I’ve just recruited an
intern to work on Stenning photographic and we’re also recruiting a design
assistant for Seven Day Cyclist (www.sevendaycyclist.co.uk ),
which is moving from a downloadable magazine to arguably more accessible web
format after Christmas.
December’s frenetic
countdown to holiday season requires schematic planning to avoid a lull come
January, so while relatively tired, there’s no let up.
Sabre tooth man-flu has also
relented sufficiently as to permit clear thought processes and a return to
serious testing. However, my susceptibility to chest infections means climbing
and similarly strenuous exertion still induces the sort of hacking cough
synonymous with long-serving, chain-smoking shipyard welders!
Wilder weather fronts have
also prompted my Univega’s swift resurrection, though thankfully the gritting
Lorries appear to have gone home. Said Tubby tourer’s more upright stance is
hardly aero but widely spaced gears provide ample grunt for winching, bombing
and cruising.
Big tyres also permit the
odd crafty cut through and provide a magic carpet ride now that pot-hole season
is in full-swing. After several weeks traversing, wet, greasy rural backwaters,
the otherwise likeable Teflon prep was showing signs of embedded filth,
prompting a thorough degreasing and some Fenwick’s Stealth.
Generally speaking, bells on
bicycles induce eye-rolling- a well-timed yell consumes no handlebar space,
costs nothing and is more effective.
However, Oregon based ORP
have combined a genuinely capable three mode 70lumen light and 76/96 decibel
horn in one blinkey sized package. I’m a big fan of the cutesy silicone
blinkies in blanket narrative. This one is available in seven colours and
protects the unit from drop and weather damage.
Diodes, circuitry and
lithium polymer cell are neatly sealed in a similarly tough polycarbonate body
and tucking the USB port firmly underneath, sandwiched between the bars further
minimises the likelihood of dirt and ingress getting a look in.
Prodding the rear “Whale
tail” downwards unleashes a more subtle, though attention grabbing bleep that
warns pedestrians, walkers and runners of your advance without driving dogs
into a braking frenzy.
Upwards delivers a much
louder warning, which has dissuaded a couple of learner motorcyclists from
making a risky manoeuvre and some drivers from swinging doors open without
looking. The diodes also flash a visual warning and the design’s a marked
improvement over other battery systems.
In constant mode, the light
is just about good enough for well-lit town work and has saved my bacon a few
times-most notably when the Univega’s 800lumen dynamo lamp was slow on powering
up. Otherwise, flashing modes are perfect companions to these and other main
lighting.
Run times are quoted as 12
and 6 hrs respectively, which will depend upon how often the horn’s engaged but
like most lithium ion/polymer fuelled models, seems pretty faithful to those
quoted and unaffected by factors such as temperature.
Debate has always raged
as to what constitutes serious cycling with people proving particularly sniffy
in the contexts of commuter/utility apparel. While I’m most commonly seen
blasting along in technical fabrics, it’s worth remembering typical car journeys
are less than two miles. This sort of distance can be ridden at reasonable
speed and comfort wearing everyday street clothing-a mindset most apparent in
the Netherlands.
Similarly, while my
preference in terms of commuter lid errs towards well ventilated, sub 300g
models with less aggressive profiles and trail DNA, I’ve been pleasantly
surprised by this ABUS Hyban. Tipping the scales at a relatively portly 380g;
it sports an ABS hard-shell, which is available in six different colours,
shrugs at the inevitable everyday carelessness and has a more flattering feel
when riding in civvies.
A few years back, feeble
watch battery fuelled single diodes integrated within the thumbwheel closure
were the preserve of upper end commuter models. Increased demand and plummeting
prices means we’re getting sensible, user friendly LED lights integrated within
the shell.
Admittedly, these only
constitute tertiary lighting but intelligent positioning means they’re aimed
squarely at driver eye-level and visible to around 80 metres-further on clear
nights. Though relatively well-ventilated and employing the inlet/exhaust
system, I was still surprised by how unobtrusive the Hyban felt-even over
distances of 15-20miles at a steady 18mph.
Much further/at faster
speeds and the increased weight becomes evident, so not a design lending itself
to weekend touring. However, many scoots to the office, visits to friends and
similar bike as car journeys are much shorter in any case.
Sturdy shell and
surprisingly useful peak come into their own on more adventurous mixed terrain
commutes encompassing forests, canal/bridle paths etc, while the former
provides useful platform for cameras and lighting. Increasingly, it’s difficult
to find bad products per se and these must be evaluated according to their intended
purpose(s) and comparable designs, not ill-informed preconceptions.
