Getting The Message But Not The Parcels...

Tuesday 2^nd saw me meeting the CEO of a small scale bike brand outside Bermondsey tube station. Never one to waste a few minutes, armed with trusty workhorse Sony Alpha SLR, I snapped these working fixers/single speeds shackled obediently to nearby stands.

Moments later my host arrived and whisked me off to a classically authentic and highly hospitable Italian café’ restaurant several streets away. Six hours hence, our meeting drew to a mutually favourable conclusion and I re-joined the sea of equally purposeful commuters, weaving through platforms and cramming themselves sardine fashion into a slowing procession of tube carriages.

Dark by 1500hrs, tis the season for day glow overshoes and potent dynamos. Those genuinely unique and capable Shower’s Pass covers fit in a flash and are one of the few readily compatible with broader street-styled shoes (although you’ll need to cut their sole to accommodate recessed cleats).

While belting along the back roads aboard the Univega, its rear wheel began an ominous “self-destruct” symphony some ten miles from home, announcing its oft maligned M475 freehub needed emergency strip and rebuild surgery.

Aside from regular cassette replacements, sporadic skewer greasing and generic polishing; mine has been fending for itself these past 5,000miles. New bearings, Teflon based grease and freehub body hence; we’re sorted for another year or so.

Despite my best efforts, one of the front hoop’s stainless spokes has succumbed badly to the salt monster’s slimy, caustic tongue, thus necessitates replacement sometime in the New Year-before it “twangs” unexpectedly.

I fully intend to upgrade the tubby tourer’s cheap but relatively cheerful Aheadset in favour of something better sealed and with higher quality cartridge/needle roller bearings.

These distribute loads much better than standard balls, thus wear slower and run buttery smooth. Sadly, Woodman’s Saturn (Fitted to Holdsworth and Teenage Dream) is no longer in production. A Tange needle roller and Stronglight annular unit, both giving change from £25 have caught my eye.

Decathlon opened its latest store in Harlow last week and I was lucky enough to get a press invite. More famous for its cycle museum and college of Journalism, I hadn’t been to the town for over twenty years, although the retail park was easily found.

Smaller than some, there was still plenty to see. I am particularly taken with their (in house) Btwin clothing range-especially their mid/upper end 500 and 700 series. Hopefully, I’ll have some samples and their junior series for testing early in 2015.

Christmas is one of the busiest periods for logistics companies with ever greater demands being met by a reserve army of seasonal labour. However, two, maybe three consignments of relatively valuable test kit have mysteriously “vanished” in the past six weeks.

One carrier had the cheek to record these as delivered (and signed for!) suggesting they’re helping themselves and/or running a lucrative side line-might  have a gander on the auction sites later..

Having served as a seasonal dobbin at various points, I have witnessed boxes containing flat screen plasma TVs, lightweight bicycle frames and other fragile items launched shot-putter fashion across warehouses and slammed into wire mesh cages.

A wonder we receive anything, let alone in serviceable condition. Interestingly and in keeping with other un/semi-skilled production/assembly line contexts, you’ll meet the nicest and nastiest ends of humanity.

I’ve noticed close parallels with the sentiments expressed by men working the line at Ford’s Halewood plant in Huw Beynon’s 1970s study “Working for Ford”.  “They’re all working here but they’re just really hanging around, waiting for something to turn up…” Hmm, haven’t seen a set of Tenn Gloves, Overshoes too by any chance folks?

Never mind, issue 2 of Seven Day Cyclist has just hit the digital stands http://www.pocketmags.com/viewmagazine.aspx?catid=1038&category=Sport&subcatid=234&subcategory=Cycling&title=Seven+Day+Cyclist&titleid=2582&issueid=92567#close

.

Master Blaster

Peter Gabriel’s gig at Birmingham’s LG arena proved a very pleasant surprise and confirmed him, not only as an extremely competent musician with something to say but one whose work has continuously evolved. Now bald and sporting a neatly groomed goatee, he took the audience seamlessly through different creative phases, including an experimental one.

This eschewed a very industrial, yet rhythmic beat reminiscent of car body plants before he performed the familiar, album tracks. Musicians, rather like actors can become typecast, or at least frozen within time. Roddy Byers once remarked that people default to his membership of the Specials; rather than discussing his current projects.

