Bother, Bother, Bother That Brake!

"Father did not riot, he loaded his pannier full with DSLR, lenses, spare batteries, hopped on the Univega and went in search of politicians in compromising positions. After a particularly long and arduous descent, the V brakes rebelled and he replaced them with cantilevers".

This is a shameless and deliberate play on Norman Tebbit's infamous speech made in response to civil unrest instigated by harsh socio-economic conditions in the early 1980s. Quotes frequently morph or are bastardised with time and a publication's political colours but Tebbit is widely believed to have said " I grew up in the 30's with an unemployed father. He didn't riot, he got on his bike and looked for work and he kept looking 'till he found it". Before embarking on our tale of woe, I've caught some very candid shots of local government figures partaking in midday massages and moonlight meanderings. Several meadows close to Dorking town centre reputedly bore witness to the latter but this could've been small talk and unfounded rumor amplified by poor journalism.

Few can escape the continued focus and speculation around the economy and the extensive rationing of public spending-especially here in the UK. Cycling England which served to promote cycling in all its genres and contexts has become the latest casualty. Cynically one might suggest this was predictable given cycling seemingly rates on par with welly-wanging in the public consciousness (although the British track team's recent successes certainly improved matters). However, responsibility for the coordination of related projects/developments has been returned to local authority control which isn't particularly good news, not least as the present administration seem determined to wield power centrally, thus local governments will become little more than paper tigers. Paraphrasing a line from Jaws "We're gonna need a bigger boat" to keep the momentum going at grass root and national level.

So to matters braking. Dia Compe 988 might seem a curious choice, necessitating new levers, cables and bar wrap but there's a method in my madness. First and foremost, their slender profiles improve pannier and heel clearance compared with their wider and more powerful brethren but secondly, cantilevers cope better than linear pulls in wet, muddy conditions. This is very significant seeing as Joshua loves riding but the tight, narrow roads are heavily trafficked and unsuitable for children his age-ergo much of our time is spent riding, wet muddy farm and forest tracks/trails. Such reconfigurations present the ideal opportunity for more comprehensive annual overhaul before the winter miles set in, although the 988 mounting kit was instantly upgraded and the pads will follow suit so as to bring modulation and feel on par with higher end models. That said, even as stock they're not to be sneezed at-especially for winter/cross builds.

Well-dressed riders and machines form the basis of winter survival and it's been the first week that 3/4 length knickers have been shunned in favour of tights. Hands and feet are the first extremities to suffer in the cold so with this in mind, its timely we take a quick peek at these weatherproof gloves from Altura and Protective.

Both are competitively priced, completely waterproof to the cuffs, offer good insulation from road and trail shock and feature the ubiquitous Ulnar padding. The Altura features a series of hefty gel tablets dotted around the palms whereas Protective have opted for a less pronoun ed and very compliant single cushion. There's no magic bullet when it comes to comfort-we're anatomically unique with different riding styles and so one wo/mans padding is another's pressure point. The first few hundred miles suggests the Protective provide a more sculpted anatomic fit-especially after two hours continuous riding.

Altura's mid-weight night vision technical winter jersey addresses the issue of beating winter chill without incurring increased bulk. Polyester based it's heavily impregnated with Scotchlite detailing-the sort that reflects back when graced by vehicle headlamps, street lighting etc. Three large pockets capture keys, phones, cameras, change and other assorted nick knacks and the middle will even swallow a 750ml trade bottle. Paired with a decent base layer it beats early season chill hands down and resists light showers and moisture management's pretty good-about twenty five minutes following a light shower or machine wash. Another lovely touch is the fibre optic strip that attaches to the garment courtesy of a large Velcro bed. This completes the really neat, integrated appearance and could spell the slow but steady extinction of the traditional LED tab. If only all lighting systems were this simple....

Charging the assorted nimh, li-on and Lead acid systems has proven somewhat more demanding with some losing charge before we'd reached the end of the drive and others just refusing to replenish full-stop. Seven hours-the lion's share of a working day (or night) brings this old school but likable Electron unit to life for a couple of hour's return-not the most convenient for a quick twenty mile chase around the block. No longer made and showing it's age beside this simple, compact Li-on fuelled units such as this from One23; the Electron slips into the bottle cage and alternates between settings via two handlebar mounted switches.

