Daylights: Increasing Your Daytime Cycling Visibility

My Vespertine Vesp brightens these darker cycling pieces and can be used for walking and running.

Most of my cycling is done along the bucolic roads that wind past the horse farms and pastures of central New Jersey. There are times, however that I commute along busier highways where bike lanes and protected paths are virtually unknown. I do my best to make myself visible to traffic and since I mostly ride in the daytime hours, have gotten into the habit of wearing bright clothing (or my bright vest, the Vesp by Vespertine NYC) and using bright lights on my helmet and bicycle.

My Nishiki with Megalert Horn and 3W Headlight

Bicycle Headlights
The point is to remember to keep it bright during the daylight hours and especially on cloudy days. Lights that are bright enough to be seen in full sun are preferable as they can offer an extra layer of visibility in traffic. Different bicycles have different needs of course and the bicycle that I ride most for commuting is my Nishiki Sport Touring.

It's half road - half touring frame allows me to have a bit more speed and less weight than most commuters. I have enough space for an electronic horn, light and camera. My computer hitches a ride on my top bar. During the day I ride with a flashing 3W Rechargeable LED Headlight from Bright Ideas.
I have upgraded to another headlight Bright Ideas also carries which is even brighter, the 3,000

Cree 3,000 Lumen Headlight at night on my Nishiki

Lumen Cree LED.

Like the 3W I was using, it is rechargeable but lighter, brighter and more compact. I have moved the battery pack from the handlebars to the seat post which gives me better access to the brakes. The Cree 3K Lumen Bicycle Headlight has four modes: Low, Medium, High Beam and Strobe. It is insanely bright and now I'm not concerned about riding at night in the country where there are often no street lights.

While I'm talking about Bright Ideas LLC, this company is dedicated to providing bright lights and reflective wear for both pedestrians and cyclists at an affordable price. I've even given some of their blinkie lights away to neighbors.

Planet Bike's super powerful Blaze 2W Micro Headlight fits between my road bike's aero bars.

Planet Bike Blaze 2W Micro HeadLight
The bicycle that I ride most for sport is my Terry Symmetry road bike. With aero bars installed there is little room for much more than a thumb bell and a small headlight. I don't train at night so this light is specifically for daytime riding safety. The Blaze 2 Watt LED Micro is many times brighter than a standard LED. It has a high and low beam and a Superflash Mode I use during my ride. Very easy to mount with no tools needed and will run up to 64 hours on flashing. Batteries came with this light and it was ready to rock right out of the box with genuine Cree XRE Powered LEDs.

My Terry Symmetry Road Bicycle

Running headlights during the day either flashing or steady can help drivers be aware of your presence at intersections and when oncoming traffic turns into your lane. I've noticed drivers waiting and letting me go first when they are coming in the opposite direction at a cross street or light.

Bicycle Tail Lights - DiNotte Lighting's Daytime Red
Seriously, this is the business end of your bicycle. You might be able to avoid trouble with cars you can see approaching but what about those you can't? I do look over my left shoulder and even have a mirror mounted at the end of my drop bars but come on! I always ride with my red tail light flashing away but you never quite know what the driver sees (or doesn't) from behind.

Coach Russ, a California based athlete and running coach who was himself hit by a car while road training told me about DiNotte's Daytime Red. These lights are made in the USA and offer top quality LEDs and electronics. The light remembers your last setting so you don't have to cycle through each time to find your favorite mode. The only trade off is that since these lights run at such a high intensity, the charge doesn't last very long (even in the flashing mode). What's worse is there is no power indicator as is present on my 3W and 3K Lumen rechargeable headlights from Bright Ideas. You go to use the light and it's just drained with no heads up. Kind of a bummer since everything else about the Daytime Red is first rate.

DiNotte Daytime Red lashed onto the top of my DR2 Trunk Bag

I personally chose the Daytime Red because that's primarily when I ride. I left the other tail lights on my bag for night time use as the Daytime Red is much too bright. However for the purpose, it is amazing. As soon as took a spin with it, cars behind me began slowing down and then went around me when it was safe to pass. It was obvious that they SAW me and from quite a distance away. A car doing 40 mph needs more time to react in order to brake. If they can see you from further away, they are going to give themselves (and you) a better chance of avoiding collision. You can check all the technical details of the Daytime Red 400R at their link but this is the brightest tail light available and perfect for daytime rides where you need to be seen. I've just started using this light and can already see a HUGE difference in my daytime riding experience.

DiNotte Daytime Red in flash-mode in broad sunlight.

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

  

Safety Smart Wear: Milan San Remo Kit + Polar Bottle Giveaway

The Right Kit:  Milan San Remo Bib Shorts with matching jersey by Safety Smart Wear.

May is National Bike Month!  In celebration we will be posting a series of articles to help you rock the road by bicycling. PLUS our GIVE AWAY WINNER of this LIMITED EDITION 24 oz ROSE THERMAL POLAR BOTTLE IS....

