Several weeks and a few
hundred mixed terrain miles later, I’ve reached some definite conclusions about
the Revolution Cross 2 http://www.sevendaycyclist.com/revolution-cross-2.
It’s been a very welcome
guest and we’re inviting other brands to send us their ‘genre blurring
models to see how they compare in similar contexts. Raleigh has said they will
be putting their £650 Maverick forward. http://www.raleigh.co.uk/ProductType/ProductRange/Product/Default.aspx?pc=1&pt=14&pg=15774
Sharing the Claris
drivetrain (albeit 2x8) and Tektro Spyre brakes, its’ based around a 6061
aluminium frame and carbon fork and reckoned to weigh 2 kilos less-looking
forward to swinging my leg over the 56cm’s top tube.
Back on my blue/grey
‘cross inspired fixer, it’s been reminding me of what I've been missing, especially on the climbs.
For now the Avid BB7 and Cane
Creek lever combo are delivering decent modulation and feel, although I’m still
very tempted by the Spyre...Elsewhere, I’ve swapped its Time pedals over to the Holdsworth
in exchange for the blue Issi and replaced the Ilpompino’s KMC Z1X chain, like for like, which also succeeded in killing three long serving chain tools!
Over three years hell n’
high water service hence; my Shimano R82 sports touring/Audax shoes are
beginning to look decidedly peaky in places, so I’ve resurrected these very
impressive Quoc Pham. A contemporary take on the classic touring shoe, the
upper is made from high quality cowhide with lace lock lace system and 3M
reflective heel strip.
This takes a while to break
in but aided by a periodic lick of hide food, moulds beautifully to the
foot. The outer sole is moulded rubber and features a hardened mid section and
an unusually aggressive, SPD sole for improved grip. Power transfer isn’t quite
on par with super stiff race slippers perhaps but it’s still very good.
Craftsmanship and more importantly, long distance riding comfort is superb.
I went clipless back in 1992
with some Look ARC and patent leather Diavolo shoes (£50 all in from a local
bike shop) but testing aside, my preference lies with the recessed SPD/R types.
Discovered during my mud biased mid 90s, their sheer convenience is hard to
beat.
Fixed, I can click in
without needing to coax the pedal body into position, wet slimy decking aside,
there’s little chance of me going down like the proverbial sack of spuds when
its a bit slippery, or gouging holes in expensive lino.
With autumn just around the corner,
we’re beginning our lighting group tests. There’s the odd master blaster
involved but otherwise, rather like megapixels, its more about the quality of
lens and diodes, rather than firepower per se.
Models with several settings ranging
from 800 down to 100/flashing modes cater for pretty much everything you’d need
for the darkest rural roads through to well-lit city centres.
In the past I’ve been curious and
even indulged in the 1,000 plus models offered on auction sites but while
bright, they’re just too aggressive and beam quality/useable light doesn’t
match that of those boasting 600 or so. In top mode, they can simply dazzle
other road users-potentially dangerous, not to mention, extremely aggravating.
That said; I’ve used some budget (sub
£100 CE compliant) official imports to excellent effect and the lower, steady
settings can return 3-4 hours before kicking into flashing/SOS to conserve
juice. Battery packs have become increasingly compact, riding unobtrusively beneath
the top tube, rather than consuming a bottle cage.
For those who don’t want, or need
this additional clutter, tuneable torch types can be ideal for middle distance
commuting and training but consider run-times carefully, if you’re tackling long stretches of unlit road. Several offer 600-800 lumens but there’s usually
a serious trade off where run times are concerned-expect an hour or so, tops. However, they can
strike just the right balance for those who generally ride in sub/urban
contexts but want to indulge in some back road scratching after work.
Those with 300-400 lumens and several
settings are surprisingly useful too, my choice for late summer evenings, where
time can slip away and dusk set in unexpectedly. Blinkies are arguably all
that’s required for getting home with in these contexts but I still prefer a
proper light up front, blinkies acting as backing singers-especially given the
all too prevalent culture of victim blaming-litigious, or
otherwise.
There is an increasingly popular trend
for combining products-Cycliq fly 6 LED with integral camera being an excellent
example. Along with Moon’s surprisingly potent Gemini, Raleigh has sent us this
Icon + unit, which tailors light automatically to suit conditions.
It’s capable of producing 190 lumens
and even features a movement sensor, triggering an alert to your smart phone,
indicating that your bike is being moved and potentially vandalised/stolen.
Useful additional security when supping coffee and sharing ideas at a cafe’
stop; on that note, I’m going to see if this stuff is a creative kick start or
belongs behind the creosote...
