Spring Has Sprung?

 Spring is in the air… Well, the dawn is coming earlier, the days are getting longer, and I’m being sent some lighter lubes and lovely summer kit. Saddleback have sent me Castelli’s new Espresso range- well, the bib shorts, jersey and socks. Aside from some extremely tasteful colourways, these are intended with everyday riding in mind and should suit 90% of riding duties. The jersey is made from a stretch polyester/elastane mix which Castelli says offers breathability, comfort and a perfect fit and excellent aerodynamics. I’m also told it features UPF30, which blocks 97% of UV rays. An elasticated waist is designed to prevent gathering and ride-up.   

Round the back, there are four pockets- the traditional deep terrace with a zippered annex for keys and other valuables. These, along with the Espresso bib shorts employ raw cut endings for comfort. The shorts also feature silicone grippers for tactile, gather free tenure. Stretchy bibs feature acres of mesh for ventilation, while the ProgettoX2 Air Seamless pad is reckoned to provide all day comfort.  

 

There’s also a pocket for change and similar essentials. Pockets have become a slow, but increasingly common feature on shorts in recent years. Gravel designs, such as the Madison Roam Madison Roam Men's Cargo Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) feature pockets along the legs and bib sections.   

I’ve found the Roam’s well executed. These will swallow larger items-including compact cameras and phones (although I prefer these in a jersey pocket, or bar bag) without ejecting them at the first bump, or frustrating mid-ride access. Staying with the Espresso range, the subtle, classy colours and subtle styling has a refined, some would say “grown up” flavour.   

Now, I really love bold, funky designs-Cycology and others genuinely resonate with me but there’s a lot to be said for calm and classic too. Then of course, the Espresso Winter/Belgian blue compliments the Holdsworth and fixed Gear Winter/Trainer’s liveries handsomely. I’m not one for trade jerseys and haven’t been for a long while. I still retain a tremendous fondness for the team Motorola jersey gifted me on my 18th birthday (yes, it still fits, thank you) and of course, other kit from that era.   

Some other retro prints-Peugeot being a classic example, are another exception to my aversion to being a mobile billboard, dare I say a wannabe. Beyond grass roots competition, I left any fantasies of the pro peloton and the “glamour” associated with it when I was 16, or 17.  

Still watched some of the stage races into my twenties but by that point any kind of “hero worship” or admiration had evaporated. Besides, at that point, I’d embraced ‘cross country mountain biking and what I perceived as its more egalitarian, dare I say inclusive feel. Maybe, I was still looking for a tribe and had yet to realise I am essentially a socially competent loner.   

The more I reflect on this and the times generally, I was essentially still working out who I was and what/who worked for me and who didn’t- the hard way, many would rightly point out. Lessons learned and I’d argue within time. Others would argue differently. I have neither the time, inclination, nor patience to indulge them.       

The Topeak Compact 1.5 litre handlebar bag is proving an excellent addition to Ursula’s Soma Condor2 bars SOMA CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS | (sevendaycyclist.com) and even better pairing than the Cycology Handlebar bag, which will remain tethered to the fixed’s Genetic D-Riser 4 bars GENETIC DRISER 4 HANDLEBARS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). I am needed to adjust the little Topeak for ready access to stuff- worst case scenario, I’ll mount it atop the bars, so it sits on the stem. However, I really doubt that will prove necessary.   

In common with the Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar Bag Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar Bag | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), its easily whipped on/off and features an elastic stabiliser strap. However, the Topeak has a longer zipper tag, which makes access, especially in full finger gloves that bit easier. It’s a single compartment design, whereas the Cycology has a mesh pocket and a handy elasticated cargo net for catching gloves and similar overspill. Arguably a cleaner aesthetic but may be a consideration. 

 

Reflecting upon these things from the saddle, as I do, I’m wondering if this sudden flash of retro excitement is the classic wanting to revert. Reverting to a perceived simpler time, one with endless opportunities and optimism perhaps.  However, while there are some concepts I may like from an era, materials have moved on quite considerably. Woolen shorts and jerseys have their place but save for Merino, it’s not necessarily the most comfortable fabric against the skin.  

Obviously, there are different grades but polyesters wick moisture effectively and are generally easy to wash and care for. I’d also been revisiting the concept of a portable mini compressor for roadside recovery, rather than Co2 inflators, while keeping a mini pump in reserve. The Thumpa unit is still a reliable choice but it's also a little on the bulky (and weighty) side.  Talking of roadside recoveries, here’s my review of the Muc-Off 17-in1 Multi Tool  Muc-Off 17 in 1 Multi Tool | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

Leading from The Front

Easter prompted some reflection- it always has with me, at least as an adult. I decided it was time to go for another Continental Cross king- a 26x2.0 (rather than 2.3) up front since it seems suited to my style of mixed terrain exploration. Extra UK have also sent me this Topeak   Tubular Bar Bag Slim 1.5 litre.  

