With the leaves now beginning
to turn auburn and slowly falling from the trees, I’ve been bombing along the
backroads, guided by the mighty K-lite Bikepacker Ultra dynamo lamp. Though
undoubtedly impressive, regardless. Choice of dynohub seems to make a difference.
Our formative 20miles were
done using Shutter Precision SL9 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-evura-shutter-precision-sl9-dy
The SL9 offers a sleeker look than
others, which may tip the balance for riders of sleek winter/trainers, or Audax
bikes. To comply with strict German StVZO standards, the SL9 is listed as
6V1.5W. In the real world, I haven’t noticed any difference, bowling along at
16mph, or so, using the Exposure Revo or Trelock LS 906 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/trelock-ls906-dynamo-front-light
.
However, on long rides (50
miles upwards), lower drag (compared with the PD8) is quite tangible. That
said; with the K-lite, that slight dip at slower speeds- pulling away from
a junction, or longer climbs, was more tangible.
The stand light function is
very effective, and held enough charge for a good 15minutes solid, Though I
love the SL9, I’d actually swapped over to the Halo Evura wheel, as it was
quicker (at that moment) than replacing a dead tube in the Halo White Line/PD8
pairing https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-rim-and-shutter-dynohub-disc-b .
So, switching back to the PD8,
I decided to remount the K-lite beneath the bars, for a cleaner aesthetic. I’d
only mounted it atop, to test the claim doing so had no impact upon beam
quality. Not unexpectedly, there was a small but discernible (welcome) boost in
output between 6 and 15mph.
I’ve instated its trail
sibling to my Univega and done a preliminary twenty miles. I was surprised to
note the connection was more precise with its Shimano Ultegra, than my fixed
gear winter trainer’s SP units. Not that this has been remotely problematic, in
the practical sense.
Given the trail specific beam
pattern, I wasn’t surprised to discover it couldn’t pick out the same level of
detail on metalled road. However, the broad carpet of light offered an
excellent overview. It also ensured larger vehicles observed my right of way.
Next step is to tackle some of the bridleways and unmade roads.
Will be interesting to see
whether this configuration will, as K-lite suggest, render a helmet mounted flood
light redundant. Staying with front lights, those looking for a compact, wallet
friendly rechargeable torch for less intense commuting and general riding may
find this Ravemen LR500S USB Rechargeable
Curved Lens Front Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ravemen-lr500s-front-light
I’ve switched back to the Selle
Italia Novus Boost TM Superflow saddle, which offers a little more support than
the otherwise likeable Oxford Contour Flow https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-contour-flow-men-s-saddle . Saves
70 odd grams, into the bargain. Though I tend to strip, inspect and re-grease
components, throughout the year, its particularly important before the clocks
go back. One of the biggest surprises, is just how relevant Tioga city slickers
are, some twenty years since I last ran a set.
I’ve only succumbed to a single puncture and they
still handle convincingly, even in wet, greasy conditions. Ride quality is also
very good, albeit not quite as plush as Soma Shikoro https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/s or the Supple Vitesse EX https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-fabrications-vitesse
.So,
There will doubtless be revisions but I can see the City Slickers staying put
for the darker months. While I’m out, getting the miles in, a lot of thought is
processed. Moral panics are nothing new.
According to the mainstream
media, there’s a “Loneliness epidemic”. Repeat something often enough, it
becomes true. I’m leaning towards a hypothesis that alienation and anomie are
being mistaken for loneliness. Is it more accurate that people are experiencing
a sense of disconnect? Not only from their immediate communities but the wider
social contract, and purpose…
Lighting/rider attire and
professional attainments aside, I like to think I generally lead a stealthy
life. One free of introspection. So, you’ll imagine my surprise at being
stopped at a local junction, by a dog walker. “I always see you going somewhere
on your bike. Where are you off to, today”.
Hyper vigilant, I responded,
with a polite smile; advising I was just popping out for a quick twenty miles,
before returning to work. Her next remark revealed she’d clearly been observing
me quite closely” That’s a different bike, isn’t it” I happened to be on the Holdsworth
that morning and was pleasantly noncommittal. Seeking to swerve further
introspection, I wished her a lovely day and continued my ride. Hmm, perhaps she was seduced by these Funkier Ride Flo Men's 3/4 Length Summer Bib Tights https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/funkier
