On The Radar

 

I wasn’t expecting to get so engrossed in radar-based technology. I’m specifically referring to systems such as the Coospo TR70 and BBB Signal Radar. Lights are to some extent evolving like mobile (cell) phones did i.e. from telephones through to the complex computers in our pockets. For the uninitiated, radar technology in bike lights is designed to pinpoint approaching vehicles from a safe distance and typically communicate this via smartphone app.

The apps typically allow you to select lighting modes and other functions. These are not intended to replace wider awareness-regular over-the-shoulder glances, but to increase safety, say in contexts, such as a very windy descent where we’re battling the elements and can’t hear approaching traffic. The technology has obvious benefits to folks towing trailers, tagalongs behind their solos and indeed tandems.

I was curious as to how far light/radar could be positioned before reliable, seamless Bluetooth/ANT+ communication was affected. Coospo tell me the TR70 is good for ten metres, which should cater for most applications and contexts.  The BBB signal can also be run sans app, courtesy of an integrated speaker, which is a nice touch.

Run times in both units are reassuringly long, thanks to the sensible selection of modes and varied outputs. Up to a claimed 40 hours with the TR70 and 14 with BBB’s Signal (both in radar only mode, which means the light is only triggered when the radar senses a vehicle approaching. 140 metres seems the benchmark, although the Signal is claimed to detect from 190 metres.  

Thus far, I am forming the conclusion that radar systems are most effective and accurate along country lanes, A roads and bigger roundabouts. The density of town and city centre traffic (parked and mobile) tends to instigate false readings from parked cars and sometimes steel structures and fencing.  

Having confirmed good, user-friendly compatibility with an Android handset, I was curious as to their relationship with a contemporary computer. The sort with internet connectivity. The sort that I’ve traditionally shunned. Coospo kindly sent me their Real Road CS600 GPS Computer, which has impressive features and generous run to charge ratios. I’m at the exploratory phase, so will reserve further comment until I’ve done a good handful of rides and some proper miles.

Talking of miles, after a really filthy ride, I took it as my cue to (a) clean Muffin (b) replace the Izumi chain, which I’d noted was showing some signs of wear. There was a fair bit of congealed go around the sprocket and ring, so these were given a good blast of Drivetrain Detox and a moderate scrubbing first.

Chains are relatively inexpensive, so best replaced before they consume rings and sprockets, which can work out pricey, even on a fixed. I’m still contemplating switching to a stainless ring before next winter comes around. A KMC Z510HX (as shown here on the Holdsworth) being the choice this time round. It features a decent silver finish, “anti drop technology” and mushroom pins promising greater strength.

Not the lightest, but reliability trumps that by some margin.  I’ve found them strong, inexpensive and relatively refined 1500miles seems the going rate for a mid- range track chain. 3,000 miles is the most I’ve ever returned, and that was using a KMC Z1X Inox  SEVEN DAY CYCLIST'S 3000 MILE TEST OF A KMC INOX CHAIN  but it’s a good deal dearer these days, so I’ll stick with the Z510HX.

I took this opportunity to strip and apply some KMC Go wax to the Z510HX and X10 chains, which has also consumed the last remnants of Dynamic Bio Drivetrain Detox, which had lasted considerably longer than I was expecting. I’d spotted two litre bottles of Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner PRO GREEN MX TRIPLE PACK REVIEW for a very keen price, so indulged.

I’ve found it very effective, although in keeping with the Dynamic Bio Drivetrain Detox it likes several minutes soaking time to make inroads into the lube and contaminant before you get busy with the stiff-bristled brush. There are cheaper formulas around on well-known auction sites. However, they can be somewhat caustic- not what you want on pretty paintwork, seals and other small but significant components.

As for the KMC Go, well, it’s living up to expectations. In common with other waxes, it’s quite runny, requires a surgically clean host drivetrain and several hours (ideally overnight) curing. However, it seems to be holding up convincingly in some very changeable (read wet) conditions, drivetrains are reassuringly clean, silent and shifts silent. The other nice feature is that you can just top up. No need to strip and reapply.   

