Mysteries...

 Playing a waiting game when it comes to hubs and teeth at present, although the latter is booked in for November, while the embers of a National Health Service remain. I’ll just be known as Meth Lab Mikey for the interim period. Credit to Ison DistributionWelcome to Ison Distribution | Ison Distribution (ison-distribution.com), they’ve sent me a replacement SL9. Next job is to drop hoop and hub with Mick Madgett. I’m sticking with the existing Evaura rim since it’s in good shape and given the UK’s economic climate, I’ll be using what I have, wherever appropriate. 

I dropped by Maldon Shot Blasting & Powder Coating since I was in the area and happened upon this Dawes frame. At first glance, I thought it was a Dawes Edge-a high-end early 90s mountain bike built from Reynolds 531 Magnum tubing, but then I spotted the downtube gear lever bosses and the geometry...Maybe their One Down, a mountain bike frameset built for drop bars and with the full complement of touring braze-ons? 

However, it didn’t employ the “guitar string” cable guides typical of mountain bikes and there’s also a pump peg, which screams traditional road tourer. From memory and indeed, photographs, the One Down was TIG welded, not lugged and brazed.  Wish I’d taken the frame number now, but still.  

The more I reflect, the frame size and configuration shout tourer from this era and the 3rd bottle mount had possibly been added later down the line, coinciding with a re-spray. It certainly wasn’t a sibling to this Dawes they kindly refinished for me, back in 2018 GRAVEL BIKE ON A BUDGET: PART ONE (sevendaycyclist.com) 

The Dawes One Down and to a lesser extent, the Sadar follow a remarkably similar narrative to Ursula, and I really loved Dawes’ take on the rough stuff narrative during the late 90s. Both machines fired my imaginations to the point I would’ve bought either, had I not literally just built Ursula. Everything on the Dawes was right, off the peg, although I would doubtless have gone for a hub dynamo, upgraded the transmission etc, as components wore out.  

The frameset would also have been refinished by now, so in some respects, not much to choose pricewise between these complete builds and Ursula some 23 years hence. Ursula: The Never-Ending Story | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) Fear not my tubby tourer, if you’re reading this, we are staying wedded.  

Later versions of the steel Strada also boasted disc brake mounts, although it was sadly replaced by an aluminium framed, flat bar incarnation in 2007. More town bike cum towpath cruiser than tubby tourer-it was hefty, too. 

A wetter, cooler autumnal progression confirms that, despite not being the sleekest aesthetic, the front Blumels Shiny mudguard SKS BLUEMELS SHINY MUDGUARDS | cycling, but not ususally racing (sevendaycyclist.com) remains highly effective at protecting rider and machine from wet, mucky stuff thrown up by the front wheel. Lights are mandatory on my morning outings- dynamo and potent blinkies at the rear.  

I was stunned to discover the Ravemen CLO6 USB Rechargeable Lightweight Sensored Rear Light RAVEMEN CL06 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) has mysteriously expired. Luckily, I had the Kranx Strix 100 Kranx Strix 100 USB Rear Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) playing backing singer, so I just engaged the 50-lumen flash and carried on.  

Strange since the CLO6 is exceptionally reliable and I was convinced it was fully charged, before heading out. It's since received a full charge and behaving impeccably once more. One of those things, that can strike seemingly without reason. The Kranx Shard 100 USB Rear LightKranx Shard 100 USB Rear Light | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) also made a positive impression on Steve. 

Not to be outdone, my fixed fear winter/trainer’s handlebar mount suddenly imploded mid-ride, sending the long-serving Geonaute G-Eye 2 clattering to the tarmac. Mercifully, it seems unharmed. Thoughts were toward another Minoura mount, like that adorning Ursula’s bars.  

However, it’s been discontinued and while those I’ve spotted were around the £25-mark, £50 postage renders them uneconomic.