I can see how this happens among fans, for who the music is inextricably linked with/nostalgic yearning for certain periods in their past. Indeed, there’s plenty of money in well packaged nostalgia but infuriating for an artist talking to journalists about their new project/direction.    

Mercifully, my mile-munching Ka sailed through its MOT last week; save for a headlamp bulb and nearside rear tyre that was cruising close to the legal limit. 128,200 miles strong and electro-mechanically simple, there will come a point when even the mighty Mk1 will be beyond economic repair.

Attentions have turned to something even simpler-a Lomax 223 or 224. Technically kit cars, these are 3 and 4 wheel models, reminiscent of Morgan based around Citroen’s super simple twin cylinder 602cc 2CV/Dyane engine and running gear. However, something an enthusiasts’ car, these are likely to be well maintained and given an age-related (rather than the slightly dubious Q) plate.  

Chances are, I’ll look into uprating the headlamps’ prowess too. Talking of which, I’ve acquired this 1800lumen Cree unit for my winter/trainer, which will hopefully feed from one of several well maintained li-on cells and cast a better quality arc of light than its existing 1,000lumen model.

Helmet lamps have traditionally been the preserve of mountain bikers but some are now boasting several, asphalt sensible settings. 2000lumens might be brilliant for scorching full-pelt along unlit trails, though this sort of ferocity isn’t particularly good PR on public roads. I’ve been lucky enough to sample Lupine’s 700 lumen Neo2. 

Made with stereotypical Teutonic precision, its matchbox sized lithium polymer cell can either cadge a lift in jersey pockets, or atop the lid, theoretically distributing the weight uniformly. Frankly; this works in practice-with most genres of helmets too. 700 lumens are a little underpowered for serious singletrack but more than adequate for identifying potholes and similar hazards at a decent lick along unlit lanes.

This and the 400 setting proved very effective when emerging from concealed entrances and junctions, capturing driver attention long enough for swift, dignified and moreover safe getaways without dazzling others. Low 240/140 modes are best for sub/urban duties and sip reserves and there’s also reading and SOS settings for pitching tents, reading maps and of course, sorting mechanicals.

Aside from the fact complying with UK traffic regulations dictates running bike mounted lighting too, it’s primarily a flood beam, so you’ll need something with a spot for picking out detail.  I may acquire something from the Far East, possibly of greater output-purely for comparative purposes but £129 remains decidedly favourable when all performance criteria’s considered.

Right, I’m off to see a man about his new bike range and play with some overshoes. 

Stuck for stocking fillers? How’s about a subscription to Seven Day Cyclist:

http://www.pocketmags.com/viewmagazine.aspx?titleid=2582&title=Seven+Day+Cyclist

  

The F Word: Frame Building Fact and Forum Folklore

Highly skilled metal working, though frame building in particular has always fascinated me. Most cyclists will share an interest in bespoke products at some level and once upon a time, towns and cities could take their pick of craftspeople.

Sadly, these days every online community has its resident “experts” some of whom couldn’t manage joined up writing, let alone differentiate lap weld from lap dance.

One commentator recently asserted Reynolds 531 is a low grade Cro-moly. Arguably superseded in sporting terms by 725, 921 et al, it still offers excellent ride characteristics and suits a wealth of applications from Audax to heavily laden touring.

Indeed, many framesets are truly a ’la carte-blended from different tube sets to deliver just the right characteristics. There are no short cuts. Any fool can blast metal together with heat understanding their relationship and translating this into competently engineered, fit-for-purpose structure requires considerable time and practice.

Contrary to popular forum folklore, the main reason for 531’s obsolescence boils down to manufacturing techniques, technology and consumer expectation. Giant’s ground breaking TCR semi/compact geometry concept divided opinion but meant production bikes fitted much better, especially those of us with a more feminine dimensions i.e. proportionally longer legs and shorter torsos.

Hence, fillet brazing became standard practice amongst custom builders, while mass production has favoured TIG for the past twenty five years. Since 531 cannot withstand fusion welding, the mixture was tweaked and 525/520 conceived.

These “lowlier” tubesets along with in-house blends of 4130 still enjoy a responsive, engaging ride quality but at a very affordable price-arguably perfect for starter race mounts, or indeed winter/training.         

“Ghost building”; batch producing framesets to shop specifications and under their name has been a popular staple for many sole traders. However, even this has been dwindling recently. Increasingly custom builders are designing and fitting frames here before commissioning fabrication to Taiwan.

