Caps & Other Staples

Cycling caps are one of those unsung heroes of a rider’s ensemble. Showers Pass sent me their Elite model for testing. It’s one of the more sophisticated, three-layer waterproof and breathable models.

This means you won’t get a wet bonce when it rains, or boiled brains when you’re bombing along on a balmy day. There is some debate when it comes to seams. Some say taped seams are the way forward, others point out this results in a bulkier aesthetic and makes them trickier to park in a pocket.   

Features, such as peaks, should never be overlooked either. A broad, but not obstructive peak will offer good protection from rain, wind, sun, and dust. Elastics need to offer generous stretch and solid tenure, without feeling like your head’s in a vice, given 40 minutes or so. I’ve had this unenviable experience a few times but not in the recent past.    

Bargain bin cotton types can be bunged in a pocket, or bike luggage and passed to riding companions. With the peak facing backward, it will also help protect against heat stroke/sunburn. This is particularly significant if younger children are en tow, since they may not be aware of the sun’s strength until it’s making itself painfully known.  

Then, of course, you can always use one for impromptu ablutions a 'la Tom Simpson- just don’t hand it back!

Or be prepared for palpable discord and to be shunned. Not that this would ever cross my mind, the Au Pairs and wizened farm cats raised me better. Old cotton caps with sensibly sized peaks can still lead positive retirements, protecting the wearer’s neck from welding spatter. Only cotton, mind. Semi/synthetic weaves will catch fire with agonising results.  

Weather is a very British talking point and as the weeks and miles have racked up, I’ve been unexpectedly impressed by the Madison Men’s Road race Softshell Jacket and Maison Bib Tights, especially given the asking price. Sometimes I deliberately start testing things “blind” I.e., without pouring over the specification in case this might lead to unconscious bias.  

This applied to the jacket and the waterproofing/breathability ratings (20 and 30,000 respectively) explained why I was so wowed by its ability to block rain and chill, while still breathing incredibly efficiently. In fact, it's one of the few packable models that has traditional technical jacket performance.

  

Many of the packable genre, though still particularly useful tend to be compromised when it comes to waterproofing, but so far, no such trade off. Unlike some laminates, including this likeable Oxford Venture OXFORD VENTURE JACKET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), it doesn’t “sweat”, resulting in clamminess-most apparent when worn atop a short-sleeved jersey. That being said; especially if you’ve packed it mid ride, remember to hang the jacket out, so it can air out.  

Talking of which, (and this goes for technical fabrics generally) it’s good to wash them regularly. 30 degrees and minimal detergent is a good default (but check and follow manufacturer instructions). This will remove grime from the fabric, ensuring they can protect and wick moisture at optimum efficiency.  

 

Similarly, it prevents things like zippers getting clogged and being temperamental. Adding reproofing products every few months is another sensible move. Talking of which, some fabrics like to be tossed in the tumble drier (this reactivates their properties), but a lot don’t. The Madison certainly falls into that latter category. A few hundred miles before I form any definite conclusions.  

Multi tools can be godsends, but I’m attached to some more than others. I’m saddened (but not completely surprised) to discover Gerber no longer produce the Cool Tool or produce a contemporary equivalent. In some regards, it is a little dated but still truly relevant for fixed gear builds, thanks to the adjustable wrench cum headset and cone tool.  

Then there’s the chain breaker, the 4,5, 6mm Allen keys, and Phillips end. Admittedly, given a much wider range of Allen Keys and Torx drivers proliferate modern bikes, I’ve tended to pair it with another, simple multi-tool. However, I’m as attached to it now as my original, gifted me thirty years ago. Besides, a custom tool kit has its own, obvious advantages.  

Another clever model is the Torque Covert 7 Crank Multi Tool TORQUE COVERT 7 CRANK MULTI TOOL | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), which is innovative since it makes clever use of the otherwise dead space in a Hollowtech II crankset. This also means a greatly reduced chance of being without a tool when you need to tweak something by the roadside.   

While I much prefer it to those secreted within the stem cap/steerer tube, it is right in the firing line of wet, nasty stuff. (A quick shot of maintenance spray or oily rag wipe-over prevents the hardened steel bits tarnishing). In my view, the magnet could be stronger, preventing some very minor chatter. 

I tried slipping a rubber “doughnut” over the top, with varying success. Will probably revisit this when the opportunity presents itself.

