Darker Side

Daylight is becoming increasingly short and brings a mix of pros and cons. Great for testing lighting, but also other products- from chain lubes to socks, shoes, tyres and indeed clothing. The farmers are doing their best to fill in the crumbling infrastructure with mud, dung, and similar mucky, slimy infusions, so I’m defaulting to Ursula, since this also means I can roam, exploring the many bridleways and green lanes dotted around.  

Escape has always been a central narrative of my riding- free the body, free the mind. I think quite deeply, which is a double-edged sword and the inner dialogue during some rides-where I’m putting things into perspective, or mentally drafting a script would chill some. Thirty years on, there are a few things that still haunt me. We cannot change our pasts, only our relationships to them.  Either way, I’m usually returning with a big inner grin and renewed sense of purpose, so not cause for concern.  

1,000miles (about 1609.34 km) later and according to the Birzman chain checker the KMC is due for retirement-I'd bargained on November, so I’ve parked the 106 link, pre-cut unit in an obvious place. Hopefully see me through to March, mileage and conditions allowing, obviously. I’ve decided the Muc-Off –50 degrees chain lube will remain my default.  

Switching to the 145mm wide BBB Echelon saddle was an inspired choice, serving me well on and off road. I'm always banging on about simple and rugged being a recipe for reliability during the darker months and sometimes this goes for things like lights too. Topeak Redlite Aero 30Cd USB Rechargeable Rear light has been around for a few seasons but is a prime example of this principle. It’s bright but only has two modes-constant and flashing. No need for memory functions-I'd go for constant through built-up areas and on group rides, flashing in the sticks. Simple.  

This supposedly translates into 10.5 and 40 hours from a full charge (There’s also an AAA-fuelled cousin, should you prefer to ditch the ubiquitous micro-USB cable). The three super-bright LEDS also have a slightly old-school feel but coupled with the lenses’ surface area translates into a surprisingly bright arc of light. 

 

Not sure about the aero credentials but it will accommodate round or aero posts, pencil-thin seat stays, helmet mounting too. IPX4 might be lower on the winter cheating scale but shouldn’t be an issue with full-length mudguards (fenders) and/or periodic shots of Joker 440 Motorex Joker 440 | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) or WD40 to the charge port.  

For now, its sitting low on Ursula’s seat stays, so we’ll see how it fares in the coming weeks and months.  Fancy something more exotic, here's Steve’s review of this Exposure Boost-R ReAkt & Peloton Rear Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/exposure-boost-r-reakt-peleton-rear-li 

 

Topeak's Redlite Mega is still serving me well a decade down the line. Mine runs off 2 AAA cells. Great for touring, since they’re easily found, pretty much anywhere, assuming you’ve forgotten to pack spares. There’s also one with a rechargeable lithium-ion cell. Both boast 72 cd output, employs 5 LEDs- a 1 high flux red LED and a further four-two red, two yellow.  

Five modes include a nice hybrid (steady/flashing) although there’s no memory function. In common with the Redlite Aero, it has impressive run times- 44 and 89 hours (50 and 100 cited). Of the two, the Mega would be my choice for recumbents, tandems and trailers. 

    

Temperatures until now, have been uncharacteristically warm for this time of year. Even at 5am, I’m typically dressed in ¾ lengths (sometimes bib shorts Madison Roam Men's Cargo Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)) short sleeve jersey, base layer and thinner full finger gloves, such as these Madison Roam News about Seven Day Cyclist  

Saddleback, Castelli’s UK distributor has just sent me the Italian marque’s Perfetto ROS Glove, which is a thin pile design using Gore Tex Infinium Wind Stopper fabric. Detailing is to a high standard, but no less than I’d expect at this end of the market. They’re a very snug fit for precise control and nimble digits.  

Fleece lining for comfort, there are silicone grippers for extra purchase, touch screen compatible fingertips, and their Castelli Damping System (CDS) designed to protect the median nerve.  Windproofing seems excellent but miles and more wintry conditions will reveal just how water-resistant they are. I'll close with my review of the Ravemen PR2000 Wireless Switch Control Headlight Ravemen PR2000 Wireless Headlight | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

 

Faster Fun

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  

Cooler days, Warmer Kit

September is here Temperatures and leaves are beginning to drop, Eurobike is in full swing and other shows are limbering up. I'm getting as many miles in on the Holdsworth, before October, when I'll probably commit it to seasonal hibernation. 

Given daylight seems to evaporate by 19.45, I've swapped over to the Ravemen LR1200 front lamp https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ravemen-pr-1200-dual-lens-front-lig. Not that the PR500 is woefully under powered per se. However,1200 makes life much easier, at 25mph plus. Besides, the brackets are mutually compatible. Would like to get my hands on its 1600lumen sibling, too...

Up the rear, I've been running Oxford Ultratorch R50 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-ultratorch-1  along with the Smart Gem Rear Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/smart-gem-rear-light . Enough for most contexts. 

If I don't indulge these Holdsworth riding urges now, I'll only lament it, come the depths of December. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, and all that.  25mph along the back road, 35 on the descents-lovely. That said; I was surprised, when a fully faired recumbent blasted past, blowing me into the metaphorical weeds! 

Had a few, more traditional e-bikes momentarily drawing alongside, only  to discover they couldn't keep pace with me. Much to their annoyance, and my amusement. I have nothing against e-bikes, whatsoever. Motor doping isn't on, in a competitive context. However, the technology has made quantum leaps in recent years ( some of the race models are very attractive, almost indistinguishable from their exclusively human powered counterparts). 

E-bikes open a new world for people who couldn't previously enjoy cycling and they have obvious applications for cargo bikes and similar beasts of burden. Though I have a working knowledge of the breed, we call upon specialist testers to review ours https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/haibike-sduro 

The Holdsworth is minimalist, built for speed.

 Aside from being seduced by its lively responsive persona, its where I zone in, and exorcise some demons.  I have some profound regrets, and the decisions we make can have lasting, and serious consequences. I often hear the line "If your children have the right skill set, demanded by the economy, they will be fine". 

A somewhat blinkered perspective. One that fails to take a wealth of variables into account. Switching from a manufacturing to service led economy, being a very obvious example.  Yes, continuous development, coupled with transferable skills , offer  solid foundation and a sporting chance of navigating fiscal storms. 

However, getting into bed with the wrong people, romantically, or fiscally (and indeed, both) is an incredibly incendiary, toxic mixture. One that can test in obvious, and unexpected ways. 

Good friendships, stoicism and resilience are pivotal. 

With the seasonal transition in mid flow, little wonder that we're putting the finishing touches, to some late summer tests.. Several weeks and a good few hundred miles hence, I've reached my verdict on the Rock n' Roll Gold LV chain lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/rock-n-roll, which seems a very clean and capable "everyday" blend. 

No compunction to switch the Holdsworth to its heavier, Extreme sibling but I have taken this route, with my fixed gear winter/trainer. Not that its a hardship, since this family of lube is mutually compatible. The solvent content will strip the existing formula and leave the Extreme/Gold/Absolute dry in its place. No call for chain baths, or similar, first. Do go the stripper route, with any other brands' mind and allow a few hours curing time, too.   

For time being, the mercury's still hovering around the high teens, so I can get by with Bib shorts and short sleeve Jerseys. Thoughtfully, Bob Elliot& Co have sent me some Funkier 3/4 lengths. Timely too, since a much loved, and long serving set have gone decidedly sheer, around the buttocks.