30 June 2024

Fresh Goodies - Fenwick's All Condition Chain Lube & Thule Chasm 40 Litre Bag



It has been a while since I have done a Fresh Goodies blog so here you go - Fenwicks All Condition Chain lube. I have only ever used Fenwicks Foaming degreaser which I have used for many years and don't use anything else. All the lubes are Finishline and have never changed from them in over 30 years but I thought I would give this one a go and I have heard good reviews about it. 
RRP £9.59 and I got it for £6.96 from Teams Cycles in 24hr delivery. 



I also treated myself to a new holdall bag which I use when taking the bike in my van to carry my helmet, shoes, clothes etc. I did not want anything too big, just big enough to get in what I wanted. I have used Thule products for many years and the quality is fantastic but you pay a high price for it! 
I will do a Fresh Goods Sunday blog on the bag after a few months use but it has one external pocket on the end, two internal zipped pockets on the flap lid. It can also be used as a backpack and comes with its own pouch bag when the bag is folded / rolled up. 
RRP £119.99 and I paid £94.73 from Teams Cycles inc 24hr delivery 


29 June 2024

York Cycle Festival 21st - 23rd June inc Retrobike Show

 


It has been many years since we headed down to York for the annual cycle show. This year grass track racing was back on the Saturday and there was a display from Retrobike show.  It has scaled down in size from what it was years ago but still a canny day out of the weather is playing ball! 
There was loads of Retro bikes from era and some I have always dreamed of owning! It was also fantastic to see the grass racing circuit was back and made a fantastic focal point on Saturday. 
There was free car parking and free entry. The programme was only a quid and had to buy the pin badge as a souvenir of the event. 






I also treated myself to spare pair of Shimano SPD SL cleats in yellow - 6 degrees float for my spares tub as I don't have any. A tenner from a stall that has been going probably longer than I have! 





It brought back many memories for Angus as he did all the kids events at the show over the many years. 

27 June 2024

Very early morning spin along two of Co Durham's old railway lines

 


I was up and out the door very early this morning for a pre work ride. One of my regular loops has a section closed between Mon - Fri from 8am until 3pm (see photos below). It was overcast and cloudy with a strong wind early doors. The Garmin was only reading around 13 degrees so had three layers on my top half and I was feeling cold in some places. As you can imagine there was very few others out n about just after 6am. I went from Bishop Auckland on the old railway line to Spennymoor, then the back lanes to Tudhoe village, Croxdale, Sunderland Bridge then up the long climb to the Bransden pub at Brandon. Here I turned left and took the old railway line all the way back to Bishop Auckland. I took my Creo 2 gravel as it was still dirty from the previous ride out. All in just over 19 miles in 1hr 17mins with 750ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon - 











26 June 2024

Ride down the old C2C to Hylton, Sunderland on the Specialized Creo 2.

 


Another sunny day and still very warm here in Co Durham so it is time to sling my leg over the saddle and have another ride. The temperature was a lot more bearable today compared to yesterday and there was a lovely cooling stiff breeze. It was a simple out n back as I did not have much spare time to Hylton viaduct, Sunderland. The tracks were bone dry now no signs of any mud etc down that way. I took the Creo 2 for a change as I have not been out on it for a while. There was a few others out enjoying the sun but not too many. All in 21 miles with 850ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon- 

















23 June 2024

Fresh Goods Sunday - Assos TRAIL Steinadler Jacket T3 Black Series

 


If you have followed my blog for a while you know I have mainly moved over Assos clothing now. When CRC / Wiggle were closing down I decided to treat myself to a new jacket from Assos. I wanted something which was a more relaxed fit and ideal for any off road rides. I found this model in the sale and decided to give it a whirl. As ever with all my Assos clothing the quality and feel of the materials is just unreal. If you live in the UK you will know we had a really crap spring and beginning of summer. This jacket has been worn on nearly every ride and packed away into its own pocket and folded up and stuffed into my back jersey pocket for a "just in case" moment which I have had plenty. There is a small chest pocket which is ideal of me as that is where I keep my compact camera. There is one other zipped pockets but I never use it apart from turning it inside out as the stuff pocket. The zip is easy to use even with thin long fingered gloves on. As ever you have to layer up right under the jacket depending upon the temperature but I have never felt over hot or sweaty in the jacket even when climbing. I have used it in many rain showers and does shred off the rain for a while but after per longed soaking it does come through. It washes well and dries really quickly. With it being on the more causal cut I do notice the material at the back of my shoulders flaps in the wind a little when on a fast descent unless you put the jacket down at the back by the dropped flap section. On the whole I cannot fault the jacket and is ideal for most of my Autumn and Spring riding. As ever the rrp is steep but shop around for some discount / bargain. 

RRP £200 and I paid £110 inc 48hr p&p from CRC (before they went bust). Discount 45%  

Manufacturers blurb - 

A midweight, all-weather jacket with a cut and textiles suited for high-intensity off-road riding. Breathable insulation combined with freedom of movement for trail functionality on and off the bike. The Steinadler is a highly breathable, trail-tuned jacket with a more aggressive cut and more breathability. It’s also equipped with our new Water & Mud Shield Tec treatment to stay dry and prevent the accumulation of weight from external moisture. When not needed, the Steinadler packs into its own pocket for low-volume storage.

Featured fabrics
The Domino textile adds tear-resistant, wind-blocking protection to the front panel, shoulders, and extended collar, with the Speedy fabric lining providing an ultrasoft feel and integrated odorControl around the neck. The rear panel and sleeves are constructed with highly elastic Type.OF11 to maintain a sleek silhouette inspired by our road equipment. Both body textiles are treated with our Water & Mud Shield Tec to block mud and trail water or road spray. UPF 50+ throughout.

Construction/fit
The most aggressive TRAIL cut, body-mapped for full range of motion on or off the bike and finished with an extended collar that adds protection without interfering with headwear.

Water & Mud Shield Tec
A new, trail-specific technology that sheds water and mud, prevents stains, and actively expels internal moisture.

Secure Pockets
Two zippered pockets provide secure storage and fast access to ride essentials. Taped for waterproofing.

Ultra Packable
Compresses into its own zippered pocket for low-volume storage.


Features

  • Composition: 80% Polyamide, 11% Elastane 9% Polyester
  • Water-repellent and windproof
  • Protects from mud, water and road splashes
  • Foldable