Concept Realised

Back in March 1987, reading the now long-defunct “Bicycle” magazine, I happened upon the Muddy Fox Trail Blazer-in essence a mountain bike with drop bars, bar end shifters 1.75 knobbly tyres.. Aside from wanting that particular machine, it awoke a deep desire to build a concept machine. One that was lightweight, rugged, go anywhere (Ok, with some trade-off). Fast forward 12 years, countless miles, a degree and other trappings later..I happened upon the Univega frameset hanging in a friend’s shop window. It started off as a flamboyant red enamel bitsa- bits of this, bits of that-a Frankenbike, some might say.

Wheelset handed down from a racing mtb, Stronglight triple crankset from a tourer, drops from said tourer, 25.4 Kalloy stem, Kalloy seatpost, Shimano 600 rear mech, STX front, Shimano bar end shifters, first generation Shimano SPD pedals, Minoura four point 4130 Steel rack.

Its evolved quite considerably and racked up considerable mileages along the way. Ursula has been a trailer tug, winter trainer, daily driver, tourer and confident come sunny days or bitter snowy blizzards.

Save for the frameset, the only thing remaining of the original build is the front cable hanger. However, it has evolved to meet my needs and is incredibly close to the original brief. High power dynamo lighting, full guards, plenty of room for spiked tyres when things get icy 1x10 drivetrain (albeit more a’la carte than some would like). Throughout this evolution, suitable drops were the biggest challenge.

I experimented with a few road blends, changed the stem and then perfection in the form of these Soma Condor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma  just the right shape, width and enable me to stay on the drops with no loss of control on, or off road. On-One Midge (in the 31.8 diameter) might’ve been a good budget option-I’d run them very happily for a good decade, or so on my fixed gear winter/trainer. However, I’d since sold the Midge on and gone for the Genetic D-Riser 16 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-d-riser-bars and Soma Condor 2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars  on the latter.

A while back, I had toyed with the idea of running Cane Creek Thudbuster ST https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cane-creek-thudbuster-suspensuin-se , since the 3^rd Generation short-travel unit was still available in 25.4 and with a suitably high quality shim, compatible with the Alpina 506’s 26.6 seat tube. At the time, I shied away from this (a) On the basis of cost-this was indulgence, rather than an inherent need.

(b) It was incompatible with the Carradice SQR luggage system https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry  I was running at the time. Reasonable quality, perfectly serviceable aluminium alloy models to be found in this diameter and my experimentation was titanium was partially successful.

However, I had acquired some very inexpensive Chinese titanium, which was too thin in diameter for machining down to 26.6. Funny what happens when you’re not looking for it…Along came Cirrus Cycles with their Kinekt suspension post. They still offer a 25.4, thus compatible with a suitable shim.

Spring strength varies according to rider weight-ours is the medium, in accordance with my own 70 kilo frame. Some specifications. There is a carbon model but that wouldn’t be suitable for this application (or available in the desired diameter) hence the 6061 aluminium anodised version.

The Kinekt employs a spring/urethane elastomer system, offering travel between 0 and 35mm. Initial setup seems pretty intuitive and I’ve set mine on the firmer side-enough to take some edge off, without robbing too much power. Whether it will win my heart, like the Cane Creek Thudbuster ST remains to be seen…

They’ve kindly sent me a 90mm stem (7 degree rise), which I have earmarked for my fixed gear winter/trainer. Elsewhere, I’m being won over by this Showers Pass Men’s Elements Jacket, which not only keeps the weather out but there have been no issues with the inner fabric “sweating” as some 2.5 layer laminate models can. It also has a chameleon personality meaning it performs well on the bike without looking overly technical, worn with more casual clothing.

Lots of pockets-two at the hip, three internally continues this theme, although I am still very fond of the “Nelson” types. 15,000 breathability and waterproof ratings are well suited to longer, faster paced rides. 225miles in and the Zefal Ceramic Ultra Wet has clung on very tenaciously, despite November’s slimy conditions. Much as I expected, side plates sport a slightly grimy patina but it’s not overly grotty. Looking a bit filmy but still doing its thing.

Last but not least, here’s our review of the Pro-Viz LED 360 Vega Rear Bike Light. Well worth a look if you wanted a simple but effective two-mode design. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pro-viz    

 

 

Who Loves Ya Baby?

