Where There's A Will...

This week we’ve been looking at trailers for touring and commuting http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tug-jobs.  Hopefully we’ll have some samples of Dani Foffa’s new urban clothing range in for testing very shortly. In the meantime, these 42mm Maxxis Roamer tyres arrived from another title and our Revolution ‘Cross test bike seemed the ideal candidate.

The Roamer is a wallet-friendly family of e-bike rated urban rubber, supposedly designed to cope with everything from commuting to touring. 60tpi semi slick casings, maximum 75psi operating pressure and a Kevlar breaker strip certainly indicate so.

Giving the ‘cross a visual once-over, I reckoned the roamer wouldn’t present any concerns clearance-wise and those portly, supple casings also implied a compliant, easy-to mount set...  welcome antidotes to the Bontrager several weeks’ back.

Well, I was nearly caught out on both fronts.

The first 65% slipped aboard the rims effortlessly and sans tools but it wasn’t long before I was close to agricultural language and guttural groaning more commonly associated with hospital labour wards. “Oooooh! Go-on, go-on!!!! You will! You will, you will!” probably wasn’t the sort of tea-time entertainment my neighbours hard bargained for either.

Order was restored with the retrieval of my magic tyre wand that had mysteriously escaped its hook and was hiding behind the chest freezer. Having dialed the Spyre’s barrel adjusters in to provide some slack, wheels were repatriated.

Clearance up front was good-pretty much what you’d expect on a modern disc braked ‘cross/adventure biased build but at the rear, you’d be lucky to slip the proverbial fag paper between casing and chain-stay bridge.

To my amazement, it didn’t clog following a ride or two on the wild side but something to check, especially on frames with vertical ends where there’s no leeway. Lighter than the OEM kenda, these have been delivering a magic carpet ride over the lumpy lanes and increasingly battle scarred main roads.

They’ve given the ‘Cross2 a perkier persona and rolling resistance is much les than I was expecting from rubber weighing over 700g apiece, although thanks in part to the widely spaced gearing, ride/handling still feels closer to that of a middleweight tourer than ‘crosser per se.

The other objective that evening was to continue getting it as filthy as possible since this fetching blue Zefal bike wash had also been sent my way…Bike washes provoke quite a bit of debate and most work to broadly similar science with comparable results.

Most solutions (aside from citrus based versions) are alkaline and employ non-ionic surfactants. These basically break down the grime on a molecular level; ensuring non/organic grot is easily flushed away and does not reattach itself during the washing/rinsing phases.  Aside from distinctive blue colouring, Zefal reckon theirs imparts a protective, dirt and dust repelling glossy film...Time and testing will reveal whether there’s any substance to these claims.

Working on the basis most knobblies become slicks when feed sufficient gloop, I decided it was time to revisit the bridle path featured on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos to see how they’d behave.

Despite some initial skepticism, the Roamer’s comparatively supple casings literally glided through the gloop, taking thorns, flints in its stride. However, while the strip is comprehensive, its thinner at the shoulders... Given another seven miles or so, a sharp hard infiltrated the recessed, traction boosting, water channelling grooves. Just as I’d pulled up outside the house, its rear tyre let rip with a hearty hiss. Ruptured tube seam, so new tube and back to testing…

Elsewhere, the Univega now sports this Guee silicone bar wrap. Despite materials in common it’s proving quite different from the venerable Genetic flare http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-silicone-bar-wrap   in many respects, though most obviously, texture.

Price is a stumbling block for some people but compared with space age polymers commanding similar cash, the rubber’s natural tenacity means these don’t require backing adhesives, so aside from introducing fresh UPVC (electrical tape) they can be repeatedly rewound.

The Guee benefits from a little extra pre-stretch (especially when feeding the first few centimetres inside the bar end). Thankfully, it’s less susceptible to stretch marks/discoloration under tension, which is helpful since it’s less generous than the flare. (I had sufficient left over for the Holdsworth’s pursuit bars) Only time and miles will tell whether performance justifies the £7 price differential...

