Maiden Voyage

Sometimes getting things done requires a sense of distance. Taking my own advice I spirited myself away for a few days in Norfolk-a region of the UK known as East Anglia notorious for being flat as the proverbial pancake. That said, even in Norwich the fixer scene was conspicuous by it's absence- a shame not least as I spotted the perfect graffiti backdrop for fixer photo-shoots.

Internet thieves have temporarily foiled my plans to purchase the seductive wheelset with large flange hubs so I commandeered another set, otherwise perfect for the build on Thursday morning. Older frames can spring surprises and final preparations demanded judicious filing of the ends to accommodate modern axle diameters. Gearing is now a moderate 79 inches courtesy of a 48 tooth front ring and 16 tooth EAI superstar sprocket-ample for bombing along the flat yet merciful in the hills. An uncharacteristically lacklustre Miche chain has been replaced by a substantial silver KMC offering which lacks the consummate refinement of some-especially the upmarket half link variety but enjoys phenomenal lateral rigidity, meaning transmission braking/track standing is laughably easy. Fitting some micro LEDs, a twenty two function computer capable of damn near everything bar making the tea and with the obligatory multi-tools, patch and compact camera kit slipped into the seatpack we were ready for the off...

Swing a leg over the top-tube and from the first few pedal strokes it's obvious why these now comparatively rare bikes were so popular back in the day. Short 16 inch chainstays deliver punchy performance whether sprinting away from the lights or powering along the open road. Steering is quick, yet predictable trickling through town or cornering hard on long, winding descents. 531 might no longer be the benchmark tubeset for quality lightweights but superior build quality compared with some modern frames confirms the old adage that craftsmanship, not materials maketh fine frames. For all the period fork's charms, I strongly suspect the modern, carbon replacement enhances the ride quality, delivering smooth passage over rougher surfaces while shaving a few precious grams into the bargain.

There's no trace of power robbing flex when climbing out of the saddle or dancing on the pedals, although I tip the scales at a relatively modest 70 kilos so can get away with using old fashioned square taper bottom brackets paired to modest cranksets. Stopping for some mid ride photos revealed the stem slightly misaligned but easily rectified using a 5mm Allen key. Thanks in part to a beefy chain, dependable transmission braking left the Miche calliper with relatively little to do, although it's proven a worthy stopper and in time, upgrading the pads will undoubtedly sharpen performance. Proportionally short in the torso, the Holdsworth feels overly generous in the top-tube but sliding the saddle forward compromises a good fit, placing me further over the bottom bracket into the bargain. This has the positive side-effect of increased power delivery, although I might purchase a slightly shorter Nitto stem when funds allow.

I long ago ceased talking in terms of complete and final builds given all my machines are, to some degree works in progress and subject to constant evolution. Upgrading to a larger and more practical wedge pack has necessitated removal of the Nitto cage and carry bracket so I'm returning to the hydration pack until a suitably paint friendly clip-on cage comes under my radar.

Come Together....

Since I last put fingers to keyboard, pester power has provoked payment, allowing the purchase of replacement top cap and moreover, the Woodman specific tool. Elsewhere, decisions have been made and I've settled(for the meantime at least)in favour of sealed cartridge bearing Ritchey copy SPD pedals. I've been riding clipless, pretty much exclusively since 1992 but find the dual sided mtb type best for cornering and spilt second entry/exit.

Further foraging has proven very profitable with surprisingly rich pickings. With the constant mantra of "Use what you've got" resonating in my head, I plucked out some very fetching pink fade bar wrap. My mouse finger kept hovering on new, conservative blues and blacks but far from clashing, it complements the light blue/black livery perfectly-serendipity strikes again!

Purists will scoff at suggestion I have tried to keep the frame's original character and to some extent, given it's sporting a carbon fork with threadless steerer, they'd have a point. However, I fought shy of adding braze-on bottle and other bosses. While widening the frame's practicality at one level, I wanted to enjoy it's minimalist beauty. Initially the solution was to wear a hydration pack but in very hot weather, even the better designs can leave a sweaty back. A nifty seatpost mounted nylon bracket came to the rescue. This enables a cage to be placed behind the saddle and some further tinkering and exchanging the modern Tacx unit for a delicate stainless steel Nitto has enabled a min-pump to share the mount without fouling the bijou seat pack-Heh!.Removing the left hand brake lever and replacing it with a black end plug seemed sensibly minimalist but I decided I liked the symmetry so, unless it starts rattling relentlessly it can keep the other company. This is the final run now, the final build. I've the chain and CNC machined sprocket awaiting the wheels and what a wheelset I have planned. Keenly priced, black hoops with machined sidewalls turning on sexy large-flange track hubs....Alas, they'll have to wait 'till my return from holiday...

