Voltaic Solar Charger-A Review

In any of my posts with a picture of my Pack Mule you may have noticed solar panels strapped across the mule's back.  This is a Voltaic Fuse 4 Watt Solar Charger, from Voltaic Systems, Inc.

I got this handy little system as a way to recharge my phone, GPS, MP3 player, GoPro, and batteries in situations where I don't have an outlet to use at the end of the day. Since getting it I have begun to buy only devices (such as bike lights) that I can charge using this little guy.

The Fuse is two solar panels and a battery attached to a carrying case that is designed to attach to any Molle style backpack which use a series of clips and straps to attach accessories, or (as in my case) use the included 3/4" straps and clips to strap it to most anything else.  I strap it across my pack mule for trips where I use the trailer, and I strap it to the bike's rear rack or to the rack bag when I commute.  It comes with a set of USB adapters that one uses to attach their device to the battery or panels to recharge.  If the adapter needed doesn't come standard, Voltaic sells adapters for damned near anything that you might need to charge, though the USB adapters that come with most thing these days will work without an adapter.

I love this thing, and have used it quite a bit, mostly to charge my phone and MP3 player, but I also have a USB battery charger for rechargeable batteries that I have used with it.  I even use it at home where there are plenty of USB ports and electrical outlets--I just like the idea of not using fossil-fuel power when I can.

The Fuse battery in its case

The fuse is quite an ingenious idea.  The case is large enough to carry small electronics (like phones, and GPS units) without being heavy or ungainly.  It zips open like a 'clamshell' and has a couple of small mesh pockets to hold adapters and devices.  You can keep the device being charged zipped securely inside while its charging or, by running the charging cord though a small opening on the back of the case, charge the device outside the case so you can see and hear it while it charges.

Keep in mind that this is a solar charger, so it won't speed charge things at the same rate as plugging the device in, but it will charge your devices fully overnight, or while riding or hiking (given enough sunlight) in places where plugging into the grid is not an option, and can give you some quick talk time when needed.

What I really love about the Fuse charger is its versatility.  The battery can be charged with the sun, it can be charged from an outlet (with an outlet adapter), and with a separate adapter that Voltaic sells (and I bought) it can be charged from the lighter/power outlet in your car.  You can use the solar panels at home, on the road, on the trail, and just about anywhere else the Sun shines.  And you can charge the battery and a device at the same time separately, or charge a device from the battery while charging the battery.  You could even charge two devices at the same time by plugging one to the battery and one separately, though anytime you do more than one thing at a time the charge is lower (and therefore slower) for each device since the available power is being shared.

Voltaic says the case is waterproof, and I have no reason to doubt this claim, but I have yet to test it by exposing the case to rain, so I can't vouch for it one way or the other.  The design of the case and zippers does inspire confidence that it could be used safely in the rain.

Voltaic offers one smaller and several larger charger systems if the Fuse is less than or more than you would need, but for my use this guy is perfect.  One note: if you plan on using such a system to charge larger devices such as a laptop, Voltaic recommends using a larger system since the power needs are greater.  The larger systems use a larger battery and more panels and can still be used for smaller devices like phones, GPS units, MP3 players, etc.  Voltaic has a set-up for charging just about anything, and even sell backpacks with the charger already attached.  They are well worth a look if you are in the market for a portable solar charging system.

Burley Nomad-Rolling Pack Mule

Now that I have pulled it around for a couple of hundred miles on the road, some bike paths, one gravel road (which google maps listed as paved), and even a short stretch of sidewalk, I feel ready to give a more detailed review of my Nomad.



My Nomad and Steed on the Road

Since I'm not really sure where to begin, I will review the Nomad on points I've seen addressed elsewhere: stability, rolling resistance, tongue weight, and wind resistance; as well as on a few other points that were important to me: capacity, visibility, footprint/tracking, and 'user friendliness.'

Stability- Simply put, this trailer has been very stable.  When I bought it I had no intention of using the Nomad off-road, and haven't. On the surfaces where I have used it-- prepared surfaces--no single or double-track trails, and one hard-packed gravel road, the trailer has been very stable. Potholes, bumps, shoulders, and transitions (small curbs, and sloped path to street transitions) have all played their part in the commutes and longer trips that I have used this trailer on and none have given me cause to think the trailer was going to flip or slide off the road pulling me with it. 

However, I am pulling the trailer with a road-style bike so I don't hit obstacles with as much abandon as I might with a mountain bike.  I am also used to where the trailer is in relation to my surroundings, and as such am careful with what the wheels might be hitting.  The trailer does bounce a little when it rolls over things at speed, so hitting something fast and hard with one wheel could theoretically flip the trailer, but based on my experiences so far, this would have to be one hell of a hit.  The worst thing I've hit so far was a flattened raccoon carcass that I couldn't dodge due to traffic and the poor critter did no harm aside from a little goop on the wheel and bottom of the cargo bed.