Candid Cameras & Premature Celebrations

After three months testing Cycliq fly 6 camera and rear light, we’ve reached our conclusions. http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/cycliq-fly-6-camera-and-rear-light  “I’ve got your back” is the tag-line and while there’s something disappointing about living in a world where we have to record our rides for defensive, litigious reasons, its two genuinely excellent products in one.

There are better choices for adrenalin junkies looking to capture breathtaking footage with short pieces of commentary. The fly 6 is closer to a car dash cam, recording in ten minute segments and will ultimately wipe the footage once the card is full.

8gb micro SD comes as standard, though it will accept 32gb versions if you must. Speaking of size, generally unobtrusive, it still requires a decent helping of seatpost, a moot point with most semi/compact geometry framesets but something to consider if jockeying for space with saddle bags or monster wedgies. 

Image and sound quality aren’t quite on par with Go Pro and similar 1080Hd fare, its susceptible to wind and road. Nonetheless, footage is more than adequate enough to provide irrefutable evidence in the event of an incident, or on a happier note, reviewing rides from an alternative perspective. Talking of which, I’ve just taken delivery of the Revolution Cross 2.

Formative impressions suggest it lacks the pizzazz of a purebred cross bike with carbon fork- closer in persona to a tourer over metalled roads. However, as our facebook footage illustrates, I was pleasantly surprised by how surprisingly nimble its’ proving sans asphalt... https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/publishing_tools/?section=VIDEOS&refSource=video_upload_notif&notif_t=video_processed&notif_id=1469654473701212

Suggestion that I’d exorcised the Holdsworth’s puncture curse was, well a bit premature... Having returned from a 15mile blast, I popped it back on its hook in the workshop, reintroduced F**k off lock, following the immovable object rule and bid it good night.

Eagerly anticipating another fast paced escape the following evening...Front tyre pancake flat. Thankfully I had the Ilpompino prepped and ready to go. Change of shoes and we away-pretty much had the lanes to myself and a steady 23-25mph tempo, quick enough to banish mental cobwebs and low mood for another day.

Back at the house, I discovered the Holdsworth’s puncture was attributable to duff rim tape. Think I might retire said fixer’s carbon composite post next. Composites seem structurally fine; alas the alloy cradle’s threads seem to be receding.

I’ve tightened the 6mm Allen bolt to manufacturer recommended torque settings and will monitor for the time being. Could be a rogue model, maybe after six years, it’s reached the end of its intended design life. However, at 70 odd kilos, I’m fairly compassionate to components.      

Fixed isn’t everyone’s thing and while I’ve met a few frame builders who enjoy touring on their Audax inspired, single brake builds, in this context, I’d sooner go for variable gears, whether hub or derailleur.

Fixed came under my radar in my early teens; many club riders had one within their fleet-sometimes these followed the continental narrative of old race framesets reincarnated as winter/workhorses, others pared to the essentials TT missiles.

It wasn’t particularly mainstream but widely accepted as having merits “Good thing; teaches you to pedal properly”; as one rider in his early forties put it. Then of course, there was a sub editor’s 1948 Freddy Grubb…

A small minority of chain-gangers seem to enjoy carving in a hairs breadth from my bars, then lingering, seemingly trying to make a point. If my 18mph on an incline is too pedestrian, why aren’t you powering ahead.

Oh, sorry, you wanted to deliver the hipster jibe…The same riders mysteriously find a voice; or some form of visual acknowledgement when I’m dressed in similar road biased kit but astride a more tribe acceptable road build. Difficult to measure scientifically but anecdotally, I find this myopic “One way to ride” tribalism very disappointing.

Talking trends, silicone is growing in popularity as a handlebar covering. Having graced the Univega’s moustache bars for a good fourteen months, the otherwise dependable Genetic (flare) is starting to look a little dog-eared in places.

