Kit N' Caboodle

New Seven Day Cyclist site is now live www.sevendaycyclist.com , reflecting our global audience.

February can be one of the more challenging months in the cyclist’s calendar. As a product tester, it’s also one of the most interesting because harsh, wintery conditions separate the exceptional from the very good and good from indifferent.

Chain lubes, tyres and tubes being the most obvious machine-centric examples and from a rider’s perspective; clothing. Hands and feet are the first extremities the brain shuts down to conserve energy.  

Gloves need to be warm and ideally waterproof but without feeling clammy or overly bulky-needing to remove them when locking bikes in the street, or tending roadside mechanicals is no joke when the mercury is slipping below zero.

The transition to University and a ramshackle suburban semi bearing an uncanny resemblance to that used in “The Young Ones” cured my sensitivity to cold (I was up at 530am and out on the winter bike most days, if for no other reason than keeping warm!)

We had ice and black mould forming within the bathroom and as for a boiler, well that would’ve been condemned by anyone valuing their Corgi registration…Fast forward 23 years and six months, I approach winter with base layer, thermal tights, thermal training jersey and two layer laminate jacket, gloves and if its wet, overshoes.

Overshoes not only protect the feet from chill but expensive shoes from being ravaged by the slimy cocktail of road salt, grit, diesel oil and similar toxic sludge. There’s a school of thought that advocates running hand-me-down but serviceable framesets with P-clips, cast off components and older training kit. Run everything into the ground, rebuild with the next relegated groupset.

Makes a lot of sense on many levels, especially if you are a trade/business for who time literally is money. I tend to be fastidious by nature, although, aside from close of season servicing, there's no reason why a thorough weekly bars to tyres clean of bikes n’ kit should consume more than 45minutes from start to finish.

Products must be evaluated against their design criteria i.e. its not far to expect a lightweight summer chain prep to withstand waterlogged winter roads but by the same token, if a waxy type formula arrives at this time of year, that is exactly when it will be tested. Some super clean lubes have been a pleasant surprise.

Not as stoical as middleweight ISO/PTFE blends perhaps but this Rock n’ Roll absolute dry has churned along for 170miles between replenishment, collects nominal dirt (thus drivetrains can be run until the faint metal on metal tinkling intrudes) and without recourse to solvent baths or similar stripping. I’m not a traditionalist in any respect, especially when it comes to road bikes.

Framesets with a cyclo cross heritage/genealogy are my defaults-big clearances and more relaxed angles mean a sprightly ride with 32/35mm tyres and full length mudguards for comfort and control, whatever the weather front.

Single (or compact doubles) and widely spaced cassettes ensure there’s enough torque for pretty much everything (Surrey’s Leith and Box hills being prime examples) but without the additional weight and complication of the traditional triple.

Even with the little n’ often mantra, keeping my Univega’s  a’la carte Deore LX, STX, Microshift, Tiagra and KMC ensemble on song year round is a chore.

On the subject of rider attire, trade jerseys and or day-glow tends to dominate roadie wardrobes, although several brands including Foska has offered interesting alternatives. Some of which have been a little hit n’ miss (I’ve never fancied being a mobile hoarding for baked beans, although their long discontinued CCP hammer & sickle soviet print remains a firm favourite. Their "I pay road tax" tax disc print, designed to counter the old but enduring myth that roads are paid for by vehicle excise duty (VED). It is in fact paid by income and other forms of public taxation.

Possibly the most controversial were sported by the Columbian women’s team, which have been mistaken for full frontal shots back in 2014. We are since told the flesh type tones were down to poor lighting when the photographs were taken. Not satisfied with that, this  Xirayas de San Luis seems to be a mobile anatomy lesson. Debate rages as to whether its a fashion faux pas, PR genius or another example of casual, everyday sex/misogyny...   

At the other extreme(partly due to the reignited mainstream interest in messenger chic and cycle commuting being seen as “cool”; rather than cheapskate), a few brands both here and in the US have been introducing street styled garments with cycling cut and technical fabrics.

These ensure you’ll attract the right sort of attention when sashaying round the office, or meeting friends on a night out, yet still ride short to moderate distances with greater comfort and efficiency. Like anything else, performance depends on price, those at the lower end of the market will breathe less efficiently, whereas top end are good enough for day rides and touring.

