Blink & You’ll Miss It

 

Been a few weeks since my last entry. A welcome tsunami of products has kept me out along the lanes, late at night and mischief moderated. 500 miles in, I reached some very tangible conclusions about Vee Tire Co Zilent MK2. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/vee-tire-co-zilent-mark-2-tyres

Our 38mm sections have proven themselves swift, comfortable and extremely durable rubber, for everyday riding. Project Dawes has also gathered a little more momentum https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/gravel-on-a-budget-part-two-compone  and the Weldtite TF2 Advanced Ceramic chain wax has also performed, pretty much as I was expecting, right down to the miles per application. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tf2-1  For the time being, I’ll stick with its clean and slick characteristics, while conditions remain distinctly fair-weather.

Will be interesting to see how it fares, during the darker months. On balance, I prefer a cleaner lubricant that requires more frequent reapplication, over something sticky and sludgy. However, chances are, by this point, I’ll have switched to something more stoical.

With trees shedding leaves, the nights are closing in. Dusk chimes around 18.45 and its nigh on pitch black by 19.15. https://stenningphotographic.blogspot.com/2018/10/on-waterfrontwith-aurora-ray.html

My MK1 KA’s creaking Constant Velocity joint and dental appointment meant I wasn’t attending the Cycle Show, at Birmingham NEC’s. However, Steve (co-editor) was and suppliers are increasingly keen to work with us.

This week I received these lights from Oxford Products.

We have their UGOE Classical 1000 lumen mini, which is a four-mode light, producing maximum output of 1000lumens. Pretty much my “on paper” benchmark, for speedwork along unlit lanes. 

There’s a lot to be said for the latest generation of high- power slimline torch types. Blackburn’s Dayblazer family (1100, 800 and 400 lumens respectively) being prime examples.

No cabling, or external battery clinging to the top tube… Output to run time ratios are relatively favourable. So long as you are using the most powerful settings sparingly.

Longer distances, along pitch black roads, (where navigational prowess is king) calls for a bigger/replacement battery. Now, better quality systems have become much smaller. This Xeccon 1300 being a case in point, although the neoprene encased battery is still pretty brick like https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/xeccon-1300-wireless-front-light .

 The average auction site “Master Blaster” is relatively large, in every respect, consuming a fair chunk of handlebar real-estate. Yes, they may pump out 1500 lumens-more in some cases. However, low-rent lens and reflector mean output quality is a little sketchy. Most notably when haring along swooping descents. A decent spot beam makes potential hazards so much easier to spot, and ultimately, swerve.   

Looking through the online catalogue, I wasn’t expecting the Ugoe to be this diminutive. As the photos illustrate, its CNC machined aircraft grade aluminium lamp and switch are literally thimble sized. Ample room for computers, GPS, action cameras/similar creature comforts.

Tidy freaks will want to route the cabling more discretely along the top tube. There’s plenty of it too. Ample for helmet mounting (courtesy of the supplied Go-Pro design).

Even the 3.7volt 5200mAH lithium ion battery is slimline and fits very unobtrusively, in a jacket, or jersey pocket. There are four modes, 1000lumens is reckoned good for 2hrs 30 minutes, 500 lumens 5 hours and 10 hours claimed for low and flashing, respectively.  

Looking forward to seeing how it compares, output wise, with compact torches, such as this Blackburn Dayblazer 1100.

At the other end of the lighting spectrum we have their Ultra Torch R50 and Ultra Torch F100. 50 and 100 lumens apiece, both are at the more potent end of the blinkie market. 

Arguably you only need two, but eight modes, 270-degree projection and run times between 2 and 45 hours are very appealing. Some obvious nods in the direction of Cat Eye Rapid X.

Physical profiles aside both use COB (Chips on board) technology (where diodes are mounted directly on the circuit board). this ensures more can be shoe-horned into the same space, generating greater intensity.