Grimy patinas cultivated during puncture purging and other roadside mechanicals are easily dismissed using some bike wash concentrate, lathered up with a medium stiff brush. However, fatigue is apparent wit successive re/winding to facilitate cable replacements-especially where it enters the ends. Timely then, that I’m due to receive some Guee in ultra serviceable black. 

The Joy of Workhorses

Stripping and thoroughly re-greasing the Univega’s M475 hub cured the grumbles and confirmed freehub and other components had many miles left in them. 

Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative is sending Seven Day Cyclistwww.sevendaycyclist.com  the latest incarnation of their wallet friendly ‘Cross 2 for testinghttp://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-cross-2-16?bct=browse%2fbicycles%2fcyclocross-bikes.

I have always been impressed by their range and was particularly taken by their Cross 0. http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-cross-0-16?bct=browse%2fbicycles%2fcyclocross-bikes  

On paper at least, this seems very befitting to the 0. Working bikes certainly aren’t the ceiling of our horizons at SDC but we’re firmly of the opinion that decent workhorses are vital members of any enthusiasts’ fleet.

Well maintained but rugged,  you’re not afraid to face the salt monster’s caustic tongue, or leave them shacked to street furniture, yet said swinging a leg over their top tubes and powering off, induces those ear-to-ear grins.

Essentially, the 0 is a single speed ‘cross inspired package featuring their in house “Strongman” 7005 series aluminium frame with mudguard and carrier fixings for four seasons’ practicality.Hi-tensile steel forks add some additional girth and personally, for the sake of a few pennies, I’d prefer to see basic Cro-moly blades. 

“Cross inspired” geometry is a refreshingly honest phrase, which refers to generous clearances, rather than off-road pretentions per se. Taking of which, there's room for 35mm tyres for a compliant, magic carpet ride over pock marked asphalt.

Reducing things to a balance sheet decision, this member of their cross family would easily pay for itself within three months of short-middle distance commuting. Monies saved on train or bus fare could be ploughed back into the household coffers, or other two-wheeled projects...  

Given this backdrop, I didn’t need much persuading to take a closer look at its more refined sibling. Sharing the same non ferrous tubes, this one follows the adventure/gravel bike narrative. 

Tektro Spyre mechanical discs caused quite a stir when they first came out about three years back and for very good reason. In retrospect, I’m wishing I took that route, rather than the otherwise extremely agreeable Avid BB7 presently gracing my own ‘cross inspired fixer’s fork blade.

Twin pistons sound more complex but having played with them (albeit briefly) modulation and feel with lower-mid range levers and compression cables is reassuringly good. Lower profiles are another definite plus, improving heel clearance, while taking the faff from rack fitting. Shimano’s 8x3 Claris groupset also fits the design brief handsomely.

There’s enough range for bombing, cruising and winching, whether lugging a trailer’s worth of kit on a weekend tour, or just doing the weekly shop. Yes, there’s some scope for less challenging rides on the wild side too. 

Shifts are crisp but everything’s cheap enough to replace in the event of a nasty spill. Shunning full-length guards, clearance looks generous enough to accept a narrower (35mm) section spiked tyre for dependable bite through winter’s worst.

Anyhow, I’m really looking forward to swinging my leg over its 55cm top tube and seeing how the whole package behaves over the course of a few hundred, real world miles…Talking of the Ilpompino, nipping the Aheadset bearings quarter of a turn tighter ironed out some trace wibble that set in after 150 miles.

After rummaging in the bodge box for a spare spoke mount (think my malevolent farm cat scattered the old one irretrievably beneath the freezer/drier) I bought a “Blackburn” replacement for the princely sum of £2. Fuchsia Knog Nerd now pride of place and fully functional.

Found some time to review the Tom Tom bandit’s footage. By my reckoning, image quality is level pegging with Go-Pro’s 3; although the microphone is proving surprisingly susceptible to wind blast.

