Blink & You’ll Miss It

 

Been a few weeks since my last entry. A welcome tsunami of products has kept me out along the lanes, late at night and mischief moderated. 500 miles in, I reached some very tangible conclusions about Vee Tire Co Zilent MK2. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/vee-tire-co-zilent-mark-2-tyres

Our 38mm sections have proven themselves swift, comfortable and extremely durable rubber, for everyday riding. Project Dawes has also gathered a little more momentum https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/gravel-on-a-budget-part-two-compone  and the Weldtite TF2 Advanced Ceramic chain wax has also performed, pretty much as I was expecting, right down to the miles per application. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tf2-1  For the time being, I’ll stick with its clean and slick characteristics, while conditions remain distinctly fair-weather.

Will be interesting to see how it fares, during the darker months. On balance, I prefer a cleaner lubricant that requires more frequent reapplication, over something sticky and sludgy. However, chances are, by this point, I’ll have switched to something more stoical.

With trees shedding leaves, the nights are closing in. Dusk chimes around 18.45 and its nigh on pitch black by 19.15. https://stenningphotographic.blogspot.com/2018/10/on-waterfrontwith-aurora-ray.html

My MK1 KA’s creaking Constant Velocity joint and dental appointment meant I wasn’t attending the Cycle Show, at Birmingham NEC’s. However, Steve (co-editor) was and suppliers are increasingly keen to work with us.

This week I received these lights from Oxford Products.

We have their UGOE Classical 1000 lumen mini, which is a four-mode light, producing maximum output of 1000lumens. Pretty much my “on paper” benchmark, for speedwork along unlit lanes. 

There’s a lot to be said for the latest generation of high- power slimline torch types. Blackburn’s Dayblazer family (1100, 800 and 400 lumens respectively) being prime examples.

No cabling, or external battery clinging to the top tube… Output to run time ratios are relatively favourable. So long as you are using the most powerful settings sparingly.

Longer distances, along pitch black roads, (where navigational prowess is king) calls for a bigger/replacement battery. Now, better quality systems have become much smaller. This Xeccon 1300 being a case in point, although the neoprene encased battery is still pretty brick like https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/xeccon-1300-wireless-front-light .

 The average auction site “Master Blaster” is relatively large, in every respect, consuming a fair chunk of handlebar real-estate. Yes, they may pump out 1500 lumens-more in some cases. However, low-rent lens and reflector mean output quality is a little sketchy. Most notably when haring along swooping descents. A decent spot beam makes potential hazards so much easier to spot, and ultimately, swerve.   

Looking through the online catalogue, I wasn’t expecting the Ugoe to be this diminutive. As the photos illustrate, its CNC machined aircraft grade aluminium lamp and switch are literally thimble sized. Ample room for computers, GPS, action cameras/similar creature comforts.

Tidy freaks will want to route the cabling more discretely along the top tube. There’s plenty of it too. Ample for helmet mounting (courtesy of the supplied Go-Pro design).

Even the 3.7volt 5200mAH lithium ion battery is slimline and fits very unobtrusively, in a jacket, or jersey pocket. There are four modes, 1000lumens is reckoned good for 2hrs 30 minutes, 500 lumens 5 hours and 10 hours claimed for low and flashing, respectively.  

Looking forward to seeing how it compares, output wise, with compact torches, such as this Blackburn Dayblazer 1100.

At the other end of the lighting spectrum we have their Ultra Torch R50 and Ultra Torch F100. 50 and 100 lumens apiece, both are at the more potent end of the blinkie market. 

Arguably you only need two, but eight modes, 270-degree projection and run times between 2 and 45 hours are very appealing. Some obvious nods in the direction of Cat Eye Rapid X.

Physical profiles aside both use COB (Chips on board) technology (where diodes are mounted directly on the circuit board). this ensures more can be shoe-horned into the same space, generating greater intensity.

The Ultratorch are fuelled by a 3.7volt 500mAh Lithium Polymer cell. A rubberised “foot” hides the micro USB port, keeping rain and other wet ingress outside. This also ensures the light sits flush, against seat posts and indeed, seat stays

Good optics and intelligent deployment are more useable than lumens alone. For example, by my reckoning 15 lumens is about right for town duties. Strikes the right balance between asserting presence, without tickling retinas at close quarters, or consuming reserves overly quickly.

