New Bright & Safe Cycling Accessories for Spring

This spring think, HIGH VIZ, Mirrors and Lights!

The weather is finally breaking and you are so ready to get back on your bicycle. While we may have the warmer temps going for us, keep in mind that motorists have gotten used to NOT seeing and sharing the road with cyclists over the winter months.

This means we are going to have to up our visibility and alertness game over the usual lights, bells and whistles. There are a few new gadgets I'm adding to my kit to meet those ends. What's great is that most are relatively easy to implement but can increase your safety factor exponentially. Here's what's new:

Tie one on.

Reflective/Flashing Arm Bands

These High Viz florescent yellow arm bands add an extra layer of visibility on your bike. Use them as flashing pant leg cuffs or on your upper arm. Easy to see with a reflective strip and flashing light for night time rides. Get them on Amazon or at your local bike shop.

RearVIZ Mirror Kit

The RearViz Mirror Kit allows you to look forward yet see behind. Fully rotatable on an adjustable cuff, it can be worn on your upper or lower arm. Has a universal mount available for your GoPro too which I think is a great idea. I have my camera mounted on one of my helmets so unless I wear THAT specific lid, no photos/videos. Not so with the RearVIZ.
I'm not a fan of helmet mirrors but cyclists could definitely rock this. Really this could work for the cyclist, athlete or weekend adventurer. Comes in lots of colors so check them out at REARVIZ.com

High Viz Florescent Yellow Helmet

Here's something to keep in mind. The majority of road accidents involving cyclists occur when the rider was wearing a BLACK helmet. If that seems to be the only common denominator the studies could find, why not sport a high viz color like this in high traffic areas? This particular helmet is the Lazer Helium which as the name implies is VERY lightweight. Has X-Static padding inside and a dial it in, adjustable fit. There are other bicycle helmets that are right and bright but this one is one of my favorites. Visit Lazersport.com to see the latest colors.

Rudy Project Short Sleeve Fluro Jersey

Rudy Project's Short Sleeve Fluro Cycling Jersey has bright accents front and back for extra visibility. Has extra night reflective strips on the sides and three open pouches in back. It's a full zip jersey which I really like. I only wish that it had a zippered pocket in back. Made from "EcoGreen" aka recycled bottles.  See these road ready race jerseys online at Rudy Project.

Remember to keep it BRIGHT out there!

XTraining Diary: Going Flat, Tire Changing Tips & Kit of the Day

Kit of the Day-Rudy Project: Racing Jersey and WindMax Helmet. Cycle Shorts & Gloves by Gore Bike Wear.

Rapha's Women's 100 Training Ride, NJ: I was so happy to get out on the road again after so much rain. In fact this spring has been the coldest on record in 50 yrs and with the added precipitation, has kept me from getting the usual amount of riding I would be doing about now.

I know.  It's only flat on the bottom

So today, the sun is shining, the humidity is low and although it's about 81 degrees, there was a delicious breeze blowing out of the southwest. I donned my spiffy Rudy Project Kit and headed out for my ride. Only 2 miles in, I noticed THIS when I stopped:

Calling the Sag Wagon
While I'll admit to being mechanically challenged to some degree when it comes to bicycle repairs, I know when to call in the experts.
Mr. Husband, (affectionately known as The Count), is a pro bicycle mechanic / bicycle shop owner and is the only one who sets up and maintains my bicycles. He's a rock-star in the industry, so to speak, having appeared in action on many MTV commercials. So rather than try to change a rear wheel on the road, I called him.  After arriving home, I decided to record some of his top, rear tire changing tips. This could help make the process go a little faster if you are already familiar with the basics.

Removing Your Rear Wheel
1. Move chain to small sprocket using gear shifters. (Having a bicycle stand is helpful)
2. Loosen Brake Cable
3. Open and release Quick Release Lever
4. Pull back derailleur and push tire forward to disengage

The rear wheel is off and waiting for a new tube & tire

This would be a good time to clean the wheel hub or any other hard to read areas of your derailleur. I just cleaned my chain so it made his job a bit easier. Most bicycle mechanics appreciate a clean bike when you take it to the shop.

Replacing the Tube and Tire
1. Line up the new tube with the valve holes on the rim after inflating it slightly
2. Set the Bead by aligning the tire with the rim so that it's even all around. If not the tire will make a bumping sound when you ride.

Once the bead is set, completely inflate the tire.

Reinstall the rear tire (reverse the removal steps) and make sure the gears, brakes are restored to the proper position. Things can get out of alignment during a tire change so it's good to go for a test drive after the tire is replaced.  

Test Drive
Listen for any chain rubbing sounds, noises or any bumps.  Any of these problems can be remedied by the mechanic (or you). Chain sounds or rubbing can often mean your gears need a bit of adjusting.  Remember, we moved to the small sprocket to get the wheel off so they may need to be repositioned. A rhythmic bumping in your tire means the bead was not properly lined up with the rim. 

So while I am not yet comfortable enough to change a rear tire on my own, I believe with this information, I can now change a front tire on the road. I will start carrying a spare tube for just such an emergency. Today I was treated to some very helpful instruction from an expert bicycle mechanic so I got much more than my usual training ride.  I'd call that a win!

Ta-Da! New tube and Handmade Vredestein Fortezza Racing Tire on my Terry Symmetry