Faster Fun

With the leaves now beginning to turn auburn and slowly falling from the trees, I’ve been bombing along the backroads, guided by the mighty K-lite Bikepacker Ultra dynamo lamp. Though undoubtedly impressive, regardless. Choice of dynohub seems to make a difference.

Our formative 20miles were done using Shutter Precision SL9 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-evura-shutter-precision-sl9-dy  The SL9 offers a sleeker look than others, which may tip the balance for riders of sleek winter/trainers, or Audax bikes. To comply with strict German StVZO standards, the SL9 is listed as 6V1.5W. In the real world, I haven’t noticed any difference, bowling along at 16mph, or so, using the Exposure Revo or Trelock LS 906 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/trelock-ls906-dynamo-front-light .

However, on long rides (50 miles upwards), lower drag (compared with the PD8) is quite tangible. That said; with the K-lite, that slight dip at slower speeds- pulling away from a junction, or longer climbs, was more tangible.

The stand light function is very effective, and held enough charge for a good 15minutes solid, Though I love the SL9, I’d actually swapped over to the Halo Evura wheel, as it was quicker (at that moment) than replacing a dead tube in the Halo White Line/PD8 pairing https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-rim-and-shutter-dynohub-disc-b  . 

So, switching back to the PD8, I decided to remount the K-lite beneath the bars, for a cleaner aesthetic. I’d only mounted it atop, to test the claim doing so had no impact upon beam quality. Not unexpectedly, there was a small but discernible (welcome) boost in output between 6 and 15mph.

I’ve instated its trail sibling to my Univega and done a preliminary twenty miles. I was surprised to note the connection was more precise with its Shimano Ultegra, than my fixed gear winter trainer’s SP units. Not that this has been remotely problematic, in the practical sense.  

Given the trail specific beam pattern, I wasn’t surprised to discover it couldn’t pick out the same level of detail on metalled road. However, the broad carpet of light offered an excellent overview. It also ensured larger vehicles observed my right of way. Next step is to tackle some of the bridleways and unmade roads.

Will be interesting to see whether this configuration will, as K-lite suggest, render a helmet mounted flood light redundant. Staying with front lights, those looking for a compact, wallet friendly rechargeable torch for less intense commuting and general riding may find this Ravemen LR500S  USB Rechargeable Curved Lens Front Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ravemen-lr500s-front-light

I’ve switched back to the Selle Italia Novus Boost TM Superflow saddle, which offers a little more support than the otherwise likeable Oxford Contour Flow https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-contour-flow-men-s-saddle . Saves 70 odd grams, into the bargain. Though I tend to strip, inspect and re-grease components, throughout the year, its particularly important before the clocks go back. One of the biggest surprises, is just how relevant Tioga city slickers are, some twenty years since I last ran a set. 

I’ve only succumbed to a single puncture and they still handle convincingly, even in wet, greasy conditions. Ride quality is also very good, albeit not quite as plush as Soma Shikoro https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/s  or the Supple Vitesse EX https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-fabrications-vitesse .So, There will doubtless be revisions but I can see the City Slickers staying put for the darker months. While I’m out, getting the miles in, a lot of thought is processed. Moral panics are nothing new.

According to the mainstream media, there’s a “Loneliness epidemic”. Repeat something often enough, it becomes true. I’m leaning towards a hypothesis that alienation and anomie are being mistaken for loneliness. Is it more accurate that people are experiencing a sense of disconnect? Not only from their immediate communities but the wider social contract, and purpose…   

Lighting/rider attire and professional attainments aside, I like to think I generally lead a stealthy life. One free of introspection. So, you’ll imagine my surprise at being stopped at a local junction, by a dog walker. “I always see you going somewhere on your bike. Where are you off to, today”.  

Hyper vigilant, I responded, with a polite smile; advising I was just popping out for a quick twenty miles, before returning to work. Her next remark revealed she’d clearly been observing me quite closely” That’s a different bike, isn’t it” I happened to be on the Holdsworth that morning and was pleasantly noncommittal. Seeking to swerve further introspection, I wished her a lovely day and continued my ride. Hmm, perhaps she was seduced by these Funkier Ride Flo Men's 3/4 Length Summer Bib Tights  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/funkier  

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.