Rolling Resistance- This subject seems to come up a lot in single vs double wheel debates, and while I haven't pulled a BOB around for comparison, I can say that once I get the Nomad rolling I hardly know it's there.  The most weight I've pulled with it so far was around 45 lbs, and I couldn't really feel the trailer pulling on me once I get moving. On take off, up hill, and stopping I can feel the trailer, but it seems to me that this is a matter of gravity and the push/pull effect that any trailer causes, and the effects are countered with use different gearing and braking pressure than I use when riding without the trailer.

Tongue weight- According to the Burley site the Nomad transfers 10% of the weight in the trailer to the attachment point on the rear wheel of the bike thereby having a negligible effect on bike handling.  I have found their claim to be fairly accurate.  The one test I did came up with about 15% transfer, but it wasn't overly scientific.  I weighed a loaded trailer then put the end of the tongue on a scale set at the same height as it attaches to my bike and a 42lb trailer transferred just under 6 1/2 pounds to the scale.  In actual use these measurements would fluctuate due to how the trailer was loaded, and physics--when going down hill the trailer would transfer more weight to the wheel, and it would transfer less weight when going up.  Regardless of the actual transfer ratio, there is significantly less weight on the rear wheel and frame of the bike than there would be if all the gear were in panniers.

Wind Resistance- Now here's a point that I can definitely speak to.  On my first real trip with the Nomad I had some steady 20 mph head and cross winds, with gusts that were definitely stronger.  These winds played hell with me, in that I had to do a bit of walking because it was simply too dangerous to ride, but I never noticed any problems with the trailer being thrown around.  Due to the shape of the trailer I am sure it resisted the wind to a point, but even when the winds where bending the flag pole quite a bit to the side I never felt the trailer trying to pull me. 

Anti-Loss Device

One note on the flag:  I had read a review of the Nomad wherein the reviewer mentioned losing his flag to high winds, and since it just sits in a pocket instead of being mechanically attached I can see how this would happen (this setup would also allow easy theft of an unwatched flag).  With this story in mind I used an extra computer mounting band cinch-knotted around the flag-pole and wrapped around the cross-bar knob of the trailer (see picture) to help keep the flag where I put it.  Enough force could still rip the flag free, but it would need to be an extreme amount.

Capacity- So far, I have used my Nomad to carry groceries, used it to do some local Christmas shopping, and to haul the recycling, tools for work, and supplies/gear for short tours.  Not once have I wished I had more room for stuff. And, If I did for some strange reason want more room in (or rather, on) my trailer, I could always get the cargo rack attachment for it.  The only downside I can see of the Nomad's cargo capacity would be the potential for carrying more than I need to, but this is more of a self-discipline issue than a cargo-capacity issue.

Visibility- With the color, the reflective piping, reflectors, lights, and flag this guy is more visible than my bike and I are.  I have yet to feel that drivers have failed to see me whether it was dark or in the full light of day.  This was a concern of mine given the idiocy of a lot of Indianapolis drivers.  While the trailer's visibility hasn't diminished the idiocy it has certainly made me even more visible when I'm pulling it, and in some cases made people a little more careful around me--these are subjective observations, so may all be in my head, but I feel safer so they are a good thing.

Footprint/Tracking- This issue comes up a lot in reviews and questions about the Nomad.  When considering the Nomad, a lot of people (myself included) seem to feel that its two-wheel design and width would cause problems.  So far I haven't had issues with this. The trailer with wheels and quick-releases is  a hair over 26" wide.  It sits 2" off center with 12" going to the bike's right, and 14" to the left.  Since my handlebars (which are centered) with mirrors are 31" wide the trailer rides within my footprint and tracks right along with me--if my bike can go through a gap the trailer will too.  You do have to pay more attention to where you are in relation to curbs and such on your right, but I found this a quick learning process. I did have to learn to be a bit more careful on turns since the trailer adds to my overall length, but this hasn't been an issue since I got used to the extra length, and I would think this to be the case with any trailer.

For people without such a wide cockpit, if you figure around 18" for road bars and 29" for mountain bars the trailer will fit into the width of the mountain bars with 1" on the left and 2" on the right.  On the road bike the trailer will be 5" wider on the left and 3" on the right.  While you would have to learn to stay farther from curbs and other obstacles on your right, the width difference on your left is not such a big thing since a car passing within five inches of you would probably take you out with its mirror anyway.  And like I said, drivers seem to be a bit more careful around the trailer.

