Buxom Bars & Lighter Lubes

These Soma Fabrications Condor flared drop bars arrived among a consignment of delightful Soma goodies. Now, I like big flared drops for cross and other, dirt biased riding. WTB mountain drop and On-One Midge being my two, favourite patterns.

The condor is made from shot-peened 6061 T6 aluminium alloy. I’m deceptively broad across the shoulder for my height and build, so have gone for the extra-large (44/49cm), still slightly narrower than the Midge.

However, the medium is 40/45cm, large 42/47cm. The smaller number denotes the c-c width i.e. measured between the hoods.  Look closer and you’ll notice it’s pattern is a hybrid of riser and compact drop bar.

Now, in common with the other two, the condor’s shallow drop supposedly allows more time riding the drops.  Little surprise that they’re marketed at touring, bike packing and gravel riding audiences.

Apparently, rotating them accentuates certain characteristics to suit personal preference. I deliberately avoided my “Child at Easter” urges to strip and fit, to my fixed gear winter/trainer’s cockpit- immediately.

I had higher priorities and wanted to avoid (a) Rushing the fit (b) forgetting to weigh them and having to strip bar tape, brake levers, lighting and other goodies, later. Soma cite the weight as 320g, ours tipped the scales at 348g.

I’m generally indifferent to black/dun finishes. Thankfully and in common with the WTB, this is a good quality one. The sort that resists accidental marking, say when fitting/adjusting brake levers, rotating them in the stem.

Any adjustment/component change tends to feel different, often an improvement psychologically. Formative impressions are of a higher position, my hands defaulting to the drops, as opposed to cruising atop the hoods.

Not that the oversized midge could be described as springy, However, the Condor’s increased rigidity is very apparent, especially when climbing out of the saddle. Powering up a climb, superior stiffness permits effort to be channelled into cadence, which can make all the difference, when you’re forced to rely on a single gear ratio.

The Condor’s curved, swoopy profiles still offer a reasonable amount of useable parking space for lights, computer, action camera etc. However, the Trelock Ls960i switch https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/trelock-ls960i-dynamo-front-light isn’t oversized. Thus, it needs to sit where the bar narrows and consequently, at a slight angle. Operationally, this isn’t an issue but something to consider, if you’re porting clamps/brackets of similar diameter over.

The inexpensive, though high performing BBB BHT 14 flexribbon gel bar tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/bbb-bht-14-flexribbon-gel-bar-tape  could’ve been reused but I had some very fetching Lizard Skins DSP 2.5mm, doing something close to nothing.

They grey swirl effect also compliments the build’s colour scheme handsomely.  A phantom squeak was traced to the otherwise loveable Revolution Ritchey copies, so a quick game of lucky dip in the spares drawer, sees them substituted for these single-sided Shimano PD A520 pedals. Tiagra by another name, these are a sporty platform type. Greater support but without the ground clearance hassles and the versatility offered by recessed SPD cleats.  

Holdsworth aside, all my fleet feature slightly flared drops. This sea change started when I was introduced to the On-One midge back in 2005. This wasn’t love at first feel but within a matter of rides, I was warming to them.

Upgrading to the increasingly standard (oversized) diameter was a good move. The 25.4, though great for drop bar retro mtb builds/conversions, felt whippy by comparison. I sold these on to a good home, 18months back.

Leverage and to some extent control, are the main benefits of a wider/flared bar. Hence their particular appeal, on a rough stuff tourer cum trailer tug. However, they also open the chest cavity, which is quite helpful when tackling steeper ascents, especially on the fixed.

https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos/1874477312583191/

The wild and weird weather hasn’t relented on these shores, which is perfect for testing tyres., chain lubes, mudguards and pretty much anything else, really. Talking of which; I’ve racked up 225 extremely wet miles from a single application of Finish Line Ceramic wet.

 

 

Thankfully, it can be reapplied with minimal prep and without curing period. A definite plus, should topping up be required mid ride, or needing to head out, sharpish. However, since the weather is turning milder, more spring-like, I have switched to Finish Line 1step cleaner and lubricant.

