Fortunes. Fleet & Fargo

                                    

Seven Day Cyclist’s new site is well underway and we hope to be live in a matter of weeks. Snow struck central, Northern and even some South Easterly parts last weekend before turning to wintry rain and subsequently slush, which turns surfaces into skating rinks.

Rob Harwood (Col Velo www.colvelo.co.uk) warned of black ice on his facebook page and was remaining on the turbo trainer. I’m still toying with the idea of shodding my Univega with Schwalbe winter spiked tyres but after a few days of seasonally appropriate temperatures, the mercury zooms upwards into the mid teens!

Timely then these 25mm section BTwin and lifeline (Decathlon www.decathlon.couk  and Wiggle www.wiggle.co.uk respectively) should arrive at my door. Once shunned in favour of 23 and 28mm, 25mm is enjoying something of a resurgence, with some commentators suggesting it will overtake 23mm as the default for competitive riding.

 

Both sport direction specific tread, relatively and puncture repelling belts, although the B’Twin is a coarser, 60tpi casing. Aside from being tricky customers to mount, several wet rides in  and I'm quite impressed. The B'Twin deliver a less compliant ride but both offer a decent turn of speed, reasonable comfort and decent grip when cornering at 23mph.  

Looking good for cost conscious winter/training builds, though I'm inclined towards the B'Twin on a fixer build where transmission braking (Holding off against the cranks) offers more control across slippery surfaces.
 

Generally speaking, tyre casings are puncture resistant by degrees  (rather than proof) and this tends to be determined by belt material and coverage. Some only defend the centre strip, which still offers useful protection but leaves the shoulders vulnerable to sharps. Similarly, some riders are more prone to puncturing than others. 

Goo filled tubes are another concept that has been with us for a very long time.

 

The idea is the sealant sloshes around in the tube and seals tiny holes as you ride, with nominal loss of pressure-hence their appeal among commuters. I’ve found them quite useful as compliments to stout tyres with aramid casings. Some brands work better than others and the slimy stuff eventually goes off-sometimes spurting from the valve head (splodges on rims and flooring alike are tell-tale signs).

In my experience the sealant is most mobile and therefore, effective in milder weather. A really viscous sharp can rupture them irreparably-thankfully rare but seriously messy and never tempt fate by leaving spare tubes at home..

Riders with bikes on strict calorie controlled diets should also note there is a minor weight penalty to be paid. Nonetheless, it’ll be interesting to see how these compare with some household names.
 

Talking of which, my Ilpompino’s Acor sealed cartridge bearing bottom bracket has unexpectedly got the grumbles less than 4,000miles in, which is disappointing but I’ve decided to plump for a UN55, which should run closer to 10,000. It also forced the issue of sorting the Univega’s front brake and other generic, mid-winter servicing.

A hole in the rear mudguard has been successfully plugged with this AA fuelled single (steady) mode “Torch” guard specific LED cum reflector and aside from giving everything a seriously thorough clean, we’ve lost the rack mounted bag and Axiom lowriders in favour of the brands capacious H20 wedge pack.

Then we have these exotic looking Rock lube Rock n’ Roll chain lubricants-gold, extreme and absolute dry. Colour aside, these are a potent petrochemical family that differ from traditional chain lubes, most notably in terms of application.

Firstly, the solvent properties seem such that (a) to stripping chains of pre-existing lube beforehand isn’t strictly necessary (although I’d still recommend doing so, especially if you’ve been running a grime-enticing wet blend). Secondly, you don’t drizzle them into the links in the traditional way but apply it atop the chain from the cassette end.

Directions suggest they cure best I warm conditions-so I’ve applied the gold and extreme outside and then brought Ilpompino and Univega inside (room temperature) for twenty minutes. Despite their viscosity, wastage has been fairly nominal, although wiping the links afterward is imperative. Either way, I’m expecting something very special given they command £20 apiece.   

Elsewhere, I popped down to Coventry’s fargo village to see what had changed-quite a bit and not just the menu at Urban Coffee Company. Expansion has brought new traders, while others have grown into larger premises. Dashing blades is a slightly unusual but very enticing barbers offering a blend of traditional and modern scissor skill. My significant other had been enthusiastic about the proprietor’s distinctive and well-groomed style.