Poor Boy Blues

" My Daddy Said Son, don't you come to me cryin' cos money don't make you a happy man" Hmm, maybe not but it sure as hell makes bike builds less challenging....

Recession's a grossly over-used phrase and while the consequences of such are an increasingly uncomfortable reality for many, at one level it's a very convenient rationale' for firms avoiding or delaying payment. One such client decided to hold on to my invoice just that little bit longer, meaning I've had to postpone purchasing the replacement Woodman top race and fitting tool from the UK importer. Similarly, borrowed components by definition have to be returned to their rightful owners and so, in this reflective, yet purposeful mood I approached the bulging spares bin for components and on the whole this has proved a fruitful harvest. Resourcefulness has resurrected an inexpensive, yet unused Stronglight cranks which now sit proudly aboard the square taper bottom bracket, then there's a titanium railed Specialized Toupe' Gel saddle pride of place atop the shapely Outland seatpost while a fetching long-reach Miche dual pivot calliper takes care of stopping and my obligations under the road traffic act.

When it comes to pedal choice, I'm the child in the proverbial sweet shop. Not sure whether to stick with low-profile, sealed bearing track offerings, an ancient drum polished Look pair from 1992 or indeed Shimano and pattern mtb SPD. The latter are winning on the grounds of practicality-you can walk rather than hobble off the bike with recessed cleats. Then there's another colour-co-ordinated Look pair languishing in the spares bin....
There's a principle operating on two levels here. First and foremost why plough much needed financial resources into new stock when there's plentiful, cosmetically appealing and moreover decent quality stuff hidden away in spares drawers? The second is an exercise in skills sharpening. Being resourceful isn't exclusively fiscal, neither is it concerned with getting something for nothing. Being shrewd here means I can enjoy a nice, carefully built bike and enrol on a fully paid-up Diploma course in massage come the fall.

Regular readers will note a fair bit of barter involved in my projects. Both the Holdsworth and Teenage Dream's refinishing were undertaken on an earned basis-I might not have paid for their expertise but I exchanged my services for theirs. Simple economics dictate that while folk can't live on mutual respect and favour alone, such can go a long way toward happier, co-operative and moreover prosperous communities. However, I'm a firm believer in charity being dispensed at personal discretion and not upon demand.

Recently I've put a low mileage, well kempt BOB Yak up for sale and I'm astounded at the number of time wasters-they're not usually difficult to spot-asking a series of silly questions in succession before there's a pregnant pause followed by a sheepish email. This is entirely different from genuine potential buyers asking pertinent questions from which to make an informed decision but there seems an ever increasing army of window shoppers with nothing better to do than needlessly waste time.
Sermon over and returning to the Holdsworth, further joy comes courtesy of a decent track chain, CNC mirror polished sprocket and set of Halo twin rail "courier" tyres. I'm seventy-five per cent there save for an appropriate wheelset, lock ring and of course the replacement top race and fitting tool....

Good Times, Bad Times...

This week I have been mostly busting chain tools.... Coincidence perhaps, metal fatigue coupled with a very stubborn chain link the more likely explanations. Casualties included a very shapely Topeak, a multi tool and my late father’s beloved Cyclo. In fairness I was able to salvage operations using the latter but suggests workshop quality set of rivet pliers are the way forward.

The hand of fate deals love and hate in equal measure it seems. Kindness in the guise of borrowed parts, bringing the Holdsworth build to life-albeit temporarily. Halo’s Aerorage wheels complete with the firm’s 24mm courier rubber make for superb four season’s street hoops capable of entertaining single-speed cross during the winter months thanks to super smooth, large flange weather sealed flip-flop hubs but tipping the sales at just over two kilos means they’re slow on the climbs and not for a lithe TT mount. Powder coated sidewalls aren’t intended as a braking surface and therefore (legal) street use over here (but seem adequate in the short term with soft compound brake pads) so I’d probably plump for a machined front when circumstances allow.

Cruelty manifest itself as fluke- a chisel falling from the garage rafters struck a direct blow to the soft alloy headset top race. Miraculously there’s no other damage but I’ve contacted Woodman’s UK importer to secure a replacement and an installation tool….Finishing on a brighter note, rummaging has unearthed some very classy MKS NJS certified chain-tugs adding the finishing touch of class project road path... Well, for the time being at least!