 My Univega’s front Continental Speed Reflex tyre succumbed to a slow flat, inducing some squirm and prompted a switch to the Schwalbe Kojak. It also provided an ideal opportunity to check pads for any imbedded contaminant etc. To my surprise, the comparable 26x2.0 Kojak are considerably lighter than the Continental (527g against 675g) which may be attributable to several factors.

While both tyres are wire beads and similarly matched in terms of puncture resistance (at least by their respective ratings) the Continental’s sidewalls https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact-speed-reflex-ty  seem a little beefier. They are supposedly designed to entertain tyre driven bottle dynamos, which may account for this differential. Not that I’ve felt any inclination to try, since I’m a hub dynamo devotee and wouldn’t revert by choice.

The Kojak seem to roll a bit faster (not that the Continental could ever be considered remotely sluggish) but the Kojak can also be run at 70psi, the Speed Reflex a more modest 58psi).  

Whether these features will have implications for durability and puncture resistance remain to be seen, especially as we transition from mild, breezy conditions to wintry stuff. However, I’ve also switched to some heavier duty Schwalbe tubes. Tubes are one of those components easily overlooked. The generic bundle types, though worthy enough tend to be a little on the thin side, which has implications for puncture resistance, patching and indeed, pressure retention.

Having reached my conclusions regarding the Tru Tension Banana Slip Wet Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tru-tension-tungsten-wet-lube , I’ve switched to the Zefal Extreme Wet Ceramic. Apparently, its’ a ceramic reinforced, Teflon-based formula reckoned to cling on, rain, shine, snow, and ice. The latter has been threatened on these shores. Some crisp 5am starts and glazed surfaces have been a slight culture shock, but confirmed that both tyres grip asphalt like the proverbial leach

Personally, I’m of the opinion these adverse weather predictions are designed to grab headlines and online traffic. Forecasting has also reached the point where it’s so accurate in the immediate sense, its ironically inaccurate longer term. Either way, I’ll be sticking with the Pro-Viz Reflect 360 Gloves https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-reflect-360-cycling-gloves  which seem to have most bases covered.  

I digress, back to the lube. A little certainly goes a long way. Literally apply a tiny drop of the white elixir on every, freshly cleaned link, give the cranks a few rotations (wiping any excess from the side plates) and you’re ready to go.  

So, what are ceramics, then…In this instance it refers to a microscopic layer designed to infiltrate and bond with the surface, theoretically protecting it from the elements and premature wear. Thus far, it’s certainly slick and less gloopy than many wet blends but I suspect good housekeeping (weekly wiping of side plates, jockey wheels and cages) will be mandatory.

With falling temperatures, layering is even more important. Primal Europe have graciously sent me these funky Comic Book arm warmers and Showers Pass, their Elements Jacket. Apparently designed with mountain bikers in mind but versatile enough for other disciplines and indeed, off the bike.

It’s a seam-taped 2.5 layer waterproof/breathable laminate with front pockets, core ventilation points, a removable hood and features a carbon print lining, which theoretically subverts clamminess and odours, which can be an issue with some 2.5 layer models, which I’ve otherwise been endeared to. Lighting is always a big draw, but particularly as the days are much shorter. I’m still very endeared to the Magicshine See Mee units discussed last week but this Lezyne Stick Drive is another neat design.

30 lumens isn’t jaw dropping by contemporary standards but the optical technology mean its very bright and useable, even in the lower settings. I’ve deliberated whether the 4lumen mode could be culled, although in common with some other Lezyne I’ve used in the past, it could be a life-saver, giving you something to limp home on, should reserves tumble.  

My Univega’s front Continental Speed Reflex tyre succumbed to a slow flat, inducing some squirm and prompted a switch to the Schwalbe Kojak. It also provided an ideal opportunity to check pads for any imbedded contaminant etc. To my surprise, the comparable 26x2.0 Kojak are considerably lighter than the Continental (527g against 675g) which may be attributable to several factors.

While both tyres are wire beads and similarly matched in terms of puncture resistance (at least by their respective ratings) the Continental’s sidewalls https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact-speed-reflex-ty  seem a little beefier. They are supposedly designed to entertain tyre driven bottle dynamos, which may account for this differential. Not that I’ve felt any inclination to try, since I’m a hub dynamo devotee and wouldn’t revert by choice.

