Met with Steve Dyster and
discussed our quarterly plan for Seven Day Cyclist-exciting times, so watch
this space...www.sevendaycyclist.co.uk
More blinkies and commuter
lights continue to arrive and I’ve also acquired a portable strobe for those
situations including wedding/parties where use of traditional static lighting
is impractical. I plumped for a decent
quality grey import following chance conversation with the photographer
covering Anju & Deepak’s wedding.
However, reservations aired by
skilled electrical engineers re OEM cell quality prompted me to feed this and
high power (1000lumen plus) bike lights on aftermarket, EU compliant batteries
and chargers.
Thankfully, I’ve never had any
combust but there is always the risk an insurer could refuse to honour a claim
where a faulty unit caused fire damage, or worse.
Generally speaking I am a
night owl, swooping through unlit lanes. However, while more expensive models
allow sensible stair-casing for sub/urban riding; a new generation of torch
type commuter models often prove better options for sub/urban riding.
Dependant upon lens, reflector
and diode quality, 300lumens can produce sufficient prowess for short, semi
rural sections at 18mph or so-often with consistent output right until the end.
However, unless these employ replaceable li-on/polymer cells, reserves are
usually spent within 2hrs and need 4 hours mains charging.
Most default to a steady “standard”
typically translating as 150 lumens for 4-5 hours. A decent balance between
performance and economy, though a low 80 lumen mode is surprisingly useful
round town, super frugal and better quality light than provided by budget
dynamo lamps. Some can also be helmet mounted-not for trail duties obviously
but useful companions to master-blasters on long hauls.
Flashing and strobe settings
are thriftier still and arguably the most extrovert option in the concrete
jungle, or dull overcast afternoon where remaining conspicuous takes priority.
USB rechargeable blinkies are also becoming increasingly practical for
dusk-till dawn all-nighters and even touring.
Nite Rider Solas is a prime
example (returning nigh on 15hours in flashing) although it has been around a
few seasons’ now. An increasing number of cheaper lights are coming close in
terms of runtimes and daylight modes are also growing in popularity but the
Solas has phenomenal presence in its favour.
In a wider, seasonal context, light has long
been recognised as being a key player in our sense of well-being and until
recently, the barrage of wild, windy and overcast conditions had been having a
pronounced effect upon my own sense of morale, kept in check with a mix of
long, steady rides and fast blasts on the fixer.
Damp,
mild weather is being eroded by colder airs and with snow forecast to migrate
from the north, though in reality; this isn’t anything more extreme than the UK
would usually expect from January. Simply put, unless things change radically,
I won’t be substituting the Univega’s Vittoria Randonneur trail (Long term test
issue 7 SDC-downloadable from the site) in favour of spikes.
Forecasting
has become increasingly accurate but fear of litigation encourages worst case
scenario reportage, although I’m often tempted to invest in some narrow section
(35mm) Kenda Klondike for my pure bread ‘cross bike and its derivatives.
These
are favourably priced compared with some popular European brands, albeit not
officially imported here and would need to be discounted since I’m unlikely to
use them longer than 14 days in every 12months.
Winter
tyres, designed specifically for snow and ice should feature beefy sidewalls
and a tread pattern that scoops away snow and slush, while the spikes bite into
the ice beneath, providing traction. Weight commonly brings people out in hives
and yes, this rotational weight is quite noticeable when things thaw out.
Ah,
but the ability to bowl along at a steady 15-17mph along otherwise treacherous
roads and lanes and sporting a big grin is infinitely preferable to spinning
away on the indoor trainer, Hamster stylee.
Talking
of harsh, I snapped this disc braked beast of burden in Coventry city centre.
Bin liners and supermarket bags suggested homelessness, rather than over
ambitious utility riding. Lifestyle choice, tragic twist of fate, who knows.
Ending on a high note, Lee Cooper is indeed back and trading as a bespoke
builder. Hopefully, I’ll be along to capture him at work very soon.
