semi compact geometry frameset, it leaves him less stretched while providing all important stand over height. Single-speeds with rigid forks offer rugged simplicity-perfect for younger children while alloy wheels and cheap but cheerful linear pull brakes keep things lively and dependable. Feedback suggests the saddle and post are due an upgrade but replacements are plentiful-especially in the 25.4 diameter. Maybe we'll have some photos next time..

With lighting up times getting progressively earlier, this season's LEDs have become so good to the point where there's precious little to choose between them-great news from a consumer's perspective, albeit a little bewildering. Those with a robust sense of cynicism would argue this is down to widespread badge engineering, models emerging from the same factories with the same internals but different packaging and pricing accordingly.

These RSP flexlights are amongst my favourites, light, simple, weatherproof and very bright relative to their size. Weighing a mere 20g, they're just the ticket for those one coffee, one tall story too many at the post-ride cafe' stop. Output is good to around three hundred and fifty metres, burn times (at least in flashing mode) are impressive, returning ninety hours from a single CR2032 and they work perfectly when fully submerged.

Surly Seven Year Olds & The Sheared Seat Bolt Blues

He bid me come out, how could I say no? He said meet me at eight, round at my place, you know...Since my last entry, Joshua goes from strength to strength, racing round tarmac and trail at every opportunity. There's the usual thrills and the inevitable spills but he takes it all in his stride. However, we were preparing for winter, poring Waxoyl into the seat tubes while seizing the opportunity to test this fantastic wrench when he threw an uncharacteristic diva fit, refusing to help in any capacity!

Refitting the Univega's seatpost I set about tightening the binder bolt while asserting some parental authority. Distraction resulted in over tightening the clamp, shearing the bolt in the process. Sensing contained displeasure, my little protege' headed indoors while I searched in vain for a replacement. Every cloud they say has a silver lining, the good folk at Ison charging to the rescue with this arguably nicer Salsa lip-lock which comes in a variety of diameters and several pretty anodised colours.

So to Friedrichshafen in Southern Germany, home to Eurobike, the continents largest and arguably most important trade show. With over 1,000 exhibitors from across the globe, there was literally something for everyone and allowing for periodic bouts of show-blindness, I didn't come close to sampling everything in five, ten hour days. Focusing on the fixed scene, wandering through the halls lead me undecided as to the future of the genre. Literally everyone had one in their range and while some fired my imagination, many seemed content to cynically roll out track wannabes made from non-descript steel and alloy tube sets.

That said, its not all gloom. Sturmey Archer's three speed fixed hub seemed enticing enough and cropped up sporadically on complete builds. Cooper bikes, a new British marque proudly hung this configuration aboard a neatly welded 525 frameset. Sat beside it was a fully chrome minimalist sibling fashioned from Reynolds' thicker gauge 520 tubing, complete with Major Taylor drops and Brooks leather bar wrap. Leather remains a popular trend too-saddles, bags, toe straps, grips and tape were commonplace. Chrome has been riding the crest of a retro wave-fork crowns, blades , ornate lugwork and chainstays were literally dripping in the shiny plating. Aluminium mudguards (fenders) house branded tubing and components have made a comeback whereas wood had, with notable exception literally vanished.

Children's bikes fired my imagination for obvious reasons. Most followed the European tradition of fully equipped town n' trail mounts with full mudguards, carriers and integral lights. By the same token, the road bike revival is fast challenging the mountain bike's dominance. Several manufacturers including Atala and Schwinn have introduced junior machines to their range. A far cry from the ubiquitous gas-pipe, junk component "ten speeds" from the late 70s/early 80s, these sport neatly welded aluminium framesets, serviceable entry level components and price tags that won't require remortgaging.

Neons, fresh from 1989 are steadily creeping back into the mainstream consciousness with Charge, GT and others leading the battle cry. Then we had anodising, oh yes those skewers, binder bolts, brake hangers shunned in spares drawers since 1997 will net you a small fortune on eBay judging by their popularity this year. Stands were awash with mouth-wateringly beautiful high end hubs, headsets, pedals, seatposts, stems and fasteners in a whole spectrum of colours. Frankly, I couldn't get enough of the Far East, 853 framesets with floral livery mingled with titanium,carbon fibre (even the odd bamboo/carbon hybrid) or the halls glittering with thousands of lights from little blinkeys to retina roasting Li-on. Photography wasn't particularly welcomed-presumably on the grounds that copyright/patents were a little sketchy and just as factories churn out neatly fabricated framesets by the container load, doubtless many were producing lights under licence for several household names.

Commuter friendly USB charging types are another really exciting trend with pretty much everyone jumping on the bandwagon. Nite Rider have embraced this technology and applied it to the high power 150/250 lumen Minewt. This year sees rechargeable li-on battery hosted within the lamp's body, meaning it slips effortlessly from the redesigned tool free handlebar mount into the messenger bag or jersey pocket when locking in the street. Docking at the USB for five hours rewards with between to and a half and seven hours burn time depending upon chosen mode.

At the other end of the spectrum we've the Lightning bug and stinger set. Don't be fooled by their sweet, cutesy six colour bug caricature, the lightning bug 3.0 with its pronounced triple bulb design is just sufficient to see by in a sub/urban context. Powered by two CR2032 watch type cells. faithful to quoted, ours have returned between forty and one hundred hours-perfect snuggled up beside the winter bike's dynamo or high power mainstay system.

Back in the UK, upon hearing of the Holdsworth's recent structural woes, Trevor at Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating has very generously offered to strip and refinish the frameset gratis once Paul Vincent's worked his magic.

Now, you'll excuse me, I'm off to play with this bunch of super bright blinkys.