Panniers & Other Practicalities

 

Decent panniers are not simply for touring, they're great for commuting and general lugging duties. I've been particularly impressed by the Lomo Zephyr, which seem rugged, and well organised, without being overly prescriptive. The roll top closure, welded seams and fully waterproof construction are ultra-practical and impressive for the price. Waterproof is a term begging for contradiction, and nothing is truly totally impermeable. For these reasons, I often line panniers with a bin liner to keep clothes, or anything potentially perishable from getting damp in a torrential storm, or should a visually shallow crossing prove otherwise.

 

In the more mundane sense, the last thing you want is to arrive at work with soggy clothes and food, reinforcing the unkempt cyclist narrative. Halfords have sent their Advanced Waterproof Pannier. Another budget model at £30, it boasts a twenty-litre capacity, roll top closure welded seams, reflective detailing and a carry strap. The single compartment might seem a little low rent on the one hand and won't suit those looking to segregate laptops, folders and other stuff but also means you can just bung stuff in and scoot off.

 

There's the usual Rixen-Kaul pattern mounting hardware and it feels reassuringly solid.  Let's see what the lanes and trails say... For loads exceeding 10 kilos, I err towards the trailer. However, it's worth noting that panniers can be more practical for extended touring, as Teagan Philips outlined in an interview some ten years back MY BIKE : TEGAN PHILLIPS' SURLY DISC TRUCKER.  Similarly, some folks prefer frame mounted for improved aerodynamics. I can appreciate that, especially in a more competitive gravel, or bike packing context. When it comes to trailers, single wheel designs are the most practical for singletrack and generally speaking, track better behind the bike, thus have less impact upon handling.

 

However, be mindful of not going into autopilot, forgetting the trailer. Especially when tackling roundabouts, more densely trafficked areas, or tighter sections of trail. I've had my Yak homage trundling behind the fixed from time to time, the lack of a steadying rear brake gave food for thought when negotiating descents. Oh, and momentum's a must on the climbs! Reminds me, I've been contemplating an 18tooth sprocket for Muffin, which would smooth out the climb without inducing spin-out on the descents. Halo produces a very affordable example. 

 

Staying with brakes and solos, discs are great (hydraulic the best) but so are well-honed cantilever, or V brakes. Gearing is also a consideration of derailleur setups. Largely a moot point on contemporary touring lorries and gravel grinders but ensure you've a bail-out option, should you find yourself needing to winch along a one in four with twenty kilos trundling behind.

 

While I've found both genuine Yak and homage's wheels to be rather low-rent, they're functional enough- although I'd upgrade the tyre at the earliest available opportunity and be inclined toward getting a better wheel built ahead of a big tour My homage's mudguard was trickier to get along with, hence I dispensed with it early on.  The dry sack is another one of those useful-gets-you-going offerings that will pay for itself. However, while the fabric is waterproof, stitched construction means it will allow water to penetrate. Again, I'd upgrade to something like this Lomo but as an interim measure, taping, or indeed gluing the seams might serve. 

 

I've found this, coupled with the bin liner method reasonably effective. Though by no means essential, radar-type technology comes in very handy with trailers-at least along open roads, giving audible and visual proximity of an approaching vehicle. The Coospo TR70 Radar Tail Light Coospo TR70 Radar Taillight | cycling-not-racing  will communicate with a head unit, whether a computer, such as their CS600, or a handlebar mounted smartphone up to a distance of 10 metres (30 feet) practical for tandem and trailer duties, too.

As an aside, the Coospo TR70 appears to have an edge over the BBB Signal Radar, when it comes to accuracy, although both are genuinely useful. No substitute for regular glances over the shoulder, but particularly welcome when battling rain and wind.   Another product that has impressed me long term is the Orp Smart horn TESTED: ORP SMART HORN. Mine are still very functional almost nine years down the line, although the "whale tail" buzzer is wearing, thus only capable of producing the louder 94 decibel option-although when deployed at a sensible distance, ideal for alerting dog walkers and others of my approach. Again, particularly in blustery conditions.  

 

Elsewhere, I've been running the Continental Terra at the upper end of their pressure range-65psi (34-72psi) and have been impressed by their swift acceleration and seemingly low rolling resistance. Cornering prowess and dry weather grip are also reassuringly good, but I wonder how they'll perform when the rains come-especially since they're primarily intended for dry hardpack. Puncture resistance is another area I'm yet to explore. We're at that formative "getting to know you" dare I say, honeymoon phase, so their true persona and limitations are yet to be revealed. I’ll leave you with my thoughts on Ursula’s makeover eighteen months along…Ursula Makeover & Mod Pt IV | cycling-not-racing

Waxes & Inner Whippets

 

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the KMC Go wax chain lube. Arguably a chain manufacturer of their magnitude would be expected to produce a decent lube. There are some limitations and I’d still say, in keeping with the Weldtite Wax Weldtite Wax Lube | cycling-not-racing  it’s a fair weather, three seasons lube. One that copes better in damper conditions than typically associated with wax formulas.

