How Did We Get Here?

 The world is in a very fluid state at present, not least here in the UK. My default move, when it comes to processing anything complex and with consequences usually involves some time in the saddle. Having fitted those new chain tugs and tweaked the S1’s tension, I went for a tyre and tube swap up front. I’m back to the Bontrager AW3 Hardcase Lite (700x32) and the Tubolite X-Tubo City/ Tour.  

The latter is a wider section TPU tube that they reckon is puncture proof. Hmm, one of those terms begging for contradiction. While the context is different, watchmakers, since the 1960s, progressively replaced “waterproof” with “water resistant” since it is arguably the case that in this instance, a watch is only water resistant, but not impervious to water, in all conditions.  Catch a nail with your name on it, that bombproof tyre could go boom.  

Anyhow, back to the tubes. To assess their claims, I’ve switched the Vittoria Rubino Pro Control Graphene Vittoria Rubino Pro Control Graphene 2.0 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) for the Bontrager, which is showing some minor nicks and cuts in the casing. Minor wear I would usually plug with a drop of superglue, but in this instance, leaving them open and technically vulnerable stands a reasonable chance of calling Tubolite’s bluff. I’m running a 25mm Eclipse TPU at the rear and both tubes afford a quicker, more compliant ride with the two loosely comparable tyres.  

Whacking one in a heavy-duty commuter/touring model, such as this Vee Tire Co Zilent 2 TESTED: VEE TIRE CO ZILENT MARK 2 TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com) isn’t going to reap any tangible weight-saving benefit. Talking of which, the Tubolite X-Tubo City/Tour is designed to work with tyre sections between 30 and 50mm- I’ve also whacked one in a 42mm Maxxis Roamer TESTED : MAXXIS ROAMER TYRES (sevendaycyclist.com) with no issues.

 

In my experience, the TPU genre of tubes are easier to fit and harder to pinch than traditional butyl. Less call for tyre levers-I've only ever required one, to hook the last section home. I like the improved ride quality and in comparable climates and contexts, I’ve kept a higher average speed-18.1 mph, rather than 17.6. hardly meteoric, but palpable. The Momo MIC Dry lube is also clinging on, despite some more changeable conditions and the odd off-road excursion.  

The Souma Leather Leather Handlebar tape, much as I predicted continues to impress with its refinement and grip. This has simply improved with 400miles and though I’ve liked and been impressed by other brands, I’m thinking the Souma will stay, on both bikes, long term. Talking of which, when I started this blog, back in 2008, we’d just entered another major economic crash, instigated by various things but the sub-prime mortgage market and bad debts being major factors.  

I never thought the UK would decline, almost beyond recognition. Affordable housing, rented, or mortgaged has long been at a premium and had quite profound effect upon communities. However, an increasing number of the population, even those on moderate incomes struggling to feed itself and cover the basics.  

Reading between the lines, might I say lies, I can see a privatised, insurance-based healthcare system and private, for-profit prisons becoming a near future reality, in the UK. I also suspect the present government is intending a system of conscription. Those receiving Universal Credit and without employment will be forced to work for their benefit, not pressed into work and paid a wage/salary. Then of course, defence spending has been greatly reduced, so others may be drafted...

Political scandals are nothing new, but standards in public life have virtually evaporated, without barely a murmur. The UK was once a respected, some might say positive presence on the world stage. Now, the country is becoming increasingly insular and isolated.    

I’d been thinking chains once more and decided, upon reflection and some general inspection, it was time to pension-off the KMC S1- it'd been in situ, for ten months and a good few thousand, so certainly didn’t owe me anything. Besides, these chains are inexpensive, rings, sprockets and similar less so these days.  

I fitted another S1 and acquired a Z510HX for next time. Checked the 16tooth Halo Fix G HALO FIX G TRACK HUB | Seven Day Cyclist Tourin Tests Commuting sprocket was snugged tight, gave the frameset a good clean and wax, then fed the Souma leather bar tape and saddle. Prevention is always better, and cheaper too. Lube-wise, I’ve gone for the Momum Mic Wax Momum MIC Wax Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) since I’m rather fond of it.    