Johan E. of Roanoke, TEXAS 
  

Johan won this SWEET 24oz  LTD Ed. Thermal Polar Bottle!

CONGRATULATIONS JOHAN!!!!

 


Why Bib Shorts?

If there is one thing you don't need it's a chamois that keeps shifting and chaffing during your ride.  That's why getting the right fit is so important.  Once you do, you can become one with the bike and forget the rest.

Most of us start out wearing cycling shorts, which are major step up from cut offs.  One of my favorites would have to be Gore Bike Wear's pro oriented line for women cyclists.  Very lightweight with effective padding right where you need it.  However bib shorts are quite another thing all together.  They are like having wide stretchy suspenders holding up your cycling shorts.  The first set of bib shorts I tried were by Look of Italy and they were not women specific.  They also did not give much attention to the fact that women are not flat chested like men so the straps were a bit annoying.

Little things like that can make it uncomfortable so you'll think twice about wearing bib shorts, but even with that minor annoyance, you will find them SO much more effective for long rides.  What I've found is that with bib shorts, you no longer need to adjust or pull up your cycling bottoms. No more worrying about if your jersey is covering your backside when down in the drops. Everything stays neatly in place and comfortable no matter how hard you exert yourself.

SAFETY SMART WEAR

Safety Smart Wear is a Colombia, SA based athletic clothing company with international tastes.  They specialize in beautiful, yet highly technical sports-wear for competitive triathletes, cyclists, runners, swimmers and skaters.  The Milan San Remo Kit featured here is from their Espiritu Santo Safety Premium Collection and has an UPF of 30+ via Sun Smart.  Both the jersey and bib shorts are made of new advanced Lycra Sport from Invista, (also see our review under "Cycling Jerseys: Buying & Care Guide").  

However there are a few special additions to this kit that place it ahead of the curve.  One thing that I really like are the smooth, non-binding arm and leg openings with flat stitched seams.  They even out your leg and arm lines while working great with knee and leg warmers such as the new ones by Smartwool I am wearing in the lead photo. The fit is tight and very aerodynamic which is what you want on a road bike.  Flapping, loose fabric will only slow you down. The cycling jerseys from their Espiritu Santo Safety Premium line have a zippered rear pouch with reflective accents and three rear open pockets.

Safety Smart Wear Women's Bib Shorts

Italian made Espiritu Santo Microfibre Women's Chamois

What really impressed me with the Espiritu Santo Milan San Remo Kit is the business end...the bib shorts.  The chamois is delicately designed for the female form but amazingly effective in cushioning your bottom from road bumps.  The Espiritu Santo Milan San Remo Chamois is made in Italy by la Fonte Sport Pads and is just the right thickness with no bulkiness.  Made of four way stretch Microfibre, it is sheer and dries rapidly.  Flanged edges and flexible stretch in the chamois makes it fit like a second skin.

The real difference are the comfortable straps on the the Safety Smart Wear that take into account us women have breasts.  The airy straps converge into a "T" that links between your breasts.  This is WAY more comfortable than having a strap on each side doing a bad push up bra impersonation.  The "T" strap lays flat with no distractions.  Safety Smart Wear's creed is "Tested in the real world by real athletes" and may account for their meticulous attention to detail in this high performance cycling kit. The fit is more Italian so you may need to order a size up but I ordered my kit to size.  Tight but right the Milan San Remo has moved to the top of my favorite cycling kit list!  See Safety Smart Wear's 2012 Online Catalog. 

Saftey Smart Wear's 2012 Catalog featuring their Men & Women's collections.

 

Fall Bike Commuter Essentials

Jackson Long Coat by Carve Designs is fully lined & made of 100% boiled wool.  Eye wear by Rudy Project.

Walk it.  Bike it. Love it! Get into it with XTreme XTraining's Fall Bike Commuter Essentials.  Here's our music video take on how to choose the proper gear and dress stylishly for cooler temps. Our motto is to get dressed once in the morning, put on your hiking shoes and or hop on your bike and be ready for anything the day brings.  Dressing in layers also assures extra warmth & comfort.  We chose these specific wool pieces because they allow for athletic movement and wicking of moisture.  New to XTreme XTraining this season is Ahnu Footwear with their Monte Vista Hiking Boots featured in Terry Bicycle's Fall 2011 Catalog. We are also excited about Carve Designs of California's "west coast represent" (now put your hands up), with key pieces for walking and/or cycling.  Of course we adore our rugged and beautiful COSA by Basil Baskets from the Netherlands. Check out CatEye's NEW INOU GPS Video Camera that overlays your bike commute videos and still photos over a Google Map to share with other commuters via social networks.  It can also record road incidents and conditions to report or avoid for safer traveling. Consider fall your second spring and get out there!  Song: Time to Roll

INOU GPS Video Cam by CatEye

 







Actual footage shot with the CatEye INOU GPS Video Cam with handlebar mount!