Think I’ll invest in the remote trigger upgrade when circumstance permits…KA decided to chomp through its rear brake shoes last week, with audible protest on the M1. Thankfully, no other component damage done and friendly local garage sorted it for £75 including VAT.  Hmm, hopefully that signals the end of this most recent spate of implosions...

Write Ups & Write Offs

Austin Vince Interview now live on Seven Day Cyclist http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/austin-vince-world-view , replacement forks and headset behaving impeccably, I’ve been able to sit back and enjoy some serious fun on the Ilpompino. However, despite recent battery replenishments, its’ otherwise seriously cheerful, Revolution Velocity 20 function bar mounted computer has been delivering some frustratingly erratic readings.

Close proximity to pylons, electricity substations and other sources of current were once notorious for sending wireless units haywire. Some pros still prefer wired systems for absolute accuracy. Standalone heart rate monitors and more recently, GPS based tech have also been linked to this kind of disruption.

These were non issues with both Geonaute escape series action cameras and their remote triggers. Thoughts turned to the Tom Tom Bandit but leaving it at home for a few rides ruled this out.

Given the Velocity was a tester and Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative are now offering them for £10; after eighteen months’ faithful service; a quick rummage in my gizmo box unearthed this fuchsia/pink Knog Nerd. Fresh batteries, lick of Vaseline on the battery contacts and a quick bit of recalibration later-job done.  

Elsewhere, new, heavy duty tubeless rim tape coupled with a fresh delivery of tubes cured the Holdsworth’s butyl munching tendencies. Timely then since a set of 26mm Bontrager R3 TLR (Tubless Ready) tyres had been sent my way...

There is little doubt in my mind that tubeless will become the dominant system, although rather akin to tubulars, I don’t expect tubes to become obsolete. Tubeless tyres have been around for a good decade or so and have several advantages.

Puncture resistance, especially at lower pressures explains why they caught on with mountain bike and ‘cross audiences. Additional traction through the gloop makes all the difference.

The R3 also employ a “lightweight sub tread” material for additional puncture resistance, which is welcomed, whether you’ve gone for wholesale conversion or want a slower, tubes first transition. There’s a definite knack to getting them aboard-some rims are easier than others but having nearly succumbed to a full blown, lever hurling meltdown; I’d recommend watching the Bontrager you tube tutorial first. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR6e065lFn0

Operating pressures are decidedly modest by traditional wire on/tubular standards, although run at 105psi; they’re responsive with leach-like cornering prowess through saturated S bends, yet deliver a very compliant ride over washboard surfaces. Punctures have been a moot point to date and I’m fast forming the opinion these are excellent choices for for winter/trainers and other situations where you want to stick with one set of tyres year round.

While out in the Ka, I found myself following the TFB (Tadworth Fat boys) team. http://www.tadworthfatboys.co.uk/tadworth-fat-boys-social-cycle-group/

Having overtaken them a couple of miles earlier, I drew into a clearing and took a chance on my CSC’s lithium ion battery. Luckily, 40% charge remained and the 50-200 5.6 lens was already fitted; so I ran off a few shots from a comfortable distance.

Returning home, I decided to give the Univega a good clean, degrease the drivetrain and re-lube. Click, grumble, whirr...Rear wheel bearings fine, cassette snug, freehub mechanism...On the way out.

This is another loyal, wallet friendly servant that doesn’t owe me anything. Detractors suggest it can’t cope with poor weather, let alone trail duties. Granted, it’s a very simple cup n’ cone model, one up from Alivio with similarly basic weather seals; nonetheless with basic care, mine has racked up 20,000 miles through snow and high water.

Machine built hoop with higher quality Deore hub can be had for £60 from reputable suppliers, so I have a very clear write-off figure in mind. Short on time; I got in touch with Alan at Riverside Cycle Centre, who agreed to do a strip n’ service on Tuesday, since I was in his neck of the woods. That’s about it for this week, off to familiarise myself with this remote trigger for Sony SLR/CSC systems...