User-friendliness- This would seem to be a purely subjective subject, but some of my observations may fall into areas that match other people's questions.  First off it's easy to load.  With the detachable divider inside and the design of the cover this trailer is easy to organize and pack.  There are rings attached to the outside of the sides of the bed for using cord or bungees with overflow, and there are full length mesh pockets on the inside for small items.  I like the open trunk feel of the cargo bed as opposed to the duffel bag style BOB bag because it allows me to organize things.  Granted the Nomad is not waterproof due to its design, but I use stuff sacks anyway for organization so this isn't a problem (there are even drainage holes in the cargo bed for when water does get in).  While I haven't used the trailer in a full on deluge, I have pulled it in light rain and through puddles and have yet to get any water inside it.

The trailer attaches to the bike easily and securely whether it's loaded or not, this I really like.

The only user issue I could see with the Nomad is security of the contents when unattended.  When I use it for errands it doesn't have anything in it when it's unattended so this isn't an issue.  However, when I'm on the road and make a stop somewhere for food or a nature break there is the possibility of someone stealing something from inside the trailer.  This possibility applies to panniers, or other trailers as well, and with simple precautions like parking in visible areas and next to windows it is no different than just parking a bike anywhere.  As for securing the trailer itself I use an extra cable with my lock to secure the wheels to the trailer and my bike which is in-turn secured to something else.  This might not be adequate for long term security (such as overnight), but when I am using the trailer I am not in situations where I am away from the trailer and its contents with its being out in the open for long periods.  The longest periods I have left my rig or just the trailer unattended was during hikes and sight seeing rides while on tour, and I just locked it/them up next to the park office and the attendant gladly agreed to keep an eye on it/them.  In these cases there was more chance of my tent being stolen.

As for Burley's customer service I haven't had any dealings with them so I can't say anything about it one way or the other, but since I bought my trailer at REI which has excellent customer service I figure I will deal with them if the need arises.

So, overall, I would say I am very happy with my investment in the Nomad and am looking forward to discovering new uses for it and using it often for some time to come.

Sugoi Firewall 180 Pants-Review

According to the Sugoi site the Firewall 180 Pants provide:

"Powerful windproof coverage combined with the thermal warmth of ZeroPlus for enhanced comfort and protection during winter cross training."

They are also listed as breathable, and wind/water resistant.

For once I have found something that performs exactly as advertised.

While not technically a cycling pant (Sugoi lists them as running pants), I found them while searching for a good winter cycling pant which could be used in lieu of, or in addition to tights.  I wanted a pant that fit well, blocked the wind, looked good off the bike, and didn't sound like a potato chip bag when I walked in them--these pants fit the bill in every way.

I got a size small which was advertised as having a 30" waist and a 31" inseam--correct and correct.  The waistband is elastic in back and has a Velcro adjustment on either side.  I have worn the 180s with and without Lycra chamois underneath and in both cases they fit well without the normal "baggy butt" look that you get with rain-pants.  The fit is athletic without being tight and the fabric has a little stretch so they don't bind at all.  They also have zippers on the bottom of the legs which when opened make it easy to put them on or take them off over shoes.  When the legs are zipped they are loose like a pair of warm up pants, but not so much that they rub the crank.

So far I have worn them a dozen or so times in temperatures ranging from 31-50 degrees and have had no issues with temperature.  At the lower end of the temp range with a stiff wind they got a little chilly when I was waiting on lights, but not to the point where my legs got cold, and when it got warmer the pants were warm but, once again, not to the point of being uncomfortable, and riding with the front pockets unzipped seemed to pull the heat out much like pit-zips in a jacket.  I still haven't used them with tights, but it seems like they would be good for a few more degrees without needing to do so.

As for the water resistance, I haven't ridden in conditions yet that would test that, but I already have some rain pants, and didn't get these for rain protection.  That said, the material seems like it would stand up to light rain or road spray.

As you can probably tell, I simply love these pants.  If I had a five star rating system I would give these pants six stars

Resistance is Futile

My Wound

Well, I got my implant, but not my bike.

This past Monday I had the surgery to install my new defibrillator.  The doctors tell me that it went well and everything is working as planned.  All I know for sure is that it hurt like hell, looks like someone stabbed my chest with a machete, and the bill is to follow.  I must admit though, that I do feel a bit less anxious about my heart.

As for my long awaited bike there was a bit of a snafu.  It seems that the manufacturer is out of my size in the model I had chosen.  They are in the process of switching models, so the only ones available in my size are a color that I really don't like.  However the next level up is available in my size, so I placed an order for that one.  It costs a little more, but it has better components, so I guess in the end is a better deal.  The guys at the bike shop say it will be ready for me early next week.  Hopefully, I will be able to ride by then.