I’ve used its aerosol variant in the past to reasonable effect. Convenience is the main draw. The solvent component will consume any residual chain lubricant (although some stiffer ceramic/wet formulas require a more voracious solvent cleaning first).

When this evaporates, the low friction lubricant layer is left behind. Aerosols use a solvent to make them sprayable, coupled with a butane propellent. Great for channelling it into those hard to reach areas, such as sticky mechanisms/cables, or even loosening rusted/lightly corroded contact points.

The bottle version requires a swift shake to mix the formula and chains a quick wipe afterward. Despite being a dropper type, the super runny mixture means it will go everywhere and is best deployed using their no drip chain luber. Doubling up i.e. leaving it a few minutes between coats, adds a more substantial and ultimately durable layer.  

Forget about cheeky topping up indoors, for this and very flammable, reasons. If you have pets, or small children, wash down any residual stuff too. While cats in particular, will give anything noxious, or petrochemical based a wide berth, they can still succumb to poisoning. The most common cause being traces of product sticking to their fur. Cats will lick this, ingesting the poison and can be fatal.    

I found the Crankalicious pineapple crush concentrate, agitated with a stiff bristled brush perfect for speedy dismissal.    

Looking forward to bringing the Holdsworth out of hibernation over the coming weeks. Feeling the need for some serious, flat out, point to point blasts.

 

Concentrates & Curmudgeonly Cats

This bottle of Crankalicious Pineapple express concentrate arrived while I was on a photoshoot with Marie https://www.facebook.com/mariemeggidoartist/. Bike washes are one of those products that polarise opinion and I personally prefer concentrate versions. Why? Well; they allow me to brew custom strengths and work out considerably cheaper, too.

Gentle for bike washing duties, neat for stripping lubes and greases with minimal effort. Again, there are several approaches to this. Chain baths are nice, in that they keep mess minimal and allow solvents/cleaners to be reclaimed, if appropriate.

My approach, is closer to that of old school team mechanics. I pour about 100ml of solution, into an old, cut down trade bottle and apply this directly to the chain, rings, cassette etc via “pound shop” paint brushes.

Drivetrain stripping tends to be the precursor to bike washing, removing the grotty stuff-so there’s no issues with cross contamination later. In the zone, a good, basic clean shouldn’t take more than 20minutes.

Maintenance should not be regarded a chore, rather part of riding. Some describe it as bonding, others in more rational terms. A means of inspecting everything, minimising the likelihood of problems occurring during a ride, let alone, racing.

Little and often saves a lot of time in the long run. If you’re someone who leaves servicing to your friendly local bike shop, they will appreciate working on a clean bike. This makes their job easier, which saves you time and ultimately money, in the longer term.

There’s been plenty of scope for testing washes these past few weeks. For these reasons, I’ve been extending maintenance periods to see how they tackle impacted grime, whether organic, or petrochemical.  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/sks-wash-your-bike

Similarly, when testing tyres (which we regularly do at SDC www.Sevendaycyclist.com and other titles, I freelance for). During these phases, I deliberately resist the urge to brush casings of glass, grit and similar objects to test puncture resistance.

Road tyres, at least those for general riding have become portlier.

Time was when we’d commute, or winter train on 700x25/28c. Now, thanks in part to the evolution of ‘cross and gravel type builds with generous clearances, 32mm upwards is increasingly the norm. I used to tour on 32mm and these days, prefer something around the 35mm mark for general riding.

All things being equal, they’re reasonably swift, ride quality is more compliant, taking the sting from washboard surfaces. Ultimately, less rider fatigue, especially at the end of a long ride.

Working bikes, however they earn their keep, need to be dependable. Unable to finish a race/big ride; or turning up late to work because of a mechanical is deeply undesirable.

Hence, reliability trumps weight saving in these instances. Season specific equipment, such as light aside, I enjoy night testing. I find the darkness useful, adding another perspective when evaluating performance.

Decent technical clothing enables me to forget about the weather and enjoy the ride, is that tyre superior/inferior to a competitor. Is this so, or is perhaps, visual prejudice skewing my perception?

Plunge yourself into darkness and see… https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos/1868668746497381/  Ever noticed how climbs become less taxing in the dark?  Night will open a completely different riding experience, go-on, embrace it.

