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.  

Festival of Lights

No, not Diwali. I’m referring to the sudden, and welcome delivery of some test lighting from another publication. One I have really enjoyed freelancing for, these past ten years. As I’ve said on several occasions, over the past decade, I enjoy riding in the dark-regardless of the season.

Lighting in keeping with tyres and other winter leaning kit, has not only improved in terms of power and output, but reliability too.

Although there are potential problems with lithium cells and high intensity COB diodes…

Blown bulbs, impotent optics, corroded connectors and crap brackets (that all too frequently catapulted lights into the nearest hedge come the first bump), are long gone. 

I need at least 800 lumens for my locale, though 1100 is more comfortable, especially if I really want to let rip. 400 is just about good enough for semi-rural work-in the navigational sense.

Only a few years back, this kind of output was all or nothing and/or required a beefy battery tethered to the top tube, adding weight and unwelcome clutter. Now, most are tuneable for output and economy, so there’s no excuse for burning people’s retinas/dazzling oncoming traffic, especially in town.

Some of the auction site specials, the sort giving change from £20 represent excellent value (Although lens and reflector quality leave a bit to be desired, which becomes apparent when hossing along a twisty rural road in the dead of night.

At the other extreme, their lowest steady modes seem to be around the 500lumen mark, which is a bit abrasive through sub/urban districts. 100 lumens, or so are adequate, in the seen by sense.

At the other extreme, some of the uber lumen compact torch types are constrained by limited run times in the highest settings. Fine for suburban riders wanting to take their post work training loop into the wilds. Dynamos aside, I’d want something capable of generating 1000 lumens (preferably more) for at least 90 minutes.

Some minor niggles aside, I’m still very taken with Moon Meteor Storm pro https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/moon-meteor-storm-pro-front-light , which will pump out 1150lumens for the best part of 3 hours (2hrs 54mins) from a full charge. Talking of which, another useful feature to look for, is an automatic kick down.

Intelligent battery life sensors, which automatically cascade downwards, once reserves reach a certain point. It could also save your bacon. Even the best maintained bikes can suffer a mechanical, which can take longer to fix, on a cold, dark night.

Anyhow, I’ve three from the Blackburn Day Blazer family- the 1100, 800 and 400 to enjoy and evaluate. Following up the rear, the same publication has generously sent me Oxford Bright Stop Rear LED, which combines a traditional LED and braking light, which works to the same principle as Xeccon Mars 30 and 60 . https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/xeccon-m

In this instance 5 diodes kick in, when it senses deceleration, whereas the Xeccon employs the whole strip. This Mars 30 and 60 seem more intense as a result but we'll see. Despite the dominance of USB rechargeable fit n’ forget systems, AA/AAA fuelled blinkies remain very relevant-especially for touring, long distance night rides and indeed commuting.

Spare cells are easily carried, or indeed purchased from supermarkets, convenience stores/petrol stations.  Generally speaking; I run these on ni-cd rechargeable cells but keep some dry cells handy, as a contingency. Talking of reliability, these Vee Tire Co Zilent MK2 tyres are proving very reliable, and surprisingly sprightly, given their weight. https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/videos/2519973554895678/

Ending on that note and with the evenings drawing in, here’s our overview guide to blinkies/safety lighting. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/in-the-blink-of-an-eye    Right, off to play with those lights, and this rather comfy looking Selle Italia Novous boost superflow saddle.