Tricks & Treats

Yes, I know Halloween was last week. I have an academic interest in the occult and indeed, film. However, I loathe the commercialised American "door knocking" import. One that has seen a recent resurgence in popularity. 

Despite the K-lIte Bike Packer Ultra's prowess https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/k-lite-bikepacker-ultra-dynamo-ligh (and wearing the Pro Viz  360+ jacket) there were a couple of close calls. Drivers pulling out, without looking, at junctions. I've been riding for 33 years, so nothing new, though never a pleasant experience. 

The K-Lite Bike Packer Pro V2 Front Dynamo Light continues to impress with its power to size ratio. There are some minor shortcomings, but none I'd consider deal-breakers, especially given the design brief.
Here's some footage and a couple of stills. Both were captured using my Tom Tom Bandit. The stills contain a little grain but no shake. The seemingly rare-as-hens' teeth remote would come in really handy.  I'll manage without, unless one presents, at the right price. 

The Knog Cobber Mid Rear Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/knog-cobber-mid-rear-light has proven a good, tune able option for general riding. Sufficient bang for the back roads, and as a daylight running option, yet sensible for town and group riding. Run times are similarly favourable.  

Rains have also returned, after some brief respite. Univega and fixed gear winter/trainer remain grubbier than usual. However, gives an opportunity to really see how durable the Naked Bikes Wax holds up, long term. Its worth noting that all waxes are slowly eroded by salts and other chemicals over time.

Washing with sudsy household detergents being the fastest way of stripping. For best results, stick to a gentler shampoo and rinse machines down using cold water first. Especially during winter, since hot will simply accelerate the caustic properties of road salts. Waxes, sturdier tyres, lubes and mudguards (fenders) all extend ride to maintenance ratios, but laziness comes at a price.  Remember to grease contact points and of course, those little fasteners that often get forgotten. 

Waterproof luggage is another good investment. My Carradice Carradry SQR bag https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry is doing the business handsomely. Steve's also been suitably impressed with Zefal Z Adventure F10 bar bag https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-z-adventure-f10-bar-bag

 
The Zefal Pro Wet Chain lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-wet-chain-lube has certainly clung on, longer than I was expecting, from a relatively inexpensive wet blend. 375 miles from a single application isn't to be sneezed at, given the rainfall we've had here, in the UK. 

First sign of the lube's demise was on the fixed. Wondered why my little legs were struggling to winch us up the climbs. I had a rummage through my lubes box and plucked out Weldtite TF2 all weather chain lubricant. Another middleweight wet formula. One reckoned to cope in extremes of temperature. 

No sooner had I done so, a huge box of goodies arrived, from Juice Lubes.  This included their ceramic. Surprisingly enough, its designed for dusty to damp conditions, rather than winter per se. 

I'm told the Ceramic is a "100% synthetic lubricant containing special additives. Boron nitride features but without getting overly technical, the compound's lubricant properties are similar to graphite. Curiously, its reckoned resistant to salts and other contaminants.  On the plus side, its very straightforward to apply, and curing time is measured in minutes, not hours. 

I've also set aside time to brew up a fresh batch of wax-based corrosion inhibitor. Not that the weather has let up long enough, for me to consider applying it to the KA's underside. Frames also have plenty sloshing aroundtheir inner sanctums.  Nonetheless, its on hand when I need it. Cheap as the proverbial portion of chips, too. 

Wet n' Wild

Wet roads increase the risk of punctures. Clearly, I was tempting fate by saying the 32mm Tioga City Slicker had only succumbed to a single flat. As of last Monday night, the running total, is two. Impressive though, given their mileage and lack of puncture repelling belt. 

Something sharp and thorny had worked inside, while racing along the sweeping, waterlogged lanes. This grazed the tube, inducing loss of pressure one mile from home. Mercifully, despite the water amplified hiss, deflation was at snail’s pace, so I made it back without incident, and with 45psi remaining. 

This prompted close scrutiny of butyl stock. Ultimately, I needed to cull several but was able to patch the wounded tube and had two serviceable 700x28-35c, and a virgin 700x35/42. These were quickly ported over to my Carradice SQR Tour bag. Sometimes it’s about using what you’ve got. I’ll replenish when a decent wholesale deal presents. 

I also switched the City Slicker for The Vee Tire Co Zilent MK2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/vee-tire-co-zilent-mark-2-tyres, which were introduced with stronger sidewalls. Seems some folks loved the originals so much, they deployed them as laden touring rubber. No such stresses on my fixed gear winter/trainer and in some respects, they’re a little portly. 

That said; they roll much quicker than a 38mm 997g tyre might imply and a 5mm aramid centre strip adds confidence. Similar genre of tyre to the rear’s long serving Schwalbe Marathon GT https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres . 

