New Year’s Revolutions

The festive season is very much business as usual for me. I simply ease off and work in strategic blocks, rather than assume standby. This method alleviates burn out on the one hand, yet ensures creative juices flow seamlessly into January.

Christmas was spent in the midlands, a region gripped by a sudden easterly front, bringing freezing overnight temperatures. The significance being I was attending Coventry Road Club’s annual Boxing Day Cyclo Cross meet on Kenilworth common.

Bitten by some mild, energy sapping seasonal bug, I managed ninety minutes behind the lens before arctic blasts and loathsome lurgi persuaded me back to base via the city’s infamous ring road. Short, localised snow flurries followed that evening but disruption was minimal.

Said weather front tailed me south the following night, prompting fitment of those spiked Schwalbe winter tyres to the Univega’s hoops. Prudent since the mercury staggered towards zero and most local lanes were sheet ice. Nonetheless, we cantered along at 17-20mph while drivers of automatic SUVs and smaller cars struggled with traction.

Two hardy but courteous riders on pared- to- the- essentials road bikes warned of dicey bends looming ahead. Naturally, I eased off, not wanting to tempt fate, though the gravelly patter inspired confidence. Took the same route next morning and loved every minute.

Minor limitations aside, that Tenn kit performed particularly well in these contexts, which is remarkable given their modest asking price. Keep your eyes peeled for a full report on “Sevendaycyclist” www.sevendaycyclist.co.uk .

I haven’t upgraded the tubby one’s headset yet, primarily because £17 worth of dedicated crown removal tool has; you guessed it, failed to materialise in the postal malaise. Temptation was to improvise using an engineer’s mallet and flat bladed screwdriver but I’ll hold fire for now.

Along with snow and a family bereavement on Boxing Day, came the news that City link had gone into receivership. The logistics industry has been fiercely competitive for some time and the role of multi drop driver set to become extinct courtesy of technological change.

However, while there is no room for sentiment in business (meeting deadlines and targets are imperative for survival); even those with scant empathy can appreciate the dismay and resentment expressed by employees and sub-contractors. Some of whom have reportedly not been paid, or expect to receive remuneration for the past six weeks’ service.

Pragmatically, the world is tough and people adapt-as several “upmarket” tabloids would doubtless attest. Fine and dandy in abstract but experience suggests successfully extrapolating oneself from the wreckage without everything imploding is no mean feat.

Talking of technology, Ged Holmyard at Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative www.edinburghbicycle.com  popped their Revolution Velocity 20 function cycle computer out to me. OK, so wireless units are pretty much ten a penny these days and we’d be forgiven for thinking contemporary examples do everything bar triggering the kettle five minutes from home/work.

However, minor overlap aside, temperature recorder, thermometer, calorie count and fat burned indicator are talking points. Well, they caught my attention-time will reveal whether they’re genuinely useful, or gimmick. There’s nothing convoluted about calibration and formative fettling suggests it’s among the most intuitive I’ve used to date.  

Right; now to thrash out some frame angles while these brushes marinate in my makeshift parts washer…

Logistical Redemption & Festive Threesomes

Hmm, perhaps someone in the logistics industry was reading my last post-those Tenn gloves and overshoes have just arrived-along with this Stronglight Aheadset.

Made from neatly machined 7075 aluminium, it boasts annular (as distinct from ball, or needle roller) bearings. Arguably, the latter are equally suited to touring, tandem, trike and similarly high stress applications thanks to broad surface areas.

Will be interesting to see what (if any) difference these make, especially at the lower race. I have previously employed the French marques’ justly popular and similarly priced threaded A9 model with more traditional touring builds.

Trouble free for many thousands of miles; I’m hoping this unit will follow in its footsteps. Lip seals promise similar defence against moisture/ingress but other factors; including correctly reamed and faced head tubes, sympathetic installation using stiff greases is equally significant.  Fitting’s earmarked for that quietly industrious, contemplative corridor between Christmas and New Year.

According to folklore, things run in threes. Freehub was first, headset second and this week, its otherwise dependable Dia Compe rear stoppers got the sulks and couldn’t be cajoled back to civility.

Regular readers will recall my predisposition toward front braking, reasoning that 80% of our weight moves forward. However, legalities aside; I’m firmly of the mindset that if something’s fitted, it must be functional and preferably finely honed.