Material choice is also far greater than ever before. Steel has seen meteoric revival, having fallen from favour during the 1990s but now competes alongside various grades of aluminium, carbon/composites and of course, titanium. These also require a very different skillset, not to mention tooling.

Therefore remaining competitive alongside volume producers, especially those in the Far East is almost prohibitive without outsourcing somewhere along the line.

Fifteen years back, having completed another professional qualification and feeling distinctly disillusioned within day jobs; I decided it was time to seek professional training in welding practice. Armed with some elementary, plain gauge 4130 tubing, I spent many hours under the close scrutiny of a giant scots’ toolmaker called George and Terry; a chirpy, straight talking coachbuilder.

Ultimately, while said Cro-moly boasted livelier characteristics, high-tensile steels such as Peugeot cycles’ HLE or electricians’ conjugate were of comparable weight, cost pennies and proved much easier to fusion weld.

Undesirable for frames perhaps but I was seeking to build a series of low-slung, single wheeled touring trailers with a view to small scale production. Prices cannot be levied upon creativity and skills development but attempting this as a commercial venture would be a fools’ mission given the prices of superior, mass produced imports.  

Spleen vented and KA’s fresh MOT certificate within my sweaty little palm, I’m headed up to see Peter Gabrielle at Birmingham’s LG arena…

Nirvana?

November arrived and once again, I spirited myself off to the midlands. I’ve always been wary of gentrification since intentionally, or otherwise, it can equate to socio-economic cleansing, changing communities forever.

Coventry has experienced decline harder than most-evident in children’s faces. Once hub of the transport industry and home to many household names, you can almost hear the Special’s seminal “Ghost town” playing a soft accompaniment as you pass the former car plants, derelict pubs and empty shops. Far from being disparaging, I am very fond of the city and its rich, colourful history.

On this occasion, we found ourselves in Fargo village, a creative space hosting galleries, studios and independent retailers. Parallels with London’s Spitalfields’ and Brick Lane districts are perhaps inevitable but it’s not trying to emulate my once beloved East-End and I found plenty of photographic inspiration.

Winter is literally around the next bend, although temperatures have been decidedly mild until now. Traditionally harsh, it remains richly rewarding so long as rider and machine(s) are appropriately dressed. 

Clothing needs to keep us dry, yet temperate and while reliability presides, bikes must be suitably inspiring to entice us outside. Indeed some pundits are prophesising harsh weather front originating in Russia will hit the UK around New Year, causing temperatures to plummet to record lows. Looks like spiked tyres will make reappear on the Univega afterall!    

http://www.pocketmags.com/viewmagazine.aspx?titleid=2582&title=Seven+Day+Cyclist

On a brighter note, we’re delighted to announce the arrival of “Seven Day Cyclist”-a new consumer focused magazine with a slightly different perspective. The first issue is available on pocketmags for less than your typical Latte’ and features a thorough road test of this Foffa Urban, these Axiom racks and a fair bit of grass roots touring too. 

Good Housekeeping

Prevention is always better than cure, although the latter sometimes serves as timely reminder. After several rides in Monsoon conditions, a tell-tale gritty rasping when braking confirmed the Ilpompino needed more than superficial cat lick.

Consistently mild temperatures has seen my home brewed corrosion preserve continue to ooze from the bottom bracket shell, resulting in a sticky mess adorning the System EX cranksets’ inner spider and ring.

Staying on this subject a mo, I’m increasing impressed with Pro Gold Steel Frame protector, which seemingly leaches into the host metal in a similar fashion to J.P. WEIGLE’s legendary “framesaver”.These properties theoretically offer the most comprehensive protection, especially to painfully thin steels such as 531c. 

Using different blends of lubricant leads me to suggest while phenomenally corrosin resistant the KMC X1’s slippery stainless steel construction actively encourages migration from its inner rollers to outer plates and hub cones, thus compounding said gooey syndrome. This song remains consistent across the board, whether fortified with PTFE, two-part synthetic or various weights derived from vegetable stock.

Many standard bike washes are too insipid and their concentrates too harsh for tackling this sort of accumulated filth, especially on carbon/composites and similarly delicate finishes. 