Though I love the changing seasons and night riding specifically, shorter daylight means dependability trumps exotica. As with location-based photo-shoots, its imperative rider and machine return home without incident. 

Therefore, a more time-efficient, disciplined approach to maintenance. Heavier duty tyres, chain lubes, backup lighting, Co2 cartridges and decent pump being good bets. Throw in a tyre boot, patch kit, change of socks, gloves and Buff type “tube” and you’ve the basics covered. Talking of which, I’ve reached my conclusions regarding the Follow Hollow Alpaca Socks https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/follow-hollow-men-s-alpaca-socks .

The Zefal Pro Wet Chain Lube is showing little signs of waning, despite the weather, which is quite impressive. Like other, dare I say, more traditional wet blends it’s tacky to touch. Transfer to skin and clothing is moderate. 

In terms of rider dressage, Pro Viz have also sent me their 360+ jacket. Typical of most at this price point, it’s a polyester blend with breathability and waterproofing ratings of 10,000+gm and 10,000mm. Its seam sealed, has a fleece lined collar to retain warmth and stop wet stuff, from trickling inside. 

Sensible range of pockets too, which is welcome. Then of course there’s the retro-reflective layer that’s grey by day but brilliant white by night, when graced by vehicle, or street lighting.  Steve’s been busy putting Showers Pass Skyline Trousers https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/showers-pass-skyline-trousers  to the test.

Talking of lighting, I’ve done 100 miles with the K-Lite Bikepacker Pro V2 and it’s another lovely model that loses little to its Ultra siblings-at least for road riding. It doesn’t quite stop SUVs in their tracks, or cause them to flash their lights, and I reckon the full 1300lumens comes on tap at 15mph (rather than the 11.18 suggested). 

Sensibly, it runs the same switchgear and yes, you can whip in the USB charger and refuel blinkies, phones/other gizmos on the go.  

 See Sense Have sent me their ICON2 rear light, which is so much more than just a super powerful, tuneable rear light. Though fascinated and rightly intrigued by smart technology, I’m slightly wary of things that are connected via apps and internet. That established, with the app downloaded, the unit can record all sorts of data, including theft, road surface quality and an array of other information. 

It’s also proving extremely solid. I decided to mount ours to my SQR bag, using their clothing clip (Jemma at See Sense warned me against this, given the Icon2 is heavier than previous incarnations…)

It subsequently ejected along some washboard tarmac. Took a direct hit, bouncing along the dimpled asphalt. I needn’t’ve worried. Build quality is superb and there wasn’t a mark on it.

Here’s our general overview of LED safety lights https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/in-the-blink-of-an-eye

    

The Continued Joy of Full-Length Guards & High-End Dynamos

Travers Bikes  https://www.traversbikes.com    have graciously sent me K-lite Bike Packer Pro V2. In common with its Backpacker Ultra cousins, https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/k-lite-bikepacker-ultra-dynamo-ligh  it produces 1300lumens and runs from the same switchgear. However, its considerably smaller and is housed in an orange, CNC machined aluminium shell.

Aesthetically, it complements the excellent Acros Silicone Wrap Handlebar Tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/acros-silicone-wrap-handlebar-tape . Beautifully executed, the less “industrial” flavour has more obvious appeal to clutter-phobic riders of posh winter/Audax or fast touring rigs. The “med” beam pattern is also designed to bridge both worlds.

Relentless, torrential rains have turned lanes into lakes and reminded me just how useful full-length chrome plastic guards are. Not only do they keep corrosive, silty grot from a bike’s intricate parts, extending service intervals and component life. They also defend the rider from surprising amounts of dodgy, cold-baiting water, too.

Little surprise that I’ve defaulted to the Univega. With my fixed gear winter/trainer sporting the Bike Packer Pro V2, I’ve switched to the K-lite Bike Packer Ultra Road/Gravel version, which delivers a more focused, asphalt specific beam. This also presented the ideal opportunity to tidy and reorganise my Tom Tom Bandit. Even allowing for full-length guards, several rides in, the old girl was filthy.

A break in the rain allowed a proper wash and thorough waxing. I’ve been testing Naked Bikes Pro Bike Wax for a few months now and am reaching some, definite conclusions. In common with Velo 21 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/velo-21  it’s blended to cater for gloss, satin and matt finishes. Only a light layer is required to deliver a lasting, protective barrier too, which means it should work out very economical, in the long run.

I’m also pleased to discover plenty of Zefal Pro Wet Lube clinging to the chain, with refreshingly little contaminant. Having run it through a changeable Spring/Summer, I was also surprised to note it’s assumed a markedly higher viscosity, with the pronounced drop in temperature. I am wondering whether this is positively impacting upon its staying prowess. I’d be disappointed if it didn’t cross the 300mile mark.