Cooler days, Warmer Kit

September is here Temperatures and leaves are beginning to drop, Eurobike is in full swing and other shows are limbering up. I'm getting as many miles in on the Holdsworth, before October, when I'll probably commit it to seasonal hibernation. 

Given daylight seems to evaporate by 19.45, I've swapped over to the Ravemen LR1200 front lamp https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/ravemen-pr-1200-dual-lens-front-lig. Not that the PR500 is woefully under powered per se. However,1200 makes life much easier, at 25mph plus. Besides, the brackets are mutually compatible. Would like to get my hands on its 1600lumen sibling, too...

Up the rear, I've been running Oxford Ultratorch R50 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-ultratorch-1  along with the Smart Gem Rear Light https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/smart-gem-rear-light . Enough for most contexts. 

If I don't indulge these Holdsworth riding urges now, I'll only lament it, come the depths of December. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, and all that.  25mph along the back road, 35 on the descents-lovely. That said; I was surprised, when a fully faired recumbent blasted past, blowing me into the metaphorical weeds! 

Had a few, more traditional e-bikes momentarily drawing alongside, only  to discover they couldn't keep pace with me. Much to their annoyance, and my amusement. I have nothing against e-bikes, whatsoever. Motor doping isn't on, in a competitive context. However, the technology has made quantum leaps in recent years ( some of the race models are very attractive, almost indistinguishable from their exclusively human powered counterparts). 

E-bikes open a new world for people who couldn't previously enjoy cycling and they have obvious applications for cargo bikes and similar beasts of burden. Though I have a working knowledge of the breed, we call upon specialist testers to review ours https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/haibike-sduro 

The Holdsworth is minimalist, built for speed.

 Aside from being seduced by its lively responsive persona, its where I zone in, and exorcise some demons.  I have some profound regrets, and the decisions we make can have lasting, and serious consequences. I often hear the line "If your children have the right skill set, demanded by the economy, they will be fine". 

A somewhat blinkered perspective. One that fails to take a wealth of variables into account. Switching from a manufacturing to service led economy, being a very obvious example.  Yes, continuous development, coupled with transferable skills , offer  solid foundation and a sporting chance of navigating fiscal storms. 

However, getting into bed with the wrong people, romantically, or fiscally (and indeed, both) is an incredibly incendiary, toxic mixture. One that can test in obvious, and unexpected ways. 

Good friendships, stoicism and resilience are pivotal. 

With the seasonal transition in mid flow, little wonder that we're putting the finishing touches, to some late summer tests.. Several weeks and a good few hundred miles hence, I've reached my verdict on the Rock n' Roll Gold LV chain lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/rock-n-roll, which seems a very clean and capable "everyday" blend. 

No compunction to switch the Holdsworth to its heavier, Extreme sibling but I have taken this route, with my fixed gear winter/trainer. Not that its a hardship, since this family of lube is mutually compatible. The solvent content will strip the existing formula and leave the Extreme/Gold/Absolute dry in its place. No call for chain baths, or similar, first. Do go the stripper route, with any other brands' mind and allow a few hours curing time, too.   

For time being, the mercury's still hovering around the high teens, so I can get by with Bib shorts and short sleeve Jerseys. Thoughtfully, Bob Elliot& Co have sent me some Funkier 3/4 lengths. Timely too, since a much loved, and long serving set have gone decidedly sheer, around the buttocks.

Curly Carbon Bars & bust Butyl

With Co-editor, Steve enjoying a short tour of Belgium, I've been busily harvesting kit, while weaving rest and play into the mix. I also fitted these Coefficient The Wave Handlebars, to my Holdsworth. 

Described as "The Ultimate Road, Gravel & Endurance Handlebar"; its a curly carbon fibre design. One that bears passing resemblance to Genetic D-Riser 16 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-d-riser-bars and to a lesser extent, Soma Condor 2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars

In common with these aluminium alloy models, the wave is reckoned an ergonomic design for riders seeking "The speed of drops, and the long ride comfort of the bar tops". Apparently, the sloping top section provides a hand position mimicking the wrist's natural alignment.  

A slight, 1.5 degree flare reputedly offers a more solid stance, meaning you can remain on the drops for longer, even off road. The grip diameter varies proportionately, to reflect different hand sizes  

Some traditional drop features remain, including 77mm reach and 120mm drop. I've gone for the 44cm, which would seem the best fit, given I'm broader across the shoulders than my height and build would otherwise imply. 