Often a judicious blast of PTFE based spray while repeatedly pumping the lever cures matters. No joy…Closer inspection confirmed the frame’s pivot points were clean and completely free of corrosion. In fact, they still sported a protective layer of ceramic grease, comparably spotless springs too. Yet the left wouldn’t return for love, money or kind words… 

While having a thorough clean, sweep and tidy of the garage (as stipulated by one’s maternal figurehead during her most recent weapon’s inspection), I happened upon these wide arm units that once adorned the Ilpompino’s seat stay bosses.

Mechanical efficiency is greatly superior to low profile designs, although more extreme versions can present compatibility issues on smaller frames, especially when large panniers and generous feet enter the equation.  

Fresh cable, a lick of lube and ten minutes light fettling later they were pride of place. Reliable service resumed with discernibly superior modulation and feel-huzzah!

Talking of braking, I’ve always been a fan of the much maligned U brake. Sure, its low slung location had dire consequences for mountain bikers venturing beyond arid, dusty trails but I was impressed with their power and believed it had much wider horizons.

Decathlon would appear of similar opinion judging by their Alur 700. An unusual move since discs have stolen the show on road biased builds these past few seasons. However, this configuration was chosen to improve clearances, thus entertaining 28mm tyre sections, which can deliver a more compliant, sure-footed passage over wet, greasy winter roads. 

Suspect said stopper will require more frequent cleaning/inspection given its likely to be blasted with that slimy, sludgy and sometimes salty cocktail, mind.

Right, well my extra powerful 1700watt vacuum cleaner has just this minute expired-the fourth thing in a row (!) Best pack bags, head off to the midlands, watch some grass roots ‘cross racing and spend Christmas with very special people.

Getting The Message But Not The Parcels...

Tuesday 2^nd saw me meeting the CEO of a small scale bike brand outside Bermondsey tube station. Never one to waste a few minutes, armed with trusty workhorse Sony Alpha SLR, I snapped these working fixers/single speeds shackled obediently to nearby stands.

Moments later my host arrived and whisked me off to a classically authentic and highly hospitable Italian café’ restaurant several streets away. Six hours hence, our meeting drew to a mutually favourable conclusion and I re-joined the sea of equally purposeful commuters, weaving through platforms and cramming themselves sardine fashion into a slowing procession of tube carriages.

Dark by 1500hrs, tis the season for day glow overshoes and potent dynamos. Those genuinely unique and capable Shower’s Pass covers fit in a flash and are one of the few readily compatible with broader street-styled shoes (although you’ll need to cut their sole to accommodate recessed cleats).

While belting along the back roads aboard the Univega, its rear wheel began an ominous “self-destruct” symphony some ten miles from home, announcing its oft maligned M475 freehub needed emergency strip and rebuild surgery.

Aside from regular cassette replacements, sporadic skewer greasing and generic polishing; mine has been fending for itself these past 5,000miles. New bearings, Teflon based grease and freehub body hence; we’re sorted for another year or so.

Despite my best efforts, one of the front hoop’s stainless spokes has succumbed badly to the salt monster’s slimy, caustic tongue, thus necessitates replacement sometime in the New Year-before it “twangs” unexpectedly.

I fully intend to upgrade the tubby tourer’s cheap but relatively cheerful Aheadset in favour of something better sealed and with higher quality cartridge/needle roller bearings.

These distribute loads much better than standard balls, thus wear slower and run buttery smooth. Sadly, Woodman’s Saturn (Fitted to Holdsworth and Teenage Dream) is no longer in production. A Tange needle roller and Stronglight annular unit, both giving change from £25 have caught my eye.

Decathlon opened its latest store in Harlow last week and I was lucky enough to get a press invite. More famous for its cycle museum and college of Journalism, I hadn’t been to the town for over twenty years, although the retail park was easily found.

Smaller than some, there was still plenty to see. I am particularly taken with their (in house) Btwin clothing range-especially their mid/upper end 500 and 700 series. Hopefully, I’ll have some samples and their junior series for testing early in 2015.

Christmas is one of the busiest periods for logistics companies with ever greater demands being met by a reserve army of seasonal labour. However, two, maybe three consignments of relatively valuable test kit have mysteriously “vanished” in the past six weeks.

