The Continued Joy of Full-Length Guards & High-End Dynamos

Travers Bikes  https://www.traversbikes.com    have graciously sent me K-lite Bike Packer Pro V2. In common with its Backpacker Ultra cousins, https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/k-lite-bikepacker-ultra-dynamo-ligh  it produces 1300lumens and runs from the same switchgear. However, its considerably smaller and is housed in an orange, CNC machined aluminium shell.

Aesthetically, it complements the excellent Acros Silicone Wrap Handlebar Tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/acros-silicone-wrap-handlebar-tape . Beautifully executed, the less “industrial” flavour has more obvious appeal to clutter-phobic riders of posh winter/Audax or fast touring rigs. The “med” beam pattern is also designed to bridge both worlds.

Relentless, torrential rains have turned lanes into lakes and reminded me just how useful full-length chrome plastic guards are. Not only do they keep corrosive, silty grot from a bike’s intricate parts, extending service intervals and component life. They also defend the rider from surprising amounts of dodgy, cold-baiting water, too.

Little surprise that I’ve defaulted to the Univega. With my fixed gear winter/trainer sporting the Bike Packer Pro V2, I’ve switched to the K-lite Bike Packer Ultra Road/Gravel version, which delivers a more focused, asphalt specific beam. This also presented the ideal opportunity to tidy and reorganise my Tom Tom Bandit. Even allowing for full-length guards, several rides in, the old girl was filthy.

A break in the rain allowed a proper wash and thorough waxing. I’ve been testing Naked Bikes Pro Bike Wax for a few months now and am reaching some, definite conclusions. In common with Velo 21 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/velo-21  it’s blended to cater for gloss, satin and matt finishes. Only a light layer is required to deliver a lasting, protective barrier too, which means it should work out very economical, in the long run.

I’m also pleased to discover plenty of Zefal Pro Wet Lube clinging to the chain, with refreshingly little contaminant. Having run it through a changeable Spring/Summer, I was also surprised to note it’s assumed a markedly higher viscosity, with the pronounced drop in temperature. I am wondering whether this is positively impacting upon its staying prowess. I’d be disappointed if it didn’t cross the 300mile mark.

Obvious conditions for testing wet weather attire. I’ve not gone over to water repellent tights yet but these ten- year- old Lake booties have been plucked from seasonal hibernation and given a liberal helping of leather “food”. This will keep the hides nourished and protected from the elements.

The Prendas Cyclismo caps are also proving pretty good on the water resistant, yet breathable front. 90 minutes continuous, heavy rain, and they’ll be suitably soggy.

I’d sooner that, than drowning in my own sweat. In terms of breathability, when it’s been dry, the steady flow of air through my scalp is very palpable. Following a soaking, they’ve dried in around (1hr) at room temperature.  

Ultimately, no matter how generous your guards, or weather repellent your garments, the elements will ultimately make inroads. I like tights with water-repelling top layers and highly water repellent, rather than those with impervious TPU mid layers. I can also appreciate neoprene’s benefits, when wet and cold are relentless. However, the clamminess is a turn-off for me.

Another turn off, is riders who pass too close. Though thankfully quite rare, I’ve had a few groups who have insisted on riding within stroking difference of my bar wrap. I even had one rider, hanging off the back of his group, complaining that I had the audacity to run two rear lights!

This little ETC Mira 20 Lumen Rear Light being one of them. Admittedly, there’s plenty of punch but I had it in the medium flashing mode, and it can be seen from a good distance. However, peripheral prowess means it’s best as a contingency/secondary, rather than primary model.

If It Ain't Broke Fettle It Anyway

  

It may come as little surprise that I am fighting every urge to perform another bar switch... Swapping the Soma Condor for its successor, the Condor 2 https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars . Rationally, I know the Univega’s setup is bang on, yet still I feel compelled. I’ve swapped back to these long serving, dual sided XLC pedals though.