Elsewhere, I’ve been impressed by the Topeak RX Beam Rack and RX Trunk Bag DXP Topeak RX Trunk Bag DXP and RX Beam Rack | cycling-not-racing. A good option if you weren’t keen on three-, or four-point racks for day rides and weren’t carrying bigger loads. There are better choices, including Carradice’s SQR range-including their Carradry  CARRADICE CARRADRY SQR BAG | cycling-not-racing if you wanted to haul heavier payloads. Though I’ve brought the fleet over to racks, I remain very fond of the SQR system and range of bags. Because they place the centre of gravity higher, handling can take a little time adjusting to, coming from panniers and trunk bags. With conditions turning more spring-like, timely that I’ve reached my conclusions regarding the Castelli Unlimited Bib Tights Castelli Unlimited Bib Tights | cycling-not-racing

 

Hey Buster!

 My love of high-power dynamos is well documented, there’s a lot to be said for high-performance rechargeable lights. Not everyone wants the investment of a new hub, lamp and switchgear. Yes, it will repay the investment over time, quite quickly, if you’re a mile-munching tourist, or Audax rider. If this is your genre of riding, K-Lite Ultra Road LD Dynamo Bike Light K-LITE ULTRA LOW DRAG DYNAMO LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is well worth a closer look.  

However, dynamo systems pose a significant outlay and in some, off road contexts, an uber lumen rechargeable has an edge-especially at slow speeds. I’ve spent the last few weeks racking up the miles on my fixed gear winter/trainer, enjoying its relatively lively, yet dependable handling. I was also assessing the Mud Hugger Gravel Hugger guards’ performance since conditions have been suitably autumnal. Not everyone will be endeared to their slightly industrial aesthetic, but I’ve grown to love them-in every respect. I’m also seriously taken with the KMC S1 chain, so much so, I’ve acquired another two, for later down the line.  

Given the wet, scuzzy roads, said machine was needing a good sudsy bucket wash, which it duly received, and I stripped the existing Peaty’s Link Lube in favour of Muc-Off Ludicrous AF, since I wanted to assess its characteristics on a fixed transmission, since some time trialists still compete on fixed gear.   

Given the conditions, brake pads are also wearing quite quickly. I’m hopeful the TRP Spyre SLC caliper will materialise shortly. Meantime, having retouched Ursula’s paint chip to the point of being undetectable, and resolving the stopping and shifting issues, we were ready to make the most of the cool, wet and dark mornings. I’ve also reached my conclusions regarding Axiom Oceanwave City+AXIOM OCEANWAVE CITY+ SEAT BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Oxford products www.oxfordproducts.com  sent me this Sigma Buster 2000... 

As the name suggests, top whack is 2000lumens but staircases sensibly, giving it good scope for different locales. 1300lumens is good enough for unlit lanes, 600 lumens are good enough for semi-rural work, without being oppressive through the suburbs, although, I’d still go for the 300 eco through built-up areas.  

There are helmet and bar mounting options and crucially, a bar-mounted wireless remote for easy mode switches. The battery pack can either be tethered to the frame, or when helmet-mounted, a jersey/jacket pocket Sigma suggests putting it in a rucksack, but I’m pleased to report, despite tipping the scales at 368g, it doesn’t bound around like a playful Labrador.  

I’ve been running its 700lumen sibling atop my long-serving Bell helmet for several weeks, after a couple of years hiatus and at 147g, it’s relatively unobtrusive. Sigma claims the Buster 2000 lamp weighs a mere 100g- (what by my scales). I was pleased to discover the Buster 2000 fully compatible with the 700’s mount), since that was already in situ. A bar-mounted remote is another definite boon, meaning effortless switching between modes.   

Run times are cited as between 2.5 and 20 hours. The latter refers to the pulsing and flashing modes but useful and welcome, nonetheless. Staying with Sigma, I’ve also grown fond of the Sigma BC9.16 ATS Wireless Cycle Computer SIGMA BC9.16 ATS WIRELESS CYCLE COMPUTER | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

I’ve also received this Magicshine Ray 2600 Smart Remote Bike Light, which is a dual-lens model that looks a potentially close rival to Ravemen PR2400 front Light RAVEMEN PR2400 FRONT LIGHT (sevendaycyclist.com)  The  Ravemen is designed so you can plug in a “power bank” and extend run times, which can be a godsend in any context. However, the thing to keep in mind with high-power rechargeable lights per se, is they are designed for commuting and training in contexts where you don’t need the full output for too long. Great for escaping the suburbs and letting off some steam along the backroads.