Forks Return...Winter’s Wrath Continues

 Lee Cooper returned the Holdsworth’s forks. I’m delighted with the steerer extension and ahead conversion. The eagle-eyed will note it’s a slightly different shade of blue, but I like the subtle contrast, so it’s staying. I’ve retrieved the XLC longer reach dual pivot calliper and then I’m ready to switch everything over, at my leisure- the Holdsworth is a sunny day’s plaything and presently enjoying seasonal hibernation. For now, they can sit in my office.  

The plan is just to whip the Woodman’s lower cup from the Acor carbon unit and transplant it to the steel fork. At that point, I’ll thoroughly inspect the cheap but cheerful Acor and decide whether to keep or euthanise. I’ve sold older, branded forks with 6061 steerers and carbon blades in the past. However, on balance, I’ve concluded it’s not worth the hassle, or risk this time.  

While on these missions, I also acquired another 1-inch Aheadset (an FSA) since these, or at least, decent-quality staples are getting trickier to find-at least at the right price.  The blue anodised finish is another shade of blue but again, aesthetically compatible with the existing livery.  

Famous last words, that’s the Holdworth’s revisions complete. I might port the Miche calliper over to the Teenage Dream as an upgrade to the budget but very serviceable Miche Performance unit but that can all wait- we’re slap bang in the middle of a stormy winter. 

 

The ice relented but was replaced by storm Isha. Milder temperatures induced a switch back to the Halo Spin Doctor and Shimano Alfine Dynohub Shimano Alfine UR700 Hub Dynamo | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) wheels shod with the Maxxis Ikon tyres Maxxis Ikon Tyres | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). I also decided then was time to retire Ursula’s KMC chain. I managed 750 miles before it nudged .7 on the chain checker. Typically, I’ll get 1100-1300 miles so this should give an idea of how wet and generally grotty the past few months have been.  

I have a love/hate relationship with magic links. On the one hand, they are very convenient (especially when you’ve the magic link pliers to hand. Note to self, must locate mine). Much of this arises from a lack of feeling in my index finger, which makes aligning the two parts fiddly-especially when it's bitterly cold. I manage, it's just a slower process.  

While hunting the KMC magic link pliers, I rediscovered this Hyper Cracker cassette lockring tool. It basically turns the bike frame into a giant chain whip and allows roadside cassette removal, say when needing to replace a drive-side spoke mid-tour. Really nicely made and a pleasant resurrection. Wondered where that had got to.   

 

Given things had thawed, I headed out on the fixed for some faster-paced fun. Thick mud carpeted the roads, and I was pleasantly surprised by their grip through some seriously slippery, gloopy stretches. Not quite in cyclocross, or Paris Roubaix territory but not a great deal of tarmac.  Despite the low temperatures, these Castelli Entrata Thermal Bib Knickers are surprisingly comfortable Castelli Entrata Thermal Bib Knickers | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

  

As for the tugs, well, perhaps predictably, I’ve gone for another set of MKS NJS. Credit where it's due, the auction site specials were in fact of a decent quality. Problem being they were 10mm, which means they’d foul the chain. The non-drive side was a nice fit. In some respects, I’m annoyed- should’ve just gone for the MKS first time around but that’s the thing with auction sites, they’re a gamble. You can get an absolute bargain or buy cheap and buy twice. 

 

I’m sticking with the Weldtite Ceramic WELDTITE CERAMIC LUBE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) for now-at least until something seasonally appropriate arrives for testing. As defaults go, there’s a lot in its favour. It’s relatively clean for a middleweight and doesn’t wash off come the first puddle. The advantage over a more traditional, gloopy wet lube is that while it won’t hold back hell n’ high water, it won’t become such an effective grinding paste when grit, salt, mud and other contaminant litters the landscape.   

Petting the Hedgehog

 Generally speaking, I hold up pretty well during the cold, wet and sometimes icy months but I’ve been finding riding in perpetual darkness tricky of late, so I mixed things up a little. Midwinter is also a season of temptation and er, sometimes five-minute wonders. Tempered in my case by outgoings, and cost-benefit discipline. Want versus Need, at its simplest.  