30 is still OK but better along the open road. On pitch black roads, misty mornings, or as a daylight mode, 50 is good. Distinctive strobing patterns also play a very significant part too. £17.99 apiece, they seem seriously good value, but lets’ see what the next few weeks reveal.  

Reactive Sparks

A business cum friendly associate once remarked that temping was little more than a heat sink for one’s energies and on many levels, I concur.

However, aside from the obvious cash-injection, it’s often proved a surprisingly good catalyst for creativity. During one gig, I created several characters, which ultimately evolved into a series of children’s stories.

Originally conceived for mine and Joshua’s amusement, I’ve recently resurrected them with a view to digital self-publication. Despite promising leads and noises, no animators came forward, thus I’m hunting some inexpensive, user-friendly cartoon/animation software.

I spotted some CDs white attending a computer fair during my last midlands’ trip but was deterred by tales of Trojans and similar malware infections.

Staying with this region, I was stunned Lee Cooper isn’t undertaking commissions just now. Far from turning off the gas and selling his Jigs, he’s been drafted in by Pashley cycles to craft their flagship models.

However, while demand remains high for bespoke builds, the global market place has changed consumer expectations. Increasingly custom builders are outsourcing construction to the Far East in order to remain competitive-just as volume producers did during the late 1980s and 90s. This calls supposed “re-shoring” into question and this trend certainly isn’t restricted to lightweight bicycles.

Niche classic/restorations markets aside, few consumers are willing to pay a coachbuilder to engineer, or repair vehicle bodies. Indeed, panel beaters are increasingly being superseded by body technicians. 

A revival of Fordist production methods also seems underway, judging by a steady trickle of marques offering any tubing you like, so long as it’s Reynolds 525.

Some folks get decidedly sniffy about less glamorous Cro-moly tubes, yet in many respects they deliver phenomenal bang for modest buck-ideal for winter/training and/or everyday riding.

525 was, to my my knowledge, originally conceived in response to modern TIG welded production methods and is available in a wide variety of diameters/thicknesses. This obviously lends it to a wealth of cycling genres/ applications, from lightweight trainer to kitchen sink touring lorry.

In common with its 531 predecessor (which can only withstand non fusion techniques i.e. brazing/soldering) it has also found favour in motorcycle frames, sports car chassis and suspension systems. Lowlier 520 is broadly the same alloy made under licence in Taiwan.

Elsewhere, autumn is in its rich, wet and somewhat windy glory. Great when ensconced at the keyboard, cooking up or redrafting copy but demands careful planning to avoid seasonal chills or rechargeable lighting dropping out unexpectedly. 

Rummaging through assorted Perspex boxes resurrected this fabulous Light N’ Motion blinky and two li-on cells; the latter seem fully compatible with the One23 Extreme and more powerful Magicshine lamps.

On paper (and indeed asphalt) there’s little call for exceeding 1000 lumens but in practice lends and reflector quality has greater effect upon useable output. Hence why some 550/600 lumen systems cast a more effective, useable beam for road, or indeed helmet mounted trail duties.

Experimenting with two Extreme Bright lamps (battery packs nestling bat fashion at opposite ends of the top tube) technically means 2000 lumens at my fingertips but identical beam patterns with minor imperfections are less useable than intelligent systems combining spot and flood, whether singularly or via two separate lamps.

Bother, Bother, Bother That Brake!

"Father did not riot, he loaded his pannier full with DSLR, lenses, spare batteries, hopped on the Univega and went in search of politicians in compromising positions. After a particularly long and arduous descent, the V brakes rebelled and he replaced them with cantilevers".

This is a shameless and deliberate play on Norman Tebbit's infamous speech made in response to civil unrest instigated by harsh socio-economic conditions in the early 1980s. Quotes frequently morph or are bastardised with time and a publication's political colours but Tebbit is widely believed to have said " I grew up in the 30's with an unemployed father. He didn't riot, he got on his bike and looked for work and he kept looking 'till he found it". Before embarking on our tale of woe, I've caught some very candid shots of local government figures partaking in midday massages and moonlight meanderings. Several meadows close to Dorking town centre reputedly bore witness to the latter but this could've been small talk and unfounded rumor amplified by poor journalism.