Fully compatible with Di2, there's the option of routing brake and gear cables internally. However, they can be run and taped beneath the bars, as I have here. I've reused the Holdsworth's silicone bar wrap, which also compliments the bars' matt black finish rather well. 

Some folks might be tempted to bolt tri bars atop. Don't! To some extent this would detract from pattern's unique selling points but more importantly, doing so runs the very real risk of potentially fatal, structural damage. Since we're here, maximum recommended torque settings are 6nms. 

Forgo torque wrench at your peril. 

My maiden voyage confirmed I needed to move the bike's Tektro brake lever down a few centimetres but some 220 miles in, I'm suitably smitten. There's sensible scope for torch type lights, computers and similar creature comforts, too.

Given carbon composites should be more readily inspected for signs of fatigue, a naturally grippy, reusable wrap, such as this ACROS Silicone Wrap Handlebar Tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/acros-silicone-wrap-handlebar-tape  is an obvious choice. Its also rather nice, in its own right.  

Low weight and wow factor are two obvious draws to carbon but while I wouldn't entertain touring on a carbon frameset (even with a YAK type trailer trundling behind) its nice for other genres of endurance riding. 

Compliance reduces fatigue, especially on longer rides. Said bar swap has shaved 130g but has introduced a more compliant feel to the Holdsworth's front end. On paper, it shouldn't feel that way, given the 531 tubes and carbon composite blades but large flange hubs and relatively deep section rims give a brisk, though slightly direct ride. 

The Coefficient Wave are springy, compared with the otherwise loveable Soma and its quite noticable (though not unpleasant or unsettling) when powering along a climb, from a junction etc. 

Carbon fibre is also very conductive, so when it comes to frames, remember to grease the aluminium alloy bottom bracket sleeve liberally, using an appropriate prep. Assuming of course, you wanted to avert galvanic seizures. White Lightning Crystal High Performance Grease https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/white-lightning-crystal-grease or Muc Off Bio Grease (which could easily pass for strawberry jam) https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-bio-grease-long-term-test seem effective.

Contrary to popular misconception, carbon composite frames are repairable, even when seemingly beyond redemption. That said; this is only economically viable, on high-end, rather than budget variants. They can also be refinished using 2k automotive paints and either air, or flash cured at 120 degrees. Had a mishap? Have a word with Carbon Fibre Repair in Leatherhead, Surrey. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/a-visit-to-carbon-fibre-bike-repair 

Summer jerseys have become not only lighter, but longer and er, tighter, I mean figure hugging. Thus far, I've only felt the benefits in terms of improved temperature regulation, and indeed, reduced drag. I've only been able to measure this anecdotally (being bereft of wind tunnel facilities) but there's markedly less flutter when hustling along breezy backroads, and screaming along the descents. 

Even with the zipper drawn to half-mast, for additional, physical airflow. This thinner, second skin close genre aren't the most accepting of Lycra arm warmers, base layers etc, which may be a turn off for early spring and Autumn duties. However, they translate well to indoor trainer slavery, I mean service, during the darker months.    

Talking of which, I've also been doing some long, steady night miles with the Ravemen PR1200 USB Rechargeable Dual Lens Front Light https://www.facebook.com/sevenday.cyclist/videos/pcb.2109616222667497/2109613026001150/?type=3&theater  We're also awaiting some rather nice Trelock lights. I'm keen to test another, higher power front dynamo lamp, for my fixed gear winter/trainer (100 lux upwards). 

That said;  I'm not overly keen on the German beam pattern as dictated by their StVZO/TA standards.Yes, there's no doubt it provides enough punch in the seen-by sense. However, on UK roads (Especially unlit ones) its less effective than my beloved Exposure MK1 Revo and indeed, high power rechargeable systems.. 

With Parliament (and some would argue, democracy) in meltdown, the late summer heatwave returned. What better opportunity to get some serious miles on the Holdsworth... 

While fitting those new bars, I nipped the chain tension up a notch, ressurecting these MKS chain tugs, while I was about it. 

Topped up  the Zefal Extra Dry Premium Quality Chain Wax https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-extra-dry-chain-wax  which returned 120 miles, before ultimately stripping with  Naked Bikes Chain Cleaner https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/naked-bikes 

I've since switched to  Rock n' roll Gold LV. Despite some wet spells, the moderate helping delivered to my other chains, is still going very strong after 250miles. 