Given this backdrop, I was surprised at just how effective Fenwick’s FS1 is.Regular readers will be aware that traditional types can prove quite hostile to humanoid operative and recipients alike.  However, while understandably tight lipped about precise chemistry, Fenwick’s tell me their biodegradable, solvent free blend is so mild, some mechanics use it as hand cleanser.

Just the same and without being unduly alarmist, I’m inclined to don latex examination gloves or at least minimise contact with anything of this ilk, given the experiences of friends and forbearers within manufacturing.

With this in mind, I decanted 50% concentrate into a little pump spray receptacle, diluting it with fresh water, sourced from my rain butt. Prince Buster was right; if you have your brush you can avoid the rush. Several blasts and three minutes standing time hence, tyre and rim sidewalls were truly ship-shape.       


Ever since the storms of October 1987, UK forecasters have been presenting the worse- case scenarios. Some suggested the tail end of Hurricane Gonzalo would herald early snow. It’s certainly been blowy and I’ve been grateful for the Univega’s dependable handling and moderate to low gear ratios, though I’ll postpone fitment of Schwalbe Winter tyres for a while yet. Handlebars and other contact points/accessories have been sprouting a fresh batch of blinkies.

There’s more than passing similarities between this Lucas, One 23 Atom and RSP Spectre enticing suggestion that these are the same unit but with different badges. Indeed, give or take a minute or two, they charge in the same timescales, produce 40 surprisingly potent lumens apiece and all integrate lens and switch for “sausage-finger” convenience.

Arguably a modern take on the bobby-dodger, there’s a steady trickle of “bridge” models filling the gap between these and traditional commuter lamps surprisingly well, reclaiming a whole heap of handlebar into the bargain.     

Boasting 300lumens each, Knog Blinder Road 3 and One23 have saved my bacon on several occasions-when I’ve been gassing with friends on summer evenings, or uncharacteristically nonchalant when charging big guns. However, running them at top whack quickly exhausts their lithium polymer cells-hardly ideal for use as primary lighting for commuting or training.


Not that it has stopped some sycophantic sorts rehashing press releases to the point where they’d have us believe this genre are genuinely powerful enough for warp-speed trail duties!  On that note, Muc-Off has sent me this X-3 dirty chain machine to play with, so I’m going on a virtuous purge of the fleet, introducing some super stubborn prep before November’s knock becomes louder.           

Reactive Sparks

A business cum friendly associate once remarked that temping was little more than a heat sink for one’s energies and on many levels, I concur.

However, aside from the obvious cash-injection, it’s often proved a surprisingly good catalyst for creativity. During one gig, I created several characters, which ultimately evolved into a series of children’s stories.

Originally conceived for mine and Joshua’s amusement, I’ve recently resurrected them with a view to digital self-publication. Despite promising leads and noises, no animators came forward, thus I’m hunting some inexpensive, user-friendly cartoon/animation software.

I spotted some CDs white attending a computer fair during my last midlands’ trip but was deterred by tales of Trojans and similar malware infections.

Staying with this region, I was stunned Lee Cooper isn’t undertaking commissions just now. Far from turning off the gas and selling his Jigs, he’s been drafted in by Pashley cycles to craft their flagship models.

However, while demand remains high for bespoke builds, the global market place has changed consumer expectations. Increasingly custom builders are outsourcing construction to the Far East in order to remain competitive-just as volume producers did during the late 1980s and 90s. This calls supposed “re-shoring” into question and this trend certainly isn’t restricted to lightweight bicycles.

Niche classic/restorations markets aside, few consumers are willing to pay a coachbuilder to engineer, or repair vehicle bodies. Indeed, panel beaters are increasingly being superseded by body technicians. 

A revival of Fordist production methods also seems underway, judging by a steady trickle of marques offering any tubing you like, so long as it’s Reynolds 525.

Some folks get decidedly sniffy about less glamorous Cro-moly tubes, yet in many respects they deliver phenomenal bang for modest buck-ideal for winter/training and/or everyday riding.

525 was, to my my knowledge, originally conceived in response to modern TIG welded production methods and is available in a wide variety of diameters/thicknesses. This obviously lends it to a wealth of cycling genres/ applications, from lightweight trainer to kitchen sink touring lorry.

In common with its 531 predecessor (which can only withstand non fusion techniques i.e. brazing/soldering) it has also found favour in motorcycle frames, sports car chassis and suspension systems. Lowlier 520 is broadly the same alloy made under licence in Taiwan.

