Festival of light

So long as bike(s) and rider are properly dressed, weather presents no barrier to serious fun. Autumn has swept in stealthily, its slimy cocktail replacing the rich vibrant auburn colours. Thankfully, it was accompanied by Diwali and a steady trickle of kit designed for this much maligned cluster of months. Talking of which, that sorry looking Specialized Rock Hopper has just been transformed-cream powder coat with fresh decals sealed under 2pac lacquer.

I’ve got a thing for blinkies ever since I acquired my first back in November 1992.

Plug in Integral lithium ion/polymer cells are almost default and while undeniably convenient, not to mention frugal compared with cost of running AA/A, they aren’t perfect for all occasions.

AA/A types remain better options for touring, dusk ‘till dawn night rides and those who don’t clock in at a keyboard. Run times can be 30-60hrs plus in flashing, Ni-Cd rechargeables keep costs to a minimum and disposables are pretty ubiquitous-off-licences, supermarkets, petrol stations usually keep healthy stocks.  This I Zone Curve 2 rear light is a particularly nice, inexpensive example.

Firepower has always been a popular selling point but rather like our humble bar mounted computers, our blinkies are positively bristling with different modes-some retina tickling, others that sip reserves, sequences designed to solicit attention in different contexts the list continues. Lowest common denominator, we only need two modes-steady and flashing and our bikes, a single, fixed gear of 72inches...        

COB (Chips on Board) technology, which enables colonies of tiny diodes to occupy the same space seem quite popular this season. Theoretically this combines optimal output, while preventing diodes and circuitry overheating so they can fulfil their true potential and reach ripe old ages.

High power headlamps are another justly popular choice for navigating dark roads and another technology I embraced with both arms back in the late 1990s. Back then, we were talking in terms of £200 10 and 25 watts and lead acid batteries that induced hernias.

Smart used to offer some nice cheap n’ cheerful versions for commuting- I had the cute-looking twin lamp complete with slightly whippy bracket and a CNC machined 10 watt flood version, which was surprisingly bright but not obviously, not particularly helpful for picking out the detail.

Competition and economies of scale have seen prices crash and with box fresh 1800 lumen grey (unofficial) imports offered on auction sites for as little as £18, its easy to see why they’ve become default, even for road riding.  

However, aside from the potential risks-lower quality chargers and exploding cells being popular discussions on forums; these are often limited to three modes. Full blast; standard (50/60%) both of which is way too much fire power for built up districts.

Better (read more expensive) models allow more progressive stair casing, so you can charge along abandoned backwaters at full pelt but click down to something suitable for city limits when required.

Battery slurpage is slower, so you can play out longer and oncoming traffic doesn’t get dazzled. Something like this Oxford X pro is another option for town and suburban runs, either on its own or as a tempered side-kick to your big gun.

Nicely made from rugged CNC machined aluminium, it’s another “lolly stick” plug in model that fuels up from your USB, or mains adaptor. Top whack is reputedly 300lumens but the lens casts a very pure, focused pool of light, which has coped surprisingly well in short haul semi-rural contexts to around 17mph.

Prodding down for economy is easily achieved, even in gloved hands courtesy of a positive centre-mounted switch but there’s no danger of the dreaded dazzle and other traffic still takes notice at around 200 metres.

Flashing is the lowest setting and if you were purely looking to remain conspicuous, 300-400metres isn’t unrealistic and the centre window allows decent peripheral bleed too, so you should remain firmly on the radar when entering the flow of traffic.       

Short days with low light have been presenting some photographic challenges but considerably more rewarding than the calibre of temporary work being offered. Unfortunately, this is going to remain part of my economic diet while I nurture sapling projects, build brand presence and purchase more equipment.

Several agencies have been in touch, some interested in my journalism specific skill-set, others looking to fill housing roles. Pragmatism is a basic pre-requisite for freelancers and indeed, people generally in a volatile economy.

Therefore biting the hand that offers potential work, let alone feeds you is always foolhardy. Recruitment is sales driven and experience enables one to see through the patter. No shortage of people complimenting me on my versatility but with notable exceptions, this hasn’t been reflected in the assignments offered.

Thankfully the standard of applicants for Seven Day Cyclist has been refreshingly high, although we’re whittling them down to a handful and will interview at our earliest convenience.