The Kojak seem to roll a bit faster (not that the Continental could ever be considered remotely sluggish) but the Kojak can also be run at 70psi, the Speed Reflex a more modest 58psi).  

Whether these features will have implications for durability and puncture resistance remain to be seen, especially as we transition from mild, breezy conditions to wintry stuff. However, I’ve also switched to some heavier duty Schwalbe tubes. Tubes are one of those components easily overlooked. The generic bundle types, though worthy enough tend to be a little on the thin side, which has implications for puncture resistance, patching and indeed, pressure retention.

Having reached my conclusions regarding the Tru Tension Banana Slip Wet Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tru-tension-tungsten-wet-lube , I’ve switched to the Zefal Extreme Wet Ceramic. Apparently, its’ a ceramic reinforced, Teflon-based formula reckoned to cling on, rain, shine, snow, and ice. The latter has been threatened on these shores. Some crisp 5am starts and glazed surfaces have been a slight culture shock, but confirmed that both tyres grip asphalt like the proverbial leach

Personally, I’m of the opinion these adverse weather predictions are designed to grab headlines and online traffic. Forecasting has also reached the point where it’s so accurate in the immediate sense, its ironically inaccurate longer term. Either way, I’ll be sticking with the Pro-Viz Reflect 360 Gloves https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/proviz-reflect-360-cycling-gloves  which seem to have most bases covered.  

I digress, back to the lube. A little certainly goes a long way. Literally apply a tiny drop of the white elixir on every, freshly cleaned link, give the cranks a few rotations (wiping any excess from the side plates) and you’re ready to go.  

So, what are ceramics, then…In this instance it refers to a microscopic layer designed to infiltrate and bond with the surface, theoretically protecting it from the elements and premature wear. Thus far, it’s certainly slick and less gloopy than many wet blends but I suspect good housekeeping (weekly wiping of side plates, jockey wheels and cages) will be mandatory.

With falling temperatures, layering is even more important. Primal Europe have graciously sent me these funky Comic Book arm warmers and Showers Pass, their Elements Jacket. Apparently designed with mountain bikers in mind but versatile enough for other disciplines and indeed, off the bike.

It’s a seam-taped 2.5 layer waterproof/breathable laminate with front pockets, core ventilation points, a removable hood and features a carbon print lining, which theoretically subverts clamminess and odours, which can be an issue with some 2.5 layer models, which I’ve otherwise been endeared to. Lighting is always a big draw, but particularly as the days are much shorter. I’m still very endeared to the Magicshine See Mee units discussed last week but this Lezyne Stick Drive is another neat design.

30 lumens isn’t jaw dropping by contemporary standards but the optical technology mean its very bright and useable, even in the lower settings. I’ve deliberated whether the 4lumen mode could be culled, although in common with some other Lezyne I’ve used in the past, it could be a life-saver, giving you something to limp home on, should reserves tumble.  

Bright Lights Cold Nights

Second week in bedsit land and the boiler has gone bong, meaning no heating and hot water. Memories of the winter of ’92 are flooding back. At present, the temperatures are still creeping into double figures and this property is double-glazed. Therefore, the frosty glaze remains on the outside my window, when I don Lycra and head out for a 5am ride.

Cold showers and a vanishing toilet seat are less welcome, although said facilities remain superior to that infamous East London property 28 years back. Indeed, its 28 years since I bought my first LED light. A rear, two mode Vistalight that was essentially a reflector on steroids but a huge leap ahead of the basic, heavy filament lights that were the norm then.  

Enter these Magicshine See Mee lights. I have the 200, 180 and 100 versions on my test bench and am seriously impressed. The highest figure refers to the “Braking function” which kicks in for three seconds when their motion sensor detects deceleration/similar changes in momentum.

Formative impressions suggest these are too sensitive, triggered by washboard tarmac and longer climbs, thus putting a noticeable dent in run times. Thankfully, they can be switched off. “Braking” lights have become more popular but most I’ve used seem prone to these quirks, so I’m not singling the See Mee range out, per se.

