Dynohub dilemmas

 

I’m a big fan of dynamos and hub dynamos specifically and there’s something incredibly satisfying about navigating by your own, high-quality lighting. I’ve run hub dynamos since 2001, when I went for a Shimano Nexus unit which, by contemporary standards produced huge amounts of resistance. Fine for commuting and using a “seen by” lamp-I’d run it with Ursula for a while but an Ultegra unit and 800lumen Exposure Revo were literally light years ahead.

I’m still very fond of the Shutter Precision hubs HALO EVURA & SHUTTER PRECISION SL9 DYNOHUB BUILD, which are light, well-executed and very smooth. My one gripe is the need for them to be sent back to the factory for bearing replacement. I’ve consistently returned 20,000miles from the sealed cartridge bearings- typically three years, so the hub and cost of wheel building is perfectly economic-repaid their investment. However, my preference is for something at least partially user-serviceable, especially consumables, such as bearings, which by definition are bound to wear out.

Shimano is the obvious option. I’d contemplated a Kaisai unit, which are user serviceable and make a lot of sense for arse end of nowhere touring (not that I’d want an expired hub dynamo, or any other component anywhere). Neds to be disc compatible-ideally centre lock. I’ve had the Halo/SL9 wheel trued and will run that as the spare for now. Temperatures have been consistently high here in the UK. I’m not remotely surprised since 2025 was projected to be the hottest on record and further evidence of climate change.

I’m favouring jerseys and other clothing with high factor SPF yarns, sometimes long sleeves, such as this Cycology Men’s Summit Long Sleeve Jersey Cycology Men’s Summit Lightweight Summer | cycling-not-racing or indeed, this Funkier Ixara Gents Elite Jersey Funkier Ixara Gents Elite Jersey | cycling-not-racing . A fully laden, frozen back bottle TESTED: BACK BOTTLE CYCLING WATER BOTTLE is another really useful cooling aid for hotter rides. Glasses with UVA & B protection and photochromic lenses are another default.  Well-ventilated footwear and decent socks shouldn’t be overlooked either. I’ll never forget the summer of 1992 and some badly burned soles, courtesy of black patent road shoes and long miles along molten roads.

Coupled with cheap polyester socks and a basic nylon sole proved a recipe for painfully blistered feet. While they had a decent amount of float, I don't miss hobbling/waddling around sans bike, not to mention gouging chunks out of expensive lino. Still, they were what might be termed an aspirational purchase, plucked from the sale bin at a frequent local haunt- all 18-year-old me could afford at the time and they served surprisingly well.  There was and to some extent is something very romantic about that era and indeed, getting a bargain but those years are also tinged with painful regrets in other areas of life, regrets that are etched deep, even now.  We cannot change the past, only our relationship to it, or indeed, them. 

Three decades plus, I’ve gone over to the stiffer soled FLR F70 Prop MTB M250 FLR F70 Pro MTB M250 Shoe | cycling-not-racing  which I my experience, give a little more efficiency aboard Muffin, which is palpable on the climbs-remember, honking might be vulgar on a tourer, or gravel build but perfectly acceptable on the fixed. Saddleback, the UK’s Sidi distributor thoughtfully sent me these Sidi Aertis MTB shoes, which promise a blend of efficiency, with sufficient give in the sole for navigating the trail sans bike or just plodding about mid-ride.

Theoretically extending their horizons to bike packing, touring, cyclo cross and indeed, winter training.  The latter duties are amplified further by the toe studs. The soles are made from Nylon and employ specialist polyurethane inserts for comfort. Some would argue in favour of carbon at this price point. However, carbon tends to limit walking or running prowess and can be a little too stiff on longer rides, so arguably an engineered choice, rather than a cost cutting exercise. 

 I’d forgotten how good the Maxxis Roamer TESTED : MAXXIS ROAMER TYRES are, especially along poorly surfaced lanes, while still being fairly swift. Be interesting to see how they compare longer term, with the Continental Pure Contact, which remains (and will stay) at the rear, since they are proving very dependable, compliant and again, relatively swift for big volume rubber.   Elsewhere, a bearing strip and re-grease of the Shimano XT pedals led me to resurrecting these original SPD from 1990. Still buttery smooth and so glad I’ve held on to them.  I also switched Denise’s Ergon  All Road Core Comp Ergon SR All Road Core Comp Saddle Men | cycling-not-racing back to the Pro Turnix Gel, since I’d been experiencing some chafing  along my inner right thigh.   

