The Emperor's New Forks

Plenty of excitement-of the right and wrong sort this past fortnight; continued progress with the children’s stories, a couple of hours spent interviewing Austin Vince (www.austinvince.com) leading up to his adventure travel film festival on 12-14^th August. http://www.adventuretravelfilmfestival.com/

Then along came tyres that would not mount, mechs that swung too far and of course; a “Forking hell! My blades/steerer are divorcing!!!” drama.

Thankfully; this was all sorted with a call to upgrade bikes www.upgradebikes.co.uk. Two minutes later, Rory sorted me a set of Kinesis DC37 at a very compassionate price. Two days later, they arrived at my door suitably boxed to fox the notorious parcel destroyers, along with a brand-spanking new hacksaw.

I knew I had a packet fresh, replacement blade “somewhere” but rather than wasting time, simply ordered another saw, specifically for guillotining steerer tubes. Some will argue this is unnecessary expense; most of us replace forks every-so-often.

Maybe so, but £6 pales into insignificance compared to a badly cut tube, or operator injury. Keeping two sets of wire snips is also good practice; one for everyday jobs-cutting zip ties, plastic housing, wire fencing to length etc and another specifically for inner wires-they’ll repay their investment countless times over.

Back to the forks; these are a keenly priced and relatively lightweight composite set with an alloy steerer, disc mount and 45 degree rake. Check out a full review in Seven Day Cyclist. http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/kinesis-dc37-disc-fork

Kinesis frames and forks are well made and this one seems particularly good for a budget fork; countering the perpetuating myth that composites go floppy with age, or should be arbitrarily replaced at specific intervals. Personally, I’m inclined to inspect regularly and, in the event of a serious tumble, consult a specialist and make an informed decision.

Bottom line, I’ll pension off anything dubious. The cost implications of new teeth, time off work, or the prospect of having shards of composite plucked from my derriere by an overworked and underpaid A&E nurse far exceeds that of a replacement post/handlebar/fork.

I was tempted to plump for their Crosslight. These are a slightly quirky, industrial looking 6061 set, which I’ve used to good effect on a cross inspired mtb mongrel. There's  only 70g separating them from the Dc37. 

However, while I’d describe the Crosslight as direct, rather than harsh; carbon blades translate into a more compliant ride. Ideal opportunity for headset replacement-another FSA, from the comfort of one’s kitchen, naturally. 

Talking of comfort, I am largely a MAMIL (Middle aged man in Lycra) for point to point blasts; though I’ve always had a soft spot for “messenger” longs, which are extremely practical for spirited riding, yet more suave, dare we say, socially appropriate sans bike.

Price is usually a good indicator; although I have three particular favourites are at each end of the spectrum (£25-£75). Given this backdrop, I was decidedly disappointed by another top drawer set commanding the lion’s share of £100. 

No denying their appeal sans saddle but the cut saw them ascending my thighs faster than an 80’s Columbian climber. Could just be a poor liner/short combo, so I’ll persevere for another 100miles or so before passing comment proper.

Elsewhere, I’d been eager to get my sweaty little mitts on tom-tom’s bandit action cam for some time, attracted by its spec and promise of user-friendly editing.

Suggestion that action cams, regardless of quality are serious film-making tools is misinformed. Limited focal length and sound recording quality are the most obvious limiters but they are a useful way of recording the highs n’ lows of a ride, broadcasting short, first-look promotional pieces on social media channels.

Convergence; crudely the adoption of SLR cameras for film-making and we can now edit footage without having access to professional editing suites. However, as Austin Vince pointed out during our interview; the grammar of television-the way in which stories are told remains unchanged and must be mastered first.

I’ve seen several “Uncle Bobs” produce abysmal wedding footage using completely stock, entry Level DSLRS in movie mode. Undeterred, I’m going to learn this language at my own pace, while having some uncomplicated fun with the Bandit…

Hub Deep

It’s not what but who you know…Word of mouth has seen Seven Day Cyclist invited to attend the upcoming Adventure travel film festival www.adventuretravelfilmfestival.com/uk-festival , which is a great opportunity to get inspired.