Elsewhere, I drove over to Justin Burls to see what excitement lay in his workshop. In spite of the economic downturn the titanium side of his business is positively booming, although there's been less demand for his bespoke steel offerings. This wasn't idle sales talk either, seconds after this remark, the phone rang and a customer (a nurse commuting 250 miles a week) began discussing a mile-munching, four season's fixer build with clearances for 32mm tyres and full length guards. Building bespoke bikes and frames is far more than simply joining lightweight tubes together, it's about producing something totally unique-although the same is true for other custom crafts and coupled with raw talent is an interest in people and a willingness explore their needs. Justin builds very few forks these days-largely given carbon seems the default option but this customer wanted steel blades which intrigued me and I'd love to see the finished frameset.

Casting aside a green tarpaulin, Justin revealed a stunning space-age aero TT mount- The sort low enough to evade radar detection and fast enough to beat personal bests on looks alone thanks to over sized aero tubing. Swinging a leg over the top tube, it wasn't long before I was grinning from ear to ear, the tyre hugging seat-tube implying a shorter than actual 39 inch wheel base, meaning it corners as well as it climbs-unlike a steel frame I was unfortunate enough to test ride some years back- thirty six inch wheelbases are fantastic...in a straight line.

There's no mistaking titanium's unique characteristics and within the first few pedal strokes I was smitten, the tight rear triangle oozing prowess while damping road shock and refusing to clog, despite been deliberately ridden through manure and other roadside delicacies. Given the 17lb mass (sans pedals) it soars up the climbs without leaving the saddle-unless turning a colossal gear. Even with my 70 kilos dancing on the pedals, I couldn't induce any flex from the bottom bracket shell-thanks to the external bearings and lateral stiffness should satisfy all but the most powerful riders. The positioning suited my 181cm frame perfectly and it was possible to cruise effortlessly on the super stiff Oval bars. Being slightly stretched had the additional benefit of easing stiffness discomfort in my left shoulder caused by tendinitis- the result of several cycling "chutes" with the odd motorcycling miss-hap thrown in to seal the deal.

Aside from the gratuitous celebration of bike lust, it cements my decision in favour of mid range tri-extensions atop the Nitto pursuit bars. As for buying a Burls Russian Ti TT missile, there's no denying I'm tempted but other priorities are calling so I'll have to resist the urge a little while longer...

Flight of The Phoenix

Last Monday brought the arrival of the New Campagnolo Xenon crankset and Look pattern pedals. Proverbial child at Christmas I whipped the old Stronglight from their tapers, slid their replacements in position and cut the chain by three links to accommodate the change in ratios from the old fashioned 52/42 to 53/39-much better on the climbs or “up hill and down dale” to use a quaint British expression. Trimming the brake cable outers brought modulation and feel into the 21st century and with a quick once-over of stem, crank bolts and installation of a modern wireless computer, our eagerly anticipated first outing was nigh.

Despite quaint looks, there’s nothing “old flame” about performance, delivering the same supple, yet responsive ride that saw me fall in love with it all those years ago-an ISIS bottom bracket would doubtless offer a little extra rigidity when climbing out of the saddle but that’s about the only discernable difference between the Teenage dream and more modern bikes in my fleet. That said there’s some low-level tinkering taking place. Gone is the “60psi and burst blood vessel if you’re lucky” frame fit pump in favour of a much more sophisticated and dare I say beju SKS mini pump and I’m unsure as to whether the Cinelli Spinachi will remain at the helm… Think a more traditional Tri bars might be called for but I’ll see what turns up.
Project Road Path is gathering some much needed momentum in the guise of a wheelset looking for all the world as if it’s been holidaying in Chernobyl. Elegant and super smooth sealed bearing track hubs should with some basic care brave the four seasons and I’ve lost my puritanical hatred of flip/flop hubs, assuming a more moderate stance when reasoning it follows in the tradition of practicality and versatility expressed by the Road Path concept, albeit demanding a rear brake to comply with the long arm of UK legislation.
Elsewhere, Colchester was one of twelve towns (including Milton Keynes, Exeter, Woking, Peterborough, Blackpool, Southport, Stoke-on-Trent and Chester) fortunate enough to play host to professional road racing courtesy of the tour series. Crudely it’s a series of closed circuit criterium racing sweeping around the historic market town. Roads were closed throughout the day to encourage what might be termed a carnival atmosphere and upon my arrival late afternoon; it was obvious riders of all ages were taking advantage of the closed streets.

The town generally bristled with activity thanks to the market stalls hosted by national radio, television and of course cycling and other small retailers. From six onwards, the pros began to parade the circuits together, some playing to the gallery, most laughing and joking amongst themselves before the serious business of racing.

