Smaller Buster, Slacker Chains & Bigger Tyres

 

I've also been playing with Sigma's smaller, 110 lumen Buster. Output is good, although I'd steer you toward the 1600 Sigma Buster 1600 & RL150 Light Set | cycling-not-racing or HL2000 since these have more bite and in the latter's case, longer run times courtesy of the external battery. The HL2000 SIGMA SPORT BUSTER HL 2000 | cycling-not-racing also comes with a remote as standard.  That out of the way, the Buster 1100 still offers a good spread of modes for general riding and the flashing modes are both frugal and eye catching-

Seemed to upset an Audi driver, which was ironic, given I am regularly dazzled by the intensity of Audi and other contemporary vehicle headlights, typically in the driver's seat but also the saddle. This despite sophisticated sensor technology that supposedly automatically adjusting to prevent dazzling and related hazards. I suspect the sensors will improve as time progresses, but I find their real-world performance a little erratic at present. 

While I was awaiting the arrival of the Garmin pattern mounts, I discovered another suitable design while hunting for something else. Was bound to happen-these things always materialise when we’re not looking for them. It was the “Goldilocks” length-long enough not to foul the Sigma Buster HL1100, while positioning the Coospo CS600 at the right angle I ported the head unit over from Denise. I’ve also left the old school Giant computer adorning Denise’s Genetic Diversion drops and fork leg, so I can always keep an overview of speed, distance and similar.  Those little victories…

Chain tension is a hotly debated topic in fixed gear circles. I'd left a couple of extra links and opted for slightly less tension with Muffin's new KMC. Not that the Izumi was unduly tight, but this has rewarded with slightly greater efficiency. The KMC Go Wax lube is also continuing the serene theme.

Greater clearance between rear tyre and seat tube is another benefit. I've gone for the 42mm Contact plus at the rear, which is a really solid, comfortable tyre, sticking with a 38mm Vittoria Adventure tech up front. I might go for a 42mm Vee Tire Co Zilent TEST & REVIEW VEE TIRE CO ZILENT TYRES when the Continental finally shows signs of wear. The original Zilent weren't intended for touring, but proved popular with this audience, so Vee Tyre Co reinforced the sidewalls on the MK II TESTED: VEE TIRE CO ZILENT MARK 2 TYRES

Despite "only" having a puncture repelling centre-strip, the 38mm Vittoria Adventure Tech are proving very reliable and, like the Continental, quicker than might be expected, given their girth. The 5mm puncture repelling belt is reminiscent of that employed in the Kenda Kwik Journey KENDA KWICK JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing but the Vittoria feel more supple and compliant.

There is sufficient clearance at the front for 42mm- I parked a Maxxis Roamer TESTED : MAXXIS ROAMER TYRES.   there during the summer but sought greater dependability during the darker months. Winter is hard on rider, drivetrain components, wheels and tyres, but with proper prep and the right kit, it can be a whole lot of fun, too.

For three seasons riding, I find ¾ lengths ideal, or at least cover most bases, protecting knees from chill and just long enough to provide a good seal with longer socks. I often pair with longer waterproof socks, such as these Muc-Off. Whisper it, since some consider it a genre faux pas, but I also find them and their extended coverage very practical for off road excursions.

Having given Muffin a good sudsy bucket clean and addressed some slippage of the T-One Mr Fantastic Handlebar tape T-ONE MR FANTASTIC HANDLEBAR TAPE | cycling-not-racing, I topped up the KMC GO and  installed the composite Garmin mount  to Ursula’s Velo Orange Handlebar Accessory Mount VELO ORANGE HANDLEBAR ACCESSORY MOUNT | cycling-not-racing, which necessitated removing the Ravemen XR 6000 Ravemen XR6000 Front Light | cycling-not-racing but this is less problematic as we enter the lighter months.

Besides, I could always switch to the Sigma Buster HL2000 SIGMA SPORT BUSTER HL 2000 | cycling-not-racing and helmet mounting for rides on the wilder side. Helmet life and when to chuck them is a hotly debated topic. However, I’ve retired a few that have served eight years or so. I no longer trusted their integrity and in a couple of instances, adjustment dials were getting sloppy. I’m not going to argue with someone who disagrees with me on this front. I’ve worked with acquired brain injury and similar neurological conditions in the past and their impact upon people’s lives have certainly left an impression.

 During this episode of impromptu spring cleaning, I also took this opportunity to remove the seat post and check the grease’s tenure. This in turn prompted me to blast a little more corrosion inhibitor inside the seat tube.