The Holdsworth’s fork is a modest expense with genuine benefits. The mighty KA was due for servicing and two new front tyres. They were still within the legal limit but safety’s not something I mess with, particularly during winter. 

Admin and emails before 7.30 and out riding come sunrise. I enjoy the changing seasons- always have and though I can cope in hot, humid conditions, there’s a lot to be said for cooler weather. People’s tempers seem more even, and, on the bike, I can don, or remove additional layers.   

Some of you will notice a pink theme creeping in. Now, I wouldn’t have a frameset finished in pink, nor is it a colour I’m traditionally drawn to. Much will also depend on the shade. However, I’m perfectly secure in my masculinity, so not overly fazed when a manufacturer sends me something- bar tape, bar bag, jersey with a subtle hue, or theme.  

Contrasts nicely with Ursula’s cream and black colourway and of course, the Holdsworth’s “French” blue (RAL 5024). I was also suitably taken with the Giant Continuum 9 function wireless computer, that I’ve acquired another. Not least since it’s bankrupt stock and pink is cheaper than the alternative colours by several quid.  

There are a few devices l personally prefer to be disconnected from the internet. Bar-mounted computers are cases in point. Phones and other technology spy on us- for some reason, I’m being offered prostrate massagers, laxatives, inflatable companions, commodes via Ali Express. Hmm...Can only be that grunting on those long climbs... I digress...   

Ursula and the Holdsworth sported 80’s pink/black spatter Bike Ribbon in the past-£1 from a bargain bin dive. Peugeot and a couple of small-scale British frame builders offered framesets with a black and pink theme too.      

UK media hysteria about snow blasts, white outs and complete chaos have in this corner thus far, translated as minus 6 and plenty of ice. Not an issue with the right kit- Ursula's shod with the spikes, I’m wearing long sleeve base layers, Belgian style caps (greater coverage for the ears) softshell jacket, Oxford Venture Gilet, or if the wind’s really biting this Madison Roam 2.5 Madison Roam 2.5 Layer Waterproof Jacket | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  Waterproof socks and gloves are another definite plus, while glasses shield the eyes from windblast, sleet and debris. Amber lenses are reckoned to reduce glare and make it easier to see in low light. There's suggestion these also enhance the mood and anecdotally, I’ll agree.   

The invisiFrame Protectant is proving a remarkably effective barrier against, wet, gritty, corrosive stuff and I’ve been very surprised at just how clean Ursula has remained after much mixed terrain fun. Judging by this Bell Avenue, it works equally well on matt polycarbonate finishes.  

Titanium is a little trickier though. Matt, “submarine” greys are fine but those with a satin hue required more enthused buffing to remove any haze- the Holdsworth’s Torus stem being a case in point. I took that opportunity to dress its Coefficient Wave Carbon Handlebars COEFFICIENT WAVE HANDLEBAR | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) with Cycology 8-day Handlebar tape. The outer, silicone-based coating means it’s a little tricker than some to get tucked into the end and needs a firm, even pressure. That said; it’s hardly challenging to fit. I’m enjoying the Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar bag.  

It’s made from a sturdy waterproof 900d polyester with a waterproof zipper and 2.4 litre carrying capacity. There’s also a carry strap for convenience off the bike. Internally it has a relatively large “open plan” main and a zippered “valuables” stash within the wall- change, keys and other stuff you don’t want going AWOL. Given the bitterly cold, icy snap, the fixed has been enjoying a rest.  

One quirk I have noticed with the Topeak DX rack is that to adjust the chain tension, with the present chain tugs requires removing the rack from the eyelets (since the legs sit proud and obstruct). The obvious, although relatively pricey option was to go for another set of MKS NJS chain tugs. Nice, but I decided I’d take a punt on some auction site specials, which looked to be of the genuinely cheap but cheerful variety. The supplier claimed UK stock and in fairness, they arrived within a week. Time will tell but if these fail, I’ll take the MKS route.