Cue a reworking of my generous thatch, which was beginning to look straggly, rather than styled. Given Rob has long curly hair, I automatically felt at ease and Sharon noted our obvious rapport. Fifteen minutes later, ten pounds changed hands and I left, pleased with his service and happy to return....   

 

Light in a Dark Month

 

 

Met with Steve Dyster and discussed our quarterly plan for Seven Day Cyclist-exciting times, so watch this space...www.sevendaycyclist.co.uk
 

More blinkies and commuter lights continue to arrive and I’ve also acquired a portable strobe for those situations including wedding/parties where use of traditional static lighting is impractical.  I plumped for a decent quality grey import following chance conversation with the photographer covering Anju & Deepak’s wedding.

However, reservations aired by skilled electrical engineers re OEM cell quality prompted me to feed this and high power (1000lumen plus) bike lights on aftermarket, EU compliant batteries and chargers.

Thankfully, I’ve never had any combust but there is always the risk an insurer could refuse to honour a claim where a faulty unit caused fire damage, or worse. 

Generally speaking I am a night owl, swooping through unlit lanes. However, while more expensive models allow sensible stair-casing for sub/urban riding; a new generation of torch type commuter models often prove better options for sub/urban riding.

Dependant upon lens, reflector and diode quality, 300lumens can produce sufficient prowess for short, semi rural sections at 18mph or so-often with consistent output right until the end. However, unless these employ replaceable li-on/polymer cells, reserves are usually spent within 2hrs and need 4 hours mains charging.

Most default to a steady “standard” typically translating as 150 lumens for 4-5 hours. A decent balance between performance and economy, though a low 80 lumen mode is surprisingly useful round town, super frugal and better quality light than provided by budget dynamo lamps. Some can also be helmet mounted-not for trail duties obviously but useful companions to master-blasters on long hauls.   

Flashing and strobe settings are thriftier still and arguably the most extrovert option in the concrete jungle, or dull overcast afternoon where remaining conspicuous takes priority. USB rechargeable blinkies are also becoming increasingly practical for dusk-till dawn all-nighters and even touring.

Nite Rider Solas is a prime example (returning nigh on 15hours in flashing) although it has been around a few seasons’ now. An increasing number of cheaper lights are coming close in terms of runtimes and daylight modes are also growing in popularity but the Solas has phenomenal presence in its favour.

 In a wider, seasonal context, light has long been recognised as being a key player in our sense of well-being and until recently, the barrage of wild, windy and overcast conditions had been having a pronounced effect upon my own sense of morale, kept in check with a mix of long, steady rides and fast blasts on the fixer.

Damp, mild weather is being eroded by colder airs and with snow forecast to migrate from the north, though in reality; this isn’t anything more extreme than the UK would usually expect from January. Simply put, unless things change radically, I won’t be substituting the Univega’s Vittoria Randonneur trail (Long term test issue 7 SDC-downloadable from the site) in favour of spikes.

Forecasting has become increasingly accurate but fear of litigation encourages worst case scenario reportage, although I’m often tempted to invest in some narrow section (35mm) Kenda Klondike for my pure bread ‘cross bike and its derivatives.

These are favourably priced compared with some popular European brands, albeit not officially imported here and would need to be discounted since I’m unlikely to use them longer than 14 days in every 12months.

Winter tyres, designed specifically for snow and ice should feature beefy sidewalls and a tread pattern that scoops away snow and slush, while the spikes bite into the ice beneath, providing traction. Weight commonly brings people out in hives and yes, this rotational weight is quite noticeable when things thaw out.

Ah, but the ability to bowl along at a steady 15-17mph along otherwise treacherous roads and lanes and sporting a big grin is infinitely preferable to spinning away on the indoor trainer, Hamster stylee.