Messenger knickers were pretty much my everyday default when riding fixer, crosser, mtbs and old school road bikes. Seven Day Cyclist will be casting a critical eye over Dani Foffa’s new urban clothing line www.foffabikes.com in the coming weeks, which promises to be very exciting. Watch this space...

Tiramisu, Tyrants & Tubes

My favourite Italian treat was rudely interrupted by talk of deficits. Having explained there was no deficit (aside from the gulf between their perceived entitlement and legally binding reality) I resumed my meal and discussions of great depth and significance. The nature of which, I am not prepared to expand upon at this point. 

Meanwhile, back on the test bench Tubeless tyre systems are gaining popularity, on account of their tuneable, puncture repelling nature. In the same way “clinchers” began rivalling tubulars (Tubs) during the late 80s and 90s, I can see these overtaking high pressure wired-on rubber once conversion kits are perfected.

Tubulars retain a niche following even now. The need for sewing and gluing induces traumatic flashbacks but aside from reduced weight at the crucial points, rims themselves were proportionately much stronger.  Rather like the common cold, preventing punctures has been around since the dawn of pneumatic tyres.

Solid tyres re-emerge every so often and though they have improved slightly since the days I whizzed round the parental driveway astride my rod braked Raleigh Elf;  its disproportionate to price and overall performance.

Assuming you haven’t obliterated rims during the mounting phase and alienated your neighbours with a seamless band of expletives; those I’ve tried deliver a harsh and unforgiving ride that ultimately shakes spokes and fillings loose with consummate ease.

For most of us, dependant upon rim sections it boils down to a choice between bog standard butyl and puncture repelling tyre casings, thorn repellent tubes or the sealant type. All have their pros and cons and to some extent, rather like the glue-less v traditional patch debate; it’s a question of rider faith.

We’re presently putting a series of each through their paces at Seven Day Cyclist (www.sevendaycyclist.co.uk) to see how they perform overall, not just in terms of puncture prevention. Are they limited to asphalt, or can the bigger sections cope with canal path and similarly challenging short cuts…

It’s not difficult to appreciate the allure of a self-healing tube, especially for commuting. When I worked behind the counter, these were a real money-spinner but are the premium pre-filled superior to their budget counterparts? Are these repairable or bin fodder in the event they succumb to a big flint or thorn.  Is it better to fill standard tubes with aftermarket sealant, or buy ready made?

In my experience, the goo-filled genre works to the same basic science. Varying quantities of liquid lay dormant until a small hole appears; internal (air) pressure forces it to the affected area whereupon said sealant (theoretically) plugs the affected area.

Some pressure loss is inevitable and topping up with a hand pump, or Co2 inflator is generally required. Sometimes the latter are required to awaken the latex if it’s been slumbering a while, so don’t leave home without them, even using the most invulnerable tyre casings.

Piercings to a millimetre in diameter are pretty much their limit-hit a series of really nasty thorns, or the proverbial nine-inch nail with your name on it and chances are, you will be mopping up a big sticky mess. Hopefully, you didn’t forget the spare, pump, tyre boot etc and your riding companions will rally round, not laugh like crazed hyenas... Now; time for a batch before I head out for another quick blast along the lanes...

Carnage & Cams

I’ll leave the first few shots to your imagination-for legal reasons I cannot reveal anymore at this juncture. Suffice to say, I’m very glad to have walked away unharmed (More than can be said for my beloved Neptune green KA) and a dash cam is now essential equipment for me.

Fearing that I might be tempted to start a sanctuary for unloved Mk1s (Seriously underrated little cars) I hired its successor and went hunting for the low mileage, late model replacement seen here. 

Rare that I have any affinity for the top gear team but after 200 miles found myself agreeing whole heartedly with their summary of the MK2 “Disappointing second-generation version of Ford’s groundbreaking 1990s city car. That model was a classic: this one is just a rehashed Fiat 500. Literally”.

Yes, the Mk2 has plenty of consumer toys, a dashboard that tells the driver they need to change into 5^th at 33mph, leaving the 1.2 Zetec struggling on the flat let alone a modest incline. Another concern is that some drivers are becoming deskilled by this sort of technology, changing up on a sweeping bend when they should’ve held back in preparation for what, or indeed who might present around the corner. Unfortunately, stupidity cannot be legislated against.

Even budget dash-cams can capture decent footage these days, reviewing the casual indifference and downright carelessness of some people on public roads, regardless of vehicle stirs some very strong emotions. Politicians are very keen on law and order rhetoric. The present British administration is talking in terms of doubling fines and endorsement for use of hand-held devices while driving. Sounds good but of little consequence unless robustly enforced.