The Ultratorch are fuelled by a 3.7volt 500mAh Lithium Polymer cell. A rubberised “foot” hides the micro USB port, keeping rain and other wet ingress outside. This also ensures the light sits flush, against seat posts and indeed, seat stays

Good optics and intelligent deployment are more useable than lumens alone. For example, by my reckoning 15 lumens is about right for town duties. Strikes the right balance between asserting presence, without tickling retinas at close quarters, or consuming reserves overly quickly.

30 is still OK but better along the open road. On pitch black roads, misty mornings, or as a daylight mode, 50 is good. Distinctive strobing patterns also play a very significant part too. £17.99 apiece, they seem seriously good value, but lets’ see what the next few weeks reveal.  

The Eat My Dirt brake shields were sent my way on the basis they had “Michael Stenning” written all over them. These are primarily designed to protect disc brake/rotors from a sticky coating of spent lube when re-lubricating a thirsty chain. Same goes for tyres and rims.

Story goes these were invented after Jon fancied a quick blast on Gary’s bike. Unbeknown to him, Gary had “just chucked a bit of oil on his chain and cassette” seeing as they were looking a bit dry…

Mid wheelie, Jon engaged the rear brake…Nothing. Next thing he knew he was flat on his back and the concept was born.  Being marine engineers, they made a prototype from cardboard and refined the design with some input from Huddersfield University.

The brake shields are essentially a massive “bib” that clips on in literally seconds once you’ve got the knack. Bike Bib was their intended moniker but it seems, Michelin own the name “bib”…

Ultimately, they decided polypropylene was the ideal, flexible, chemical resistant material. In fact, they are so confident in its longevity, they will replace free of charge and under normal use, so long as you send them a short video explaining how they failed.

First slip the shield behind the cassette and secure the tab around a convenient spoke. Clip the top hook around another spoke and check it won’t move when you rotate the cranks backwards.

Once you’ve cleaned and/or re-lubricated your chain, unclip and flush the channel through with a bit of bike wash/concentrate and rinse that away using tepid water. Despite some initial scepticism; it’s beginning to find favour with me. http://www.eatmydirt.eu/brake-shield

Out of the blue, this Blackburn Piston 4 floor pump arrived on the SDC test bench-straight from the States. It’s a high volume model, featuring a steel barrel and base, which are welded together and finished in a very fetching gunmetal grey, a huge 3 inch gauge that goes all the way to 220psi.

Formative impressions are very favourable-these 35mm Clement were brought from flaccid to 90psi in a cool 38 strokes and my Univega’s 26x1.75 Vittoria to 80 in 50, both with minimal effort. As you’d expect from this end of the market, not to mention Blackburn, the build quality is absolutely top notch, with a really solid feel and refined action.

While looking at foot mounted gauges is hardly a hardship, the super clear top unit means there’s no excuse for over-inflation and if you do, simply  scrub off the unwanted pressure by hitting the head’s integral bleed valve.  

Other pleasant surprises include these uber lumen Meteor Storm Pro and Shield-X lights from their UK importerwww.raleigh.co.uk . In recent years, high power systems have become increasingly compact, especially for the road market. The Meteor storm pro boasts a range of steady settings delivering between 1700 and 125 lumens, which is very impressive from a torch type with integral battery.

On paper, this range should cater for everything from race pace antics along unlit back roads to urban commuting. Admittedly offset by 6hour charge times, a quoted run time of 2hrs with the full 1700 on tap is pretty reasonable given its fuelled by a 3.6 volt 3200mAH cell…Buying a second will obviously extend its potential, especially since those sorts of charge times aren’t the most convenient for desk bound commuters.

Spec wise, we have two Cree XM-L2 diodes, CNC machined aluminium casing for durability and excellent heat displacing qualities and an automatic shut down in the unlikely event of overheating.  No less than ten modes, including a 2000lumen flashing “day” mode that they reckon will run for a claimed 38hours. 

