Dynamos

As the nights start creeping in, lighting becomes a greater priority, although like many, good lighting’s a must, year-round. The days of bottle dynamo and glimmer-type halogen lamps are long gone. Riders are spoilt for choice, when it comes to powerful and affordable systems.

For me, navigational prowess and “seen with” safety is equally important. I don’t like anything that might dilute this, hence only my front light is powered by the hub. LEDs at the rear, for me. Keeps things clean and simple too, no wiring to snag.

This is particularly important on a build, such as my Univega, which traverses unmade roads and forest trails. Its Exposure revo lamp will produce 800 lumens, at very slow speeds and to date, the only credible alternative to uber lumen rechargeable systems. 

Fed by a Shimano Ultegra hub, resistance is nominal too, although there’s a weight penalty- around 350g above a standard, high quality front hub.

With this in mind, and being impressed by Shutter Precision’s 403g PD8 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-rim-and-shutter-dynohub-disc-b  I was delighted to take delivery of this Halo Evaura/ Shutter Precision SL9. To my surprise, this is 80g heavier than the Halo White Line and PD8 pairing.

The SV9 is cited as being 309g and though the family resemblance is obvious, looks as if it has been put through a matter-shrinking device, a serious plus, if you want a really, sleek, unobtrusive unit for a winter, or audax build.

Ours was machined to accept centre-lock discs, such as this Shimano but I went the machined sidewall route, so its easily swapped between my fixed gear winter/trainer and 

more traditional 700c ‘cross and touring lorries.

A lack of Shimano lock-ring has stalled testing, although there’s one on order. Meantime, I’ve checked the weights, added rim tape and mounted the Soma Fabrications Shikoro https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/s .

Riding, whether it’s lightweight bicycles, or middleweight motorcycles has always been about freedom. The ability to escape, disappear and be “at one” with machine and surroundings. High quality lighting simply enhances the experience.

Long obsolete now, but the first generation of high-power lead acid systems, such as Night Sun and BLT were game changing. Run times weren’t overly generous and output was much less tuneable, compared with contemporary setups, thus not the best round town.

However, these systems allowed us to “own” the forest trails and deserted backroads. Night brings a completely different persona to frequently travelled routes. North Holmwood in Surrey magically transforms from well-heeled suburbia, to lanes illuminated only by houses and the occasional, passing vehicle.

There’s a lot to be said in favour of nocturnal riding. Firstly, it brings a completely different character to familiar routes. Not only do we become more aware of our surroundings, but climbs become less arduous, descents more fun and for me personally, there’s a deeper sense of connection with my machines.

Aside from seasonal compulsion, I often test bikes and equipment in the dark, for precisely this reason. I may/mot be drawn to the aesthetics of something but how does it perform on a truly functional level, can I rely on it? Sure, reliability is of greatest importance during the depths of winter and there’s sound argument for the occasional mechanical being part n’ parcel of riding.

I discovered my Univega’s rear cantilevers had become extremely sticky, dragging on the rim. Having stripped and inspected the cantilever posts, given these were almost 13 years old and were OEM equipment on my fixed gear winter/trainer, I had a rummage through the spares drawer and fitted some Avid shorty.

This sorted the problem, offer improved modulation/feel and are easier to setup. As a precaution, I also stripped, re-greased and reassembled the IRD CAFAM 2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ird-cafam-2-cantilever-brakes . There was some minor corrosion on the springs but that was pretty much it and to be expected, given the long winter we had.

Even the best maintained machines can let us down, unexpectedly.  Night riding is also good, for general reflection and the sense of speed, distance and escape often allows the unconscious mind to work overtime. Ever wondered why you return with renewed clarity and often, the solution to problems-complex, or otherwise?