It’s now dark before 7 and the sun doesn’t rise until 7.16. A moot point in some respects, thanks to the superb K-Lite Bike packer Ultra dynamo light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/k-lite-bikepacker-ultra-dynamo-ligh and its Pro V2 sibling https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/k-lite At the rear, I’m sticking with the Lezyne, this Ravemen TR30M https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ravemen-tr30m-rear-light and a long serving Moon Nebula. I also keep a rear helmet light, just in case one of the rear lights loses charge, or indeed fail.
During the darker months, it’s a good idea to run a helmet-mounted light. Once thought the preserve of mountain bikers, a lower power (500 lumen with lower settings) can come into its, own should you need to tackle a flat/similar along a dark and lonely road. The ability to have light positioned where you need it while leaving both hands free, makes these tasks easier and quicker to solve.
More powerful than necessary perhaps but this Blackburn Day Blazer 1100 presently adorning the Pro-Viz. Clue’s in the title. It's a five-mode model. 1100, 800 lumens, 400 lumens, and 200lumen pulsing/strobe settings. The highest mode will manage 90 minutes and for purposes discussed, overpowered.
However, crucially, the 400 is close to 3 hours, so more than adequate for the duties discussed. I might want the 800, were I carrying the bike up a series of unlit steps, or a very dark stairwell-say in a block of flats. 142g isn’t overly apparent either. On the subject of high-power rechargeable systems, Steve’s been very impressed with this Ravemen PR 1600 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ravemen-pr1600-front-light
Univega is still running the Continental Contact speed Reflex Tyres https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/continental-contact-speed-reflex-ty and for the time being, their blend of compliance, low rolling resistance and sure-footedness mean I’ve no incentive to switch. However, there is some suggestion of an early winter and temperatures plummeting to minus 10. Sensationalism on the part of the tabloid press in some respects but I may keep the Schwalbe Winter handy, just in case.
I’m sticking with the Tru Tension Wet lube. It's quick to apply (curing times are a matter of minutes), low friction, and much cleaner than wet lubes tend to be-ceramic, or otherwise. It’s still holding its own, despite an enduring wet spell. The more challenging conditions and reduced daylight means hell n’ high water wet types can quickly evolve into a gritty, destructive mess.
The Control Tech Silicone Bar Tape continues to delight with its shock absorbency and grippy texture. The Prov-Vis Reflect 360 gloves are also growing on me. Padding density is nice, dexterity is pretty good too. Retro-reflective prowess, (in common with the Chiba) is brilliant and glows a brilliant white, so there’s no mistaking my signals/intentions.
Pro-Viz have also sent me their Vega and Procyon rear lights. The Vega is primarily designed for bike mounting, whereas the Procyon can be fitted to bike, helmet, rucksack/similar luggage to suit. Bear in mind that, to comply with the law, lighting must be mounted to the bike. That mounted to helmets, or luggage is considered secondary/tertiary but may just save your life, should a main light fail.