Few can escape the continued focus and speculation around the economy and the extensive rationing of public spending-especially here in the UK. Cycling England which served to promote cycling in all its genres and contexts has become the latest casualty. Cynically one might suggest this was predictable given cycling seemingly rates on par with welly-wanging in the public consciousness (although the British track team's recent successes certainly improved matters). However, responsibility for the coordination of related projects/developments has been returned to local authority control which isn't particularly good news, not least as the present administration seem determined to wield power centrally, thus local governments will become little more than paper tigers. Paraphrasing a line from Jaws "We're gonna need a bigger boat" to keep the momentum going at grass root and national level.

So to matters braking. Dia Compe 988 might seem a curious choice, necessitating new levers, cables and bar wrap but there's a method in my madness. First and foremost, their slender profiles improve pannier and heel clearance compared with their wider and more powerful brethren but secondly, cantilevers cope better than linear pulls in wet, muddy conditions. This is very significant seeing as Joshua loves riding but the tight, narrow roads are heavily trafficked and unsuitable for children his age-ergo much of our time is spent riding, wet muddy farm and forest tracks/trails. Such reconfigurations present the ideal opportunity for more comprehensive annual overhaul before the winter miles set in, although the 988 mounting kit was instantly upgraded and the pads will follow suit so as to bring modulation and feel on par with higher end models. That said, even as stock they're not to be sneezed at-especially for winter/cross builds.

Well-dressed riders and machines form the basis of winter survival and it's been the first week that 3/4 length knickers have been shunned in favour of tights. Hands and feet are the first extremities to suffer in the cold so with this in mind, its timely we take a quick peek at these weatherproof gloves from Altura and Protective.

Both are competitively priced, completely waterproof to the cuffs, offer good insulation from road and trail shock and feature the ubiquitous Ulnar padding. The Altura features a series of hefty gel tablets dotted around the palms whereas Protective have opted for a less pronoun ed and very compliant single cushion. There's no magic bullet when it comes to comfort-we're anatomically unique with different riding styles and so one wo/mans padding is another's pressure point. The first few hundred miles suggests the Protective provide a more sculpted anatomic fit-especially after two hours continuous riding.

Altura's mid-weight night vision technical winter jersey addresses the issue of beating winter chill without incurring increased bulk. Polyester based it's heavily impregnated with Scotchlite detailing-the sort that reflects back when graced by vehicle headlamps, street lighting etc. Three large pockets capture keys, phones, cameras, change and other assorted nick knacks and the middle will even swallow a 750ml trade bottle. Paired with a decent base layer it beats early season chill hands down and resists light showers and moisture management's pretty good-about twenty five minutes following a light shower or machine wash. Another lovely touch is the fibre optic strip that attaches to the garment courtesy of a large Velcro bed. This completes the really neat, integrated appearance and could spell the slow but steady extinction of the traditional LED tab. If only all lighting systems were this simple....

Charging the assorted nimh, li-on and Lead acid systems has proven somewhat more demanding with some losing charge before we'd reached the end of the drive and others just refusing to replenish full-stop. Seven hours-the lion's share of a working day (or night) brings this old school but likable Electron unit to life for a couple of hour's return-not the most convenient for a quick twenty mile chase around the block. No longer made and showing it's age beside this simple, compact Li-on fuelled units such as this from One23; the Electron slips into the bottle cage and alternates between settings via two handlebar mounted switches.

Fine for commuting and winter training, the beams deliver a bright but yellow hue that isn't so effective off road or tackling pitch black rural lanes...Let's take a closer look at the One23 extra bright. This unit is the perfect illustration of why watts are a very outmoded and slightly misleading measure of power/output. The super bright LEDs knock old fashioned ten watt lead acid systems for six, projecting a really pure white beam good enough to belt along the back roads at 20+ mph in the highest setting.

Low isn't radically better in terms of economy but more than adequate for sub/urban runs while flashing saves the day when battery life and visibility to other traffic preside over outright visual clarity. Run times are around three hours in top, four in low and six in flashing. Fully charging the lithium battery will cost a couple of hours at the mains while the helmet mount option and very modest weight opens horizons to nocturnal singletrack and forest fun when accompanied by a handlebar system.