So after a few weeks of nagging from my fiancé and because my employer heavily subsidises gym memberships I decided to join my local gym/leisure centre and start exercising. It’s actually not too bad.

My current weekly routine involves 2 ‘spinning’ classes (if you don’t know what a spinning class is just imagine a group of tired, sorry looking people slogging it out while being shouted at by an instructor to the soundtrack of dance music). It’s actually better than I make it out to be and even though 30 minutes in while I’m hanging off the handlebars wishing I was dead, afterwards I feel pretty good. Plus it’s pretty good to look over to your neighbour and see that you’re kicking their ass.

As well as the spinning classes I’m trying to get to the gym a further night or two during the week. Exercises include further exercise bike training and hitting up the rowing machine.

Of course none of this really compares to riding a bike properly, so I’ve got 8 weekends left to get some weekend riding done. Hopefully I’ll find some decent routes which aren’t infested with cars. I aim to do around 20-30 miles per weekend with maybe a 40 miler if time permits. This should stand me in good stead as the majority of my days are around 40 miles.

To be honest I think I could probably manage the tour without any gym training but I guess it’s best to be ‘aerobically capable’ before going away for 10 days.

Condition wise it’s pretty excellent for its age. There’s been paint touch-ups on the frame and I’ve filled in with paint some of the decal tears but aside from this there’s no rust or dings.

Anyway, after a few hundred £ later here’s the current spec:

• Frame:  Reynolds 531ST lugged steel frame with forged dropouts.
• Forks: Reynolds 531ST steel forks.
• Wheels: Mavic Open 4CD rims with Malliard hubs and QR scewers.
• Headset: Hatta Swan (I think this is original).
• Brakes: Weinmann Vainqueur 999 centre-pulls with Tektro Aero levers.
• Mudguards: SKS Chromoplastics.
• Stem: 70mm GB forged alloy threaded.
• Bars: GB ‘randonneur’.
• Bell: Velo Orange Japanese brass bell.
• Saddle: Brooks B17 Special.
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Sora.
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore.
• Shifters: Shimano 105 7-speed indexed.
• Freewheel: Shimano HyperGlide 7-speed 12-28
• Chain: Shimano HG-40.
• Chainset: Spa Cycles XD-2 Touring Triple with Sugino 165mm cranks.
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN-54.
• Pump: Zefal HPX-3
• Pedals: MKS Sylvan Touring with MKS steel toeclips and Condor cycles leather toe-straps.
• Seatpost: 27.0mm Kalloy microadjustable.
• Rack: TorTec Expedition.
• Bar Tape: Fizik M-Tec.
• Various NOS Shimano and Weinmann components i.e brake hangers and straddle cables.

My 1984 Dawes Galaxy

The result is that I plumped for the MKS Sylvan Touring pedals as they have a slightly bigger platform than the other range. Plus they look nice and traditional in combination with MKS’ steel toeclips (which are also NJS approved so I get street cred with the fixie crowd). Overall they’re very nice quality and although some people have reported an issue with lack of grease from the factory, this is easily rectified as the pedals are fully dismantle-able.

MKS Sylvan Touring pedals with MKS steel toeclips and Condor Cycles leather toestraps.

Currently Spa only offer this set with 165mm cranks (which is perfect for my leg length) and I’m not sure if they’ll restock with 170s, but if 165mm suits you this is surely a bargain.

Spa Cycles XD-2 Touring Triple Chainset