Wild and windy weather aside, conditions continue to become more spring-like, prompting me to switch Ursula back over to the CST Patrol CST Patrol Folding EPS Tyres | cycling-not-racing. An easy switch, or so I thought…A seized, or at least recalcitrant front Spyre SLC calliper prompted a strip and clean. I switched the pads since I was there. The existing pair were ok and good enough as contingencies-I just need to gently sand some light glaze and similar crap from them. 

Continuing this waxy flavour, Muc-Off waved their Dark Energy Chain Wax. Claimed to be four years in the making and suitable for road, gravel and mountain biking. Made from “plant-based biodegradable waxes” and free from PFAS and PTFE. It’s a dropper wax intended to narrow the gaps between dropper and immersion types. The latter, as the term suggests are where the chai is immersed and left in the wax, refitted afterwards. Not a new concept by any means and “baking” chains was once popular in motorcycling circles.  

Sigma sent me their Nyte Clip and Nyte 70 rear lights. Starting with the Nyte Clip, this is designed with versatility in mind and it’s not cycling specific, which isn’t always a bad thing. it can be attached to rucksacks, bike luggage, clothing etc, so also lends itself to hiking, walking, trail running etc.

It’s a very compact, some might say bijous measuring 52x21x21mm (width length height) and uses COB (Chips on Board) technology-36 diodes in this space is impressive and the 220degree projection continues tis narrative. There are six modes in total-two steady and four flashing (70, 80, 95 and 100lumens), with a maximum run time of 10hours in the 20-lumen steady mode from a full 90-minute charge.  

Sigma claim its visible to 500metres and this is very plausible, judging by what I’ve witnessed from the flashing modes on some bright morning rides.   By contrast, the Nyte70 is cycling specific and features braking and emergency braking functions, meaning it emits a very powerful blast of light when it detects steady, or rapid deceleration. It also employs COB technology, although this time 20 diodes share the space.

It also features an auto mode, which brings the light on and chooses output according to ambient light sensors. In auto mode the braking and emergency braking functions don’t work. There are five others, which seem considerably brighter than figures would imply. The high steady is only 9.5 lumens, the low steady 5.5, day flash 30 lumens, night flash 7.4 and the eco flash a mere 3.

However, its considerably brighter than I was expecting. Without seeing the figures, I believed the day flash to be around the 70-lumen mark.  Eco flash is claimed to return 20 hours from a full charge, night flash 8 hours and the day flash 6, which might not be astonishing, but gives reasonable scope for longer rides.

There’s an integral charge life indicator- green denotes full to 20% blue denotes 19-10% and blue flashing says you’ve dropped below 10%.  It can be mounted vertically, or horizontally, on a seat post, the saddle rails, seat stays and indeed, some racks.      

Elsewhere, I recently dropped processed sugar, or at least as much as I could from my diet and am generally feeling much better for doing so. Chocolate, sugar, cakes, deserts etc all gone. While intellectually I am someone of nuance, with some things I am all, or nothing and just need to stop wholesale, rather than “cutting down”.

I've certainly noted the benefits in the saddle, being able to accelerate and climb quicker, without fatigue, or sluggishness. The Coospo CS600 head unit with its comprehensive readout including calories consumed is certainly fuelling a desire to push myself a little harder. The radar function is also very welcome during blustery rides, and the ANT+ communicates seamlessly with either the brands' own TR70 or BBB radar taillights. The two faint green lines and widget in the left corner, coupled with audible beeps announce when vehicle(s) are approaching and their proximity.

I'd a few Garmin light mounts bouncing around the bodge box, but they were a little flimsy, so I bought two auction site cheapies for Muffin and Ursula, meaning I could simply port the CS600 between them. I had a Magicshine mount, but it was way too lofty for my needs. Buying two was cheaper still, since I wasn't paying postage. One affixing to the stem bolts was an option, but would've placed the CS600 (and indeed, other equipment) too close, especially given Ursula's very stubby stem.  

I found myself revisiting rings for Muffin- get something inexpensive and solid as a staple for next time and I also began contemplating replacing Denise's cassette for an 11-28 next chain switch, since that's the Tiagra rear mech's maximum capacity and would provide a little more winching prowess. In terms of ring, I couldn't find anything suitable- I was thinking sturdy, rather than exotic. A 42 tooth Gebhardt ring seemed the obvious choice. As for the cassette, I was sure I had a Tiagra 11-28 squirreled away somewhere, but at this stage, there's a few months before this becomes pressing.  I’ll close here with my review of the Coospo TR70 Radar Taillight Coospo TR70 Radar Taillight | cycling-not-racing

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