Taking the Edge Off

 The clocks have gone back, and the temperatures are tumbling- we’ll, closer to that I’d associate with November- double figures at best and single figures before dawn. I’ve been rummaging through the gloves’ drawer for something slightly warmer and more water repellent than the otherwise charming Chiba Pro Safety Reflector Gloves CHIBA PRO SAFETY REFLECTOR GLOVES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) . 

 I was going for Pro-Viz Reflect 360 Cycling Gloves PROVIZ REFLECT 360 CYCLING GLOVES | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  However, I was delighted to be reunited with some Seal Skinz Leather Road Cycle Gloves, which I’ve had for many years. Retro-reflective detailing isn’t their strongest point perhaps, but the standard of grip, comfort, dexterity, and weather repelling qualities make my, sometimes-jaded little soul sing.    

Long sleeve base and mid-layers have also become my defaults and given as I’m prone to chest infections, gilets are another staple. Oxford Venture OXFORD VENTURE WINDPROOF GILET | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is one of my favourites, thanks to generous pockets, potent retro-reflective technology and the laminated fabric not only blocks gusty stuff, it also resists showery rain into the bargain. Caps, such as the Prendas Ciclismo Lisboa PRENDAS CICLISMO LISBOA WATERPROOF CAP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) my cool weather defaults, but the arrival of this Kask Wasabi helmet has seen me return to the Buff Pack Cycling Cap BUFF PACK BIKE CAP | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and Lusso Pain Cave, which are essentially summer models. 

 

The Wasabi lid gives change, well a penny from £270 and is designed to be four seasons aero lid with tailorable ventilation- close off when its freezing cold, open up when things get a little toasty. The slightly quirky profile is certainly a talking point and 264g is quite feathery, too. Matt black certainly wins in the style stakes, but I’ve chosen to jazz it up for winter courtesy of the Respro retro-reflective band and Sigma Blaze SIGMA BLAZE REAR LED LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Staying with lights a moment, we’ve an overview guide to road and commuting lights STREET LIFE: BICYCLE LIGHTING FOR THE ROAD AND THE COMMUTE (sevendaycyclist.com)  Steve has also been impressed with the Ravemen CR800 Front Light RAVEMEN CR800 FRONT LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

When I’ve not been popping chains and destroying derailleurs, the Muc Off Ludicrous AF chain lube has held its own in terms of staying prowess and durability. I’ve had 700 miles from a single helping through a moderate autumn and even though things have turned cooler and wetter, I’ve cruised past the 400mile mark. A pleasant surprise from a lube primarily marketed at those seeking every friction-busting gain.  

Out of the blue, the TRP Spyre SLC materialised- a welcome surprise, so in relaxed mood, I performed the switch, replacing the inner wire, since I was there and doing otherwise is simply false economy. A bit of faff at the Cane Creek V Brake Lever was traced to a blocked cable guide-a PTFE fatberg, to be precise. Formative impressions suggest it’s a genuine improvement on the bog-standard Spyre but time will tell. Red semi-sintered blocks are another small but welcome step up.  

Ursula’s Sigma BC9.16 ATS Wireless Computer SIGMA BC9.16 ATS WIRELESS CYCLE COMPUTER | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) had suddenly stopped communicating with the sensor- replacing the latter’s CR2032 cell sorted this, and I took the opportunity to nip the Ravemen CLO5 sensored rear light RAVEMEN CL05 SENSORED REAR LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) bracket tight (which is also compatible with its TR30 cousin).  

The Tektro “Frankenbrake” has proven it's worth several times over, so an inspired choice, and everything is behaving nicely once more. I've also placed a little electrical tape on the black section of bar con to prevent unsightly scratches when leaning the bike up against brickwork etc. Then, of course, a quick drop of thread lock on the mudguard hardware, while opportunity and serenity permitted. Sometimes it’s the little things that bring disproportionate joy... 

 

Hey Buster!

 My love of high-power dynamos is well documented, there’s a lot to be said for high-performance rechargeable lights. Not everyone wants the investment of a new hub, lamp and switchgear. Yes, it will repay the investment over time, quite quickly, if you’re a mile-munching tourist, or Audax rider. If this is your genre of riding, K-Lite Ultra Road LD Dynamo Bike Light K-LITE ULTRA LOW DRAG DYNAMO LIGHT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) is well worth a closer look.  

However, dynamo systems pose a significant outlay and in some, off road contexts, an uber lumen rechargeable has an edge-especially at slow speeds. I’ve spent the last few weeks racking up the miles on my fixed gear winter/trainer, enjoying its relatively lively, yet dependable handling. I was also assessing the Mud Hugger Gravel Hugger guards’ performance since conditions have been suitably autumnal. Not everyone will be endeared to their slightly industrial aesthetic, but I’ve grown to love them-in every respect. I’m also seriously taken with the KMC S1 chain, so much so, I’ve acquired another two, for later down the line.  

Given the wet, scuzzy roads, said machine was needing a good sudsy bucket wash, which it duly received, and I stripped the existing Peaty’s Link Lube in favour of Muc-Off Ludicrous AF, since I wanted to assess its characteristics on a fixed transmission, since some time trialists still compete on fixed gear.   

Given the conditions, brake pads are also wearing quite quickly. I’m hopeful the TRP Spyre SLC caliper will materialise shortly. Meantime, having retouched Ursula’s paint chip to the point of being undetectable, and resolving the stopping and shifting issues, we were ready to make the most of the cool, wet and dark mornings. I’ve also reached my conclusions regarding Axiom Oceanwave City+AXIOM OCEANWAVE CITY+ SEAT BAG | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) 

Oxford products www.oxfordproducts.com  sent me this Sigma Buster 2000... 

As the name suggests, top whack is 2000lumens but staircases sensibly, giving it good scope for different locales. 1300lumens is good enough for unlit lanes, 600 lumens are good enough for semi-rural work, without being oppressive through the suburbs, although, I’d still go for the 300 eco through built-up areas.  

There are helmet and bar mounting options and crucially, a bar-mounted wireless remote for easy mode switches. The battery pack can either be tethered to the frame, or when helmet-mounted, a jersey/jacket pocket Sigma suggests putting it in a rucksack, but I’m pleased to report, despite tipping the scales at 368g, it doesn’t bound around like a playful Labrador.  

I’ve been running its 700lumen sibling atop my long-serving Bell helmet for several weeks, after a couple of years hiatus and at 147g, it’s relatively unobtrusive. Sigma claims the Buster 2000 lamp weighs a mere 100g- (what by my scales). I was pleased to discover the Buster 2000 fully compatible with the 700’s mount), since that was already in situ. A bar-mounted remote is another definite boon, meaning effortless switching between modes.   

Run times are cited as between 2.5 and 20 hours. The latter refers to the pulsing and flashing modes but useful and welcome, nonetheless. Staying with Sigma, I’ve also grown fond of the Sigma BC9.16 ATS Wireless Cycle Computer SIGMA BC9.16 ATS WIRELESS CYCLE COMPUTER | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com)  

I’ve also received this Magicshine Ray 2600 Smart Remote Bike Light, which is a dual-lens model that looks a potentially close rival to Ravemen PR2400 front Light RAVEMEN PR2400 FRONT LIGHT (sevendaycyclist.com)  The  Ravemen is designed so you can plug in a “power bank” and extend run times, which can be a godsend in any context. However, the thing to keep in mind with high-power rechargeable lights per se, is they are designed for commuting and training in contexts where you don’t need the full output for too long. Great for escaping the suburbs and letting off some steam along the backroads.