My slightly tyrannical, though much loved feline, can also object profoundly to some equipment…

He’s very taken with my waxed cotton messenger bags, commandeering them as his bed. However, he can launch savage assaults on test tyres and I’ve often discovered a phantom flat.

Often there’s a very rational explanation- I’d pinched a tube/rim tape moved when mounting, or indeed, a sharp lodged in the casing, following a very wet ride.

However, our furry friends can be very sensitive to very subtle changes and different odours. The latter may explain his recent hostilities towards these very likeable Panaracer T Serv PT, yet not the Vee Tire Co Zilent 700x42c.

Talking of punctures, the Soma Shikoro have finally succumbed to a sharp, which I only discovered while washing the bike down. This presented the ideal opportunity to swap over to the Vee Tire Co Baldy. Another 32mm section, and an interesting comparator for the Panaracer.

Another plus, it compelled me to root through the spare tube mountain, identifying those which can re-join the wedge pack and those for recycling. 

 

Pest from the West

No, not that one.Tthankfully, after several years, she appears to have finally accepted her approaches are unwelcome, and non-reciprocal.

 

Serial, uninterrupted monogamy is, in my experience, often practiced by those who don’t want to work on themselves. Moving from one partner, without taking stock and investing in yourself, is an avoidance strategy.

Each relationship inevitably fails because the other, unwitting party cannot fix them. So, they move to the next and this cyclical shift perpetuates. A complete waste of time, emotional and monetary reserves. We all have our lessons to learn. Some choose not to.

I am referring to the persistently wet/windy weather front. One that has compelled me to tolerate a filthy fleet. On the flip side, during drier spells, let alone brief periods of sunlight, I’ve been testing the mettle of assorted bike washes.   

Crankalicious ceramic chain lube arrived at SDC HQ and was passed to Steve, esteemed co-editor and touring aficionado. However, the fixed’s links looking distinctly thirsty, prompting the introduction of some Finish Line Ceramic Wet. I’m reasoning this will be an interesting comparator and in ideal testing conditions.

Bucking the trend for curing periods, both are pour, wipe and scoot off, which is welcome when time’s not on your side. Elsewhere the SKS lube your chain formula is also going strong, 180 harsh miles hence. It looks a filthy, congealed mess but I’m assured this is locked in the top layer and not chewing components.

The Schwalbe Active Winter https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-winter-spiked-tyre  remained in situ on the Univega, given further snow was forecast. I wanted the option of getting some miles in, regardless. https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/posts/1863791363651786?notif_id=1521379387031484&notif_t=page_post_reaction&ref=notif  Another title I freelance for, have sent me these Panaracer T-Serv PT Folding 700x32C.

Vee rubber have also sent me their 700x32 Zilent and and their 42mm Baldy. Will be interesting to see how the latter compare, speed-wise with Maxxis Roamer https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/maxxis-roamer-tyres  

These, as their name implies; are aimed at the urban market Soma Shikoro https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/s , are my favourite big(ish) section all-rounders Quick acceleration, smooth passage over lumpy sections, at 464g apiece, they’re a little heavier than the Panaracer (As you’d expect. However, they’re also made, under licence, by them).

Over the years, I’ve hustled around the capital on everything from 20mm to 2.1 inch, generally settling for 26x1.5 (or thereabouts) due to their balance of speed, comfort and control across badly surfaced, glass strewn tarmac. Otherwise; 32mm was my default for touring and general road biased riding.

It was also the biggest section many 80’s touring bikes could swallow without fouling; or forgoing full length chrome plastic mudguards. Personally, I’m happy to leave fag paper clearances and toe clip overlap in the dim and thankfully distant past.  

With this in mind; there are some frames, components and other, unrelated objects I’d like to own from this and other eras. At the right price… Some would argue that Nostalgia’s true power is the commodification of emotions, those we attach to objects.

Subjectively, a MK III Norton Commando is a nice motorcycle. However, its outclassed, totally eclipsed by modern machines. Therefore, I wouldn’t entertain the £20,000 “market value”, nor would I’d pay fancy prices for air cooled type 1, 2 and 3 VW cars.  Yes, I am fond of them but regard these things as working vehicles, not museum pieces. The same applies to my 1991 road bike, aka “The Teenage Dream”.