 

Spring Has Sprung?

 Spring is in the air… Well, the dawn is coming earlier, the days are getting longer, and I’m being sent some lighter lubes and lovely summer kit. Saddleback have sent me Castelli’s new Espresso range- well, the bib shorts, jersey and socks. Aside from some extremely tasteful colourways, these are intended with everyday riding in mind and should suit 90% of riding duties. The jersey is made from a stretch polyester/elastane mix which Castelli says offers breathability, comfort and a perfect fit and excellent aerodynamics. I’m also told it features UPF30, which blocks 97% of UV rays. An elasticated waist is designed to prevent gathering and ride-up.   

Round the back, there are four pockets- the traditional deep terrace with a zippered annex for keys and other valuables. These, along with the Espresso bib shorts employ raw cut endings for comfort. The shorts also feature silicone grippers for tactile, gather free tenure. Stretchy bibs feature acres of mesh for ventilation, while the ProgettoX2 Air Seamless pad is reckoned to provide all day comfort.  

 

There’s also a pocket for change and similar essentials. Pockets have become a slow, but increasingly common feature on shorts in recent years. Gravel designs, such as the Madison Roam Madison Roam Men's Cargo Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) feature pockets along the legs and bib sections.   

I’ve found the Roam’s well executed. These will swallow larger items-including compact cameras and phones (although I prefer these in a jersey pocket, or bar bag) without ejecting them at the first bump, or frustrating mid-ride access. Staying with the Espresso range, the subtle, classy colours and subtle styling has a refined, some would say “grown up” flavour.   

Now, I really love bold, funky designs-Cycology and others genuinely resonate with me but there’s a lot to be said for calm and classic too. Then of course, the Espresso Winter/Belgian blue compliments the Holdsworth and fixed Gear Winter/Trainer’s liveries handsomely. I’m not one for trade jerseys and haven’t been for a long while. I still retain a tremendous fondness for the team Motorola jersey gifted me on my 18th birthday (yes, it still fits, thank you) and of course, other kit from that era.   

Some other retro prints-Peugeot being a classic example, are another exception to my aversion to being a mobile billboard, dare I say a wannabe. Beyond grass roots competition, I left any fantasies of the pro peloton and the “glamour” associated with it when I was 16, or 17.  

Still watched some of the stage races into my twenties but by that point any kind of “hero worship” or admiration had evaporated. Besides, at that point, I’d embraced ‘cross country mountain biking and what I perceived as its more egalitarian, dare I say inclusive feel. Maybe, I was still looking for a tribe and had yet to realise I am essentially a socially competent loner.   

The more I reflect on this and the times generally, I was essentially still working out who I was and what/who worked for me and who didn’t- the hard way, many would rightly point out. Lessons learned and I’d argue within time. Others would argue differently. I have neither the time, inclination, nor patience to indulge them.       

The Topeak Compact 1.5 litre handlebar bag is proving an excellent addition to Ursula’s Soma Condor2 bars SOMA CONDOR 2 SHALLOW DROP BARS | (sevendaycyclist.com) and even better pairing than the Cycology Handlebar bag, which will remain tethered to the fixed’s Genetic D-Riser 4 bars GENETIC DRISER 4 HANDLEBARS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). I am needed to adjust the little Topeak for ready access to stuff- worst case scenario, I’ll mount it atop the bars, so it sits on the stem. However, I really doubt that will prove necessary.   

In common with the Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar Bag Cycology See Me Pink Handlebar Bag | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), its easily whipped on/off and features an elastic stabiliser strap. However, the Topeak has a longer zipper tag, which makes access, especially in full finger gloves that bit easier. It’s a single compartment design, whereas the Cycology has a mesh pocket and a handy elasticated cargo net for catching gloves and similar overspill. Arguably a cleaner aesthetic but may be a consideration. 

 

Reflecting upon these things from the saddle, as I do, I’m wondering if this sudden flash of retro excitement is the classic wanting to revert. Reverting to a perceived simpler time, one with endless opportunities and optimism perhaps.  However, while there are some concepts I may like from an era, materials have moved on quite considerably. Woolen shorts and jerseys have their place but save for Merino, it’s not necessarily the most comfortable fabric against the skin.  