Obvious conditions for testing wet weather attire. I’ve not gone over to water repellent tights yet but these ten- year- old Lake booties have been plucked from seasonal hibernation and given a liberal helping of leather “food”. This will keep the hides nourished and protected from the elements.

The Prendas Cyclismo caps are also proving pretty good on the water resistant, yet breathable front. 90 minutes continuous, heavy rain, and they’ll be suitably soggy.

I’d sooner that, than drowning in my own sweat. In terms of breathability, when it’s been dry, the steady flow of air through my scalp is very palpable. Following a soaking, they’ve dried in around (1hr) at room temperature.  

Ultimately, no matter how generous your guards, or weather repellent your garments, the elements will ultimately make inroads. I like tights with water-repelling top layers and highly water repellent, rather than those with impervious TPU mid layers. I can also appreciate neoprene’s benefits, when wet and cold are relentless. However, the clamminess is a turn-off for me.

Another turn off, is riders who pass too close. Though thankfully quite rare, I’ve had a few groups who have insisted on riding within stroking difference of my bar wrap. I even had one rider, hanging off the back of his group, complaining that I had the audacity to run two rear lights!

This little ETC Mira 20 Lumen Rear Light being one of them. Admittedly, there’s plenty of punch but I had it in the medium flashing mode, and it can be seen from a good distance. However, peripheral prowess means it’s best as a contingency/secondary, rather than primary model.

If It Ain't Broke Fettle It Anyway

  

It may come as little surprise that I am fighting every urge to perform another bar switch... Swapping the Soma Condor for its successor, the Condor 2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars . Rationally, I know the Univega’s setup is bang on, yet still I feel compelled. I’ve swapped back to these long serving, dual sided XLC pedals though.

Build quality seems better than many SPD homages I’ve owned; or tested over the past twenty-five years. The white powder coated finish is particularly hardy, showing surprisingly few battle scars, several years down the line.  

Flipping and clipping with the otherwise likeable single-sided Wellgo (say at Junctions) had become uncharacteristically faffy. It also proved an ideal opportunity, to test the Soma Woodie 20 function multi tool’s 8mm cap.

I’ve never been a fan of the cap type that fit atop the 5 or 6mm key. Most fit fine and do the job. On the flip side, they are easily lost to the lawn, or undergrowth. Torque was better than I was expecting, given the relatively stubby 6mm host. liberally greased threads certainly help.  

Decided to clean and strip the Univega’s drivetrain. Nothing exotic this time, a rag dipped in white spirit remains a very efficient exorcist. I reached for Zefal Wet Pro Lube, primarily, because I wanted a ride that evening, so needed something “drizzle n’ go”. Pro wet is best described as a middleweight blend.

In terms of tenacity, I strongly suspect it won’t rival the hell n’ high water favourites (including Weldtite TF2 Extreme Wet, or Finish Line Cross Country Wet lubes). That said; its less syrupy than the former, yet stocky enough for protecting electroplated fasteners from taint and tarnish.

Staying with Zefal, a moment, the French brand has also sent us their Pulse Z2 side-entry cage. A composite side entry model, its designed to be switched round, to suit the rider’s dominant hand.

Side entry cages are also intended to overcome the problem of carrying two trade size bottles in a small main triangle. On this occasion, ours has replaced the Vel, which succumbed to sudden and unexpected fatigue. A lost cause. Even Theromoworx Whitemorph couldn’t fix, or modify satisfactorily https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/thermoworx-whiemorph  The Zefal Pulse Z2 composites do feel much sturdier, so we’ll see how it fares, in the coming weeks and months.

According to the tabloid press, the UK is due to get another bitterly cold winter. The coldest for 30 years, according to some sources. These lubes and the Schwalbe Winter Spike tyres are on standby, just in case. Meantime, the Univega will sport its Schwalbe Marathon Mondial Double Defense tyres https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-mondial-tyres  . Unless other testing options present, or disaster strikes, my fixed gear winter/trainer will retain its Tioga City Slicker and Schwalbe Marathon GT pairing https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres   . Both are very dependable and handle very nicely, even when the roads are paved with a slimy cocktail of derv and bovine dung.

Dusk officially starts at 1900hrs and Sun rise 7.15, so lighting is also becoming a major focus. K-Lite Bikepacker Ultra systems aside, I’ve just received Knog Cobber Mid Rear light. Middle child of the Cobber family, it’s reckoned to produce a 330degree arc, and 170 lumens, top whack. I’ve mounted ours to seat-stays by using the Cobber’s aero seat post bracket.

120 miles, and four rides in, its too early to reflect on run times but in terms of output, the mid should suit most people’s needs, even tag-alongs. Would be tempted to plump for the big Cobber, on a low-slung touring trailer, like my Yak homage. Maybe I’m just being over cautious…Let’s see what the following weeks bring.    