Talking of revisiting, I resurrected this See Sense Icon+ Rear Light SEE SENSE ICON+ REAR LIGHT (sevendaycyclist.com) from 2016.  

The battery and other components were still good, and I was curious to see how well it had aged/kept pace seven years down the line. Aside from the tuneable nature (controllable by smartphone app) and bombproof build quality, it's capable of delivering 250 lumens. Yes, I know with great power, comes great responsibility. However, this kind of tuneable output is fabulous for foggy mornings...February can be an unforgiving month weather-wise.    

Fluke & Fortune

I was doing a light swap, since the little Topeak Taillux 30 was begging for a charge, come the close of our ride. I switched to its 100lumen sibling TOPEAK TAILLUX 100 REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). While I was rooting around for the bigger Topeak, I noticed a Garmin type front mount belonging to a Magicshine light and suddenly had the notion that it might be a good cure for the rattly See Sense Beam+ mount.   

I was pleased to discover this sorted the issue (although See Sense and I were of the belief this was just a rogue mount). Silent and rattle-free. Sometimes it’s the little things that bring the biggest grins. However, rubber straps tend to require judicious force to get them rock steady on the bars.  

They may seem immobile at first but creep given a few miles, especially subjected to low level vibration. Washboard tarmac, rumble strips (the sort designed to reduce speed and therefore, calm traffic speed) being prime examples. I’m hoping this shim might be the way forward... 

This discovery coincided with the arrival of these Ergon BT Ortho Cell Pad Set. These are strips of 2.5mm thick foam padding designed to reduce discomfort from low-level vibration.

Unlike some “military grade” products, there’s no trade-off in terms of aesthetic.  

This is a definite plus, especially if you’re dressing the bars of a mile-munching classic with pencil thin steel tubing.

Ursula is arguably at the opposite end of this spectrum. The foam itself seems unaffected by cold, at least when fitted. Though fitting was hardly taxing, getting the strips to mould and sit nicely required gentle warming from a hairdryer.  

I suspect this was attributable to the air temperature (struggling to minus 2 and I suspect a non-issue when temperatures hit the low teens).  Thus far, the foam pads seem to offer some additional damping but it’s also worth noting that I’ve been wearing liner gloves beneath the Altura.  

 

 Seeing Sense Again.  

Mount aside, I’m endeared to the Beam+, its intelligent features and impressive run times. 400 icy, wintry miles down the line and I’m warming to the Muc Off All Weather Lube, which is staying put better than I’d expected, given the suggestion it might need reapplication in wet conditions. Contexts, which will find a chink, or fault in a product, sometimes with unwelcome ease. 

January marked the 24th year of me spotting Ursula in Bob’s window- frame and fork £125. Much has changed, much has been worn out and upgraded but the old girl remains true to my original vision.   

I’ve stuck with the 11-25 setup (Two Shimano Tiagra Cassettes), since these were heavily discounted and will switch to the similarly inexpensive 11-28, when the freshly fitted KMC chain wears out.

   

I’ve been so thankful for the Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro’s 360 spikes, which really inspire confidence across thick ice. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-ice-spiker-pro-tyres  The Schwalbe Winter Plus’ 240 are very dependable but the Ice Spiker Pro bite in contexts where I’ve felt a momentary pause from the 240. Not enough to cause problems, or anxiety. More a gentle nudge, which keeps my senses primed and speed in check- typically into the bends.  

Despite biblical warnings from some “newspapers” the bitterly cold snap passed, and I was able to switch back to the SP SD8 and XT wheels shod with the Maxxis Overdrive Excel. I needed to see how the freshly repacked hubs compared and to get some more miles in, with the Maxxis.  

Hubs are buttery smooth and silent.  The Overdrive Excel are brisk and engaging tyres with a bit more zing, though no loss of puncture resistance compared with some iconic favourites. Whether this puncture resistance will prove consistent, up until the point they’re worn out, remains to be seen.  

50-55psi seems optimal when it comes to speed, compliance and grip and phrases like trekking, or hybrid are a little open to interpretation. Personally, I’d say they’re more versatile than the semi-slicks many of us shod our tarmac bound mtbs with during the late 90s and early 2000s, but hardpack and unmade roads are the limits of their off-road capabilities. The maximum payloads are 90 kilos for the 26x2.0, which for someone of my 70-kilo build, gives scope for lightweight/weekend touring.  I'll hold off any firm conclusions for another 200 miles but I'm growing very attached to their quick, yet dependable personas