Build quality seems better than many SPD homages I’ve owned; or tested over the past twenty-five years. The white powder coated finish is particularly hardy, showing surprisingly few battle scars, several years down the line.  

Flipping and clipping with the otherwise likeable single-sided Wellgo (say at Junctions) had become uncharacteristically faffy. It also proved an ideal opportunity, to test the Soma Woodie 20 function multi tool’s 8mm cap.

I’ve never been a fan of the cap type that fit atop the 5 or 6mm key. Most fit fine and do the job. On the flip side, they are easily lost to the lawn, or undergrowth. Torque was better than I was expecting, given the relatively stubby 6mm host. liberally greased threads certainly help.  

Decided to clean and strip the Univega’s drivetrain. Nothing exotic this time, a rag dipped in white spirit remains a very efficient exorcist. I reached for Zefal Wet Pro Lube, primarily, because I wanted a ride that evening, so needed something “drizzle n’ go”. Pro wet is best described as a middleweight blend.

In terms of tenacity, I strongly suspect it won’t rival the hell n’ high water favourites (including Weldtite TF2 Extreme Wet, or Finish Line Cross Country Wet lubes). That said; its less syrupy than the former, yet stocky enough for protecting electroplated fasteners from taint and tarnish.

Staying with Zefal, a moment, the French brand has also sent us their Pulse Z2 side-entry cage. A composite side entry model, its designed to be switched round, to suit the rider’s dominant hand.

Side entry cages are also intended to overcome the problem of carrying two trade size bottles in a small main triangle. On this occasion, ours has replaced the Vel, which succumbed to sudden and unexpected fatigue. A lost cause. Even Theromoworx Whitemorph couldn’t fix, or modify satisfactorily https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/thermoworx-whiemorph  The Zefal Pulse Z2 composites do feel much sturdier, so we’ll see how it fares, in the coming weeks and months.

According to the tabloid press, the UK is due to get another bitterly cold winter. The coldest for 30 years, according to some sources. These lubes and the Schwalbe Winter Spike tyres are on standby, just in case. Meantime, the Univega will sport its Schwalbe Marathon Mondial Double Defense tyres https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-mondial-tyres  . Unless other testing options present, or disaster strikes, my fixed gear winter/trainer will retain its Tioga City Slicker and Schwalbe Marathon GT pairing https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-marathon-gt-tyres   . Both are very dependable and handle very nicely, even when the roads are paved with a slimy cocktail of derv and bovine dung.

Dusk officially starts at 1900hrs and Sun rise 7.15, so lighting is also becoming a major focus. K-Lite Bikepacker Ultra systems aside, I’ve just received Knog Cobber Mid Rear light. Middle child of the Cobber family, it’s reckoned to produce a 330degree arc, and 170 lumens, top whack. I’ve mounted ours to seat-stays by using the Cobber’s aero seat post bracket.

120 miles, and four rides in, its too early to reflect on run times but in terms of output, the mid should suit most people’s needs, even tag-alongs. Would be tempted to plump for the big Cobber, on a low-slung touring trailer, like my Yak homage. Maybe I’m just being over cautious…Let’s see what the following weeks bring.    

I’m also switching over to heavier duty threads. Now conditions are recognisably autumnal, I’ve defaulted to middleweight  layers, jerseys (including this Prendas Cyclismo Paris Bordeaux https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/prendas-ciclismo-long-sleeve-jersey . ¾ length bib longs strike the best balance still.

Ample protection to the knees and vital organs, yet still temperate around 15 degrees. Primal Dawn Bib Knickers remain firm favourites https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/primal-dawn-men-s-bib-knickers  

Oxford Bright 4.0 Waterproof Cycle gloves have also been resurrected. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/oxford-1 These are another bridge garment. Not waterproof, in the impervious sense but they offer decent defence against moderate rain and chill. Last but certainly not least, I’ve been putting these Follow Hollow Performance Alpaca Socks. 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/briandavis/performance-alpaca-socks  

80% baby alpaca yarn, 15% nylon and 5% spandex, they’re made in the USA and I’ve been suitably impressed by their performance. Several weeks and hundreds of miles later, I’m forming the opinion they have an edge on Merino when it comes to temperature control and moisture management. Stay tuned for the full review.

