Fast Fifty

 I’ve crossed over into five-decade county and it’s been a cause for much reflection. 37 years since I took delivery of a Holdsworthy Claud Butler I’d been lusting after for a summer-I'd go and “visit” it every weekend that summer. My parents had a colleague who was in his early 60s but could’ve passed for late 30s. A lifelong racing cyclist, he’d often commute to work and then do a “fast fifty” on the route home. Several scoffed at this, until one sceptic happened to follow him and his curly stay Hetchins Hetchins Cycles (classiclightweights.co.uk) in their car.  

There are a lot of myths surrounding the Hetchins curly stays and ornate lugwork, some suggesting the curly stays would spring out and become a structurally sound straight tubed frameset following an impact...The real reasoning for those swoopy stays and fancy lugs was to subvert advertising rules of the post-war period.  

Now, I’m the first to admit they’re beautiful, masterpieces, even but while I admire them, they’re a just that bit too flamboyant for my tastes. Those lugs and other detailing also add a few grams over a more traditional frameset- if that’s important to you. Concepts and standardisation come and go. My frames are older, for starters- the youngest being from 2005, so sport uniform 1& 1/8th, rather than tapered head tubes and therefore, forks.  

The main argument in favour of tapered head tubes (1/18th top, 1.5 bottom) is that a wider fork steerer result in a more responsive, engaging ride without feeling unduly harsh. It also allows a larger downtube, improving rigidity and therefore, on paper at least, efficiency. Now, trend has been for internal cable routing, which seems to be encouraging a shift back to uniform, or strait steerers, albeit larger diameter. Frames with tapered head tubes can run “standard” straight 1/18th forks using a crown race reducer, so not overly problematic.  

Sadly, although not unexpectedly I’m noticing an increase in insolvencies within the UK’s small cycle industry, which is worrying and saddening in equal measure. Much of this seems attributable to Brexit and related trading issues-something that was inevitable to anyone with a basic understanding of economics and to a lesser extent, international trade.  

The less money in people’s pockets, the less taxation there is to fund everyday services, less disposable incomes mean other industries also suffer and so the cycle continues. Hopefully, favourable rescue packages can be secured. Rides allow me to reflect and unload and the dark’s perfect for this kind of processing.  

Back to tech talk, it’s no secret that I love winter booties for warm, dry feet. My preference has always been for mtb versions, if for no other reason than recessed cleats. The ability to walk, rather than hobble is infinitely preferable, especially during winter when roads are wet, greasy and often icy.  

Then of course, I default to SPD pedals and like riding off-road. I recall a small minority of riders in the late 80’s using LOOK pedal systems on the trails but despite my quirks, not an avenue I took.   

I’ve run the FLR Defender FLR DEFENDER MTB DRY BOOT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) for three seasons, through snow, ice, bitter cold and sometimes high water. For a budget model, they perform well but though the design’s wraparound Velcro closure is convenient-especially in winter weight gloves and has relaxed over time, the cut means it can lift allowing water and snow to creep inside. I’ve returned to them, with the advent of storm Babet and was curious whether their bulk might catch on the Topeak Hide n’ Tool.  

The latter’s been a moot point. I was also curious how the FLR would compare with Shimano’s price point rivals, the SH-MW501. These employ a water-repelling outer laying and plentiful retro-reflective technology, which bridges the gap between winter road and mountain biking duties. Beneath, big S has opted for a speed lace system, so it’ll be interesting to see whether this is a better, weather-cheating system.  

The rubberised outer sole is less aggressive than some and doesn’t have drillings for studs- the FLR Defender do. However, in practice, I’ve only found these necessary in the boggiest of conditions. The Shimano are yet to arrive but childlike anticipation aside, that’s not an issue-we're only just entering the wetter, colder season...I’ll close with Steve’s review of the Ergon IP Touring Solestar Insole Ergon IP Touring Solestar Insole | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  and my test of the Topeak Redlite Aero USB Rear Light Topeak Redlite Aero USB Rear Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Missing Links & Magic Numbers

Though I’d never say “I can’t do maths” it isn’t my strong suit either and my experience of the school curriculum certainly didn’t help. Anyhow, last week’s quick chain checker intuition revealed Ursula’s was past .7, so time for switching. Out came the 106 link KMC and I was delighted my educated “guestimate” proved exacting.  

Straight up and down the block without undue pull on the short arm Tiagra mech, no sag when dropped on the 22 ring. Confirmed on the following mixed terrain meanders. The work stand is a good gauge, but the real world can throw curved balls.  