Those looking at the bottom line will point out that high power Cree units complete with battery and charger can be picked up online for around the £20mark. True, these offer a lot of bang for little buck but tend to be a little unrefined in terms of delivery. Three modes, run times around5hours in top are quite enticing and in my experience, practical for longer winter training runs along unlit roads.

However, reflector and lens quality tends to be bargain basement, so while there’s enough bite for 35mph plus on straight sections, they tend not to be so useful in the twisties.

They’re decidedly overpowered in the suburbs, let alone town centres too, which is where those with more intelligent, multiple modes score highly. On a completely different note, I found myself roped into photographing a wedding at a days’ notice-one of the biggest textbook no-no’s for any photographer.

However, I had trusty CSCs and a few suitable lenses, so was happy enough to help out; on the understanding it was a favour. Despite some initial trepidation, the Baptist ceremony went surprisingly smoothly. I was even asked by one guest, if I had photographed her wedding 22 years previously (!). Right, off for a chat with Tegan Philips about her bike, Axel

Getting Some (Carbon) Fibre in Your Diet

It seems you can’t move for the once precious composite these days, although in stark contrast, budget/unbranded ‘cross forks have become rarer than the proverbial rocking horse dropping. Imagine my joy having uncovered this ITM Visa. Languishing in storage for a few years, some telltale tarnish was evident around the bosses but easily purged with a gentle tickling from the wire brush so they’ll be adorning the Ilpompino come the first available opportunity. Detailing is generally to a better standard than the OEM type, especially the polished alloy ends, although I’ve no doubt these emerged from the same factory in the far east simply dressed in different decals. Transplant surgery will be performed by Riverside Cycle Centre come the New Year since I have more pressing matters at hand and he has the full compliment of headset tools… Elsewhere on the carbon front comes Blackburn Airstik SL. Weighing a ridiculously svelte 57g (including bracket), it sports the marques legendary build quality and lifetime warranty, so the perfect stocking filler for bikes/riders on calorie controlled diets that puncture infrequently. Blackburn claim 160psi is possible and I quite believe them, although I collapsed in a heap after 120psi and five minutes sustained, rhythmic effort. Speaking of which, rain, sleet and snow present all manner of hazards, not least greatly impaired visibility and this is true whether you wear prescription or standard, polycarbonate three-lens systems. The old lick of washing up liquid around the rims of goggles, glasses and visors is a great homely remedy that goes a long way to curing annoying and potentially dangerous fogging but this high tech Sal Clear TTX hydrophobic spray leaves behind a glossy, water repellent barrier that sees rain-water, mud and spray slide from prescription lenses, generic sports eye wear and even camera lenses. Since it works on gravity, not speed utility riders have as much to gain from its’ properties as first category road racers. Safe on polycarbonates and similar plastics, it’ll buff a helmet to a water repellent, showroom shine in a matter of minutes and works a treat on mirrors and humble bar mounted computers too. Longevity is in piece of string territory since it will depend where you and your bike live and a host of similar environmental factors but I’m still cruising around on the first application-three weeks and three hundred or so miles on

Meanwhile, back in the spray shop, Maldon Shot blasting & Powder Coating have had a procession of interesting frames through the door recently, most notably a classic Raleigh steel chassis and this contemporary Specialized fixer-both undergoing a satin black rebirth.Every so often a beater catches my imagination and this sorry looking John Doe with tarnished electroplate rear triangle is a prime example. There’s no obvious clue as to its heritage and the forks may/not be original…Destined to be reborn in 5012 “Ninja” Blue, I suspect the existing electroplate will be stripped to the parent steel and painted accordingly…

Arguably of better pedigree and possibly hailing from the late 1950s is this battle weary red frameset. I’m not sure since surface corrosion around the bottom bracket shell obscures any numbers but it could even be a Holdsworth of similar vintage to my Zephyr …Watch this space.