So then, busted butyl. Well, while prepping my fixed gear winter trainer for a late night saunter and light test, the front wheel's presta valve literally disintegrated in my hand. 

Undeterred, I switched to the Halo Evua And Shutter Precision SL9 Dynohub Wheel https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/halo-evura-shutter-precision-sl9-dy, whacked some wind in the Soma Shikoro tyre https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/s, and replaced the other tube, on my return. The old tube lives on, as a brace for my Nicotina plants, whicxh are doing rather well, all things considered...

Warp Speed, Mr Sulu!

The nights are beginning to steadily creep in. A few weeks back, it was still light by 2100, now I've the dynamo and rear blinkie running at 1930 onward. Some would argue running front and rear blinkies is good practice, long before dusk. I'm inclined to agree. 

My tubby tourer's Exposure Revo dynamo headlight not only produces a very usable 800 lumens, the standlight lasts longer than most. Therefore, no problems at busy junctions. Nonetheless, anecdotally, it seems car, and other drivers respond faster to a fast tempo of a daylight/similar flash setting. Hence the ORP Smart Horn https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/orp-smart-horn and more recently, this Ravemen  LR500S USB Rechargeable Curved Lens Front Light. Clue's in the title, its a compact light with a total (and more potent than figures suggest) of 500 lumens.  

In common with its LR1200 counterpart, it uses lens technology, which is designed to provide a pure, consistent, yet road friendly beam. There are four modes. Three steady High (500) medium (300) and low (100), which should cater for town suburban and semi rural contexts, without being impotent, or abrasive. 

Run times are cited as a commuting friendly 1.6, 2.8 and 7.5 hours respectively. The rapid flash (200) is reckoned good for 15  In emergency, there's the option of plugging into a portable "power bank" and I also like the wired remote option.

Not that the switch cum battery life indicator is tricky to operate and there's a memory mode. Both the 1200 and 500 brackets are fully compatible with the different units, hence I've swapped between tubby tourer and working fixed. There's also an upside down, Garmin type option, if you're pressed for space, or despise clutter. 

An aluminium alloy casing, though not unheard of, at this price point (£34.99) is nice to see. Its shock resistant to 1 metre and complies with PPX 6 for weather repellency. Reassuring.  

Even with high power main systems (dynamos, in this instance) I always carry a second compact unit. Should I puncture/similar along a very dark lane, or snag a wire/similar, then I've always got a sensibly powered backup. Most of the time, these just do a different sort of backing singing-flashing away. Now, much to my surprise, I've discovered it has cancelled out the signal from my tubby tourer's simple little Cat-Eye Quick Computer. 

I initially put this down to a dead sensor battery, and changed the CR2032 button cell, adding a quick lick of Vaseline to the contacts, while I was there.  Spun the wheel, fine. Popped the Ravemem into fast flash the next morning and headed along the lanes. Head unit registered  0 . 

Having stopped and double checked sensor/magnet clearances, I switched the Ravemen off. With (almost) immediate effect,  the display read 14.3 mph. The moment I reengaged the little Ravemen. 0 .  

Shame too, since I was really flying along the flats and descents. In keeping with the Zefal Pro Dry Chain lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-pro-dry-lube and indeed, Muc-Off Dry Lube https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-dry-chain-lube, the Rock N' Roll Gold LV one of those low friction blends that really encourages a taller gear and faster cadence. Theory goes this family are intended to be topped up, every 100miles or  so, although I've managed over 400 miles with their absolute dry (admittedly, an older formula) 

Anyone will tell you a wired connection is the most reliable. However, I've never experienced this before-with any system. Sure, older wireless models had a reputation for going bonkers, in close proximity to high currents-Pylons, nuclear power stations etc. 

88mph uphill anyone? Might just be the relatively close proximity. It's presently on the Velo Orange Handlebar Accessory mount https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/velo-orange-handlebar-accessory-mou, so I'll swap it around and see if this makes any difference.  Elsewhere,  Oxford have sent us their North Shore Off Road gloves, which are proving surprisingly capable options for late summer road riding, too. Plenty of miles to do before I cement a proper, informed conclusion. Muc Off also sent me a small bottle of their matt finish detailer, which I've wasted no time applying to a few lids.