Talking of harsh, I snapped this disc braked beast of burden in Coventry city centre. Bin liners and supermarket bags suggested homelessness, rather than over ambitious utility riding. Lifestyle choice, tragic twist of fate, who knows. Ending on a high note, Lee Cooper is indeed back and trading as a bespoke builder. Hopefully, I’ll be along to capture him at work very soon.

Happy Holidays

Managed to steal away to the midlands for a few days and got a look at John Moss’s new fully faired Sinner Mango. He only took delivery the week before and I first spotted him whizzing past on Christmas morning while I washed and waxed my KA.

Frustrated at finding myself bereft of camera, thus missing that moment, I subsequently emailed John and we arranged to meet before he headed out for a Boxing Day blast down to his sister’s.

Speaking of the elderly eight-valve Ford, 150,000miles marked another full service (£122 including parts, labour and VAT). This basically consisted of 10w/40 engine oil, filer, pollen filter, grease and other top-up fluids.

Christmas night was spent doing some light trace photography, which drew the attention of several passers by and of course, the law. Thankfully, everyone was brimming with seasonal cheer and ultimately, left me, tripod and Samsung mini CSC unmolested.

John has taken the electronic option in case he should run out of grunt many miles from home but has been topping 33mph on the formative, local outings and under his own steam.

Glancing inside the Kevlar shell finished in yellow 2pac and integrated electrics/lighting aside; the layout is reminiscent of Mike Burrow’s iconic Speedy/similarly high end recumbent trikes.  Twist grip shifters command a Rohloff hub transmission and more traditional front mech, double ring set up.

He’s added a bit more cushioning around the headrest and is sticking with the hard shell, all weather cover. Suffice to say, he’s delighted, less so the couple’s cat’s, who are now barred from the workshop!

Elsewhere, rumour has it Lee Cooper is making a return to building under his own name and Heidi, my intern has been working on the social side of Stenning photographic. I have already lined up some interesting photographic projects and working on relocation. A new batch of test kit is also keeping me productive and out of mischief during the corridor between Christmas and New Year.

Contact points are extremely personal, so guaranteed to divide opinion. In terms of damping and control, I’ve always liked Lizard Skins DSP range, although it’s much higher maintenance than corks or similarly traditional coverings. Silicone rubber is beginning to enter the fold.

After six months daily service and despite some tell-tale stretch marks (resultant from minor over-tensioning), the Genetic wrap remains in rude health six months and many mucky miles hence.

Widget components also offer a similar covering, this time with a dimpled texture for improved grip in really wet, slippery conditions. This one costs a few quid more and comes in five colours, complete with expandable wedge plugs.

The naturally sticky texture rules adhesive backings redundant, meaning it’s easily unwound to correct aesthetic imperfection and doesn’t render it bin fodder in the event of cable replacement or handlebar swaps.

Most coverings are pretty generous these days to accommodate broad, oversized drops, so I wasn’t surprised to discover eight inches or so apiece leftover on these curvy Salsa Bell Lap-even with double ups.

Our green was interesting too. Aside from being an obvious choice for the teenage dream, it appears to change colour depending on the light-fluorescent when it’s overcast, less garish in brighter conditions.

Thus far, purchase, comfort and control are living up to the hype and while greater owner involvement is needed to keep it clean, compared with corks and leatherette types it’s not proving highly strung in that respect either.

Right; back to testing-lots of blinkies and commuter combos to put through their paces, some 700x25c tyres and strategies to complete before mid January 2016.             

         

Changing Gear

I’ve just recruited an intern to work on Stenning photographic and we’re also recruiting a design assistant for Seven Day Cyclist (www.sevendaycyclist.co.uk ), which is moving from a downloadable magazine to arguably more accessible web format after Christmas.

December’s frenetic countdown to holiday season requires schematic planning to avoid a lull come January, so while relatively tired, there’s no let up.

Sabre tooth man-flu has also relented sufficiently as to permit clear thought processes and a return to serious testing. However, my susceptibility to chest infections means climbing and similarly strenuous exertion still induces the sort of hacking cough synonymous with long-serving, chain-smoking shipyard welders!