Elsewhere, autumn is in its rich, wet and somewhat windy glory. Great when ensconced at the keyboard, cooking up or redrafting copy but demands careful planning to avoid seasonal chills or rechargeable lighting dropping out unexpectedly. 

Rummaging through assorted Perspex boxes resurrected this fabulous Light N’ Motion blinky and two li-on cells; the latter seem fully compatible with the One23 Extreme and more powerful Magicshine lamps.

On paper (and indeed asphalt) there’s little call for exceeding 1000 lumens but in practice lends and reflector quality has greater effect upon useable output. Hence why some 550/600 lumen systems cast a more effective, useable beam for road, or indeed helmet mounted trail duties.

Experimenting with two Extreme Bright lamps (battery packs nestling bat fashion at opposite ends of the top tube) technically means 2000 lumens at my fingertips but identical beam patterns with minor imperfections are less useable than intelligent systems combining spot and flood, whether singularly or via two separate lamps.

Tight Fits

¾ lengths, tights and fluro training jackets have been the order of this week thanks to falling temperatures, cobalt skies and regular cloudburst. These GT are old favourites, staples, entering their fourteenth year of service. Had a sibling pair, though these were written off during a  tangle with terra-firma  back in December 2001.

After some further deliberation and experimentation, I’ve acquired a remote trigger for the Geonaute, thus overcoming the push button lottery when seeking to capture short action sequences.

This is a genuine part-I’ve had mixed results pairing pattern triggers and still cameras, so wasn’t prepared to risk buying twice and wasting money.  A receptive range of five metres gives plenty of scope.

Handlebar was the most obvious choice but since I regularly alternate between fixer and tubby tourer (let alone test mounts), tethering via crocodile clip to nelson/breast pockets of my various technical jackets seemed a better solution.

This avoids potential interference with wireless computers and makes best use of said action cam’s user friendly features. Therefore, £12 well spent, bringing the running total to £162. Question is; can I resist further, organic upgrading-bolt on playback screens, spare Li-on cells and similar goodies? 

Frankly, it’s a matter of reining myself in and maximising its existing potential.

While primarily purchased with a positive ride-capturing mind-set, it would appear road users of all denominations are increasingly acquiring action cams to demonstrate poor/dangerous road craft and mitigate themselves from any wrong-doing.

Anecdotally, the past few outings suggest drivers are more aware of the helmet mounting, thus overtake and generally behave more graciously, though there remains a hardcore of “punishment passers” and not just cars/commercial vehicles.

Curiously enough, some lone riders sporting club colours have literally overtaken within a hairs’ breadth of my elbow, despite turning a steady 18-20mph and clear, wide roads. Thankfully, they’re very much the exception and usually strike when I’m aboard the Univega…

Frankly, policing other people’s behaviour, or discussing the finer points of road etiquette aren’t my fortes, thus I simply respond with a polite, cheery greeting and hustle along at 80-90rpm.  

By contrast, I’m drawn to other people’s lighting systems-blinkies in particular have a really hypnotic effect along unlit roads characterised by dense, overhanging forestry.  

Driving home at dusk the other evening, I slowed behind a rider winching himself along the intensifying incline. Dropping the KA into second and easing past with a ten foot gap, I admired the 29er but was most captivated by the pulsing of his high power lamp.

Indicating and gradually easing back to the left, glancing in the rear view mirror confirmed they were using either a Magic Shine MJ808-E, or One23 Extreme Bright 1000-my fixer’s default see-by winter lamp.

Despite a slightly low-rent lens and reflector, its’ surprising just how spellbinding this sort of output is and how effectively the aluminium headlamp diffuses glare. Some uber systems can be painfully uncomfortable for the rider, let alone other road users or small mammals.

Nonetheless, I’ve resurrected its 2000lumen sibling, which also offers phenomenal bang for very modest buck. However, my sample was let down by a slightly whippy bracket that chattered annoyingly over washboard tarmac. Introducing some silicone putty to proceedings has cured this particular ill.

Talking of lights, while my latest temp gig keeps the lights on and cupboards relatively full, it’s not “feeding my soul” and fuelling some underlying frustrations. Therefore, the solution lies in a creative role capable of nurturing existing soils. 

Staffer’s jobs, let alone anything contract or part time have become rare as hen’s teeth. Time for some serious miles to stimulate lateral thought and those all important reactive sparks...