Fine for commuting and winter training, the beams deliver a bright but yellow hue that isn't so effective off road or tackling pitch black rural lanes...Let's take a closer look at the One23 extra bright. This unit is the perfect illustration of why watts are a very outmoded and slightly misleading measure of power/output. The super bright LEDs knock old fashioned ten watt lead acid systems for six, projecting a really pure white beam good enough to belt along the back roads at 20+ mph in the highest setting.

Low isn't radically better in terms of economy but more than adequate for sub/urban runs while flashing saves the day when battery life and visibility to other traffic preside over outright visual clarity. Run times are around three hours in top, four in low and six in flashing. Fully charging the lithium battery will cost a couple of hours at the mains while the helmet mount option and very modest weight opens horizons to nocturnal singletrack and forest fun when accompanied by a handlebar system.

Snap, Crackle.... My Rack Went Pop (aka Midnight at the Lost and Found)

Pride is said to signal a fall from grace. Quietly smug at my ingenuity in devising a lighting bracket from a retired under saddle bottle caddy, the Univega and I were hurtling through the lanes at warp-speed when our serene silence was rudely interrupted by a disconcerting tinkling. Believing it a rogue mudguard stay bolt we drew into the siding but to my surprise,said oh-so-clever lighting bracket had proven too much for the Topeak's LED tab, shearing it clean off! The immediate solution was to pop the light, complete with bracket into the rack pack, closing the zipper tight enough so the corpulant light remained visible.

Being a resourceful hoarder, a recent rummage through storage recovered this very fetching 4130 aircraft grade cro-moly rack complete with a rear bracket ready drilled to accommodate dynamos and lights of similar proportions. Finished in durable satin black powder coat, it boasts phenomenal rigidity and greater heel clearance with bulky expedition panniers. Fitting was surprisingly straightforward, although the stainless steel arms required cutting to size and some longer hex bolts. Twenty minutes, a quick furniture polish blow-over and we were ready for a twelve mile back-roads tester. In short it's transformed the handling under load and adds extra refinement to the build as does the return of these SPD.

Recent muddy green laning has seemingly taken its toll upon the otherwise charming Ritchey copies (manifest in an infuriating squeak suggesting the goo has got to the bearings) so, they've been swapped for the arguably superior 2003 Shimano. The front Dia Tech linear pulls came out in sympathy too-just a question of stripping, cleaning and purging the hidden witches brew of congealed grease, gunge and grime. Last but not least in my catalogue of resourcefulness comes an unexpected replacement for my beloved four dollar Timex. Hunting through a bedside drawer for a replacement CR2032 computer battery, I stumbled across this Chinese made Heart RateMonitor.

A blank display confirmed suspicions of battery demise but carefully opening the back plate and inserting a replacement cell brought the display surging into life. Ensuring this surgery hadn't dislodged the tiny but significant weather seal, I refitted the casing and whizzed the tiny screws fully home. A new watch cum training tool for the princely sum of £3!

Never sans camera, I happened upon two very different, yet equally compelling machines while going about my business. This Cannondale was found loitering, fully dressed in a town centre alleyway secured only by the flimsiest of cable locks. Reasoning the owner had been dancing to the full bladder shuffle and popped into the toilet opposite, I took a few shots before dropping by the bank. To my astonishment it was still there, unmolested with the full complement of "steal me" accessories when I returned some thirty minutes later. Another machine that caught my gaze is this Bianchi conversion. While familiar with the brands' crossers, we don't see to many here on UK roads and I thought the eclectic mix of Celeste, black and baby pink showed remarkable reciprocity. Racing days seemingly over, parred to the essentials it remains a very attractive and practical working bike. Front and rear cantilevers might seem overkill but the Mole Valley is an area of extreme natural beauty, long climbs and breathtaking descents so a rear set is quite welcome-especially in the event of sloppy shoe cleats... Joshua has taken delivery of his new Cro-moly single-speed. Neatly finished and with basic but serviceable components, it tips the scales at a moderate and ultimately manageable twelve kilos. Being a semi compact geometry frameset, it leaves him less stretched while providing all important stand over height. Single-speeds with rigid forks offer rugged simplicity-perfect for younger children while alloy wheels and cheap but cheerful linear pull brakes keep things lively and dependable. Feedback suggests the saddle and post are due an upgrade but replacements are plentiful-especially in the 25.4 diameter. Maybe we'll have some photos next time..

