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
