Muscles Not Motors Gear Review – May 2009
By
Ryan James LeClerc
Posted May 11th, 2009
Light & Motion Vega 200
Whether you’re a snowboarder or snowshoer, mountain hiker or mountain biker, Nordic skier or Nordic walker, you need gear. Each month, I review, right here, three items that I personally feel are especially cool. Here are my picks for this month.
GoMotion Street Runner LiteVest
Whether you’re running on the road or just walking the dog in the dark or in low light conditions, you should be as visible to motorists as a border crossing station. A reflective vest does a decent job, but only when illuminated by the headlights of an approaching vehicle. Unfortunately, at dawn or dusk, some vehicles will be approaching without their headlights on. If your reflective vest isn’t reflecting, you might as well be wearing a ninja suit. To really stand out, nothing beats bright beams of light. The GoMotion Street Runner LiteVest provides just that, with a one-watt Luxeon LED light at chest level and two red flashing tail lights attached to a super light mesh vest. For comfort and a snug fit, the vest features a sliding sternum strap and adjustable padded shoulder straps, with an integrated cell phone pocket, or dog biscuit pocket, if need be. The chest light has three intensity settings, spotlight to floodlight beam control, and an adjustable beam angle so not only will you be as highly visible, you’ll be able to see that porcupine before you step on it. $99.95. www.gomotiongear.com.
Light & Motion Vega 200
If you’re one of those diehard bike commuters, you know all too well that like it or not, riding in the dark is often necessary. But if you don’t have a durable, rechargeable, lightweight, high-performance light system, darkness will creep deep down into your soul as you watch your disposable battery powered light get dimmer and dimmer. To avoid a mid-commute blackout, and hitting say, a porcupine, get yourself a Vega 200, and you’ll be light years ahead of the game. The 10,000-hour LED bulb has three settings of 50, 100, and 200 lumens, as well as a flash mode, so you can choose the appropriate amount of light needed and stretch the life of the integrated, four-cell rechargeable NiMH battery. The Smart Charger shuts off after the battery is recharged—in only two short hours—so you don’t have to worry about frying that battery if you leave the charger plugged in. This modular marvel of illumination only weighs 240g and installs without tools. $189.99. www.lightandmotion.com.
Ortlieb Backroller Classic
Bombproof, waterproof, and stylish, the Ortlieb Backroller Classic is a no-compromise pannier for the daily commuter or the long-haul tourist. Tear resistant waterproof fabric with roll-top closure will keep your gear dry, even when you’re inevitably caught in torrential rains miles from your destination. Forward- and rear-facing 3M Scotchlite reflectors will enhance your visibility to motorists, assuming, of course, they have their headlights on. The QL1 mounting system securely attaches to virtually all rear racks and allows for quick and easy fastening and release. The pannier comes with a padded shoulder strap so you can comfortably carry it when you’re walking, hopefully not because you were involved in a crash with a porcupine. $165. www.ortliebusa.com.