With lighting up times getting progressively earlier, this season's LEDs have become so good to the point where there's precious little to choose between them-great news from a consumer's perspective, albeit a little bewildering. Those with a robust sense of cynicism would argue this is down to widespread badge engineering, models emerging from the same factories with the same internals but different packaging and pricing accordingly.

These RSP flexlights are amongst my favourites, light, simple, weatherproof and very bright relative to their size. Weighing a mere 20g, they're just the ticket for those one coffee, one tall story too many at the post-ride cafe' stop. Output is good to around three hundred and fifty metres, burn times (at least in flashing mode) are impressive, returning ninety hours from a single CR2032 and they work perfectly when fully submerged.

Surly Seven Year Olds & The Sheared Seat Bolt Blues

He bid me come out, how could I say no? He said meet me at eight, round at my place, you know...Since my last entry, Joshua goes from strength to strength, racing round tarmac and trail at every opportunity. There's the usual thrills and the inevitable spills but he takes it all in his stride. However, we were preparing for winter, poring Waxoyl into the seat tubes while seizing the opportunity to test this fantastic wrench when he threw an uncharacteristic diva fit, refusing to help in any capacity!

Refitting the Univega's seatpost I set about tightening the binder bolt while asserting some parental authority. Distraction resulted in over tightening the clamp, shearing the bolt in the process. Sensing contained displeasure, my little protege' headed indoors while I searched in vain for a replacement. Every cloud they say has a silver lining, the good folk at Ison charging to the rescue with this arguably nicer Salsa lip-lock which comes in a variety of diameters and several pretty anodised colours.

So to Friedrichshafen in Southern Germany, home to Eurobike, the continents largest and arguably most important trade show. With over 1,000 exhibitors from across the globe, there was literally something for everyone and allowing for periodic bouts of show-blindness, I didn't come close to sampling everything in five, ten hour days. Focusing on the fixed scene, wandering through the halls lead me undecided as to the future of the genre. Literally everyone had one in their range and while some fired my imagination, many seemed content to cynically roll out track wannabes made from non-descript steel and alloy tube sets.

That said, its not all gloom. Sturmey Archer's three speed fixed hub seemed enticing enough and cropped up sporadically on complete builds. Cooper bikes, a new British marque proudly hung this configuration aboard a neatly welded 525 frameset. Sat beside it was a fully chrome minimalist sibling fashioned from Reynolds' thicker gauge 520 tubing, complete with Major Taylor drops and Brooks leather bar wrap. Leather remains a popular trend too-saddles, bags, toe straps, grips and tape were commonplace. Chrome has been riding the crest of a retro wave-fork crowns, blades , ornate lugwork and chainstays were literally dripping in the shiny plating. Aluminium mudguards (fenders) house branded tubing and components have made a comeback whereas wood had, with notable exception literally vanished.

Children's bikes fired my imagination for obvious reasons. Most followed the European tradition of fully equipped town n' trail mounts with full mudguards, carriers and integral lights. By the same token, the road bike revival is fast challenging the mountain bike's dominance. Several manufacturers including Atala and Schwinn have introduced junior machines to their range. A far cry from the ubiquitous gas-pipe, junk component "ten speeds" from the late 70s/early 80s, these sport neatly welded aluminium framesets, serviceable entry level components and price tags that won't require remortgaging.

