Change of Tempo

Conditions have become markedly more autumnal, which in some respects has proven very welcome. Temperatures have slid to the high teens-low twenties, so at 5am, its closer to 12-14 degrees and the wetter roads mean chain lubes are easier to evaluate. 300 miles in, The Muc-Off –50-degree chain lube shows no sign of relenting. There's some residual, sludgy gunk growing around the derailleur cage and jockey wheels but nothing out of the ordinary and less than I’ve come to expect from middleweight wet lubes.  

It’s made from a high viscosity synthetic, known as Polyalphaolefin. One that flows well at low temperatures, maintains its properties and low volatility. Characteristics that explain its popularity within the aircraft industry.  In the present conditions, I’m expecting at least 600miles from a single application. Aside from winter and commuting duties, it should excel in cyclocross, gravel, and mountain bike contexts.  

Fixed gear winter trainer’s new KMC is still sporting the factory lube but the tension was a fractionally too high, so I adjusted it at the close of our first outing. Not the most obvious choice perhaps, but the Lezyne Classic pedal spanner is perfect for tackling track nuts. Over a foot long, there’s more than enough leverage for stubborn pedals and is incredibly pleasant to use and far too nice to lend.  

The business end is made from CNC machined nickel-plated steel, features a bottle opener and the pedal/nut slots are offset, so no faffing trying to whip ‘em on the pedal flats. This bolts into a super tactile wooden handle, which sits perfectly in the palm. I've had mine for years (primarily as I don’t lend it!) but the electroplated finish is also top-notch.   

Staying with the fixed, the 32mm Kender Kwick Journey KS Plus continue to impress me with their blend of relative speed, compliance, and reliability. The 5mm puncture repellent belt seems equally dependable-no flats to date. When it comes to working, or winter bikes, reliability is worth those extra grams-the last thing I want to be doing is tackling a flat on a cold and rainy night, when I could be home nursing coffee and the bike safely tucked away in the garage.  

Talking of flats, Steve has been putting the Muc-Off Puncture Plug Repair kit through its paces https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-puncture-plug-repair-kit  Talking of which, the wind steadily intensified over the course of Tuesday-nothing too wild, but I had pause for thought on Wednesday morning, when this tree came down. 

Had I been thirty seconds quicker...At the time, the felled tree was just something to navigate, the introspections, and what-ifs came after. Ironically enough, I had switched from the Smith Signal (my default for several thousand miles) to this airier and slightly lighter Cratoni.  

The Cratoni is several years old and a budget road model but has some nice features, including a bug net. Attaching a rear light is equally straightforward. Talking of which, Steve’s been impressed by the Ravemen TR300 rear Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ravemen-tr300-bicycle-rear-light .  

Pumping out a maximum of 300 lumens, it employs three super bright CREE LEDs and a sturdy aluminium casing doubles as a heatsink, theoretically giving the diodes, battery, circuitry, and switch a sporting chance of a long and happy life. 

The mounting kit also seems an improvement on its less potent siblings. 300lumens is arguably overkill for most conditions but as a daylight running mode, especially on a trailer, it’s hard to fault its presence. On that note, I’m off to finalise my reviews of the TR30 and TR50. 

 

 

Remaining Conspicuous

 

Been an extremely busy few weeks, testing kit, preparing for winter; talking to Tegan Phillips and being invited to the odd, impromptu photo shoot…Having reached some definite conclusions about Pro-Green MX triple pack  

http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/pro-green-mx-triple-pack    I’ve turned my attentions

to this Pro Viz reflect 360 helmet. Despite widespread acceptance, helmets still divide opinion. Though, I almost never ride without one, I fiercely oppose compulsion and that contributory negligence card, so often played in cases where someone has sustained serious injury.   

Like most other bike apparel, purchase power means standards and to some extent, expectations are higher than ever before. Some respected sports chains are offering extremely well finished models for £20. Admittedly, these are made in the Far East, where production costs are lower and savings can be passed to the end consumer.