Obviously, there are different grades but polyesters wick moisture effectively and are generally easy to wash and care for. I’d also been revisiting the concept of a portable mini compressor for roadside recovery, rather than Co2 inflators, while keeping a mini pump in reserve. The Thumpa unit is still a reliable choice but it's also a little on the bulky (and weighty) side.  Talking of roadside recoveries, here’s my review of the Muc-Off 17-in1 Multi Tool  Muc-Off 17 in 1 Multi Tool | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

Brighter Days & Lighter Lubes

There’s nothing like testing chain lubes to encourage big mileages. I’d gone way past the 800-mile mark with Motoverde PTFE chain lube, when these two arrived from One Ride Cycling. Stripping the remaining lube from Ursula’s chain and cassette required a generous blast of Motorex Drivetrain Cleaner and some tenacious scrubbing, suggesting it could go another week or two-250 miles, from the original application.

My fixed gear winter/trainer has exceeded 900 road miles mark. I digress... There’s the Momum Mic Wax Chain Lube, a blended formula using microcrystalline wax and ceramic particles for maximum, possibly optimal penetration of host chains.  

It's reckoned stoical enough to withstand wet weather, which isn’t territory synonymous with waxes per se. The Momum Mic Oil is a synthetic oil that uses ceramic particles for similar effect. What better excuse for deep cleaning Ursula and the Teenage Dream’s drivetrains... Both bikes were deserving of a good wash n’ waxing. I also needed to use up the last, useful dregs of some degreasers, so they weren’t taking up unnecessary space.

  

Given we’re creeping toward summer; I’ve treated both to the wax.  Modern chain lubes, (waxes in particular) require pristine hosts, so get recipients really clean-rings, jockey wheels, cages too before giving the bottle a vigorous shake and apply to every link. Keep a rag hovering beneath to collect any overspill.

Unusually for a wax blend, Momum suggest 15-minute curing times. This may be so, say on a very warm morning- I tend to leave lubes curing overnight per se in any case but I wasn’t surprised to find it anywhere near set, after 15 minutes, at 8 degrees.     

Mornings, though much lighter, have still been suitably crisp, meaning for the most part I’ve been donning a mid-season long sleeve jersey (primarily since I’m reviewing it) and middleweight, full finger gloves. However, I’ve also put this Funkier Ixara Gents Elite Jersey through its paces and am suitably impressed Funkier Ixara Gents Elite Jersey | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)   

The Seal Skinz Leather Road Cycle Gloves are a particularly good pairing with the Ergon Gravel Bar Tape, although others, with silicone detailing including these Specialized Grail Long Finger Gloves are proving a very agreeable union.  

Aside from being a great bridge option, they also double as effective liner gloves during winter. They will also slip beneath some classic, looser fitting mitts too, including these Passport Crochet Back Cycling Mitts TEST & REVIEW: PASSPORT CROCHET BACK CYCLING MITTS (sevendaycyclist.com) are still going strong, several seasons down the line.  

The palms aren’t on par with pricier models and the leather benefits from a lick of hide food to keep it supple and the elements out. About lighting, I could get away with switching the dynamos off and stick with blinkies, since it's a matter of remaining conspicuous, rather than needing to navigate.  

I’ve gone for the Ravemen LR500s and of course, the loyal ½ watt AAA powered rear. Now, watts are a rate of consumption, not of output, but often assumed to be. The 500, as its name would suggest, delivers 500lumens but the arc of light means its more useable than many along darker roads.  

However, given those light mornings, I’ve been banging on about, the 200lumen rapid flash is my mode of choice and will go near 15 hours from a full charge. However, keeping the lithium-ion cell charged (or at least, not falling below 70% too readily) is the best way of optimising run times and prolonging battery life.   

The Holdsworth is still sporting the Magicshine Ray 2600 Smart Remote Bike Light and has Moon Sheild clinging on to the seat pack's tab and Tern Vizy adorning the seat post. Overkill some might say but I like the security of two-just in case. Ursula’s default is Ravemen TR30 rear light RAVEMEN TR30M REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) (Although I switch between that and its CLO5 cousin RAVEMEN CL05 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com))

Flanked by The Cat Eye Viz150 (which boasts a daylight running mode) and Topeak Tail lux 30 rear light. The fixed gear winter/trainer’s seat post is hosting The Lelumia The Beast LELUMIA THE BEAST REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com), which also sports an 150lumen daylight mode.  

There have been many times during my life where I haven’t been where I’d hoped-professionally and personally. Conversely, I’m pleased with my achievements and my ability to adapt to unpredictability, but a little bit is missing dunno where it’s gone...wonder when, or indeed, if it will return.