As miles and familiarity with the Coospo CS600 increase, I’m discovering some minor niggles. Communication with the touch screen appears hit n’ miss wearing full finger gloves-even those with extensive silicone detailing, but I’ll try some others to see if this is an isolated, or consistent issue.

The auto backlight and similar sensored functions perform very reliably and while the anti-glare display is consistently good, the radar graphics are definitely sharper after dark.

 

700x28c

 The Tyre Gods seem to be deciding 700x28c my new default for road-biased riding. These Specialized Road Sport Tyres have just landed at my door. They’re cheaper than the CST, so also sparked my curiosity. Ours are the 28mm but they’re also available in 700x 24, 26c, 700x32c, 35c, and 27x 1 ¼. Unlike the CST, they’re a wire bead, which adds a few grams. They feature a bead-to-bead puncture repelling belt and promise increased speed, grip and durability, so it’ll be interesting to see how they behave in the real world and obviously, compare with the CST. 

Temperatures are still seasonally high, but the days are getting shorter, so my thoughts are increasingly turning to ¾ length bib longs, arm warmers, caps and other tuneable attire. Summer and depths of winter aside, I default to ¾ lengths on account of their versatility, even off-road, which has induced playful derision from some sections of the mtb community. I can live with that. I’m also a major fan of Decathlon’s in house clothing ranges. I’ve been sent some Triban Men's Road Cycling Bib Tights RC500, which are in fact, ¾ lengths!  

No problem for me. I like ¾ lengths. Primarily because they bridge the gap when it’s too cool for shorts and too mild for full-length tights. Between 5 and 15 degrees (c), loosely speaking. At the lower end of this temperature scale, I pair them with calf-length socks-sometimes waterproof and these FLR Defender MTB Thermal Dry S-Tex Boots FLR DEFENDER MTB DRY BOOT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

I remain a big fan of these Primal Dawn Men’s Bib Knickers TEST & REVIEW: PRIMAL DAWN MEN'S BIB KNICKERS (sevendaycyclist.com) which are still going strong. Fond of these Funkier FUNKIER RIDE FLO MEN'S 3/4 BIB TIGHTS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) too.   

Unless it’s raining dogs, I default to lightweight, packable caps such as this Buff BUFF PACK BIKE CAP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and several seasons along, I’m still seriously attached to these Specialized full finger gloves, although it's temperate enough for mitts and likely to remain so, for some time. I also err towards photochromic (light-sensitive) lenses, which adjust to suit changing sunlight.  

However, as time goes on, I’m more inclined towards amber/yellow lenses, since they enhance vision on cloudy days, and crucially, low light. Some say they help improve mood, during the darker months and I’m inclined to agree. These Salice 026 RW glasses Salice 026 RW Glasses | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) have become my defaults during pre-dawn dashes.     

  

Traditionally Autumn (The fall for those of you reading this in the US) is my favourite season given the bold, changing colours. I also associate it with a time of learning- having commenced a degree in the autumn of 1992. I’ve always liked learning (although admittedly, needed to “cool my brain down” following 5 years post-secondary education and coasted through some entry-level jobs. Constructive dossing, you might say.)  

Anyhow, I’d suddenly found myself curious about CNC machining. Training to a commercial standard takes around three years (although as with many skilled professions, mastery takes a lifetime, since you never cease learning and developing skills and expertise).  

However, some sources suggest using CAD software, someone can learn the basics in a few weeks. Now, given the UK’s trajectory, I’m not looking at this as a commercial/vocational outlet but rather, wondering if I can develop sufficient skill, if I can make components and other things-not necessarily bicycle/related but as means of subverting supply chain issues and shortages in a wider context...      

Autumn is also a time when I stock check, since chains, cables, pads and similar take a spanking come winter. I’m pleasantly surprised to see Ursula’s KMC chain is still going strong 1700 miles down the line. Something I attribute to a very dry spring/summer and lighter/drier lubes.  

Nonetheless, with global supply issues and BREXIT meddling, I’ve been inclined to keep a closer eye and stock up on consumables, buying multiples, while prices are still favourable.  There’s a limit to these things of course, but fact remains, I’m going to get through them, so best to buy while prices are favourable. This has even extended to maintenance sprays-which I have bought directly from factories.  

There are a wealth of things government could implement to mitigate shortages and protect its citizens, but the UK’s present administration seems determined to dogmatically follow a hands-off ideology. One which will have greatest impact upon society’s most vulnerable and is leaving other countries completely bewildered and the nation a laughingstock. The aspiring prime minister (presently foreign secretary) has been talking in terms of pressing nuclear buttons and seems hell-bent on destroying what remains of the UK’s credibility, its health service and economy...