I spotted a composite homage on an auction site-£6, so could be bargain or bin fodder but at that price, a gamble I’m prepared to take. This also prompted a more general, fastener and cable tie inspection- I wasn’t surprised (yet still relieved) to find all well, but this serves to illustrate the importance of regular inspection. Things can still fail unexpectedly and without warning...

Dark Skies & Dynamo Delights

Some very nice lighting has arrived for testing, including these 1300lumen Klite dynamo lamps. These are targeted at the Gravel/Bike packing and mtb market and built by hand, in Australia.  I've been sent the Bike Packer Ultra, which is beautifully made.  https://www.klite.com.au/product-page/klite-bikepacker-ultra

We've been given both the MTB and road versions. The mtb version has two flood and one spot, the road/gravel version one flood, two spot.  Apparently fully waterproof, everything oozes refinement. Aside from the Cree LEDs, SquareTECH optics and a 3D printed case, it can be mounted facing up, or down, without altering the beam pattern.  

The Mtb version is reckoned to negate any need for a helmet mounted light. I'll introduce that to the Univega in due course and disappear along the eeriest lanes and unmade roads. 

The Bike packer Pro V2, is probably the most apt for Audax, Randonees and similar road biased endurance events. 

Super compact dimensions are going to be a winner with riders who despise cluttered cockpits too. Oh and the  systems will cater for SON or Shimano/Shutter Precision dynohubs https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-evura-shutter-precision-sl9-dy 

https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-rim-and-shutter-dynohub-disc-b

In full blown " Child at Christmas" mode, at the moment, I calmed these impulses and examined the system carefully before introducing the road/gravel version to my fixed gear winter/trainer.  This had the added bonus of tidying  the  bars somewhat. 

Obviously, dynamos don't meet everyone's needs and no everyone needs this kind of  output. In terms of wallet-friendly, compact torch types,  we've been impressed by the RavemenLR500S

https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos/384141872482792/?notif_id=1568633671050649&notif_t=notify_me_page and its CR500 cousin 

https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ravemen-cr500-front-light 

Though I love dynamo lighting, and the concept of producing my own light, I've tended to run a single front lamp from hubs and battery powered blinkies at the rear. Much of this boils down to less cabling and marginally cleaner lines. 

This little ETC Mira rear light also arrived at my door. Using COB (chips on board) construction, where diodes are mounted directly on the boards, optimising available space and, in turn, offering a more intense light. The Mira is designed by Magic Shine, which comes as littler surprise, given it's a dead-ringer for their Seeme 20. 

The Mira boasts a maximum output of 20lumens and 9 modes. By my "rule of thumb" reckoning, 10lumens is fine for concrete jungle and suburban stretches, 15 for semi rural and 20 plus for unlit back roads. Initial impressions are favourable, although, thus far, I'm not convinced of its peripheral prowess. 

Another unit I'd be inclined to pair with a dome-shaped model, such as this Oxford Ultratorch  R50 Slimline Rear Light  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-ultratorch-1, or indeed a AA/A type, which still have some distinct advantages. Specifically, replacement "dry" cells can be bought from roadside garages, supermarkets etc (assuming you'd forgotten to pack a stash). 

That said; some high power front lights including the Ravemen PR1200 
 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ravemen-pr-1200-dual-lens-front-ligand this Knog PWR Lighthead 1000 are incorporating USB ports, specifically for charging lights, phones and other tech.

We can all get caught out, no matter how well organised, or maintained our machines. With this in mind, I was disappointed to spot an experienced rider completely unlit, pasty dusk.... 

Maybe he was having of of those Friday the 13ths. 

No knife wielding psychopaths wearing hockey masks, rather mine presented as sill rot, on my Ford KA. Seemed water had been tapped behind the door seal, causing it to nibble a 50 pence shaped hole in the inner. Thankfully, my friendly local garage performed a neat and easy fix-£65 all in.  

Back to bikes, the Holdsworth is still seeing plenty of asphalt action, and I've also switched that to Rock N' Roll Extreme LV chain lube, which is proving not only stoical, but surprisingly clean too. 