Condor Man

No, not the 1981 Disney flop, starring Michael Crawford, although  we do live in very strange times... After a morning's admin and housework, I was suddenly gripped by a flash of inspiration. The sort so bright, it risks a nasty case of arc eye.  

I decided to ditch the Univega's long serving moustache bars in favour of the Soma Condor. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma According to my thought processes (I hadn't reached calculations, or anything so rational), the riser sections would provide sufficient height for me to spend the majority of my time on the drops... 

With this in mind, the Soma Condor 2  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/soma-condor-2-shallow-drop-bars  might've seemed a more obvious choice. However, though I'd run both, briefly on my tubby tourer, to assess Soma's claims (which were realised in the real world) the moustache bars had become something of an institution...I'd also convinced myself they had an edge, when on trailer tugging duties.  

I'd also earmarked the MK1 for a gravel-specific project and the MK2 for my fixed gear winter trainer. Then came the Genetic D-Riser 16   https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-d-riser-bars  and another round of musical handlebars. Besides, the Univega has a predominantly black/dun colour scheme. Contrary chap that I am, I may switch to the Condor 2, later on, should the urge strike. For now, the Condor's black finish clinched it. 

Spare inner and outer cables-check, spare bar tape-check, electrical tape-check. This was also an ideal opportunity to give this Soma Woodie 20 Multi-tool a formative test. Strictly speaking, multi-tools are designed for road/trailside teaks/tuning and repair, not workshop use. However, they are super-convenient, so good ones tend to become go-tos. 

Within half an hour, I'd everything rounded up, bike in the stand and components stripped. I'd removed a shim or two, when switching back to the Univega's OEM triple butted fork, but close scrutiny suggested height and drop depth were textbook. 

I pruned some outer cable housing, fed a new inner wire to the front Genetic CX cantilever  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/genetic-cx-cantilever-brakes and dialled it in a bit. Ample bite to raise the rear wheel, lever grabbed in anger-perfect.  

I was able to recycle this Lizard Skins DSP 2.5mm https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/lizard-skins-dsp which was of sufficient length to provide ample, cushioned coverage. The adhesive backing was conspicuous by its absence, although adhered well, to the bars' shot peened finish. 

Decent quality electrical tape anchored it to the tops.  Having dialled in the rear mech again and pruned its cable, it was time for one last once-over and a 20mile fault finding blast. 

No faults to find-positioning absolutely bang on and as I'd always envisaged back in 1987, when I first clapped eves on a Muddy Fox trailblazer. The Trail Blazer was essentially a drop bar mountain bike with  bar end shifters and 1.75 section tyres.  

Specialized followed suit two years later, with the Rock Combo. These were similarly niche, and had a very short production run.  Feel free to get in touch, if you still own and ride one. I'm not looking to purchase, nor am I someone bitten by "classic" prices and groupsets have come a long way since. However, I loved the concept then, and still do.    

Anyhow, the Univega's positioning now means I default to the drops, affords better protection from the wind (Compared with the otherwise likeable moustache pattern) while retaining good control off road. Tops also provide superior parking space for lights, cameras and similar creature comforts.   

Talking of which, I've also switched saddles, this time to BBB Echelon, which is reputedly a road and trail friendly design, thus meets the criteria handsomely. Also proved the ideal opportunity to remove the seatpost, and treat it to some Park Tool Polylube 1000 Grease, before the darker months set in. 

A home-brewed butyl collar and full length chrome plastic guards/fenders (depending on where you're reading this) certainly help, but its one of those little, preventative measures that saves a lot of time and hassle, later on.     

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.