Wilder weather fronts have also prompted my Univega’s swift resurrection, though thankfully the gritting Lorries appear to have gone home. Said Tubby tourer’s more upright stance is hardly aero but widely spaced gears provide ample grunt for winching, bombing and cruising.

Big tyres also permit the odd crafty cut through and provide a magic carpet ride now that pot-hole season is in full-swing. After several weeks traversing, wet, greasy rural backwaters, the otherwise likeable Teflon prep was showing signs of embedded filth, prompting a thorough degreasing and some Fenwick’s Stealth.

Generally speaking, bells on bicycles induce eye-rolling- a well-timed yell consumes no handlebar space, costs nothing and is more effective.

However, Oregon based ORP have combined a genuinely capable three mode 70lumen light and 76/96 decibel horn in one blinkey sized package. I’m a big fan of the cutesy silicone blinkies in blanket narrative. This one is available in seven colours and protects the unit from drop and weather damage.

Diodes, circuitry and lithium polymer cell are neatly sealed in a similarly tough polycarbonate body and tucking the USB port firmly underneath, sandwiched between the bars further minimises the likelihood of dirt and ingress getting a look in. 

Prodding the rear “Whale tail” downwards unleashes a more subtle, though attention grabbing bleep that warns pedestrians, walkers and runners of your advance without driving dogs into a braking frenzy.

Upwards delivers a much louder warning, which has dissuaded a couple of learner motorcyclists from making a risky manoeuvre and some drivers from swinging doors open without looking. The diodes also flash a visual warning and the design’s a marked improvement over other battery systems.

In constant mode, the light is just about good enough for well-lit town work and has saved my bacon a few times-most notably when the Univega’s 800lumen dynamo lamp was slow on powering up. Otherwise, flashing modes are perfect companions to these and other main lighting.

Run times are quoted as 12 and 6 hrs respectively, which will depend upon how often the horn’s engaged but like most lithium ion/polymer fuelled models, seems pretty faithful to those quoted and unaffected by factors such as temperature.          

Debate has always raged as to what constitutes serious cycling with people proving particularly sniffy in the contexts of commuter/utility apparel. While I’m most commonly seen blasting along in technical fabrics, it’s worth remembering typical car journeys are less than two miles. This sort of distance can be ridden at reasonable speed and comfort wearing everyday street clothing-a mindset most apparent in the Netherlands.

Similarly, while my preference in terms of commuter lid errs towards well ventilated, sub 300g models with less aggressive profiles and trail DNA, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this ABUS Hyban. Tipping the scales at a relatively portly 380g; it sports an ABS hard-shell, which is available in six different colours, shrugs at the inevitable everyday carelessness and has a more flattering feel when riding in civvies.

A few years back, feeble watch battery fuelled single diodes integrated within the thumbwheel closure were the preserve of upper end commuter models. Increased demand and plummeting prices means we’re getting sensible, user friendly LED lights integrated within the shell.

Admittedly, these only constitute tertiary lighting but intelligent positioning means they’re aimed squarely at driver eye-level and visible to around 80 metres-further on clear nights. Though relatively well-ventilated and employing the inlet/exhaust system, I was still surprised by how unobtrusive the Hyban felt-even over distances of 15-20miles at a steady 18mph.

Much further/at faster speeds and the increased weight becomes evident, so not a design lending itself to weekend touring. However, many scoots to the office, visits to friends and similar bike as car journeys are much shorter in any case.

Sturdy shell and surprisingly useful peak come into their own on more adventurous mixed terrain commutes encompassing forests, canal/bridle paths etc, while the former provides useful platform for cameras and lighting. Increasingly, it’s difficult to find bad products per se and these must be evaluated according to their intended purpose(s) and comparable designs, not ill-informed preconceptions. 

Cold Comfort

Wintry, or should I say seasonally appropriate weather has  swept in almost overnight, so I’m extremely grateful for another batch of climate cheating kit and some more lighting arriving at my door. However, even this did not prevent me contracting a nasty dose of sabre-tooth man-flu.