The flashing modes are very effective and relatively frugal, across the board. The 200 also has a tracer light, a secondary diode that casts a 360degree flood at the road, to highlight bike and rider-again, fantastic in terms of presence and my inner child has grinned at the novelty value.

Talking of which, these are competitively priced. The 200 costs £33.99, the 100 £25.99. (At the time of typing, I’m not sure of the 180’s rrp). For the time being, I’m sticking with the Continental Contact Speed Reflex. These continue to impress with their tarmac hugging prowess, low rolling resistant and magic carpet ride quality. To my surprise, the Lezyne Floor Drive track pump’s gauge has expired. I’d had it for some years and it’s a really solidly made unit.

I didn’t want the hassle of buying and installing a replacement gauge, so I went the standalone route and this Topeak Smart Gauge D2. The only potential weak spot is the sprung head. I liked the original Smart Gauge, which came my way some 16 years back, which was a little simpler and had a press on head that would automatically morph to a Schrader, or Presta valve.

Alas after a few years faithful service, mine imploded rather dramatically. A backlight function would be rather handy, say when getting back on the road following a flat-my SKS Air Checker (in storage) has one.

Some would say for the same price, I could’ve bought another track pump but that would be wasteful, since the Lezyne is really well made and a standalone gauge is not only portable but the most accurate. Elsewhere, on the protective/winter front expensive crank arms can get a spanking. These Zefal Crank Armor https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-crank-armor  are an inexpensive way of protecting them from dings, stones, and other accidental damage. However, they won’t guard against unsightly toe-strap rub and may present compatibility niggles with some cadence sensors.

I was stunned to discover Control Tech are ceasing production of the Silicone bar tape, which I’m astonished, since performance is top notch, in all conditions. 155g (uncut, including CNC machined ends) might be a touch portly for bikes on calorie-controlled diets. However, for mile munching tourers, gravel, and winter bikes, there’s so much going for it.  Need something bike-themed to read as lockdowns come into force? This might fit the bill https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/northbound-down 

    

Shed Sitter

 

House sold and just post completion; I gave the fleet a thorough waxing and pre-storage once over. A quick squirt of maintenance spray on the cables, tyres inflated to optimum pressures, a quick drop of lube on the chains to keep them happy, while they are in secure storage. I am waiting to complete on a new property and while the COVID pandemic is raging,

Univega and I have sought solace in temporary, bedsit accommodation. Parred to the workshop essentials- a few tools, spare tubes, lubes, chain, cables, bike washes and degreasers. All do-able and enough to keep me and the old girl going through the increasingly dark, wetter, between houses thing. Crucially, we have a roof over our heads.

Having transported most essentials over previously, I loaded Ursula up, bike packing fashion (if you turn a blind eye to the Oxford Aqua Evo 12 litre backpack) and made the final, twelve-mile trip. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/topeak-midloader-frame-bag

https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/passport-cycles-bikepacking-seat-pa

https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-aqua-evo-12-litre-backpack

Not a soul and in the dark, some long climbs were much flatter. However, farmers had decided to resurface the roads in lumpy mud, which has turned decidedly slippery with the subsequent rains.

Thankfully, the 2.0-inch Continental Speed Reflex and Control Tech bar wrap smoothed things out and held their line. I could feel the slide strike, corrected this and the subsequent squirms. Not wanting to push my luck, I resorted to riding on the opposite side of the road, since nothing was coming and thankfully, nothing did.

Mud and torrential rain have also licked the lion’s share of Tru Tension wet lube from the Univega’s chain, leaving it decidedly parched. I'm still impressed with its balance of cleanliness and relative durability, so will top up and plod on for the time-being.

Bedsits are also a challenge when it comes to bike cleaning and if you find yourself in this situation, a big piece of lino to protect flooring, furniture polishes, waterless cleaners are an absolute godsend, meaning bikes can be kept relatively clean, without involving buckets of water, mess, lost deposits, or drawing unwanted attention.

Schwalbe were also kind enough to send me a 26x2.0 set of their long-serving Kojak slicks and some Air Plus tubes. These are much thicker than bog standard butyl, though not the proverbial builders’ hose so should retain pressure and resist puncture better.

I love a big slick tyre. 

