Stop All the Clocks

Say it quietly, but as from today the days are just getting shorter. I know it puts a downer on the weekend but my glass is not half empty, I'm at my Sister's celebrating her birthday so no chance of that.

Between today and the 26 October when the clocks go back a riders thoughts should turn to lights. Whether it's checking over last seasons, did you discharge your rechargeable and fully recharge it before putting it away? or researching this winter's illuminating lovely, prior planning prevents poor performance. Retailers are starting to plan their stock for the lighting season so you the customer can ease their decision by deciding sooner rather than later what you are going to use.

Are you finally going to indulge in a dynohub front wheel and light system that just works? Upgrade to a decent rechargeable system? Or just spend a tenner on a piece of junk off of eBay with no warranty or beam pattern but it has a big lumen number and Cree LED in the title? Why not do the research on what Lux, Lumen and Candella actually mean and where manufacturers measure them. Have a look at the beam pattern maps that more enlightened manufacturers publish then make an informed decision. Heaven forfend but you could even pass your information around and help to quash the torrent of BS that is out there about bicycle lights.

The darkness is coming, be ready.  

Busch and Muller Ixon Core / IXXI Twin Pack

Busch & Muller IXXI / Ixon Core Twin Pack

Yesterday I got my hands on the new USB rechargeable lights from Busch & Muller. I've had access to the Ixon Core for a while but wanted to do a user check on them both. I have been using the original Ixon for 6 or 7 years now and am hugely happy with it. On a personal level I couldn't understand why you'd want a lesser light. I appreciate however, some customers buy with their pocket. In my previous life as a retailer the head to head for rear lights went between two well known brands. The considerably brighter light lost out as the lesser light was ten bob cheaper. The brand name may have come into it but at source the cheaper light was bigger, heavier and nowhere near as bright.

So, twin packs. Usually an excellent light matched up with an okay light at what appears a budget price. The B&M can't be called cheap at £67.50 RRP but, “What price your safety?” as Sorrel's Mum always says. If you live in a town this twin pack should be well up the list for consideration IMHO. My old shop's best selling twin pack had a poor front light and a fabulous rear light yes it was cheaper but you'd need a second front light in reality.

Burn times. In a far from scientific test I discharged both lights totally and then charged the IXXI from the mains for 2 ½ hours and the IXON Core for 3 ½ as stated in the instructions. The IXXI stayed lit for around eighteen hours. The Ixon Core burn time is quoted as more than 3 hours actually ran for the best part of four. This does include the time in low power mode which is considerably longer than the 10-15 minutes my old Ixon gives me. So no mean shakes for a 50 Lux light with a good beam spread on the road.

Attachment to the bike for both lights is by the now ubiquitous rubber strap. The Ixon can be clicked out of its' mount as well so if you have to thread your strap through cables you can leave the mount on the bike.

Charging. Both lights charge with the industry standard micro USB plug so unless you insist on using CDHoJ products your phone/tablet cable will fit. I'm not a great fan of charging off your computers USB ports but over the course of a working day you'll get a fair top up. Come the revolution charging towers will be a part of secure bike parking areas.

So as an in town commuter twin pack I think this is a good package no matter what rear light you use, in town you'd double up with a flashing light as an attention getter.  So there is my early punt into the 2014 lighting season