As the miles rack up, I'm forming the opinion that it might be one of the best lubes-the sort defaulted to, for year round, general riding. Middling curing times won't suit everyone but the ability to  just reapply without the cleansing ritual is a definite boon, especially during late Autumn/Winter.

Dynamos

As the nights start creeping in, lighting becomes a greater priority, although like many, good lighting’s a must, year-round. The days of bottle dynamo and glimmer-type halogen lamps are long gone. Riders are spoilt for choice, when it comes to powerful and affordable systems.

For me, navigational prowess and “seen with” safety is equally important. I don’t like anything that might dilute this, hence only my front light is powered by the hub. LEDs at the rear, for me. Keeps things clean and simple too, no wiring to snag.

This is particularly important on a build, such as my Univega, which traverses unmade roads and forest trails. Its Exposure revo lamp will produce 800 lumens, at very slow speeds and to date, the only credible alternative to uber lumen rechargeable systems. 

Fed by a Shimano Ultegra hub, resistance is nominal too, although there’s a weight penalty- around 350g above a standard, high quality front hub.

With this in mind, and being impressed by Shutter Precision’s 403g PD8 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-rim-and-shutter-dynohub-disc-b  I was delighted to take delivery of this Halo Evaura/ Shutter Precision SL9. To my surprise, this is 80g heavier than the Halo White Line and PD8 pairing.

The SV9 is cited as being 309g and though the family resemblance is obvious, looks as if it has been put through a matter-shrinking device, a serious plus, if you want a really, sleek, unobtrusive unit for a winter, or audax build.

Ours was machined to accept centre-lock discs, such as this Shimano but I went the machined sidewall route, so its easily swapped between my fixed gear winter/trainer and 

more traditional 700c ‘cross and touring lorries.

A lack of Shimano lock-ring has stalled testing, although there’s one on order. Meantime, I’ve checked the weights, added rim tape and mounted the Soma Fabrications Shikoro https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/s .

Riding, whether it’s lightweight bicycles, or middleweight motorcycles has always been about freedom. The ability to escape, disappear and be “at one” with machine and surroundings. High quality lighting simply enhances the experience.

Long obsolete now, but the first generation of high-power lead acid systems, such as Night Sun and BLT were game changing. Run times weren’t overly generous and output was much less tuneable, compared with contemporary setups, thus not the best round town.

However, these systems allowed us to “own” the forest trails and deserted backroads. Night brings a completely different persona to frequently travelled routes. North Holmwood in Surrey magically transforms from well-heeled suburbia, to lanes illuminated only by houses and the occasional, passing vehicle.

There’s a lot to be said in favour of nocturnal riding. Firstly, it brings a completely different character to familiar routes. Not only do we become more aware of our surroundings, but climbs become less arduous, descents more fun and for me personally, there’s a deeper sense of connection with my machines.

Aside from seasonal compulsion, I often test bikes and equipment in the dark, for precisely this reason. I may/mot be drawn to the aesthetics of something but how does it perform on a truly functional level, can I rely on it? Sure, reliability is of greatest importance during the depths of winter and there’s sound argument for the occasional mechanical being part n’ parcel of riding.

I discovered my Univega’s rear cantilevers had become extremely sticky, dragging on the rim. Having stripped and inspected the cantilever posts, given these were almost 13 years old and were OEM equipment on my fixed gear winter/trainer, I had a rummage through the spares drawer and fitted some Avid shorty.

This sorted the problem, offer improved modulation/feel and are easier to setup. As a precaution, I also stripped, re-greased and reassembled the IRD CAFAM 2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ird-cafam-2-cantilever-brakes . There was some minor corrosion on the springs but that was pretty much it and to be expected, given the long winter we had.

Even the best maintained machines can let us down, unexpectedly.  Night riding is also good, for general reflection and the sense of speed, distance and escape often allows the unconscious mind to work overtime. Ever wondered why you return with renewed clarity and often, the solution to problems-complex, or otherwise?