The Emperor's New Forks

Plenty of excitement-of the right and wrong sort this past fortnight; continued progress with the children’s stories, a couple of hours spent interviewing Austin Vince (www.austinvince.com) leading up to his adventure travel film festival on 12-14^th August. http://www.adventuretravelfilmfestival.com/

Then along came tyres that would not mount, mechs that swung too far and of course; a “Forking hell! My blades/steerer are divorcing!!!” drama.

Thankfully; this was all sorted with a call to upgrade bikes www.upgradebikes.co.uk. Two minutes later, Rory sorted me a set of Kinesis DC37 at a very compassionate price. Two days later, they arrived at my door suitably boxed to fox the notorious parcel destroyers, along with a brand-spanking new hacksaw.

I knew I had a packet fresh, replacement blade “somewhere” but rather than wasting time, simply ordered another saw, specifically for guillotining steerer tubes. Some will argue this is unnecessary expense; most of us replace forks every-so-often.

Maybe so, but £6 pales into insignificance compared to a badly cut tube, or operator injury. Keeping two sets of wire snips is also good practice; one for everyday jobs-cutting zip ties, plastic housing, wire fencing to length etc and another specifically for inner wires-they’ll repay their investment countless times over.

Back to the forks; these are a keenly priced and relatively lightweight composite set with an alloy steerer, disc mount and 45 degree rake. Check out a full review in Seven Day Cyclist. http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/kinesis-dc37-disc-fork

Kinesis frames and forks are well made and this one seems particularly good for a budget fork; countering the perpetuating myth that composites go floppy with age, or should be arbitrarily replaced at specific intervals. Personally, I’m inclined to inspect regularly and, in the event of a serious tumble, consult a specialist and make an informed decision.

Bottom line, I’ll pension off anything dubious. The cost implications of new teeth, time off work, or the prospect of having shards of composite plucked from my derriere by an overworked and underpaid A&E nurse far exceeds that of a replacement post/handlebar/fork.

I was tempted to plump for their Crosslight. These are a slightly quirky, industrial looking 6061 set, which I’ve used to good effect on a cross inspired mtb mongrel. There's  only 70g separating them from the Dc37. 

However, while I’d describe the Crosslight as direct, rather than harsh; carbon blades translate into a more compliant ride. Ideal opportunity for headset replacement-another FSA, from the comfort of one’s kitchen, naturally. 

Talking of comfort, I am largely a MAMIL (Middle aged man in Lycra) for point to point blasts; though I’ve always had a soft spot for “messenger” longs, which are extremely practical for spirited riding, yet more suave, dare we say, socially appropriate sans bike.

Price is usually a good indicator; although I have three particular favourites are at each end of the spectrum (£25-£75). Given this backdrop, I was decidedly disappointed by another top drawer set commanding the lion’s share of £100. 

No denying their appeal sans saddle but the cut saw them ascending my thighs faster than an 80’s Columbian climber. Could just be a poor liner/short combo, so I’ll persevere for another 100miles or so before passing comment proper.

Elsewhere, I’d been eager to get my sweaty little mitts on tom-tom’s bandit action cam for some time, attracted by its spec and promise of user-friendly editing.

Suggestion that action cams, regardless of quality are serious film-making tools is misinformed. Limited focal length and sound recording quality are the most obvious limiters but they are a useful way of recording the highs n’ lows of a ride, broadcasting short, first-look promotional pieces on social media channels.

Convergence; crudely the adoption of SLR cameras for film-making and we can now edit footage without having access to professional editing suites. However, as Austin Vince pointed out during our interview; the grammar of television-the way in which stories are told remains unchanged and must be mastered first.

I’ve seen several “Uncle Bobs” produce abysmal wedding footage using completely stock, entry Level DSLRS in movie mode. Undeterred, I’m going to learn this language at my own pace, while having some uncomplicated fun with the Bandit…