I’m also switching over to heavier duty threads. Now conditions are recognisably autumnal, I’ve defaulted to middleweight  layers, jerseys (including this Prendas Cyclismo Paris Bordeaux https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/prendas-ciclismo-long-sleeve-jersey . ¾ length bib longs strike the best balance still.

Ample protection to the knees and vital organs, yet still temperate around 15 degrees. Primal Dawn Bib Knickers remain firm favourites https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/primal-dawn-men-s-bib-knickers  

Oxford Bright 4.0 Waterproof Cycle gloves have also been resurrected. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-1 These are another bridge garment. Not waterproof, in the impervious sense but they offer decent defence against moderate rain and chill. Last but certainly not least, I’ve been putting these Follow Hollow Performance Alpaca Socks. 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/briandavis/performance-alpaca-socks  

80% baby alpaca yarn, 15% nylon and 5% spandex, they’re made in the USA and I’ve been suitably impressed by their performance. Several weeks and hundreds of miles later, I’m forming the opinion they have an edge on Merino when it comes to temperature control and moisture management. Stay tuned for the full review.

Condor Man

No, not the 1981 Disney flop, starring Michael Crawford, although  we do live in very strange times... After a morning's admin and housework, I was suddenly gripped by a flash of inspiration. The sort so bright, it risks a nasty case of arc eye.  

I decided to ditch the Univega's long serving moustache bars in favour of the Soma Condor. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma According to my thought processes (I hadn't reached calculations, or anything so rational), the riser sections would provide sufficient height for me to spend the majority of my time on the drops... 

With this in mind, the Soma Condor 2  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars  might've seemed a more obvious choice. However, though I'd run both, briefly on my tubby tourer, to assess Soma's claims (which were realised in the real world) the moustache bars had become something of an institution...I'd also convinced myself they had an edge, when on trailer tugging duties.  

I'd also earmarked the MK1 for a gravel-specific project and the MK2 for my fixed gear winter trainer. Then came the Genetic D-Riser 16   https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-d-riser-bars  and another round of musical handlebars. Besides, the Univega has a predominantly black/dun colour scheme. Contrary chap that I am, I may switch to the Condor 2, later on, should the urge strike. For now, the Condor's black finish clinched it. 

Spare inner and outer cables-check, spare bar tape-check, electrical tape-check. This was also an ideal opportunity to give this Soma Woodie 20 Multi-tool a formative test. Strictly speaking, multi-tools are designed for road/trailside teaks/tuning and repair, not workshop use. However, they are super-convenient, so good ones tend to become go-tos. 

Within half an hour, I'd everything rounded up, bike in the stand and components stripped. I'd removed a shim or two, when switching back to the Univega's OEM triple butted fork, but close scrutiny suggested height and drop depth were textbook. 

I pruned some outer cable housing, fed a new inner wire to the front Genetic CX cantilever  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-cx-cantilever-brakes and dialled it in a bit. Ample bite to raise the rear wheel, lever grabbed in anger-perfect.  

I was able to recycle this Lizard Skins DSP 2.5mm https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/lizard-skins-dsp which was of sufficient length to provide ample, cushioned coverage. The adhesive backing was conspicuous by its absence, although adhered well, to the bars' shot peened finish. 

Decent quality electrical tape anchored it to the tops.  Having dialled in the rear mech again and pruned its cable, it was time for one last once-over and a 20mile fault finding blast. 

No faults to find-positioning absolutely bang on and as I'd always envisaged back in 1987, when I first clapped eves on a Muddy Fox trailblazer. The Trail Blazer was essentially a drop bar mountain bike with  bar end shifters and 1.75 section tyres.  

Specialized followed suit two years later, with the Rock Combo. These were similarly niche, and had a very short production run.  Feel free to get in touch, if you still own and ride one. I'm not looking to purchase, nor am I someone bitten by "classic" prices and groupsets have come a long way since. However, I loved the concept then, and still do.    

Anyhow, the Univega's positioning now means I default to the drops, affords better protection from the wind (Compared with the otherwise likeable moustache pattern) while retaining good control off road. Tops also provide superior parking space for lights, cameras and similar creature comforts.   

Talking of which, I've also switched saddles, this time to BBB Echelon, which is reputedly a road and trail friendly design, thus meets the criteria handsomely. Also proved the ideal opportunity to remove the seatpost, and treat it to some Park Tool Polylube 1000 Grease, before the darker months set in. 

A home-brewed butyl collar and full length chrome plastic guards/fenders (depending on where you're reading this) certainly help, but its one of those little, preventative measures that saves a lot of time and hassle, later on.