Short spin on the Cube E Mtb in the dark'ish windy but warm conditions

It was a lot warmer ride than my last few with the temperature between 10 and 12 degrees but by good it was windy again. Just a short spin down to Durham, around Maiden Castle, Houghall Woods, The Trod then back home via the Frankland. I took the Cube E Mtb for a change as I fitted my winter lights to the bike last night and charged them up ready. I have my old Lupine on the front and a Smart Lunar LED on the rear. It was not that dark by the time I got down into Durham so I did not require full power for most of the ride. Enjoy the few pics below and hopefully more soon- 

 

 

 

 

A local road loop in very windy but dry conditions - Pontop Pike

 

After a rather wet weekend to say the least it had finally stopped raining this morning but the wind has come back! The local roads were mainly dry so I swapped over onto my new DT Swiss road wheelset for the Creo SL and headed off out on a local loop. I dropped down to Chester Le Street then up to Stanley using the back roads then over to Annfield Plain / Pontop Pike then down the C2C to Greencroft. From there it is the horrible fast road to Burnhope then back on the back roads to Edmudsley / Waldridge Fell then back along he cycle track / A167 home. All in 28.5miles with just over 2000ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps, enjoy and hopefully more soon - 

John at A&S Carpets has now supplied and fitted our whole house and he did a cracking deal for Angus on his whole house of new flooring for him. Highly recommended.

 

 

Fresh Goods Sunday - Restarp Canister Handlebar Bag

 

I was after a small bar bag for my gravel bike coming into winter to carry my spare pertex coat and my small bag which I carry my phone, money, key etc in to take some weight off my back jersey pockets. I picked the Restrap one due to the size, its not too big and not too small. 200mm long, 100mm diameter which equates to 1.5 litres of storage. There are two small open mesh pockets on the outside, one at either end of the bag but not sure what you could put in them and if it would be safe from coming out during a ride. There is also a loop on the front where you can attach a small led light and I have used this from day one. The bag has one main zip running nearly the full length of the top and is of good quality. Access into the bag is spot on even for my big hands. On the inside there is bright orange material so makes it easier to find small items instead of against a black or dark material. I have used it in rain showers and have had no water ingress so far but I have not used it in heavy rain. The feel and construction of the bag is fantastic and looks to be real good quality for the money. Fitting is simple enough but check to make sure you have room on your handlebar for the straps. They are 100mm apart then the width of each strap either side. There are small foam spacers between the bag and the handlebars which is a cracking idea and the buckles seem to hold the straps well. I have only had to retighten mine once after a few rides after the bag had settled in. The only downside which I did not think about is when the bag has some heavy'ish items and you hit the rough stuff or bunny hop a kerb the bag swings/rotates around a lot. Shame there was not a velcro loop at the bottom of the bag which you could loop around your hose/brake cable or gear cable to stop it from launching around

RRP £44.99 + £3.59 p&p and I paid £37.99 inc p&p from Merlin Cycles. Discount 22%. 

 

Manufacturers blurb -  Made from textured nylon and with a top YKK zip, the spacious, yet compact bag is the ideal accompaniment for day rides. Elasticated side pockets and the unique canister shape mean you’ll easily have room for tools, technology and extra clothes. For early mornings or later evenings, the Canister Bag also has a loop to attach a front light.

Weight - 116g
Capacity - 1.5L