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?