Until then, thermal training jackets (Especially those bearing the “windstopper” tag) had left me feeling decidedly boiled in the bag given twenty miles at club typical speed. However, said chill beating prowess is a godsend with the mercury barely entering single figures.   

Snowfall in the midlands and elsewhere brought the gritting Lorries out in force and I was surprised by just how quickly my Ilpompino’s transmission was turning into a gloopy, grinding paste-even with a stout, though clean running Teflon fortified prep gracing those stainless steel links. Time for a full-blown exorcism.

This also presented the opportunity to fit a Bontrager rack and Zefal Iron Pack XL. The former is very intelligently designed, primarily for commuting and light touring. Better still, a wealth of similarly well engineered adaptors means it neatly accommodates unusual configurations-including frames without eyelets.

That said; carbon ends are a no-no and it’s a very precise fit, so take the time to measure, check before finally nipping everything tight and pruning arms with a junior hacksaw. Oh and make sure the blade is razor sharp, mine wasn’t leading to a slightly jagged cut that needed filing. Hardly a big deal but extra-faff nonetheless. 

I have also discovered said bike’s Thudbuster seat post can present problems when fitting wedge packs. Often, the Velcro straps aren’t long enough, which ultimately results in premature fatigue. The Zefal is a cavernous and neatly segregated model combining old school reliability and modern design.

Externally it’s made from a rugged 820 denier water repellent fabric with plenty of Scotchlite, weatherproof zips-easily operated in gloved hands. Two litre internal capacity equates to two tubes, two multi tools, tyre levers, patch kit, CO2 cartridges;3 tyre levers, AAA batteries and small bunch of keys.

An EVA foam lining supposedly protects valuables from low level vibration while rigid composites maintain shape. Plenty of long, steady miles in the wet and a hosepipe test should reveal its true potential and maybe a limitation or two.   

Back to the deep clean…

Now, I really appreciate the clip on convenience of chain baths but there’s a lot to be said for the old school brush on technique. 

Simply cut the top from a redundant trade bottle, pour in your favourite ant-lube and dawb on with a cheap, clean brush.  Fenwick’s concentrate worked into the links, hub and sprockets and residual salt dismissed with cold water, I engulfed the bike under a sudsy blanket and went in search of bucket, sponge and hot water. 

Fifteen minutes hence-sparking bike and chain dressed in Fenwick’s Stealth. This lube is one of those super high-tech formulas that needs careful application and ideally, overnight curing but dries to an almost invisible state and stays put. 

Plenty of other lubricants will also shrug at winters’ toxic sludge. In a pinch, that capful of 10w40 or more basic semi synthetics such as 5w30 is seriously long-lasting though remember to wipe the side-plates, rings and derailleur cages weekly to avoid grit and grime doing their worst.

Sophisticated fully synthetic motor oils often contain detergents, which keep contemporary engines ultra clean and are reconstituted within the oil pump. Applied to chains, a few hours hence and those detergents will strip all the lubrication…Everyone has a very different opinion when it comes to winter/workhorses and I’m a subscriber to single ring simplicity.

Note, I didn’t say single-speed. I like fixed for countless reasons but a cross derivative running a 1x8/9/10, or even 11spd cassette has to be an extremely practical option. Lively ride, ample clearance for stout rubber and full length mudguards, two sets of bottle bosses and a more upright configuration also helps.

No front derailleur faff, a sensible spaced block means you can climb, cruise and canter in good proportion. Tiagra grade consumables are plentiful and cheap, so no excuses for running everything into the ground-they don’t look low rent either…

Elsewhere, I’m about to recruit a social media person for “Seven Day Cyclist” and my photographic venture. We’re also bringing another designer on board, having concluded a web based (rather than downloadable mag) format is the preferred layout.

This has also coincided with a fresh temp gig to balance the books and my KA sailed through its MOT inspection with no remedial work required. Impressive for a 13 year old “super-mini” with 148, 250 on its odometer.     

Festival of light

So long as bike(s) and rider are properly dressed, weather presents no barrier to serious fun. Autumn has swept in stealthily, its slimy cocktail replacing the rich vibrant auburn colours. Thankfully, it was accompanied by Diwali and a steady trickle of kit designed for this much maligned cluster of months. Talking of which, that sorry looking Specialized Rock Hopper has just been transformed-cream powder coat with fresh decals sealed under 2pac lacquer.

