I’d been concerned about the Halo Evaura/SP SL9 HALO EVURA & SHUTTER PRECISION SL9 DYNOHUB BUILD (sevendaycyclist.com) hoop- there's been some disc rub and I initially believed this attributable to a slight loss of truth- either the rim or less likely, the Swiss Stop Catalyst Disc Rotor Swiss Stop Catalyst Disc Rotor | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). I’d ruled out the other possibility-broken axle, or skewer. The latter sheared unexpectedly but thankfully, while I was inspecting things from the comfort of home, not ten miles out.
A trip to Mick Madgett confirmed the SL9’s bearings were cooked. Hub issues had crossed my mind-I’d done approximately 20,000miles and four winters, so not wholly unexpected. Its PD8 cousin HALO CLASSIC RIM & SHUTTER PRECISION DYNOHUB DISC WHEEL BUILD (sevendaycyclist.com) needed overhaul last year, which wasn’t an overly complex, or fraught process. Send it off to Ison Distribution (Their UK importer) pay a small fee and it’ll come back from the factory, serviced and ready to be built into a wheel.
Continuing the lighting theme, I’ve been forming stronger opinions regarding the Kranx Strix 100 and Ravemen TR500 rear lights. The former has surprised, impressed me with its output and presence, across the board. I’d be happiest running it on a best bike-for extended late summer/early autumn evening outings where you need a decent light to get home with. Or as a backing singer to a dynamo/main light during winter.
The TR500 is highly effective and incredibly powerful, though still practical for suburban and town riding in the lower settings. Run times are surprisingly good too, although it does require 5 hrs 45 minutes to fully re/charge. The trick of course, is to charge often.
Not only for convenience but because it ensures lithium-Ion cells reach their suggested service life. It also features a brake sensor, which its TR300 sibling does not. “Brake” sensors or brake functions are useful but probably best explained/thought of, as slowing sensors.
For example, a car or motorcycle brake light engages when the lever, or brake pedal is engaged, which in turn, causes other components to physically engage, switching the light on and off. However, those featured on bicycle lights employ a sensor, which calculates/estimates deceleration. Therefore, it’s likely that they will engage more often, which can affect run times.
Designs have improved somewhat in recent years- in terms of sensitivity, so you’re not engaging the “brake” light at the slightest loss of momentum on a climb. I’m still very fond of the Xeccon Mars 60 COB Rear Light TESTED: XECCON MARS 60 COB REAR LIGHT (sevendaycyclist.com), which can run in “brake light” only mode. Again, it’s a little on the sensitive side but the large surface area and slightly translucent casing means it’s a good bet for tagalongs/trailers, or as a sleek single, post-mounted light.
Those on the Ravemen TR500, and Magicshine SeeMee 150 and 200 are easily disengaged, which is thoughtful. Ravemen CLO6 RAVEMEN CL06 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) follows this less prescriptive narrative and employs a sensor that picks up approaching vehicle headlamps, intensifying the output accordingly.
After a period of drought, the rains have come and its welcome on many levels. Wet, greasy and challenging conditions are perfect for evaluating products. Tyres, brakes, chain lubes or clothing are just a few examples. The Specialized Road Sport are continuing to put a grin on my face, although aren’t quite as sprightly as the CST Czar, or Vittoria Rubino Pro but do seem consistently good-even along waterlogged roads.
Would be interesting to see how their more expensive Road Elite stablemates compare. Interestingly the latter only feature a centre-breaker strip, not one that runs bead to bead. Traditionally this has meant a lighter, faster tyre but on paper at least, more vulnerable to flats, especially during winter. Winter also means more component chewing filth and caustic grot.
This coupled with shorter days demands a more efficient approach to cleaning and general maintenance WINTER WONDERLAND ONE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) Bike washes, though not essential can be very helpful when time is short and grime stubborn. Steve’s been putting this Motorex Bike Clean Motorex Bike Clean | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) through its paces and seems quite impressed.
