Bicycle Paper.com :: Articles :: August Product Reviews: Arkel Randonneur, Energizer LED Safety Flasher, and Finish Line Gear Floss

August Product Reviews: Arkel Randonneur, Energizer LED Safety Flasher, and Finish Line Gear Floss

By Bicycle Paper

Arkel Randonneur Rack

By Jay Stilwell

Photo by Bicycle Paper

“A rack for my Italian race bike? No way.” That’s what I said to myself before I discovered the Randonneur Rack by Arkel. This lightweight rear rack incorporates a simple quick release system that easily attaches to the saddle rails while a soft rubberized clamp and a Velcro strap secure it to the seatpost. It is ideal for bikes that don’t feature eyelets on the seat stays, and the only tool required is a 5mm hex key to level the rack’s platform. For bikes with short seatposts, you may have to relocate the quick release clamp to a lower position to make it fit properly. The rack can be quickly and easily mounted or removed, and unlike other portable systems, it doesn’t collapse, nor did it swing sideways when I unexpectedly hit a bump on my first test ride.

There is a weight limit of 13 pounds, though this wasn’t an issue. By pairing the Randonneur with Arkel’s TailRider trunk bag, the combination provided me with ample room for all my gear that in the past would have been stuffed into the back of my jersey pockets. It can also be used with the Switchback, a bag you can carry like a backpack. If you are looking for an easy to use and removable rack for commuting or recreational rides, then you should give some consideration to the Randonneur.

MSRP is $89.95 and the TailRider Trunk Bag is $109. For more details visit www.arkel-od.com.

Energizer LED Safety Flasher

By Darren Dencklau

When I think of flasher lights, companies like Planet Bike, Blackburn, Cateye and other manufacturers that have been around for some time come to mind. I definitely don’t think of Energizer®, except maybe when I realize half way home that I need new batteries for one of the aforementioned — and even then the first thing that comes to mind is, “Damn!” So when Bicycle Paper received a couple of Energizer’s LED Safety Lights, well, I said, “Damn!” again.

Photo by Bicycle Paper

The light is very small, simple, and has a spring-loaded clip that will attach to most anything around half an inch thick and under. It has one setting with a flash rate of 80 times per minute. It is water resistant — although I admit I have not used it in a downpour yet — and is supposed to have a life of 50 hours, powered by two CR2032 Lithium batteries.

I found it to be perfect for when I was not entirely sure I was going to be out after dark and for some additional lighting to my regular setup. It easily fit into the pocket of my jeans for running quick neighborhood errands or going to see local live music when I didn’t want to carry a backpack or leave more expensive lights mounted to my townie. It would also be perfect for walking the dogs.

They are inexpensive and I believe they’ll be available at most grocery and drug stores in the near future — perfect if you happen to be caught out late and unprepared.

MSRP is around $8.80. For more information visit Energizer’s website.

Finish Line’s Gear Floss

By Darren Dencklau

Cleaning the drivetrain. Not the most exciting thing to do, but definitely necessary for your bike to work optimally and if you want its components to last as long as possible. Two of the most difficult areas to clean are between the sprockets on the rear cassette and the derailleur pulleys. To get into these hard to reach spots I typically use a stiff bristled brush or the sides of a shop rag (which usually gets shredded after catching on the teeth of the rear cassette).

Finish Line recently introduced Gear Floss, microfiber laces that assist users by getting into those difficult places located in the drivetrain, around the brake arms and other hard to reach areas — including between chain links if you’re that detail-oriented. The idea is to use it much like you would dental floss, extracting grime by sliding it back and forth.

Each pack comes with 20 tear resistant washable ropes and each piece is 20” long. They work great and they’re cheaper than shoelaces. Why didn’t I think of this?

MSRP is around $7. For more information visit www.finishlineusa.com..