I've also been playing with
Sigma's smaller, 110 lumen Buster. Output is good, although I'd steer you
toward the 1600 Sigma
Buster 1600 & RL150 Light Set | cycling-not-racing or HL2000 since
these have more bite and in the latter's case, longer run times courtesy of the
external battery. The HL2000 SIGMA SPORT
BUSTER HL 2000 | cycling-not-racing also comes with a remote as
standard. That out of the way, the Buster 1100 still offers a good spread
of modes for general riding and the flashing modes are both frugal and eye
catching-
Seemed to upset an Audi driver,
which was ironic, given I am regularly dazzled by the intensity of Audi and
other contemporary vehicle headlights, typically in the driver's seat but also
the saddle. This despite sophisticated sensor technology that supposedly
automatically adjusting to prevent dazzling and related hazards. I suspect the
sensors will improve as time progresses, but I find their real-world performance
a little erratic at present.
While I was awaiting the arrival
of the Garmin pattern mounts, I discovered another suitable design while
hunting for something else. Was bound to happen-these things always materialise
when we’re not looking for them. It was the “Goldilocks” length-long enough not
to foul the Sigma Buster HL1100, while positioning the Coospo CS600 at the
right angle I ported the head unit over from Denise. I’ve also left the old
school Giant computer adorning Denise’s Genetic Diversion drops and fork leg,
so I can always keep an overview of speed, distance and similar. Those little victories…
Chain tension is a hotly debated
topic in fixed gear circles. I'd left a couple of extra links and opted for
slightly less tension with Muffin's new KMC. Not that the Izumi was unduly
tight, but this has rewarded with slightly greater efficiency. The KMC Go Wax
lube is also continuing the serene theme.
Greater clearance between rear
tyre and seat tube is another benefit. I've gone for the 42mm Contact plus at
the rear, which is a really solid, comfortable tyre, sticking with a 38mm
Vittoria Adventure tech up front. I might go for a 42mm Vee Tire Co Zilent TEST &
REVIEW VEE TIRE CO ZILENT TYRES when the Continental finally shows signs of
wear. The original Zilent weren't intended for touring, but proved popular with
this audience, so Vee Tyre Co reinforced the sidewalls on the MK II TESTED:
VEE TIRE CO ZILENT MARK 2 TYRES
Despite "only" having a
puncture repelling centre-strip, the 38mm Vittoria Adventure Tech are proving
very reliable and, like the Continental, quicker than might be expected, given
their girth. The 5mm puncture repelling belt is reminiscent of that employed in
the Kenda Kwik Journey KENDA KWICK
JOURNEY TYRES | cycling-not-racing but the Vittoria feel more supple and
compliant.
There is sufficient clearance at
the front for 42mm- I parked a Maxxis Roamer TESTED : MAXXIS
ROAMER TYRES. there during the summer but sought greater
dependability during the darker months. Winter is hard on rider, drivetrain
components, wheels and tyres, but with proper prep and the right kit, it can be
a whole lot of fun, too.
For three seasons riding, I find ¾
lengths ideal, or at least cover most bases, protecting knees from chill and
just long enough to provide a good seal with longer socks. I often pair with
longer waterproof socks, such as these Muc-Off. Whisper it, since some consider
it a genre faux pas, but I also find them and their extended coverage very
practical for off road excursions.
Having given Muffin a good sudsy
bucket clean and addressed some slippage of the T-One Mr Fantastic Handlebar
tape T-ONE
MR FANTASTIC HANDLEBAR TAPE | cycling-not-racing, I topped up the KMC GO
and installed the composite Garmin mount
to Ursula’s Velo Orange Handlebar
Accessory Mount VELO
ORANGE HANDLEBAR ACCESSORY MOUNT | cycling-not-racing, which necessitated removing
the Ravemen XR 6000 Ravemen
XR6000 Front Light | cycling-not-racing but this is less problematic as we
enter the lighter months.
Besides, I could always switch to
the Sigma Buster HL2000 SIGMA SPORT
BUSTER HL 2000 | cycling-not-racing and helmet mounting for rides on the
wilder side. Helmet life and when to chuck them is a hotly debated topic.
However, I’ve retired a few that have served eight years or so. I no longer
trusted their integrity and in a couple of instances, adjustment dials were
getting sloppy. I’m not going to argue with someone who disagrees with me on
this front. I’ve worked with acquired brain injury and similar neurological
conditions in the past and their impact upon people’s lives have certainly left
an impression.
During this episode of impromptu spring
cleaning, I also took this opportunity to remove the seat post and check the
grease’s tenure. This in turn prompted me to blast a little more corrosion
inhibitor inside the seat tube.
As miles and familiarity with the
Coospo CS600 increase, I’m discovering some minor niggles. Communication with
the touch screen appears hit n’ miss wearing full finger gloves-even those with
extensive silicone detailing, but I’ll try some others to see if this is an
isolated, or consistent issue.
The auto backlight and similar
sensored functions perform very reliably and while the anti-glare display is consistently
good, the radar graphics are definitely sharper after dark.