Public sector funding cuts have stark implications for policing too. Anecdotally, I’ve seen police drive casually by a driver handset welded to their ear and engrossed in conversation! Driving along motorways at 60-65mph, I’ve found myself gaining on vehicles occupying the middle lane at 45mph, relaxed in the seats, chatting away without a care in the world. Life unfortunately is cheap.

Hmm, ah I see, it was an accident...It might be accepted that you may not have intended to kill that person(s) by ploughing into them oblivious but an accident is best defined as something that you could not reasonably expect or predict.

It is more commonly used to mitigate responsibility and therefore, punitive sanctions. Face in a hand-held device when you are operating a ton plus of steel and should be focused on conditions ahead, is not.  

Economic hardship is another popular card, played to avoid loss of a licence. Until driving is seen as a privilege and not a right, with the emphasis placed upon continuously improving standards (throughout the licence holder’s life) then this callous indifference and needless loss of life will continue.     

Then of course, we have the “punishment pass”...Ironically enough, I’d left the Geonaute behind last Wednesday afternoon. Five miles from base, I was bowling along at a smart pace on the Univega. Glancing over my shoulder, a white Citroen van with an LV60 plate was advancing, although not at unreasonable speed.

Twenty seconds later, the driver intentionally swerved into my path screaming expletives before swinging into a right turn sans indicating. Without the complete registration, or camera evidence, reporting this to the police was pointless... Now, if the self proclaimed “People’s Judge” James Pickles were still alive, I’m confident he’d be saying that dressed in figure hugging Lycra tights and astride a Scarlet bicycle, I was “asking for it”.    

Fortunes. Fleet & Fargo

                                    

Seven Day Cyclist’s new site is well underway and we hope to be live in a matter of weeks. Snow struck central, Northern and even some South Easterly parts last weekend before turning to wintry rain and subsequently slush, which turns surfaces into skating rinks.

Rob Harwood (Col Velo www.colvelo.co.uk) warned of black ice on his facebook page and was remaining on the turbo trainer. I’m still toying with the idea of shodding my Univega with Schwalbe winter spiked tyres but after a few days of seasonally appropriate temperatures, the mercury zooms upwards into the mid teens!

Timely then these 25mm section BTwin and lifeline (Decathlon www.decathlon.couk  and Wiggle www.wiggle.co.uk respectively) should arrive at my door. Once shunned in favour of 23 and 28mm, 25mm is enjoying something of a resurgence, with some commentators suggesting it will overtake 23mm as the default for competitive riding.

 

Both sport direction specific tread, relatively and puncture repelling belts, although the B’Twin is a coarser, 60tpi casing. Aside from being tricky customers to mount, several wet rides in  and I'm quite impressed. The B'Twin deliver a less compliant ride but both offer a decent turn of speed, reasonable comfort and decent grip when cornering at 23mph.  

Looking good for cost conscious winter/training builds, though I'm inclined towards the B'Twin on a fixer build where transmission braking (Holding off against the cranks) offers more control across slippery surfaces.
 

Generally speaking, tyre casings are puncture resistant by degrees  (rather than proof) and this tends to be determined by belt material and coverage. Some only defend the centre strip, which still offers useful protection but leaves the shoulders vulnerable to sharps. Similarly, some riders are more prone to puncturing than others. 

Goo filled tubes are another concept that has been with us for a very long time.

 

The idea is the sealant sloshes around in the tube and seals tiny holes as you ride, with nominal loss of pressure-hence their appeal among commuters. I’ve found them quite useful as compliments to stout tyres with aramid casings. Some brands work better than others and the slimy stuff eventually goes off-sometimes spurting from the valve head (splodges on rims and flooring alike are tell-tale signs).

In my experience the sealant is most mobile and therefore, effective in milder weather. A really viscous sharp can rupture them irreparably-thankfully rare but seriously messy and never tempt fate by leaving spare tubes at home..

Riders with bikes on strict calorie controlled diets should also note there is a minor weight penalty to be paid. Nonetheless, it’ll be interesting to see how these compare with some household names.
 

Talking of which, my Ilpompino’s Acor sealed cartridge bearing bottom bracket has unexpectedly got the grumbles less than 4,000miles in, which is disappointing but I’ve decided to plump for a UN55, which should run closer to 10,000. It also forced the issue of sorting the Univega’s front brake and other generic, mid-winter servicing.