Ramble On

 Clement weather has allowed more playtime on the Holdsworth, and I’m pleased that I went the star-fangled nut route since the once excellent expander wedge wasn’t doing its thing. A steady cadence and 30kmh (18.6mph) average on a local loop but there have been a few moments, on the climbs when I’ve felt the 81inch gear a little lofty. Brake and lever tweaks were inspired decisions too.  

I was also pondering upgrading the fixed gear winter/trainer’s chain tugs for a set of MKS. Hardly a priority, in the grand scheme of things, not to mention supply and therefore, cost implications.  

Rationale’ for this? In my experience, the MKS maintains chain tension better, in my experience. Save for wheel removals, I’ve not needed to tweak the Holdsworth’s-ever. Mileage depending, I’m tweaking the winter fixed’s every four weeks. Factors such as chain quality play a part- the S1 were cheap, but crucially cheerful, so will stay, although when it comes to bang for buck, KMC’s Z510HX is hard to beat. Gusset’s S link (half-link) model was another favourite a good for fixed gear conversions, although at 360g, heft may be unpalatable for some.  

Besides, while “use what you have” is generally sound business practice, it's particularly prudent, given the present economic climate.

I always recommend some form of lighting, even during the height of summer. In these parts, sunrise strikes before 430am. Early morning blasts, or extended playtimes on the best bike (s) can be changeable and relatively powerful safety lights can be a boon, should dusk catch you napping, you get lost, or mechanical strike.  

Overkill perhaps, but I’m running the Magic Shine Ray 2600 up front. As the name suggests, it’s capable of delivery of 2600lumens. However, I’m running the 330-lumen flashing and pulsing settings, which are the most frugal and very captivating. At the rear, A 60 lumen Moon Shield. Arguably overkill in the highest settings and assuming you hadn’t fried their retinas, likely to induce anger and rebuke at close quarters for any period.  

I also retain a fondness for the original Magic Shine See Mee 200, which still gets used a far bit, nearly two years down the line. However, I found the “braking” function a little too sensitive and prolonged, which put a palpable dent in the run times.  

Against this backdrop, Magicshine has sent me their V2. There are several revisions. Dis/engaging the braking function only requires a 3, rather than 5-second press. This version has also been simplified in terms of modes, which for me, is another improvement.  

Sometimes, less is more. The original had eight in total, the V2 has four- two constant, two flashing-alongside a smart mode. They’ve also sent me their See Mee 150 Combo. A front and rear pairing delivering 150lumens, in their highest of four and six modes, respectively. The 150 rear, is markedly smaller than the 200, due to the latter's second “tracer” lens that casts a flood beam at the road.  

Not essential, nor completely unique- I have others employing similar technologies. This Tern hugging the Holdsworth’s seat post, being a case in point. As an aside, the mount has proved interchangeable with others in the family I’ve used-the 100, 180 specifically. A small but welcome thing, reducing production costs into the bargain.  

I’ve slipped the 150 front atop Ursula’s Soma Condor 2 bars SOMA CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS | (sevendaycyclist.com) and run the 200 behind, whereas the rear 150 is gracing my fixed gear winter trainer’s Cane Creek Thud Buster G4 

 

I also received a second Souma Leather Bar Tape, so wasted no time in treating Ursula’s bars, not least since I’m interested to see how good damping sans asphalt is. My hypothesis is that gel underlays are the way forward if you’re doing a lot of adventurous touring. The sort involving unmade roads, or indeed, gravel.  

Curiously, this sample was easier to apply than the first. Allowing for factors such as bar shape, natural products, vary slightly when it comes to density, finish and “give”. This would probably explain why getting it started and flowing uniformly took much less effort The finish also seems grippier, from the outset-regardless of glove/palm type, which was another pleasant surprise. As were these Salice Glasses, modeled here, by Miriam.