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Wherever you lay your helmet...
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Aural fyx
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with YOUR fyx
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Drinkin' cocoa on the bear skin rug
First up - you can't beat patent heels.
They're the glistening polished rims of the scarpe universe.
Pic: M Wilson
Thanks to JK for the link
Hard to top that really, even on an old 3 speed.
We'll try.
'Product review' has become a dirty word. Unless it's courier tested, or TC thrashed, chances are the product has not been 'tested' - at least to it's limits.
If you are game -
Knog.
They've opened a retail store in Chapel St, Prar-rah-han and it's a refreshing change to see a girl selling their bikes. A girl who rides, and knows what she is talking about.
Knog are also sponsoring Melburn Roobaix.
They threw some goods our way to 'test'.
Some Geckos, a Gator 105, and riding mitts.
Testers! Clap! Clap!
GECKO
Maybe it's just us who confuses a gecko with a chameleon, but the BLACK geckos blend superbly with our MXL. They come in a range of colours to match your bike.
Aestheticly they're off to a crackin' start. A light that looks good on your bike even when it's not turned ON.
The rubbery hook is supple enough to go around the seat and head tubes so you can place it in out of the way crannies, yet still be seen. The rubber is tested to 10s of thousands of stretches so chances are it'll outlast a cateye bracket.
It's quick to put on, which conversely means it's easy to take off, or some someone else to take off.
After losing too many lights, we've stuck to the 'keep it on your person' rule and the gecko's pass this too. Hooks nicely around the light loop and utility hook on the PAC Ultimate OS.
There are a multitude of flashing functions or constantly on - and according to the 2 x AAA's will give you 30 hours constant ilumination or 220hrs flashing. We'll take their word on that one. Bloody heaps in other words.
Now for the Vancouver test.
Submerge the product in water for 5 minutes. If it comes out working, it's not waterproof, it's Vancouver proof.
The Gecko also passed this one with flying colours, though in fairness we used filtered water which is a poor substitue of a blend of road scum, urine, beer, mould and other things to make your guts churn.
It's hard to illustrate the effectiveness of a Gecko, but we can say The Boss loves them cause we can be seen from half a 'k' away in the dark.
 
GATOR 105The last time we had a high-end set of lights on our bike was 2001. The top of the range Nite-Riders. Twin halogen unit with a battery disguised as a drink bottle, which weighed the same as half a house brick.
Yep, you had to be hard to ride back then. 5mm of travel, V-brakes, and carrying a house brick on your back or bike to light up the dark for 2+ hours.
Lights and battery technology have come a long way since then, and while the 105 unit is not aimed at 24hr Enduro riders, it'll light your way for just over 4 hours, weighing in on the salter at 340g. Knog list them as 300g, so if you're buying anything other than lights from them, take you own scale.
Again, they are easy on, easy on off. They look clean on the bike, and since the gecko's fit around the headtube, you can mount the Gator on your bars to really be seen.
The LED unit is sturdy and looks like it will take most forms of abuse other than the rigors of the
We couldn't really see how you'd mount the Gator on your lid, which is a nice place to mount it to alert cars to your prescence by shining the light right at them, but since EVERY car dipped its lights on our ride, it's not such a concern.
Mind you, one particular vehicle did mention 'GET OFF THE EFFING ROOOOAAADDD' as we flew down Col d'Kinglake at 70kph.
A sudden blow out had us briefly stranded, and the Gator was perfect for shedding the light on a rapid tube change.
Back on the speedy descent, the 105 had as wanting more light to throw on the road for such break-neck (really bad pun) speeds. You can see clearly, but everything is coming up REALLY fast. Maybe the 305 or the 605 models would be nicer in this scenario, or to flood the singletrack.
At 40 kph, it'll have . As for the insects - make sure you wear protective eyewear or you'll be cursing the whole ride.
Now that the sun is going down on the southern hemisphere, the Gator will get as much a workout as the cassette and we can ride anywhere, anytime without fear of not being seen.
Knog Warranty - stolen straight from their site.
All KNOG products are warranteed to be free from any defect in materials and workmanship for a period of 2 years from the date of purchase identified on the sales receipt. Our warranty applies when our product is used for the purpose intended, under normal conditions, and does not apply to damage caused by typical wear and tear, accidents, acids, water, misuse or neglect and is limited to the value of the product. This warranty applies in addition to your statutory rights in relation to your country.
Now any courier will argue that normal to them, is not NORMAL by other standards, and crafty couriers will probably find uses for these other than the intended use - which if you squizz the catalogue for the gloves is for holding the hand of another girl - riding or otherwise.
G LOVE / MITTS
'Love or hate' the embroidery, or the two ladies sharing saliva on the packaging, these are very nice leather gloves.
Just like the old that would break you if you didn't break them first, the mitts take a few rides to wear in.
Made from goatskin, which isn't as tuff as you'd think. Supple, well perforated, and definitely designed by a rider with a closure belt that goes all the way around.
The best thing about them? The smell. We'd all but given up on technical gloves as they stink worse than a gastown back alley after two rides.
These gloves smell like leather. Even after weeks of daily use. Your nose wont detect roses, but not backsides either. The stitching is excellent, and the only way you'll tear through the leather is when you use them to wax asphalt.
Definitely a summer/spring glove, go the full finger for cooler months.
We don't have star ratings - but we rate them.
Check out all the Knog offerings HERE
When we get time next week....
'Karazy like Karate' Keirin
Random pularva
Scalliwag behaviour.
For now
In sleepy old Melburn in a dingy corner of a pub, a monthly gathering gains momentum.
Riding rollers is no harder than riding a bike. Riding them fast is another story.
Come early and have a go - prizes for newbies who complete a lap!
Technical data:
A fun social evening of handicapped roller racing.
Rider registration closes at 6:45pm.
Entry is $10, all proceeds will be donated to St Mary's House of Welcome
Please bring your track bike with a 50:14 gear and minimum 165mm cranks.
Where: cnr Brunswick St, Alexander Pde Fitzroy (Melways 2C B4)
When: Friday 28th March 6:30pm
Cost: Competitors $10 / Spectators Free
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Comments
on March 21 2008 08:14:26
Awesome video, I can't believe how fast some people can spin! |
on March 23 2008 06:03:46
That MAG Test is kinda like lab tests of tyres in cycling publications. A small flashlight is an essential part of the load of gear i need at my job and at least the Mini Mag didn't make it... |
on March 26 2008 15:03:31
Andy, didn't your grandma tell you to not put your shoes on the table? It's bad luck...... or is that new shoes?
Great roller video!!!
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