Neons, fresh from 1989 are steadily creeping back into the mainstream consciousness with Charge, GT and others leading the battle cry. Then we had anodising, oh yes those skewers, binder bolts, brake hangers shunned in spares drawers since 1997 will net you a small fortune on eBay judging by their popularity this year. Stands were awash with mouth-wateringly beautiful high end hubs, headsets, pedals, seatposts, stems and fasteners in a whole spectrum of colours. Frankly, I couldn't get enough of the Far East, 853 framesets with floral livery mingled with titanium,carbon fibre (even the odd bamboo/carbon hybrid) or the halls glittering with thousands of lights from little blinkeys to retina roasting Li-on. Photography wasn't particularly welcomed-presumably on the grounds that copyright/patents were a little sketchy and just as factories churn out neatly fabricated framesets by the container load, doubtless many were producing lights under licence for several household names.

Commuter friendly USB charging types are another really exciting trend with pretty much everyone jumping on the bandwagon. Nite Rider have embraced this technology and applied it to the high power 150/250 lumen Minewt. This year sees rechargeable li-on battery hosted within the lamp's body, meaning it slips effortlessly from the redesigned tool free handlebar mount into the messenger bag or jersey pocket when locking in the street. Docking at the USB for five hours rewards with between to and a half and seven hours burn time depending upon chosen mode.

At the other end of the spectrum we've the Lightning bug and stinger set. Don't be fooled by their sweet, cutesy six colour bug caricature, the lightning bug 3.0 with its pronounced triple bulb design is just sufficient to see by in a sub/urban context. Powered by two CR2032 watch type cells. faithful to quoted, ours have returned between forty and one hundred hours-perfect snuggled up beside the winter bike's dynamo or high power mainstay system.

Back in the UK, upon hearing of the Holdsworth's recent structural woes, Trevor at Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating has very generously offered to strip and refinish the frameset gratis once Paul Vincent's worked his magic.

Now, you'll excuse me, I'm off to play with this bunch of super bright blinkys.

Bragging n' trying not to lie Part II

After a slow start Joshua has mushroomed in confidence, taking to his solo like the proverbial duck to water. The turning point came during a bitter, frustrated diatribe a week or so back, protesting he couldn't ride (unaware he was coasting along on his own steam!).

Formative wobbles long forgotten, fluidity flows fertile along the lanes and with it the elevation of his confidence when negotiating speed humps and similar obstacles. Grass and green lane have given rise to scenes lifted straight from the keystone cops but his tenacity on wet tarmac is heartening. Manoeuvres and a general sense of road awareness show surprising maturity too, while stopping is generally a controlled, graceful affair.Despite early reservations, the bud brake (linked system) modulator has certainly helped, along with dialing the levers a little closer. A rummage through the spares bin has unearthed some unwanted components which will be passed on and the proceeds ploughed into a new DSLR camera body.

Well folks, you'll have to excuse us-he's just applied his chosen sticker set either side of the top tube and I'm flying to Southern Germany, the home of Euro bike, gap-filler sausage and the dubious delights of techno.

Red Light District

This latest clutch of LEDs signals autumn and winter’s steady advance; the lighting market being one of the fiercest fought battlegrounds, which is great news for the likes of you and I. The trend is toward high output commuter models that hop aboard the computer’s USB port for a few hour’s charge-perfect for desk jockeys but inappropriate for touring and mile munching Audax where dynamos and double A batteries rule the roost. Light & Motion’s Vis 180 is one such beast, shrouding the rider (and companion) in a cloak of retina reddening thirty-five lumens and one hundred and eighty degrees visibility. At the other end of the spectrum, RSP’s Tourlite has made an equally favourable impression. Tipping the scales at 120g it mounts to rear carriers-at the time of comment, they’re still refining the bracket so I attached ours to my common or garden 6061 Topeak courtesy of a Bor Yeuh saddle rail mounted bottle cage caddy. Output is good for three quarters of a mile and we’re talking in terms of ninety hours from a set of double A in flashing mode. It’s genuinely waterproof passing my hosepipe torture test with flying colours and gives change from £20-perfect for town hacks, tourers and other packhorses. Now, sticking with the darker months and pardoning the arguably unforgivable pun, these clever reflective dots from the Lightweight’s range are a great tertiary source of illumination if day glow’s not really your bag. Available in a choice of eight colours they’re basically self-adhesive stickers impregnated with tiny 3M dots, reflecting the chosen colour when graced by vehicle and street lighting. Weighing around 20g per pack they adhere to most surfaces and will hide unsightly chips and scratches. I chose the Univega’s mudguards (fenders) as my canvas and thus far I’m impressed by their performance. There’s also versions intended for clothing and helmets claiming visibility from 500 metres… So to the Holdsworth… After several twists and turns, further consultation with Paul Vincent suggests as the shell is otherwise undamaged, running some brass into the hairline fracture and sanding it flat should prove the least invasive, most cost-effective solution. However, this will undoubtedly necessitate a re-spray so a couple of bottle mounts will complete the structural surgery before it passes through to Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating for a fresh shot of 5012. Estimated cost £95 including paint and transportation. Putting this into context, a new 531bottom bracket shell, bottle bosses and re-spray crosses the £150 threshold. Arguably economic given the prices of replica framesets but considerably more hassle. Assuming said surgery cuts mustard in the long term, I’ll have the vinyl lettering made and maybe a set for the Teenage dream too…