The reflect 360 is made in Germany, meets the usual CE 1078 and though branded as a road design but the peak and insect net, suggest love child consequence of a passionate tryst between road and trail lid.  

Like many others at this price point, it comes complete with an “intelligent” adjustment system which allows precise alignment and theoretically, improved protection to the skull’s occipital region. 

This works to the same principle as a car roll cage, preventing twisting injuries that can result from bouncing along tarmac. I was a little disappointed to discover the EPS liner exposed around the rim, leaving it vulnerable to knocks and dings but we’ve not crossed into deal-breaker County.

Now to their patented K star technology. This apparently took two years to develop.

Millions of tiny mirrored glass beads are impregnated within the outer shell; then sealed under a lacquer top coat. Theoretically this also serves an amplifier while safeguarding against peeling, or otherwise getting stripped under normal use.

Pro Viz says the depth of illumination is superior to any other helmet on the market. It’s certainly brighter than any I’ve tested to date. Aftermarket helmet retro-reflective neoprene, halo type bands are a cost effective option but even these don’t come close to the K star system. 

Talking of illumination, I’ve reverted to carrying a spare AA blinkey, especially on longer rides. I know run times are generally pretty accurate these days but I’ve had a few unexpected power downs lately. 

I was chancing my arm a bit with the Cat Eye Rapid X (it had been pulsing away for about three weeks without refuelling) but a Lezyne KTV and Moon Comet X both powered down unexpectedly, fifteen murky miles from home.

Thankfully, I’d had the sense to clip Moon Shield X auto onto my jersey pocket. Not that Cat Eye’s rapid micro rear could be considered impotent-it’s a lot brighter than 15 lumens suggest and will hold its own around town. However, by my reckoning, more bite is required for regular rural riding.

Personal favourites include Topeak Redlite mega and the almost iconic ½ watt Smart complete with elastic band type rubber seal. Cheap as chips, this one’s been a faithful standby for several years now. Replacing depleted dry cells promptly and giving contacts a quick lick of Vaseline seems the secret to its long and productive life.

Technically, we’re still in late autumn here in the UK, gusty winds are stripping trees and hedgerows of their, rich auburn leaves, which blow across the wet roads before forming a slippery carpet. We all have our favourite tyres but arguably there is no definitive model, perfect for every condition.

Generally speaking, I’m a horses-for-courses man and I often slip on spiked rubber when the iceman, or indeed maiden cometh. However, daily drivers call for an all rounder.

We’ve been putting a series of rugged commu-touring models through their paces at Seven Day Cyclist and though one of the coarse 28tpi casings succumbed to a nasty cut (sealed with a healthy dollop of high quality superglue), these 1.6 section Vittoria Street Runner are proving surprisingly sprightly, yet dependable four seasons’ budget option.

Having retired the Vittoria Randonneur trail (which amassed phenomenal mileage before finally succumbing to a series of savage and ultimately, irreparable cuts) the street runner have been coping handsomely with tarmac duties. Even along those mulchy lanes at 25mph plus, they’ve never shown hint of turning bandit and I’ve only punctured once-during the first, relatively moderate month’s testing.      

With Christmas just over a month away, most people have no problems buying presents but not everyone’s so good at presentation. Dolly blue creative can help-whether it’s the festive season, birthday, anniversary or similar special occasion. Her site’s under construction but drop me an email if you’re based in the UK and like what you see here.

Back soon, in the meantime, here’s a male Bhangra dance group from Derby...

Changing Gear

I’ve just recruited an intern to work on Stenning photographic and we’re also recruiting a design assistant for Seven Day Cyclist (www.sevendaycyclist.co.uk ), which is moving from a downloadable magazine to arguably more accessible web format after Christmas.

December’s frenetic countdown to holiday season requires schematic planning to avoid a lull come January, so while relatively tired, there’s no let up.

