Once upon a time, dynamos needed
voltage regulators to prevent bulb implosion that was a very common issue when
tandems and long descents. I was surprised to discover a pronounced lack of
illumination from the long serving Exposure Revo lamp. Thankfully, the Gaciron Cetus 1700 Gaciron
Cetus 1700 Underneath Bike Light | cycling-not-racing was playing backing
singer. Most dynamos are very reliable these days, but we only need a snagged
cable, or some other issue to plunge us into darkness, possibly many miles from
home. For these reasons, I typically have a secondary high power rechargeable
torch type along for the ride.
The mount remains permanently
attached to the bars, the light typically secreted inside a bar bag, or similar
bike mounted luggage. Having returned, I pondered the possibilities. The lamp
itself, though thirteen years old and exposed to the worst the lanes and trails
could throw at it, very well sealed from the elements and had never been
subjected to jet washing, or similar abuse.
The cabling also seemed fine. No
obvious signs of wear, or damage. That
left the Shutter Precision SL9 hub. The terminal block, spring contact
possibly? The hubs themselves are well sealed and turn on cartridge bearings
that in my experience, run for 20,000 miles before getting the grumbles.
Before getting deep in the
diagnostics, the easiest thing was to switch back to the Shimano Ultegra unit.
I’d already decided that I was using the Sl9 wheel as a second/spare so would
not get the hub’s electricals repaired, simply run it as a traditional front
wheel. Repair would mean stripping the wheel and returning to Shutter Precision
in Taiwan.
I’m fond of these units, but I’ve
found Shimano are more cost-effective long term. Not least since basic
servicing, such as bearing replacement is within the means of home mechanics
and decent shops. The switch coincided
with returning from a mucky ride to discover a slow flat caused by a tiny
sharp, most likely a hedge clipping.
Tube switched, pin hole patched
and a deep, sudsy bucket clean followed. Switching wheels and giving the wheel
a good spin, I was relieved to find the Revo lamp coming to life. While the Weldtite
All Weather lube Weldtite All
Weather Lube | cycling-not-racing was turning a little filmy, it was
holding on, so I decided against topping up, not least since the KMC X10 was
coming to the end of its life.
Plan was to run the chain out,
switch and either apply some more All Weather, or something similar, should it
land on the test bench. Having washed,
waxed and dried Denise, I’ve decided to switch to Muffin, since the weather is
progressively wetter. Mudguards and a simple drivetrain being the obvious practicalities,
although the geometry and stout buxom rubber makes for engaging, yet
predictable handling, not to mention a magic carpet ride. Perfect for general
riding, these characteristics come into their own during the darker, slippery
months. The M Part Primo Anti Slip
Silicone Gel Bar Tape M
Part Primo Anti Slip Silicone Gel Bar | cycling-not-racing is still
impressing with its damping and reliable all-weather grip. Then of course, I
want to get some more miles in with the Sigma Buster1600 and RL150 lights.
Steve’s been impressed with its 800lumen sibling Sigma
Buster 800 and RL150 Light Set | cycling-not-racing
Autumn well underway and another
year wiser, I’ve decided to drop Muffin’s gearing slightly, no sense straining the
knees, or other joints- another Arundel fixed sprocket since these seem accurately
machined, well finished and modestly priced. I’ve gone the electroplated,
rather than stainless route on the basis of price, although the latter might
repay the investment on salty winter roads.
I’ve been pondering suitable substitution
for the Silca Nastro Piloti Silca
Nastro Piloti Bar Tape | cycling-not-racing which performs really well on
the tarmac and excellent connection with the bars-a good bet for long steady
audax miles, possibly winter training too, although in my view, a bit pricey for the latter. However,
given I like to play in the dirt regularly, damping was also a priority.
Enter this Ergon Orthocell.
Apparently, it’s made from a medical grade material that’s also employed in
their saddles. This is designed to distribute pressure evenly, thus insulate
against intrusive vibration, and ultimately fatigue in the hands, arms and
shoulders. In common with others, an anti-slip coating to counteract sweaty
hands and torrential rains. Whether these qualities also improve grip and
control when the temperatures tank, remains to be seen.