A hole in the rear mudguard has been successfully plugged with this AA fuelled single (steady) mode “Torch” guard specific LED cum reflector and aside from giving everything a seriously thorough clean, we’ve lost the rack mounted bag and Axiom lowriders in favour of the brands capacious H20 wedge pack.

Then we have these exotic looking Rock lube Rock n’ Roll chain lubricants-gold, extreme and absolute dry. Colour aside, these are a potent petrochemical family that differ from traditional chain lubes, most notably in terms of application.

Firstly, the solvent properties seem such that (a) to stripping chains of pre-existing lube beforehand isn’t strictly necessary (although I’d still recommend doing so, especially if you’ve been running a grime-enticing wet blend). Secondly, you don’t drizzle them into the links in the traditional way but apply it atop the chain from the cassette end.

Directions suggest they cure best I warm conditions-so I’ve applied the gold and extreme outside and then brought Ilpompino and Univega inside (room temperature) for twenty minutes. Despite their viscosity, wastage has been fairly nominal, although wiping the links afterward is imperative. Either way, I’m expecting something very special given they command £20 apiece.   

Elsewhere, I popped down to Coventry’s fargo village to see what had changed-quite a bit and not just the menu at Urban Coffee Company. Expansion has brought new traders, while others have grown into larger premises. Dashing blades is a slightly unusual but very enticing barbers offering a blend of traditional and modern scissor skill. My significant other had been enthusiastic about the proprietor’s distinctive and well-groomed style.

Cue a reworking of my generous thatch, which was beginning to look straggly, rather than styled. Given Rob has long curly hair, I automatically felt at ease and Sharon noted our obvious rapport. Fifteen minutes later, ten pounds changed hands and I left, pleased with his service and happy to return....   

 

Light in a Dark Month

 

 

Met with Steve Dyster and discussed our quarterly plan for Seven Day Cyclist-exciting times, so watch this space...www.sevendaycyclist.co.uk
 

More blinkies and commuter lights continue to arrive and I’ve also acquired a portable strobe for those situations including wedding/parties where use of traditional static lighting is impractical.  I plumped for a decent quality grey import following chance conversation with the photographer covering Anju & Deepak’s wedding.

However, reservations aired by skilled electrical engineers re OEM cell quality prompted me to feed this and high power (1000lumen plus) bike lights on aftermarket, EU compliant batteries and chargers.

Thankfully, I’ve never had any combust but there is always the risk an insurer could refuse to honour a claim where a faulty unit caused fire damage, or worse. 

Generally speaking I am a night owl, swooping through unlit lanes. However, while more expensive models allow sensible stair-casing for sub/urban riding; a new generation of torch type commuter models often prove better options for sub/urban riding.

Dependant upon lens, reflector and diode quality, 300lumens can produce sufficient prowess for short, semi rural sections at 18mph or so-often with consistent output right until the end. However, unless these employ replaceable li-on/polymer cells, reserves are usually spent within 2hrs and need 4 hours mains charging.

Most default to a steady “standard” typically translating as 150 lumens for 4-5 hours. A decent balance between performance and economy, though a low 80 lumen mode is surprisingly useful round town, super frugal and better quality light than provided by budget dynamo lamps. Some can also be helmet mounted-not for trail duties obviously but useful companions to master-blasters on long hauls.   

Flashing and strobe settings are thriftier still and arguably the most extrovert option in the concrete jungle, or dull overcast afternoon where remaining conspicuous takes priority. USB rechargeable blinkies are also becoming increasingly practical for dusk-till dawn all-nighters and even touring.

Nite Rider Solas is a prime example (returning nigh on 15hours in flashing) although it has been around a few seasons’ now. An increasing number of cheaper lights are coming close in terms of runtimes and daylight modes are also growing in popularity but the Solas has phenomenal presence in its favour.

 In a wider, seasonal context, light has long been recognised as being a key player in our sense of well-being and until recently, the barrage of wild, windy and overcast conditions had been having a pronounced effect upon my own sense of morale, kept in check with a mix of long, steady rides and fast blasts on the fixer.

Damp, mild weather is being eroded by colder airs and with snow forecast to migrate from the north, though in reality; this isn’t anything more extreme than the UK would usually expect from January. Simply put, unless things change radically, I won’t be substituting the Univega’s Vittoria Randonneur trail (Long term test issue 7 SDC-downloadable from the site) in favour of spikes.