One carrier had the cheek to record these as delivered (and signed for!) suggesting they’re helping themselves and/or running a lucrative side line-might  have a gander on the auction sites later..

Having served as a seasonal dobbin at various points, I have witnessed boxes containing flat screen plasma TVs, lightweight bicycle frames and other fragile items launched shot-putter fashion across warehouses and slammed into wire mesh cages.

A wonder we receive anything, let alone in serviceable condition. Interestingly and in keeping with other un/semi-skilled production/assembly line contexts, you’ll meet the nicest and nastiest ends of humanity.

I’ve noticed close parallels with the sentiments expressed by men working the line at Ford’s Halewood plant in Huw Beynon’s 1970s study “Working for Ford”.  “They’re all working here but they’re just really hanging around, waiting for something to turn up…” Hmm, haven’t seen a set of Tenn Gloves, Overshoes too by any chance folks?

Never mind, issue 2 of Seven Day Cyclist has just hit the digital stands http://www.pocketmags.com/viewmagazine.aspx?catid=1038&category=Sport&subcatid=234&subcategory=Cycling&title=Seven+Day+Cyclist&titleid=2582&issueid=92567#close

.

Master Blaster

Peter Gabriel’s gig at Birmingham’s LG arena proved a very pleasant surprise and confirmed him, not only as an extremely competent musician with something to say but one whose work has continuously evolved. Now bald and sporting a neatly groomed goatee, he took the audience seamlessly through different creative phases, including an experimental one.

This eschewed a very industrial, yet rhythmic beat reminiscent of car body plants before he performed the familiar, album tracks. Musicians, rather like actors can become typecast, or at least frozen within time. Roddy Byers once remarked that people default to his membership of the Specials; rather than discussing his current projects.

I can see how this happens among fans, for who the music is inextricably linked with/nostalgic yearning for certain periods in their past. Indeed, there’s plenty of money in well packaged nostalgia but infuriating for an artist talking to journalists about their new project/direction.    

Mercifully, my mile-munching Ka sailed through its MOT last week; save for a headlamp bulb and nearside rear tyre that was cruising close to the legal limit. 128,200 miles strong and electro-mechanically simple, there will come a point when even the mighty Mk1 will be beyond economic repair.

Attentions have turned to something even simpler-a Lomax 223 or 224. Technically kit cars, these are 3 and 4 wheel models, reminiscent of Morgan based around Citroen’s super simple twin cylinder 602cc 2CV/Dyane engine and running gear. However, something an enthusiasts’ car, these are likely to be well maintained and given an age-related (rather than the slightly dubious Q) plate.  

Chances are, I’ll look into uprating the headlamps’ prowess too. Talking of which, I’ve acquired this 1800lumen Cree unit for my winter/trainer, which will hopefully feed from one of several well maintained li-on cells and cast a better quality arc of light than its existing 1,000lumen model.

Helmet lamps have traditionally been the preserve of mountain bikers but some are now boasting several, asphalt sensible settings. 2000lumens might be brilliant for scorching full-pelt along unlit trails, though this sort of ferocity isn’t particularly good PR on public roads. I’ve been lucky enough to sample Lupine’s 700 lumen Neo2. 

Made with stereotypical Teutonic precision, its matchbox sized lithium polymer cell can either cadge a lift in jersey pockets, or atop the lid, theoretically distributing the weight uniformly. Frankly; this works in practice-with most genres of helmets too. 700 lumens are a little underpowered for serious singletrack but more than adequate for identifying potholes and similar hazards at a decent lick along unlit lanes.

This and the 400 setting proved very effective when emerging from concealed entrances and junctions, capturing driver attention long enough for swift, dignified and moreover safe getaways without dazzling others. Low 240/140 modes are best for sub/urban duties and sip reserves and there’s also reading and SOS settings for pitching tents, reading maps and of course, sorting mechanicals.

Aside from the fact complying with UK traffic regulations dictates running bike mounted lighting too, it’s primarily a flood beam, so you’ll need something with a spot for picking out detail.  I may acquire something from the Far East, possibly of greater output-purely for comparative purposes but £129 remains decidedly favourable when all performance criteria’s considered.

Right, I’m off to see a man about his new bike range and play with some overshoes. 