A fair-weather machine but a bike ridden in fair weather, nonetheless. It’s fun to ride yes, there’s a deep sentimental bond and no I wouldn’t willing   part with it. That aside; I certainly wouldn’t pay some of the prices I’ve seen comparable machines being offered for.

Another, arguably more positive/optimistic account of nostalgia, is that it (according to Sedikides and Wildschunt) “Is shown to be both a driver of empathy and social connectedness, and a potent, internal antidote for loneliness and alienation”.

Indeed, Sedikides suggests nostalgia is the “perfect internal politician, connecting the past with the present, pointing optimistically to the future”. Whatever your particular perspective may be, its food for thought. I’ll leave you with a few shots from my booking with Louise, a delightful ballet/dance and lingerie model.

Thawed n’ Restored

Snowbound riding and indeed, replacement tooth were curtailed by an annoying cold virus and impassable drifts along the local infrastructure. Copious amounts, of home brewed hot lemon drink, a fair bit of you tube and similar social media consumed. Enforced confinement meant I submitted a couple of small, outstanding invoices and similar lingering admin.

By Friday, I had become borderline stir crazy, so headed to the garage for a spares box stock take.  Tubes (goo filled ones, even) were set aside for the Univega. I also unearthed this rather lovely and capacious wedge pack made by Dill Pickle Gear. http://www.dillpicklegear.com/store/index.php?route=common/home  

Timely too, since the otherwise charming Passport frequent flyer wedge pack https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/passport-frequent-flyer-wedge-pack  was beginning to fail at the LED tab. I’d previously repaired this, using storm sure flexible repair adhesive https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/stormsure-flexible-repair-adhesive  but the tear had returned, resulting in the ejection and ultimately, loss of, this Kryptonite COB https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/kryptonite-avenue-r-50-cob-rear-lig  rear light.

Blinkies aren’t cheap, so not something to be encouraged. Luckily, it slipped straight into the beautifully executed, Cordura nylon Dill Pickle.  

Saturday morning came and I headed out along the backroads for a moderately paced meander, as can be seen from the footage, several layers of ice had formed beneath the slow and slush.

These revealed the Schwalbe Active Winter’s limits. While very capable, their 240 spike counterparts would be my default option in these conditions. That said; I covered the twelve miles, or so without incident and Schwalbe UK are sending me an aftermarket spike kit. https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos/vb.877353858962213/1846747668689489/?type=2&theater&notif_t=page_post_reaction&notif_id=1520084629695609

https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-winter-spiked-tyre  

Despite the thaw, they’re staying put-a combination of flooded roads, mist and freezing temperatures, otherwise equates to sheet/black ice and potentially, very nasty spills. Being a perpetual fettler, chopping and changing comes with the territory.

However, save for test kit and consumables, Ursula meets my four-season, hell n’ high water, bike- as- car design brief handsomely. The SKS chain lube has cruised past the 120 mile point. Plenty has transferred to the cassette but the links are covered in a middleweight, filmy dressing.

I will upgrade its Microshift rear mech, for another 9speed model when time comes. I’d just received some Lizard Skins DSP handlebar tape from 2pure www.2pure.co.uk , which is timely given the otherwise sturdy Guee silicone, was starting to weather and tear a bit after 18months.

Monday arrived yet the impacted snow remained plentiful, although the roads were clear enough for my ‘cross inspired fixed. The 38mm Soma Shokiro https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/s  haven’t missed a beat and the ability to relax and tap out a steady tempo, welcomed. Out of curiosity, I’m also going to see what I can squeeze, from the existing helping of Smoove Universal chain lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/smoove-universal-chain-lube  before switching to another blend.

Took the opportunity to strip, inspect and giving cleat hardware a generous lick of grease. Always more convenient and less time consuming than resorting to drilling because they’ve rounded/seized solid. Talking of drilling, my dentist drilled, pinned and instated a temporary crown, which has left me feeling less self-conscious.