I’ve got a thing for blinkies ever since I acquired my first back in November 1992.

Plug in Integral lithium ion/polymer cells are almost default and while undeniably convenient, not to mention frugal compared with cost of running AA/A, they aren’t perfect for all occasions.

AA/A types remain better options for touring, dusk ‘till dawn night rides and those who don’t clock in at a keyboard. Run times can be 30-60hrs plus in flashing, Ni-Cd rechargeables keep costs to a minimum and disposables are pretty ubiquitous-off-licences, supermarkets, petrol stations usually keep healthy stocks.  This I Zone Curve 2 rear light is a particularly nice, inexpensive example.

Firepower has always been a popular selling point but rather like our humble bar mounted computers, our blinkies are positively bristling with different modes-some retina tickling, others that sip reserves, sequences designed to solicit attention in different contexts the list continues. Lowest common denominator, we only need two modes-steady and flashing and our bikes, a single, fixed gear of 72inches...        

COB (Chips on Board) technology, which enables colonies of tiny diodes to occupy the same space seem quite popular this season. Theoretically this combines optimal output, while preventing diodes and circuitry overheating so they can fulfil their true potential and reach ripe old ages.

High power headlamps are another justly popular choice for navigating dark roads and another technology I embraced with both arms back in the late 1990s. Back then, we were talking in terms of £200 10 and 25 watts and lead acid batteries that induced hernias.

Smart used to offer some nice cheap n’ cheerful versions for commuting- I had the cute-looking twin lamp complete with slightly whippy bracket and a CNC machined 10 watt flood version, which was surprisingly bright but not obviously, not particularly helpful for picking out the detail.

Competition and economies of scale have seen prices crash and with box fresh 1800 lumen grey (unofficial) imports offered on auction sites for as little as £18, its easy to see why they’ve become default, even for road riding.  

However, aside from the potential risks-lower quality chargers and exploding cells being popular discussions on forums; these are often limited to three modes. Full blast; standard (50/60%) both of which is way too much fire power for built up districts.

Better (read more expensive) models allow more progressive stair casing, so you can charge along abandoned backwaters at full pelt but click down to something suitable for city limits when required.

Battery slurpage is slower, so you can play out longer and oncoming traffic doesn’t get dazzled. Something like this Oxford X pro is another option for town and suburban runs, either on its own or as a tempered side-kick to your big gun.

Nicely made from rugged CNC machined aluminium, it’s another “lolly stick” plug in model that fuels up from your USB, or mains adaptor. Top whack is reputedly 300lumens but the lens casts a very pure, focused pool of light, which has coped surprisingly well in short haul semi-rural contexts to around 17mph.

Prodding down for economy is easily achieved, even in gloved hands courtesy of a positive centre-mounted switch but there’s no danger of the dreaded dazzle and other traffic still takes notice at around 200 metres.

Flashing is the lowest setting and if you were purely looking to remain conspicuous, 300-400metres isn’t unrealistic and the centre window allows decent peripheral bleed too, so you should remain firmly on the radar when entering the flow of traffic.       

Short days with low light have been presenting some photographic challenges but considerably more rewarding than the calibre of temporary work being offered. Unfortunately, this is going to remain part of my economic diet while I nurture sapling projects, build brand presence and purchase more equipment.

Several agencies have been in touch, some interested in my journalism specific skill-set, others looking to fill housing roles. Pragmatism is a basic pre-requisite for freelancers and indeed, people generally in a volatile economy.

Therefore biting the hand that offers potential work, let alone feeds you is always foolhardy. Recruitment is sales driven and experience enables one to see through the patter. No shortage of people complimenting me on my versatility but with notable exceptions, this hasn’t been reflected in the assignments offered.

Thankfully the standard of applicants for Seven Day Cyclist has been refreshingly high, although we’re whittling them down to a handful and will interview at our earliest convenience.