Forecasting has become increasingly accurate but fear of litigation encourages worst case scenario reportage, although I’m often tempted to invest in some narrow section (35mm) Kenda Klondike for my pure bread ‘cross bike and its derivatives.

These are favourably priced compared with some popular European brands, albeit not officially imported here and would need to be discounted since I’m unlikely to use them longer than 14 days in every 12months.

Winter tyres, designed specifically for snow and ice should feature beefy sidewalls and a tread pattern that scoops away snow and slush, while the spikes bite into the ice beneath, providing traction. Weight commonly brings people out in hives and yes, this rotational weight is quite noticeable when things thaw out.

Ah, but the ability to bowl along at a steady 15-17mph along otherwise treacherous roads and lanes and sporting a big grin is infinitely preferable to spinning away on the indoor trainer, Hamster stylee.

Talking of harsh, I snapped this disc braked beast of burden in Coventry city centre. Bin liners and supermarket bags suggested homelessness, rather than over ambitious utility riding. Lifestyle choice, tragic twist of fate, who knows. Ending on a high note, Lee Cooper is indeed back and trading as a bespoke builder. Hopefully, I’ll be along to capture him at work very soon.

Happy Holidays

Managed to steal away to the midlands for a few days and got a look at John Moss’s new fully faired Sinner Mango. He only took delivery the week before and I first spotted him whizzing past on Christmas morning while I washed and waxed my KA.

Frustrated at finding myself bereft of camera, thus missing that moment, I subsequently emailed John and we arranged to meet before he headed out for a Boxing Day blast down to his sister’s.

Speaking of the elderly eight-valve Ford, 150,000miles marked another full service (£122 including parts, labour and VAT). This basically consisted of 10w/40 engine oil, filer, pollen filter, grease and other top-up fluids.

Christmas night was spent doing some light trace photography, which drew the attention of several passers by and of course, the law. Thankfully, everyone was brimming with seasonal cheer and ultimately, left me, tripod and Samsung mini CSC unmolested.

John has taken the electronic option in case he should run out of grunt many miles from home but has been topping 33mph on the formative, local outings and under his own steam.

Glancing inside the Kevlar shell finished in yellow 2pac and integrated electrics/lighting aside; the layout is reminiscent of Mike Burrow’s iconic Speedy/similarly high end recumbent trikes.  Twist grip shifters command a Rohloff hub transmission and more traditional front mech, double ring set up.

He’s added a bit more cushioning around the headrest and is sticking with the hard shell, all weather cover. Suffice to say, he’s delighted, less so the couple’s cat’s, who are now barred from the workshop!

Elsewhere, rumour has it Lee Cooper is making a return to building under his own name and Heidi, my intern has been working on the social side of Stenning photographic. I have already lined up some interesting photographic projects and working on relocation. A new batch of test kit is also keeping me productive and out of mischief during the corridor between Christmas and New Year.

Contact points are extremely personal, so guaranteed to divide opinion. In terms of damping and control, I’ve always liked Lizard Skins DSP range, although it’s much higher maintenance than corks or similarly traditional coverings. Silicone rubber is beginning to enter the fold.

After six months daily service and despite some tell-tale stretch marks (resultant from minor over-tensioning), the Genetic wrap remains in rude health six months and many mucky miles hence.

Widget components also offer a similar covering, this time with a dimpled texture for improved grip in really wet, slippery conditions. This one costs a few quid more and comes in five colours, complete with expandable wedge plugs.

The naturally sticky texture rules adhesive backings redundant, meaning it’s easily unwound to correct aesthetic imperfection and doesn’t render it bin fodder in the event of cable replacement or handlebar swaps.

Most coverings are pretty generous these days to accommodate broad, oversized drops, so I wasn’t surprised to discover eight inches or so apiece leftover on these curvy Salsa Bell Lap-even with double ups.

Our green was interesting too. Aside from being an obvious choice for the teenage dream, it appears to change colour depending on the light-fluorescent when it’s overcast, less garish in brighter conditions.

Thus far, purchase, comfort and control are living up to the hype and while greater owner involvement is needed to keep it clean, compared with corks and leatherette types it’s not proving highly strung in that respect either.

Right; back to testing-lots of blinkies and commuter combos to put through their paces, some 700x25c tyres and strategies to complete before mid January 2016.