67 EPI (Ends Per Inch) the Kojak are marketed as lightweight touring rubber and there’s certainly scope for this, especially since commuting lends itself to more comprehensive puncture repelling belt. Interestingly, Schwalbe cite their Race Guard as 4 on a scale of 7 (Continental Contact Speed Reflex are also 4out of 7 on their scale, so comparisons will be interesting). A more obvious difference is the Continental say their sidewalls are bottle dynamo compatible- a bit old school but welcome. The Schwalbe are not but employ retro-reflective detailing.  

Quick, compliant, and tenacious all-weather grip. However, there is usually some trade off in terms of durability/puncture resistance. I’d run the 700x35 section Kojak some years back and found they had tremendous charm, although mine seemed susceptible to cuts-thorns and shards of glass being the main offenders.  The most notable exception being the Freedom Thick Slicks, which I have run on the Holdsworth for some time.

Talking of Holdsworth, while mooching through Colchester, camera close to hand, I spotted this Holdsworthy made example. Aside from the lovely red livery, I was initially drawn to the classic leather saddle and Carradice luggage and a lovely blending of classic and modern components. I’m still putting the Pro-Viz Reflect 360 through their paces and they continue to meet my expectations of a commuter glove. Those seeking something closer fitting might find Chiba Second Skin Windproof and Waterproof Gloves a better bet  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/chiba-second-skin-gloves    

 

Falling Leaves & Fail Safes

 

It’s now dark before 7 and the sun doesn’t rise until 7.16. A moot point in some respects, thanks to the superb K-Lite Bike packer Ultra dynamo light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/k-lite-bikepacker-ultra-dynamo-ligh  and its Pro V2 sibling https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/k-lite   At the rear, I’m sticking with the Lezyne, this Ravemen TR30M https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ravemen-tr30m-rear-light and a long serving Moon Nebula. I also keep a rear helmet light, just in case one of the rear lights loses charge, or indeed fail.  

During the darker months, it’s a good idea to run a helmet-mounted light. Once thought the preserve of mountain bikers, a lower power (500 lumen with lower settings) can come into its, own should you need to tackle a flat/similar along a dark and lonely road. The ability to have light positioned where you need it while leaving both hands free, makes these tasks easier and quicker to solve.  

More powerful than necessary perhaps but this Blackburn Day Blazer 1100 presently adorning the Pro-Viz. Clue’s in the title. It's a five-mode model. 1100, 800 lumens, 400 lumens, and 200lumen pulsing/strobe settings. The highest mode will manage 90 minutes and for purposes discussed, overpowered.  

However, crucially, the 400 is close to 3 hours, so more than adequate for the duties discussed. I might want the 800, were I carrying the bike up a series of unlit steps, or a very dark stairwell-say in a block of flats. 142g isn’t overly apparent either.  On the subject of high-power rechargeable systems, Steve’s been very impressed with this Ravemen PR 1600 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ravemen-pr1600-front-light  

Univega is still running the Continental Contact speed Reflex Tyres https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact-speed-reflex-ty and for the time being, their blend of compliance, low rolling resistance and sure-footedness mean I’ve no incentive to switch. However, there is some suggestion of an early winter and temperatures plummeting to minus 10. Sensationalism on the part of the tabloid press in some respects but I may keep the Schwalbe Winter handy, just in case.   

I’m sticking with the Tru Tension Wet lube. It's quick to apply (curing times are a matter of minutes), low friction, and much cleaner than wet lubes tend to be-ceramic, or otherwise. It’s still holding its own, despite an enduring wet spell. The more challenging conditions and reduced daylight means hell n’ high water wet types can quickly evolve into a gritty, destructive mess.    

The Control Tech Silicone Bar Tape continues to delight with its shock absorbency and grippy texture. The Prov-Vis Reflect 360 gloves are also growing on me. Padding density is nice, dexterity is pretty good too. Retro-reflective prowess, (in common with the Chiba) is brilliant and glows a brilliant white, so there’s no mistaking my signals/intentions.  

Pro-Viz have also sent me their Vega and Procyon rear lights. The Vega is primarily designed for bike mounting, whereas the Procyon can be fitted to bike, helmet, rucksack/similar luggage to suit. Bear in mind that, to comply with the law, lighting must be mounted to the bike. That mounted to helmets, or luggage is considered secondary/tertiary but may just save your life, should a main light fail.