Monies saved will be ploughed into my other projects-specifically recognised qualifications in massage therapies-something I’ve been eager to acquire for a couple of years. Two local colleges of further and higher education run the required courses but enrolment will hinge on the economics of supply and demand.
"Get on your bike and look for work" was the famous mantra chorused by right of centre politicians some thirty years ago in response to the last bout of chronic social and economic tensions. However, Suffolk constabulary have taken this literally, in a scheme bound to induce rage in anyone unfortunate enough to have his or her bike(s) stolen. Any stolen- recovered bikes within the county are to be distributed amongst ex offenders in order they can “look for work”. So taken to its logical conclusion Terry and Theresa tea leaf can steal your machine, sell it on and potentially get it back, profiting two fold from the rightful owner’s misery! Suggesting hard-core or persistent offenders can “go straight” in this context is laughable and shows a marked ignorance of the penal system’s inherent failures. First and foremost this can only encourage more prolific episodes of theft…

Secondly, the prison system creates a revolving door for many (predominantly young men) whom in due course learn to be more efficient and dangerous criminals. Upon leaving prison there resumes the cycle of criminality-a lack of education, life opportunity and cohesive social network means they only know other ex/offenders. Couple this with addiction and related compulsions, it becomes prohibitively difficult to reintegrate within civil society Ending on a sweeter note we have Finish Line’s one step clean and lube spray-the cycling equivalent of two in one shampoo and conditioner. Simply spray on a filthy chain (and/or cassette for those who admitting to owning machines with variable derailleur transmissions). Leave for a minute and the solvent dissolves congealed lube, grit and general contaminant.

Running the chain through a clean, lint free rag purges any remnants, leaving behind a surprisingly tenacious dry lube. It works a treat on slotted cables, step-in pedal mechanisms leaving them super slick. Results of real world testing over the past few weeks are favourable, requiring reapplication once despite heavy showers and waterlogged roads. However, winter may hum a very different tune and demand weekly top-ups. The mixture’s pretty potent in aerosol form so apply in well-ventilated areas and take the usual precautions, storing safely away from children and pets.