Traditionally this attracted 4 wheel drive and motorcycle explorers but we’re told cycling audiences are also beginning to gravitate; hence our attendance. On subject of touring/exploration, Steve Dyster has found plenty of decaying soviet era relics; especially in Germany’s easterly towns and villages.

At this point, I felt an acute sense of excitement and before he moved back to the west, begged him for some photographic evidence of this delightful derelict industrial porn...Hopefully I’ll be able to share this very soon-he’s due back in the next few days.

Several hundred miles in and the Ilpompino’s FSA headset bearings remain well behaved, although its replacement arrived and will be substituted at a convenient moment should the dreaded slop rear its ugly head again.

Talking of which, I returned from a weekend’s social photography in Bedford and decided summer’s decidedly soggy official start should coincide with the introduction of WD40 dry chain lube.

For the past few weeks’ I’ve fed the fixers Green Oil’s chain wax, which is a super clean brew with friction in snake’s testicle territory. While the formulas are very different, one derived from plant based ethanol and similarly natural (though extremely flammable!) components; the other employing old school PTFE.

Both are very runny; so deploy in well-ventilated areas- away from chain smoking neighbours or other sources of ignition and keep some old rag/kitchen towel hovering beneath to capture the inevitable overspill.

Green oil likes a double up and while directions suggest it’ll cure in around six minutes, twenty seems optimum, even on very warm, arid days. Technically; as is the case with many PTFE fortified blends, WD40’s follows the drizzle on, dismiss excess and scoot-off narrative.

In practice, leaving it twenty minutes or so, improves staying prowess, especially in slightly changeable conditions. This, coupled with the fact that its 100ml bottle slips nicely into most jersey pockets/saddlebags means it’s convenient for roadside top-ups too

First impressions along waterlogged lanes suggest they’re on the right lines when it comes to staying prowess. I’ve avoided roads which have become virtually impassable rivers; claiming late model SUVs, vans and smaller vehicles. 

Nonetheless, some sections were deep enough to engulf said fixer’s stainless steel chain and lap at its sealed hubs. We’re only seventy miles in so far, which in many respects is nothing, although I’ve often found myself topping up those lightweight ISO/PTFE formulas around this point into a similarly wet spell. The next three hundred miles could prove very interesting, or highly predictable... 

Elsewhere; I’ve been busy in the midlands; succumbing to a very nasty bout of food poisoning; demanding a couple of stops at Northampton and Toddington motorway services. In any case, the M1 was pedestrian due to a series of equally visceral collisions, one involving a Truck and several cars.

My series of Children’s stories, characters and themes continue to develop. Once we’ve agreed the second draft of our prequel’s narrative, Michael J Murphy will commence the initial sketches for approval, before bringing them to life digitally.

The Free parable T2 trailer continues to impress me. Its long sleek profile is reminiscent of a spine and when combined with its waterproof dry sack, will manage a competitive 30kilos plus of kit without feeling overburdened.

Being 6061 aluminium, it’s a little lighter than the Yak patterns, though the same rules apply-plan your gear changes carefully, before reaching junctions or climbs and, in my case, over- estimate your turning circle. That said; it tracks more accurately behind and coupled with a slender profile, makes negotiating tighter gaps-traffic, alleyways or indeed, forest trails.

The “spinal” design and plastic mudguard also means annoying chatter is a moot point when gliding over inclement/washboard tarmac. OEM wheels tend to be another afterthought. While hardly exotic, the T2’s 12 inch rolls surprisingly efficiently and while there’s an argument in favour of being able to strip and service/rebuild a basic cup and cone hub in the back of beyond.

In practice the sealed “fit n’ forget” units turn very smoothly and shouldn’t require any intervention in the longer term.  There are a few minor limitations with the design, mind. Those, myself included; who are less orderly in their loading, may find models with broader platforms more convenient for everyday bung in and go missions. Complete review coming soon in Seven Day Cyclist www.sevendaycyclist.com

Lubes, Trailers & Fixed Ideas

These samples from WD40 (parent company of the GT85 brand) and Free Parable T2 trailer have arrived on the Seven Day Cyclist test bench. First up we received those iconic red tins of PTFE infused water displacer that I’ve used since 1989. Excellent for sticky mechanisms, reluctant cables and as a frame flush/ masking agent for electroplate. Their degreaser; wet, dry and all conditions lubes arrived a few days later.