I also took this opportunity to replace Ursula’s rear staddle wire- a precaution but cable failures can be nasty- easily and cheaply avoided. Up front, I’ll stick with the TRP Spyre SLC caliper's Shimano pads- get my money’s worth in the wet, gritty conditions, then switch to the Disco Brakes’ semi-metallic Disco Disc Brake Pads and Wavey Rotors | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) .  

Cleats are another small but easily neglected staple. I had a quick check of mine and decided I’d switch to some eXotic Cycles Shimano Compatible SPD Cleats. I’ve long admitted to having a “thing” for pattern products, which started with pedals and has spread to other components, sometimes accessories, too.   

Exhausted KMC binned, I promptly ordered two pre-cut 106 KMC from the supplier, while opportunity and keen pricing presented. A few spare magic links also come in handy- two on the bike, two at home. In practice, two would do and aside from cleaning, lubricating, and replacing chains, I’ve concluded 10 and 11 speeds are best cut once and left alone.

  

This proved an ideal opportunity to inspect the Topeak Hide n’ Tool for signs of corrosion. I was expecting a faint orange taint, but a combination of hardy electroplating and the expander wedge system keeps the grot at bay. Waterlogged lanes and greasy roads were plentiful, so reassuring. I had however managed to “lose” the Hide n’ Tool’s chain spreader but this was reclaimed when tipping Ursula to the side.  

Note to self, add a lick of middleweight (blue) thread lock to subvert this. Talking Topeak, mounted low on Ursula’s seat stay, the Redlite Aero USB Rear Light 30cd is also impressing with its blend of long run times, output, and weatherproofing. Meeting IPX4, I’ve not willfully immersed it (that should be a given) though the odd, unavoidable douching from calve high water hasn’t raised any concerns.  

Waterproof socks have meant the Shimano RX6 Shimano SH RX600 Gravel Cycling Shoes | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) have remained practical and moreover, comfortable. I’ve been pairing the Castelli Perfetto RDS Gloves with some faithful and long serving Gore Tex over-mitts (although the latter’s grippy palms chose this ride to disintegrate).  Then of course, water resistant caps are another welcome addition- ideally a breathable model.  Showers Pass Elite SHOWERS PASS ELITE CYCLING CAP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) being a firm favourite of mine- great wind and rain cheating peak too, so great beneath a road-biased lid.   

The Perfetto RDS seem to hold back light to moderate rain for around an hour- if it's looking rougher, or I’m out for longer, then I’ll reach for the over-mitts.  In terms of socks, I’m disappointed Muc Off decided to phase theirs out-arguably the best fit with sportier shoes and boots.  

That said; I’ve had good experiences with  DexShell Pro Visibility Cycling Socks DEXSHELL PRO VISIBILTY CYCLING SOCKS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and The Gecko Wear Ankle Length Waterproof Cycling Socks Classic GECKO ANKLE LENGTH WATERPROOF SOCKS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Coinciding with chain replacement and Storm Babet’s rude arrival, I’ve reached for the  Weldtite Bike Cleaner concentrate and Zefal Extra Wet Nano Ceramic Chain Lube  ZEFAL EXTRA WET NANO CERAMIC CHAIN LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) to avoid wash off, although I’ll admit to not being overly keen on PTFE as an additive. It’s not the kindest to the planet, aquatic life, and people alike... I also gave the old girl a quick wash, since I was there and finished with a quick post-wash silicone protectant. I was short on time and this Motoverde blend is designed to be applied on damp surfaces.  

Torrential rains have also seen me considering switching to the Carradice Carradry SQR bag CARRADICE CARRADRY SQR BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)- especially since I’ve ditched the full-length chrome plastics. It also means I can post cards, letters etc mid ride without fear of them getting soggy.  I also have the Carradice SQR Super C Tour, bought in November 2001 and save for some characterful, “lived in” patina, going strong 22 years hence.  

Both have an impressive 10-kilo payload but in extreme conditions, the Carradry’s welded seams and zippered side pockets have a definite edge. Lining the SQR Tour with a dry sac (bin bag, in a pinch) largely eliminates incremental creep but the side pockets’ design means small items can escape, given the right circumstances- think packets of spare links/fasteners, the odd slender composite tyre lever etc.  Oh, and while I love the SQR system, it's one for metal posts only- no issues with suspension models, including the Kinekt 2.1, or indeed, Cane Creek Thudbuster.  Right, I'll close with another lighting link. Steve's review of the Exposure Race Mk17 2600lumens Front Light Exposure Race Mk17 2600 Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)