As the numbers suggest, it’s a compact model, which is my preference and indeed, the best route, given both the fixed gear winter/trainer and Ursula have quite a lot going on at the bars. Talking of which, someone had waved a set of Redshift Sports Top Shelf Bar Handlebars under my nose. Very tempting, but the rise isn’t comparable with Ursula’s Soma Condor 2 SOMA CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS | (sevendaycyclist.com) which seem absolutely bang on, so interesting though they are, no reason to change a great fit.  

Back to the Topeak Tubular Bar Bag Slim, it’s a single compartment model made from a water repellent and supposedly stain resident 600denier polyester. Tipping the scales at 125g, it tethers to the bars via two anti-slip straps and interestingly, an elastic cord.  A maximum 1.5 kilo payload caters for my needs- tube, lightweight packable jacket, gloves, food and other things I might need easy access to.  

A padded single compartment is accessed via a waterproof zipper and sensibly proportioned tag. If Ursula is anything to by, it’s an excellent choice for small compact geometry bikes, too.  It will be interesting to see how it compares with the Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar Bag Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar Bag | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and of course, the See Sense SEE SENSE HANDLEBAR BAG | cycling,-but-not-usually-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Bigger bar bags are great for day trips and touring-especially if you like taking an SLR or CSC camera along to capture the scenery, landmarks and anything else that catches your eye. I take a superzoom compact camera along for my rides-image quality is reasonable and should catastrophe strike, its considerably cheaper to replace, compared with an SLR, CSC, or rangefinder model. Horses for courses.  

After a few further weeks with the Blub Ceramic and I’ve switched Ursula’s KMC to Peaty’s Link Lube All Weather (a) It had arrived for testing (b) I was curious to see how much of an all-weather potion it really is. An everyday lube, or something slightly different. What I can tell you is that it’s a blend of oils and waxes, so essentially a hybrid. This to me suggests it should lubricate the chain, while shedding contaminant, reducing cleaning times and maintenance.  

These components also separate, which for me at least, is visually appealing.  You do need to give it a shake to mix everything. That aside, it’s simply a matter of getting chains and other drivetrain components surgically clean, drying them thoroughly and applying a little to each link (turning the cranks backward).  

The flow rate is more predictable than some, courtesy of the lube’s viscosity and the spout design, although you’ll still want a rag (or old sock) hovering beneath to catch and where appropriate, redistribute the lube. No hanging around waiting for it to cure either, which is very welcome. I’ve fed the fixed’s KMC  Peaty’s Premium as a comparator.  

I’ve a strong suspicion the premium will brave the elements longer, but that’s not necessarily a given. Despite some very mucky rural backroads and detours, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how clean the Peaty’s Link Lube Premium has remained. It's smooth and silent but unlike a wet ceramic, there’s relatively little contaminant clinging on to the fixed’s chain. 

Talking of lubes, Steve’s been impressed by the Blub Chain Lube BLUB Chain Lube | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and the wolf Tooth WT-G Precision Bike Grease has held out well against the elements Wolf Tooth WT-G Precision Bike Grease | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

Now, slippery roads aside, I have mixed sympathy when it comes to farmers, at least in the UK. On the one hand, I am quietly resentful at those who voted for Brexit and now bemoan a pronounced loss in trade, being undercut by imported foods, loss of subsidies etc. 

On the other, it’s a very hard profession and a way of life which is central to a nation’s food security. The public has also become increasingly divorced, dare I say ignorant around food. “I don’t buy my food from a farm; I buy it from a supermarket” being an all-too-common comment.   

Farming (and clergy) used to have one of the highest suicide rates in the UK and could be attributed to the pressures, isolation, and uncertainty of whether crops and other produce would flourish and of course, fetch the right price. The highest suicide rates are now among construction workers. Some cite the long hours, working away from home and support networks and a culture of machismo.  

These may be significant factors, it may also reflect the fact many men work in construction, so consequently, the figures are skewed by this.  i.e. a greater number, by default incidence. I hypothesise that it's a combination of all these factors, with some having greater influence than others. However, without collecting and interpreting the data qualitatively and quantitively, it's impossible to make credible comment... I'll end on a cheerier note and Steve's review of these Fablecycle Tomahawk Cargo Commuter Cargo Shorts Fablecycle Tomahawk Cargo Commuter Cycle | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)