Stuck for stocking fillers? How’s about a subscription to Seven Day Cyclist:

http://www.pocketmags.com/viewmagazine.aspx?titleid=2582&title=Seven+Day+Cyclist

  

The F Word: Frame Building Fact and Forum Folklore

Highly skilled metal working, though frame building in particular has always fascinated me. Most cyclists will share an interest in bespoke products at some level and once upon a time, towns and cities could take their pick of craftspeople.

Sadly, these days every online community has its resident “experts” some of whom couldn’t manage joined up writing, let alone differentiate lap weld from lap dance.

One commentator recently asserted Reynolds 531 is a low grade Cro-moly. Arguably superseded in sporting terms by 725, 921 et al, it still offers excellent ride characteristics and suits a wealth of applications from Audax to heavily laden touring.

Indeed, many framesets are truly a ’la carte-blended from different tube sets to deliver just the right characteristics. There are no short cuts. Any fool can blast metal together with heat understanding their relationship and translating this into competently engineered, fit-for-purpose structure requires considerable time and practice.

Contrary to popular forum folklore, the main reason for 531’s obsolescence boils down to manufacturing techniques, technology and consumer expectation. Giant’s ground breaking TCR semi/compact geometry concept divided opinion but meant production bikes fitted much better, especially those of us with a more feminine dimensions i.e. proportionally longer legs and shorter torsos.

Hence, fillet brazing became standard practice amongst custom builders, while mass production has favoured TIG for the past twenty five years. Since 531 cannot withstand fusion welding, the mixture was tweaked and 525/520 conceived.

These “lowlier” tubesets along with in-house blends of 4130 still enjoy a responsive, engaging ride quality but at a very affordable price-arguably perfect for starter race mounts, or indeed winter/training.         

“Ghost building”; batch producing framesets to shop specifications and under their name has been a popular staple for many sole traders. However, even this has been dwindling recently. Increasingly custom builders are designing and fitting frames here before commissioning fabrication to Taiwan.

Material choice is also far greater than ever before. Steel has seen meteoric revival, having fallen from favour during the 1990s but now competes alongside various grades of aluminium, carbon/composites and of course, titanium. These also require a very different skillset, not to mention tooling.

Therefore remaining competitive alongside volume producers, especially those in the Far East is almost prohibitive without outsourcing somewhere along the line.

Fifteen years back, having completed another professional qualification and feeling distinctly disillusioned within day jobs; I decided it was time to seek professional training in welding practice. Armed with some elementary, plain gauge 4130 tubing, I spent many hours under the close scrutiny of a giant scots’ toolmaker called George and Terry; a chirpy, straight talking coachbuilder.

Ultimately, while said Cro-moly boasted livelier characteristics, high-tensile steels such as Peugeot cycles’ HLE or electricians’ conjugate were of comparable weight, cost pennies and proved much easier to fusion weld.

Undesirable for frames perhaps but I was seeking to build a series of low-slung, single wheeled touring trailers with a view to small scale production. Prices cannot be levied upon creativity and skills development but attempting this as a commercial venture would be a fools’ mission given the prices of superior, mass produced imports.  

Spleen vented and KA’s fresh MOT certificate within my sweaty little palm, I’m headed up to see Peter Gabrielle at Birmingham’s LG arena…

Nirvana?

November arrived and once again, I spirited myself off to the midlands. I’ve always been wary of gentrification since intentionally, or otherwise, it can equate to socio-economic cleansing, changing communities forever.

Coventry has experienced decline harder than most-evident in children’s faces. Once hub of the transport industry and home to many household names, you can almost hear the Special’s seminal “Ghost town” playing a soft accompaniment as you pass the former car plants, derelict pubs and empty shops. Far from being disparaging, I am very fond of the city and its rich, colourful history.

On this occasion, we found ourselves in Fargo village, a creative space hosting galleries, studios and independent retailers. Parallels with London’s Spitalfields’ and Brick Lane districts are perhaps inevitable but it’s not trying to emulate my once beloved East-End and I found plenty of photographic inspiration.

Winter is literally around the next bend, although temperatures have been decidedly mild until now. Traditionally harsh, it remains richly rewarding so long as rider and machine(s) are appropriately dressed. 