The recent postponement of a shoot, was probably a blessing in disguise. The meth addict/hillbilly grin is hardly becoming! Thankfully, remedial works were completed before Thursday’s, very enjoyable shoot with Louise.

All the models I have worked with, in the past 18months have been extremely pleasant and consummately professional. Much of this comes down to pre shoot communications. People who will be difficult/unreliable/unprofessional are pretty easy to spot and I’m not I the business of wasting time. My response is a polite no and correspondence is terminated there.

Beast From The East

Swooshing along the snowy backroads, I bit into a somewhat al-dente chocolate bar, broke my tooth and promptly swallowed it, complete with crown! There isn’t much tooth remaining, which presented my dentist with a dilemma.

Mercifully, its salvageable. He’s proposing to use a series of metal pins to provide a framework for a replacement crown. I also need a filling but frankly, I’m just relieved any damage done is fully repairable.  

Aside from mourning my lost smile, the remainder of this week’s riding was pleasantly uneventful.

Tuesday’s conditions threatened to be more adverse, so I switched over to the 118 spike Schwalbe https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-winter-spiked-tyre . The carbide spikes are showing signs of wear, not enough that I’m worried about going rubber-up. Nonetheless, I’ll invest in a new kit, before we hit skid city.

Weather forecasts, here in the UK at least tend to overplay any incoming front. Anecdotally, I suspect this stems from Michael Fish’s failure to predict the storm of October 1987. However, the “Beast from the East” arrived with a vengeance, bringing considerable snowfall. The sort that Land Rover defenders take in their stride but sees SUVs spinning their wheels, and drifting.

The Schwalbe active winter may be their baseline, spiked model but there’s nothing low-rent about their performance. Bustling along the backroads at 18mph, while their chevron tread sweeps away the deep, virgin snow along completely deserted lanes. Spikes biting into the ice beneath, providing traction and inspiring confidence.

Tainted smile hidden behind my North Wave balaclava and hands toasty in BTwin 700 cold weather gloves https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/btwin-700-cold-weather-gloves  , I was certainly grinning, despite the mercury struggling to hit minus 2. Monday was colder, thanks to the ruthless wind-chill, which in real term translated as minus 6. Its been a good deal colder overnight.  

Over the past few rides, the SKS lube has turned a sticky black but seems relatively tenacious, clinging on very convincingly to the links, despite these very wintry conditions. Other observations include its readiness transfer to hands, something I’d expect from a wet blend… Anyhow, 130 miles, as set by the Smoove Universal chain lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/smoove-universal-chain-lube  is the number to beat.

Talking of dry types, the Weldtite TF2 ultra dry clocked up 105 before being completely stripped by the elements. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tf2  Once the SKS (and the present climate) starts receding, I’ll switch to Finish line 1-step cleaner and lubricant and for the fixed, Finish Line Ceramic Wet.

There’s an old belief that winter bikes need better prep, since they’ll get less maintenance. I see the argument for stiffer greases and lubes, since bikes get exposed to harsher conditions. I had toyed with stripping and re-greasing the Univega’s bottom (headset) race.

Chickened out-on account of the cold, its sporting full-length guards and I delivered a healthy dollop of ceramic stuff during its revamp last January. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/after-the-gritters-went-home  Pencilled this surgery in for next week, when things thaw out a little.  I’m firmly of the opinion that bikes should get washed regularly, to rinse away corrosive salts, grime etc.

Debate rages about the most appropriate sorts and seems polarised between those who like bike specific washes and those erring towards household detergents. I’m not fond of the latter but sudsy car wash n’ wax formulas are a useful default, since they impart a layer of protective wax, which also saves time.

Some bike washes are designed to react with water i.e. on contact with a wet frame. In my experience, this isn’t necessarily any better or worse, in the grime shifting stakes. There’s also an argument that visually foaming formulas give the impression of working faster, when in fact, less lively potions bite into and, dissolve the grime more efficiently.  

Either way; rinsing bikes with cold water first strips anything caustic. Using hot simply accelerates the corrosive nastiness. I’ve been sent Guy Martins’ Proper Cleaner for review in another publication. Too early to comment on its performance, relative to others, but the subtle formula has shifted  the week’s accumulated spatter, with minimal user effort.