Sabre tooth man-flu has also relented sufficiently as to permit clear thought processes and a return to serious testing. However, my susceptibility to chest infections means climbing and similarly strenuous exertion still induces the sort of hacking cough synonymous with long-serving, chain-smoking shipyard welders!

Wilder weather fronts have also prompted my Univega’s swift resurrection, though thankfully the gritting Lorries appear to have gone home. Said Tubby tourer’s more upright stance is hardly aero but widely spaced gears provide ample grunt for winching, bombing and cruising.

Big tyres also permit the odd crafty cut through and provide a magic carpet ride now that pot-hole season is in full-swing. After several weeks traversing, wet, greasy rural backwaters, the otherwise likeable Teflon prep was showing signs of embedded filth, prompting a thorough degreasing and some Fenwick’s Stealth.

Generally speaking, bells on bicycles induce eye-rolling- a well-timed yell consumes no handlebar space, costs nothing and is more effective.

However, Oregon based ORP have combined a genuinely capable three mode 70lumen light and 76/96 decibel horn in one blinkey sized package. I’m a big fan of the cutesy silicone blinkies in blanket narrative. This one is available in seven colours and protects the unit from drop and weather damage.

Diodes, circuitry and lithium polymer cell are neatly sealed in a similarly tough polycarbonate body and tucking the USB port firmly underneath, sandwiched between the bars further minimises the likelihood of dirt and ingress getting a look in. 

Prodding the rear “Whale tail” downwards unleashes a more subtle, though attention grabbing bleep that warns pedestrians, walkers and runners of your advance without driving dogs into a braking frenzy.

Upwards delivers a much louder warning, which has dissuaded a couple of learner motorcyclists from making a risky manoeuvre and some drivers from swinging doors open without looking. The diodes also flash a visual warning and the design’s a marked improvement over other battery systems.

In constant mode, the light is just about good enough for well-lit town work and has saved my bacon a few times-most notably when the Univega’s 800lumen dynamo lamp was slow on powering up. Otherwise, flashing modes are perfect companions to these and other main lighting.

Run times are quoted as 12 and 6 hrs respectively, which will depend upon how often the horn’s engaged but like most lithium ion/polymer fuelled models, seems pretty faithful to those quoted and unaffected by factors such as temperature.          

Debate has always raged as to what constitutes serious cycling with people proving particularly sniffy in the contexts of commuter/utility apparel. While I’m most commonly seen blasting along in technical fabrics, it’s worth remembering typical car journeys are less than two miles. This sort of distance can be ridden at reasonable speed and comfort wearing everyday street clothing-a mindset most apparent in the Netherlands.

Similarly, while my preference in terms of commuter lid errs towards well ventilated, sub 300g models with less aggressive profiles and trail DNA, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this ABUS Hyban. Tipping the scales at a relatively portly 380g; it sports an ABS hard-shell, which is available in six different colours, shrugs at the inevitable everyday carelessness and has a more flattering feel when riding in civvies.

A few years back, feeble watch battery fuelled single diodes integrated within the thumbwheel closure were the preserve of upper end commuter models. Increased demand and plummeting prices means we’re getting sensible, user friendly LED lights integrated within the shell.

Admittedly, these only constitute tertiary lighting but intelligent positioning means they’re aimed squarely at driver eye-level and visible to around 80 metres-further on clear nights. Though relatively well-ventilated and employing the inlet/exhaust system, I was still surprised by how unobtrusive the Hyban felt-even over distances of 15-20miles at a steady 18mph.

Much further/at faster speeds and the increased weight becomes evident, so not a design lending itself to weekend touring. However, many scoots to the office, visits to friends and similar bike as car journeys are much shorter in any case.

Sturdy shell and surprisingly useful peak come into their own on more adventurous mixed terrain commutes encompassing forests, canal/bridle paths etc, while the former provides useful platform for cameras and lighting. Increasingly, it’s difficult to find bad products per se and these must be evaluated according to their intended purpose(s) and comparable designs, not ill-informed preconceptions.