I have, however, gotten a trailer for my new steed.

I used a 20% off member's coupon with REI to get a shiny new Burley Nomad.  I've been wanting a trailer for a few years and finally pulled the trigger on one.  I've been bouncing around between the BOB yak and the Nomad for some time and finally decided on the Nomad because of the two-wheel (i.e. more stable) design which I feel will better suit me in the role of a commuter/grocery getter, and carry my gear for bikepacking and multi-day tours.

Based purely on first impressions, I like my new trailer; its design and materials are confidence inspiring.  I know several people who use a Burley child-carrying trailer, and they all say good things about their trailers.

My Nomad is 53" long--minus half the diameter of the bike's rear wheel (the trailer attaches at the rear hub) that leaves around 40" trailing the bike. 

It's rolling width is 26", but since it's not perfectly centered on the bike the width comes out to 14" on the left side of the bike and 12" on the right.  This sounds, and even looks, like a lot, but my trekking bars with mirrors equate to a 31" wide cockpit (I plan on detailing my cockpit setup in a future post) so, the trailer is actually a little over 1" narrower on the left and over 3" narrower on the right than my bike.

One thing I really like about the Nomad is it's visibility.  The bright yellow cargo cover, combined with two red reflectors on the back, two yellow reflectors on each wheel, two white reflectors on the front, a five foot long safety-flag pole, and a tail light make this trailer highly visible.  The L.E.D. tail-light that came with the trailer is 3" x 2" and fairly bright (side note-the Burley website says nothing about a light being included with the trailer, so it was a nice little surprise).  The light mounts to the frame and looks for all intents and purposes like a tail light from an automotive trailer.  I am already considering ordering a second light from Burley for even more visibility. The Burley light doesn't have a "blinking" mode, but there is a light loop on the rear of the trailer cover so I figure a pair of the 'Burley' lights with a blinking light between them should make for a highly visible trailer even when it's dark--we'll see, but I believe that since I rarely ride after dark the single light, when combined with the rear lights I already use on my bike, should be adequate for commuting/grocery and recycling trip duties. 

As I've mentioned this mini-review is based purely on first impressions.  I will post a review of the trailer in use as soon as I can heal enough to actually use it to carry things.  I honestly can't wait.  Having this trailer opens up several possibilities for using my bike for errands that before I would have had to use my Jeep--I can't wait to see if it lives up to my hopes for it.

My Road ID

I want to take some time here to rave about a piece of equipment I have that I believe evry cyclist, runner, jogger, or person who leaves their house on a regular basis should have- a Road ID

The week before my heart attack I got my first Road ID in the mail.  I had ordered one out of fear of the local drivers.  Indianapolis has gone to great extent over the last few years to make cycling around the city easier by way of bike lanes and trails which has been great, but the area they haven't improved is the drivers.  A lot of the drivers in this city are just plain dangerous; they don't know the laws regarding bicycles on the road (or just don't care), they text, eat, listen to head-phones, read, and just about everything else except pay attention to the road while they are driving, so collisions or near misses with cyclists and pedestrians are very common.

Within one week in the area around me there was a hit and run with a cyclist, another with a pedestrian, and I personally saw two stupid near misses between a car and a bicycle.  One of these near misses involved an idiot in a pick-up passing a cyclist then turning right in front of him in order to get to a McDonalds.  The guy on the bike was in a bike lane and had to lock up his brakes to avoid slamming into the side of the idiot's truck.  That night I ordered a Road ID.

My first ID was a basic one that gave my name and had my children's contact numbers on it.  While this ID didn't save my life or anything that dramatic, it did allow the hospital to be able to contact my daughter and let her know what had happened when I was in a condition where I could barely remember my own name much less phone numbers due to the pain, which kept her from going insane wondering about me.

After I got out of the hospital I ordered an interactive version of my ID that still has my daughter's contact number on it, but also has contact information that gives out medical info that emergency personnel will want to know; like the fact that I have a metal stent in my heart and what type of medications I am on.

While the ID won't necessarily help me if I am at home and have fallen and can't get up, if I have the same problem downtown it feels good to know that a paramedic or doctor can get information they need, and considering the amount of time I spend in traffic on a bike surrounded by idiots, this will probably come in handy.  Even off the bike, if I were to keel over due to my heart the information is still there, since I haven't taken this ID off since I put it on my wrist.

If you ride a bike, jog, run, or just walk anywhere near modern, fast-food and/or technology addicted drivers I would suggest getting one of these little beauties--today.