In many respects, the T2 is very different from the Yak pattern, although the coupling and swing arm system will be very familiar. High standards of manufacture run throughout. From the neat, uniform welds and bolt-on mono blade. Trailer wheels tend to be something of an afterthought. 

Though anything but exotic, the T2’s is a notch better than many OEM examples I’ve come across, turning on sealed fit n’ forget cartridge bearings.   

Having enjoyed a relatively restful few months, I’ve roused my cyclo ‘cross inspired fixer from its slumber. Back in 2005, it was acquired as a crate-fresh, stock MKII Ilpompino. 

These days, only the rear hoop and headset remain of the original build.

Traditionally, it has followed the fixed gear winter trainer narrative; full-length guards, rack, 28-32mm 60tpi tyres etc. However, last years’ conversion to a new, disc specific front end, two-tone powder coat makeover and a flurry of test kit has seen its incremental evolution. I’d call it a ‘cross/adventure hybrid; detractors would shout Frankenbike...

True; an 81 inch gear is too tall for anything sans asphalt and the rear triangle will only just entertain 32mm rubber. Gone are the Bontrager rack and full length chrome plastics in favour of these lovely 35mm Clement X’plor and Crud Racer clip-ons. Time ATAC4 have replaced the XLC dual sided Ritchey pattern SPDs and some minor, yet disturbing creaks were traced to its drive side, square taper crank bolt.

With an operating pressure between 55 and 90psi; firm centre ridge and soft diamond knobblies, the Clement are essentially mixed terrain tyres designed for unmade/roads and light trail fun.

The words dual-purpose are laden with negative connotations thanks to the awful OEM types that swept in with the 80’s mountain bike boom. These are worlds apart. Ours are the 120tpi versions; they’re also available in a stockier 60tpi casing, which would be my default for winter or weekend touring.

As you’d expect; rolling resistance is greater than a 120tpi 35mm slick, such as Vittoria Voyager hyper or Schwalbe Kojak. Similarly, they don’t slice through soft gloop like a thoroughbred ‘cross knobbly. Nonetheless, they’re responsive and keeping them rolling at 20odd mph is pretty effortless.

Cross-specific rubber when pushed hard on asphalt will squirm. I’ve been scorching along 1 in 7s at 30mph plus and to date; they’ve never missed a beat-rain or shine.

Formative impressions are of an extremely competent choice for riders looking to exploit their cross or gravel bike’s dual personality without needing to swap tyres.   

The same goes for the Crud guards. Aimed primarily at XC mountain bike audiences; these fit in the proverbial minute and have presented a simpler solution up front-especially since I’m using a headlock system in place of the SFN.

The Ilpompino’s mono-stay rear triangle seemed an ideal mounting point, maximising clearance while minimising air resistance-at least that’s my rationale’. On the subject of preload; a game of musical spacers addressed some minor slop in said machine’s OEM, cheap as chips; yet equally cheery FSA orbit.

Despite turning on bargain basement caged balls and slogging through some pretty harsh winters, its’ exceeded my expectations. Good quality grease, regular servicing, full-length guards certainly help.

However, I suspect we’re nearing the end of its useful life and I’ve a cartridge unit waiting in the wings... Elsewhere, good progress is being made with my children’s story collaboration. We’re agreeing new plotlines and Michael J Murphy is working on the visuals.   

      

Swapping, Selling & Getting One’s Leg Over

After last week’s forward planning and kit harvesting; I’ve been busy with the post production phase of a Punjabi wedding; burning them to disc for the brides’ family. 

The Univega’s 2x9 cut down continues to delight, ditto the Avid shorty 4.