Clothing needs to keep us dry, yet temperate and while reliability presides, bikes must be suitably inspiring to entice us outside. Indeed some pundits are prophesising harsh weather front originating in Russia will hit the UK around New Year, causing temperatures to plummet to record lows. Looks like spiked tyres will make reappear on the Univega afterall!    

http://www.pocketmags.com/viewmagazine.aspx?titleid=2582&title=Seven+Day+Cyclist

On a brighter note, we’re delighted to announce the arrival of “Seven Day Cyclist”-a new consumer focused magazine with a slightly different perspective. The first issue is available on pocketmags for less than your typical Latte’ and features a thorough road test of this Foffa Urban, these Axiom racks and a fair bit of grass roots touring too. 

Good Housekeeping

Prevention is always better than cure, although the latter sometimes serves as timely reminder. After several rides in Monsoon conditions, a tell-tale gritty rasping when braking confirmed the Ilpompino needed more than superficial cat lick.

Consistently mild temperatures has seen my home brewed corrosion preserve continue to ooze from the bottom bracket shell, resulting in a sticky mess adorning the System EX cranksets’ inner spider and ring.

Staying on this subject a mo, I’m increasing impressed with Pro Gold Steel Frame protector, which seemingly leaches into the host metal in a similar fashion to J.P. WEIGLE’s legendary “framesaver”.These properties theoretically offer the most comprehensive protection, especially to painfully thin steels such as 531c. 

Using different blends of lubricant leads me to suggest while phenomenally corrosin resistant the KMC X1’s slippery stainless steel construction actively encourages migration from its inner rollers to outer plates and hub cones, thus compounding said gooey syndrome. This song remains consistent across the board, whether fortified with PTFE, two-part synthetic or various weights derived from vegetable stock.

Many standard bike washes are too insipid and their concentrates too harsh for tackling this sort of accumulated filth, especially on carbon/composites and similarly delicate finishes. 

Given this backdrop, I was surprised at just how effective Fenwick’s FS1 is.Regular readers will be aware that traditional types can prove quite hostile to humanoid operative and recipients alike.  However, while understandably tight lipped about precise chemistry, Fenwick’s tell me their biodegradable, solvent free blend is so mild, some mechanics use it as hand cleanser.

Just the same and without being unduly alarmist, I’m inclined to don latex examination gloves or at least minimise contact with anything of this ilk, given the experiences of friends and forbearers within manufacturing.

With this in mind, I decanted 50% concentrate into a little pump spray receptacle, diluting it with fresh water, sourced from my rain butt. Prince Buster was right; if you have your brush you can avoid the rush. Several blasts and three minutes standing time hence, tyre and rim sidewalls were truly ship-shape.       


Ever since the storms of October 1987, UK forecasters have been presenting the worse- case scenarios. Some suggested the tail end of Hurricane Gonzalo would herald early snow. It’s certainly been blowy and I’ve been grateful for the Univega’s dependable handling and moderate to low gear ratios, though I’ll postpone fitment of Schwalbe Winter tyres for a while yet. Handlebars and other contact points/accessories have been sprouting a fresh batch of blinkies.

There’s more than passing similarities between this Lucas, One 23 Atom and RSP Spectre enticing suggestion that these are the same unit but with different badges. Indeed, give or take a minute or two, they charge in the same timescales, produce 40 surprisingly potent lumens apiece and all integrate lens and switch for “sausage-finger” convenience.

Arguably a modern take on the bobby-dodger, there’s a steady trickle of “bridge” models filling the gap between these and traditional commuter lamps surprisingly well, reclaiming a whole heap of handlebar into the bargain.     

Boasting 300lumens each, Knog Blinder Road 3 and One23 have saved my bacon on several occasions-when I’ve been gassing with friends on summer evenings, or uncharacteristically nonchalant when charging big guns. However, running them at top whack quickly exhausts their lithium polymer cells-hardly ideal for use as primary lighting for commuting or training.


Not that it has stopped some sycophantic sorts rehashing press releases to the point where they’d have us believe this genre are genuinely powerful enough for warp-speed trail duties!  On that note, Muc-Off has sent me this X-3 dirty chain machine to play with, so I’m going on a virtuous purge of the fleet, introducing some super stubborn prep before November’s knock becomes louder.