Initial impressions are silky
smooth, with minimal resistance. With lights off, they reckon resistance is
1watt at 30km/h. Tipping the scales at1239g (403g for the hub), it’s comparable
with a 32hole Mavic Open Pro, laced to Schmidt SON deluxe. Shimano’s venerable
Ultegra unit is my benchmark comparator for high power and relatively low
resistance.
I barely notice it, which is a
far cry from the old but nonetheless, worthy Nexus units. Now, according to
Shutter Precision, the 8 is their workhorse model and purportedly the most
efficient available. Lights on and at 17km/h, apparently its 73% efficient,
dropping to 50% at 30km/h. Not overly enticing on paper perhaps and I’d be
inclined to switch off when lighting/charging gizmos is not required. At least,
on longer runs.
Trelock and several other big
brands like what we’re doing at Seven Day Cyclist www.sevendaycyclist.com
Trelock have sent me their 80 lux LS906 bike-I pro dynamo lamp, complete with
handlebar bracket. Looks perfect for the backroads. 100metres is reckoned the
navigational field and visible to 1500metres.
Standlight technology is
pretty much a given, when talking modern, good quality dynamo lighting. It also
features an on/off switch and auto function. Build is, dare I say, typically Teutonic.
However, the wiring instructions were a little vague. Diagrams imply feeding
the exposed wires into the tiny white interfaces...
What you need to do is press
these in, feed the exposed wires into the black holes either side. Now press
the white parts again-this will lock the wires in situ.
The switch bracket is a hinged
clamp affair. Unfortunately, this is very narrow. I had to unwind some bar wrap
and place the switch on the narrowest section of bar. Even then, it called for
a longer screw, which luckily I had in my tool chest. Minor misgivings aside,
everything is behaving impeccably.
Will be very interesting to
see how it compares with Busch & Muller’ Lumotec LQ2 Luxus and of course,
my Univega’s MK1 exposure revo. Since I’m here, a word about Lux and Lumens.
Obviously, factors such as
diode, reflector and lens quality will have a big influence on real world
performance. There is also an argument that lux is truth, lumens sales-speak,
in the sense that horsepower sells cars, torque wins races. That said; by
definition, any sweeping generalisation, is by definition, prone to glaring
inaccuracy.
Lux is a measure of light,
probably best thought of as light intensity within a specific area. Lumens is
the total output of visible light, bigger numbers, brighter light. One Lux is
equal to one lumen per square metre.
As light travels from its
source, it gets dispersed, rates of dispersion depend upon factors, including
the angle. Therefore, a light with 800 lumens but top notch lens, diode and
reflector is going to be a whole heap better than a cheap 1500 lumen retina
tickler.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, this
explains why 650lumen torch type lights (the sort designed for sub/urban
training/commuting and giving change from £60) don’t deliver the same
navigational prowess, as a 600lumen trail type commanding twice the cash. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/blank-ypcqd
Numbers are also pretty
significant when it comes to rider apparel. Ratings of 10,000 are pretty
standard for “waterproofing and breathability” for commuter jackets, especially
those of the sub £100 price point.
Less will leave you feeling
decidedly feted and clammy. Contrary to popular misconception, you don’t
actually want something 100% waterproof, otherwise, your own moisture cannot
escape and aside from feeling “boiled in the bag”, there’s an increased chance
of catching a chill.
In scientific terms, these
figures mean the garment will resist and expel moisture reasonably
efficiently-90minutes persistent downpour, which is adequate for commuting at a
moderate pace. However, for more spirited and/or longer distance riding,
15,000-20,000 makes life a whole lot more comfortable.
I like pockets. Hip, nelson
and a poacher at the rear cover most bases and are really useful for commuting
and touring, although a Nelson and poacher are more typical of training models.
Long tails protect the back from spray and chill, elasticated/wrap over Velcro
cuffs prevent it blowing in, especially when hunkered low on the drops. Might be a lot of that in the coming days, if our weather forecast is anything to go by...