Seven and the streets swelled with anticipation as the motorcycle camera crew signalled the brightly coloured sea of riders, the Rapha Condor team particularly distinctive by their black livery. As the bunch remained largely tight and my camera shutter whirred and clicked away, I couldn’t help drifting back to Paul Kimmage’s “Rough Ride”-an expose’ of late 1980s professional cycling stooped in politics and a cynical doping culture.

I longed for the display unfolding before me to be one of genuine competition and a far cry from the days when prize monies and rider positioning were decided before the first pedal stroke.

Why do fools fall in love....?

Well, that was the song playing in my head as Justin reflected upon the crown race that wouldn’t fit snugly. Older bikes, no matter how well loved can present unexpected challenges and it seemed as if the Teenage Dream’s fork crown had been subject to some minor distortion over the years. This left three possible solutions (a) build up the affected area with molten brass (b) Replace the fork (c) try the other headset I brought along as a contingency.

Much as 531c is nice, benchmark tubing, replacing the fork with a budget carbon offering makes greater economic sense in the longer run. Mercifully fate came to my rescue and the arguably nicer alloy headset slotted straight in without recourse to cutting steerers, Justin executing installation with his usual precision. Perfectionism and meticulous attention to detail are essential qualities in a bespoke builder. Headset assembled, Justin turned his attention to the seat-tube. The late 1980s and early 90s saw many manufacturers engaged in ruthless price wars, frequently offering complete bikes with high end framesets for little more than the groupset's asking price. I recall seeing 531C framesets festooned with XT parts for £400- badly reamed seat tubes came as standard and deluxe versions enjoyed major frame failure.

Casting a critical eye, he noted some distortion of the collar-not uncommon on steel frames and easily remedied. We explored the possibilities of opening it up by a further point two of a millimetre, thus allowing a much greater choice of post- the collar was certainly substantial enough but closer inspection of the internal walls left Justin uncomfortable pursuing this. Banishing temptation, five minutes judicious reaming removed the offending burr and with post in place, drawing the seatbolt tight, the collar resumed its round profile. The post remains a closer than ideal fit but safeguards against dirt and ingress thrown up by the rear wheel entering the seat-tube.Back home, it was a question of rounding up the other components and assembly. I began with the transmission, fitting a new chain and tweaking the front mech cage slightly. Other than some cable stretch, the rear breezed effortlessly up and down the six- speed block. Closer inspection confirmed my fears of warped chainrings-something I attribute to Dural’s soft characteristics rather than my mechanically sensitive riding style. A quick wander round the web uncovered a new old stock Campag Xenon for less than the price of two-replacement rings- sold to the man with the green frame Regular readers of my column will note I am notorious for changing the script and sees me revert to the original Cinelli cockpit. These feel closer to 44 than their actual 42cm width suggests and have quite a pronounced drop better suited to long steady summer miles. This also saves a perfectly good set of contact points and brake levers from languishing in the spares drawer. Some would argue Spinaci clip ons serve only as mounting points for lights and other accessories but they’re less obtrusive than full tri bars and add negligible weight. From here it was simply a question of fitting control cables and fresh bar wrap. The outers are a little on the long side but quick trims and tweaks are timed to coincide with the new crankset's arrival.

Next Week: Flight of The Phoenix

The Pool's in But the Patio Aint Dry...

Mercifully, Monday brought the eagerly awaited fitting tool allowing the installation of the venerable UN53 copy with much grease and minimal fuss. However, this state of euphoria was short lived upon discovering the disintegration of the plastic cable guides-hardly a crisis but means waiting a few days for the postman to call with a replacementSliding the Stronglight cranks aboard the traditional square tapers had my senses screaming with alarm- the inner ring was apparently warped! Removal and inspection of their integrity atop a flat surface revealed this to be little more than a trick of the light. However, I took the opportunity to re-grease and thoroughly tighten the fasteners.

Justin (Burls) remains indisposed at the moment so, with much of the drivetrain aboard the frame and other components coming together, progress is restricted to installing a new plastic guide and wiring up the derailleurs. The finishing touches such as bars, stem and braking will have to remain on ice until such time as Justin can work his magic.
This resurrection of a treasured machine has forced me to reconsider the Holdsworth’s role in my fleet. Make no mistake, he’s here to stay but rather than becoming a pure TT mount, I’m returning to the basics of the Road Path principle-bikes that are simple to maintain, a blast, yet not “too nice to ride”. In short, pared to the essentials during the brighter months, winter will see it sport Maplewood fenders and 28mm tyres for practical, low maintenance fun.