Minor cable stretch corrected, grabbing a handful of front lever delivers satisfying amounts of bite. Yet to receive the free parable T2 http://www.cyclemiles.co.uk/shop/blow-the-budget/t2-single-wheel-bicycle-trailer/ but bombing missions along 1in7s with this store branded Yak homage en tow suggests I’ve got the mix right.

Now; I really like the free parable cleat system, allowing the cage to be clipped on/off at will but it’s proved incompatible with pump brackets. Hence, for several weeks mine cadged a lift in the tubby tourer’s Axiom Gran Fondo pack.

The arrival of this surprisingly Tardis-like, passport priority quick release wedge pack put paid to that and demanded a rethink of bottle geography. Fitting two bottles in the main triangle of smaller semi/compact geometry frames can require lateral thought.

Side entry cages are my default solution, although in this instance, a quick game of musical cages saw adjustable Topeak Shuttle cage and pump mounts on the upper set of down-tube bosses. Moments later; that Unich midi pump was riding shotgun once more.

With careful organisation, the passport priority quick release seat pack will manage pretty much everything the Axiom did-two multi-tools, tyre levers, spare 26x1.95 goo filled tube, patch kit Co2 inflator and cartridge. Admittedly, we are talking full to the gills but not enough to put strain on the zipper.

It’s made from rugged waterproof polyester with semi-rigid internal base. Stitched construction renders it water repellent but thus far, this should only be an issue for hardcore trail riding, or those determined to shun mudguards on the wettest days.

While continuing a rationalisation of my parts bin, I happened upon these older aluminium bodied time; so swapped its resin bodied ATAC 4 over to the teenage dream. Shimming the makeshift mudguard mount brackets with scraps of old inner tube has also cured minor, though irritating chatter over roughly surfaced tarmac and of course, unmade roads.   

Back to the test goodies, this Fizik Antares R5 Kium road saddle was another highlight for my discerning derriere. Titanium alloy rails, carbon composite base 205g... An odd choice for the Tubby tourer, though having fallen for Selle Italia’s Flyte and similarly minimalist models during the late 90s, I thought I’d strike a comparison.

Somewhat predictably, the more upright stance places much greater weight on the saddle; so even allowing for the shells’ inbuilt damping and springy (but not whippy, rails) 100miles in and things turned decidedly uncomfortable.

I’ve reverted to this relatively broad, though medium density, gel impregnated Selle Royale with cro-moly rails; something of a departure, though arguably more comfortable than the carbon railed turbo matic that usually graces its BBB skyscraper.  Switching the Antares to the Holdsworth, Teenage dream and other road configurations-its intended genre; my buttocks are singing a much sweeter tune.    

Staying with this region but at the other end of the price spectrum; some bargain in-house shorts, jackets and jerseys from big sports and supermarket retailers have also been gracing my battered body.

These aren’t for Seven Day Cyclist; rather another highly respected publication who I write for under a pseudonym. It probably goes without saying that I love all kinds of machines and equipment. From pared to the essentials carbon exotica to fully-faired recumbent trikes, tandems/specialist builds and most things in-between.

However, at SDC, we have a particular nose for lightweight, practical, well-equipped yet fun-to-ride workhorses. In the literal sense, a commuter can take any guise you like. Admittedly, most of my willing Dobbins have been mtb or tourer based, especially in the concrete jungles but I’ve used more traditional fixed/ geared trainers to good effect when covering longer distances.  

Charge Grater 2 has certainly fired our imagination for this very reason. Described as a hybrid; which it is in the literal sense, I’ve shied away from the term given its connotations of lower end sit up n’ beg 700c builds that came along in the early 90s and overshadowed some very capable commu-tourers...

2x9 transmission, disc brakes, full guards, flat bars- we’re in decent commuter, straight from the box territory. Have had a quick word; Charge suggested they’d be happy for us to have a play but waiting for their distributors to give the final nod. WD40 also like what they see-they’re sending us samples from their GT85 range of lubes, polishes, degreasers and bike wash. 

Badly Locked Bikes & Bundles of Kit

Bike theft is a perennial problem and unfortunately, very lucrative given there is a ready market for stolen goods. Thieves lack mercy and compassion.

You and I have a bond with those frame tubes, a connection to those components and little, personal touches-freedom, fun, friendship.