Bragging & Tryin’ Not To Lie

The past few weeks have seen me permanently attached to the Univega-primarily on the grounds of an all weather touring/mtb shoes group test. Realising the hazy days of summer are fast diminishing, I plucked Ninja Blue from its nylon-coated hook and took off for a fast twelve-mile blast. Ironic then that the heavens should mysteriously turn overcast and bestow intermittent warm rain of the sort that nigh on dries the moment it strikes the top-tube. Tractor racing a’la the summer of ’91 has been notable by its absence too and this needs resolving before autumn’s gentle rains and falling leaves. The dry, dusty summer months have delivered a layering of filth and grime seemingly by stealth to the Univega’s livery but mercifully a bucket of warm water, a few capfuls of wash and wax and this eco-sponge from Green oil purged the demon. Derived from the Luffa plant and imported under fair trade from the Philippines, its biodegradable composition feels closer to that of a shredded wheat cereal biscuit. Leave it in a bucket of Luke/warm water for a minute or so and it both softens and swells to more useful dimensions- it’s great on really stubborn grime and should last around a year but feels a little aggressive for more delicate frame finishes.
I keep returning to the idea of reinventing Izzie the Ilpompino for winter. Similarities with the Holdsworth end at the livery but that’s precisely as I’d intended. Mudguard and four point carrier mounts, clearance for 38mm rubber are perfect attributes for the darker months. Remaining pragmatic, such would only coincide with replacing Ninja Blue’s bottom bracket shell and introducing bottle mounts to the down tube, topped off with the fresh coat of 5012- a conversation I shall be having with Paul Vincent in the coming weeks. Talking of winter, these quirky booties from Lake might not win warm applause from the style police but are a surprisingly proficient choice for four season’s riding-especially through rain, sleet and snow. Resembling a closed toe sandal with an integrated sock, the breathable event fabric ensures a temperate inner climate. The soles strike a great balance between power transfer and walking comfort, although curiously cleat engagement isn’t as snappy as some.

The Holdsworth’s stem mounted Blackburn computer hasn’t missed a beat, regardless of my proximity to electricity pylons, phase one nuclear reactors and all manner of high and low frequency interference. These factors might explain how I achieved those heady forty-mph plus readings back in the day but a steady twenty-three fuels the senses, makes the soul sing while just steady enough to compose thoughts, features, test copy and related materials.
Consequently, the cheap but ever so cheerful echowell has found a new home aboard my mother’s partner’s smart new, versatile Ridgeback commuter scoot. There’s nothing remarkable about said machine-an aluminium frame festooned with sensible braze-ons, proven lower end Shimano and in-house components but sturdy Alex wheels and prevalence of sealed bearings mean it’s very practical. This Axiom disc rack happened to be lying idle in my wardrobe as was a canary yellow cage and single pannier. Means he and my mother can take leisurely rides through the summer evenings and in accordance with the male psyche, shout current, maximum, average speeds and of course-distance.

Explaining the significance of the nagging pacer arrow has added to the frisson of excitement and as the proverbial child at Christmas he was permitted to bring said machine through the house before embarking on a twenty minute, three-mile meander around the block. This presented the ideal opportunity to test out some trainer-type touring shoes drilled for recessed cleats. A few leisurely rides, change of pedals, introduce the cleats and he’ll be ready for a few evening rides with yours truly…. Oh how innocently it all starts-before long he’ll be brazing frames together from old tubing and cannibalising washing machines a’la Obree!
Speaking of innocence, summer holidays have seen Joshua regain his zest for riding thanks in part to this bud brake modulator. The manufacturers claim it works to the same principle as car/motorcycle ABS, preventing wheel lock-ups rims overheating and tyres blowing out on long descents etc. The jury’s out on some of these assertions but credit where due, the Jagwire cables are nice touches and moreover, muting the (irrational) fear of ejecting himself over the bars in an emergency has contributed to his improved fluidity/coordination. Confidence battles with concentration sometimes but he’s managing to ride unaided for a few minutes and there’s just a little work to be done in terms of regulating speed to avoid those rights of passage “through the hedge” moments. The two demonic PR boys presently spearheading the present UK government have demonstrated they have little concern beyond their own ideologies. The present agenda of dogmatically cutting every conceivable area of public spending will have grave consequences for every facet of the economy. Cycling superhighways and related civil engineering projects that breathed considerable life into privately owned construction firms- responsible for the promising indicators of economic recovery are fast relenting. Road tolls are a smouldering topic and this too will re-ignite tired arguments about entitlement to use the highways-afterall every one of us pays for the infastructure through direct taxation but this is likely to become lost in the politician’s rhetoric too.
This second economic downturn is starting to bite way beyond that of the reviled public sector. Friends in trades such as plumbing and heating report serious decline is business which they feel will worsen with January’s proposed VAT hike. Housing and other benefit cuts will obviously result in growing levels of homelessness and crime usually accompanies this. The spectre of bike theft is never far away and such an epidemic is likely to remain of little interest to the authorities who seem hopeful of the public taking solace in cheap liquor rather than the civil unrest of the late 70s and 80s.