The thief sees cash, another order met, others a fleeting hit of heroin to mute the spiralling misery of addiction and their steadily collapsing veins.

Those years spent living and riding in London’s seamier districts cultivated a belt n’ braces pragmatism. Given theft is in epidemic territory, I’m constantly staggered by the numbers of sitting ducks-easy pickings for the light fingered. Take this fixed gear Trek spotted in central Coventry.

Yes its parked in very public locale’ but only secured by the top tube using a modestly priced armoured chain…This might look the part but easily defeated in a matter of seconds with bolt cropper, which the owner has thoughtfully left ample space for…

How about this no-name fixer and rather fetching flat bar Charge spotted outside Birmingham’s symphony hall... Again; tethered to an immovable object via a U lock, in a very public spot by their top tubes…Roomy enough for a brute force attack, wheels and other components are vulnerable to anyone of a dishonest mindset, equipped with a run-of-the mill multi-tool/set of Allen keys. 

These could then be broken for spares, sold on online auction sites, or built into a bike using a stolen frame, making its heritage much harder for rightful owners to spot (in the unlikely event they were recovered). Rule of thumb says buying the best locks you can afford- 10% of the bikes rrp is a good yardstick.

Some can defeat on looks alone but generally speaking, all decent locks buy us is time; time for a thief to be discovered or get frustrated and move on. Most work on the basis of sixty seconds. Longer and they’ll look elsewhere. The most professional will use vans and have various tools for defeating armoured cable, chain and shackle designs.

However, many simply use one system-combining a U lock and armoured cable/chain of similar quality can be enough to make a thief move on. Make it as awkward for them as possible. Fill the lock; keep the mechanism clean, lightly oiled and difficult for them to access. If it’s a pain for you, it’s all the more difficult for them and ultimately; the better your chances of remaining the rightful owner.

Expect a decent lock to weigh around the kilo mark- fine for carrying over the shoulder for a few miles but on longer commutes, these become decidedly uncomfortable, so best sitting in a pannier, or riding on their own frame or rack mounted bracket.

Sold secure are the benchmark most insurers go by and have three standards- Bronze, Silver and Gold. This denotes the time and sophistication required to defeat them. Bronze is ok for low crime areas but can be obliterated in sixty seconds using very primitive tools. 

Often regular commuters will leave their locks chained to bike stands and other street furniture-don’t. This makes thieves lives easier still, they note the lock, come back with the right tools-a row of bikes... gone.

Organised criminals often drive around in vans looking for and ultimately stealing bicycles/motorcycles. Takes six big men to lift a relatively small Harley Davidson but once inside, alarms and other security are instantly muted. Studies have also shown that even when crimes are being committed, members of the public tend to turn a blind eye...

Inspect potential hosts for weakness. Rusty railings are easier to cut through and gaffer/similar tape can hide evidence of cutting/tampering. Oh and make sure structures, such as parking meters can’t be unbolted, bikes lifted atop...Trees and other wooden structures should only be considered when your bladder is screaming defcon1.

Defeated by locks, the light fingered also take a shine to expensive components-stems, forks, derailleurs, saddlers etc. Arguably a commuter/daily driver shouldn’t be so exotic but hub dynamos and similar equipment is ultra practical. Replacement Allen bolts (Not the cheap as chips quick cam type) with unique keys are a wise investment, making “locusting” unlikely. 

Public service announcement served. Along with the Univega’s 2x9 transmission update, I’ve upgraded the front stopper in favour of these Avid shorty 4 cantilevers and compression less cables.

Setting up the Avids proved remarkably straightforward and this configuration offers improved modulation and feel with Microshift brifters compared with the TRP predecessors. Timely too; since I’m due to take delivery of a free parable design T2 trailer to compliment their Gorilla and Monkii cages. 

The latter has enabled resurrection of this Ibera stainless steel thermos bottle; consigned to my cupboard when it’s sprung cage bracket expired and replacement proved unavailable. Kindly Supplied by www.cyclemiles.co.uk to be reviewed in www.sevendaycyclist.com