Friday, April 24, 2015

Challenge Cancer Together, but with SAFETY!

More than half of all people born in 1960 will develop cancer at some point in their lives. One in three people will be affected by cancer in the UK”- reports the Cancer Research, UK. As such, numerous cancer charities in the UK have planned to fight against this deadly disease. Cancer Research UK, Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan Cancer Support have teamed up for a great cause of humanity. With the aim of raising over £1.5 million, they're seeking riders to join them in a festival of LONDON 2 BRIGHTON & the new 'TRANS PENNINE - MANCHESTER / LEEDS' cycle rides.

“The challenge for cancer charities stretches from research, early detection, education, prevention & cure, through to the care & support for those facing their own personal challenge.” In September 2015, thousands of cyclists with a great reason for signing up on all types of bikes will ride out together to Challenge Cancer together!

Although, organizers of the events have guaranteed their full support and medicos during the rides, yet the riders should take all possible measures for their safety. Since, the riders will have to cover such a long distance, both at day and night, the two most important things they MUST have are-a bright bike light and the safety gears.

For your convenience, we have listed some of the Best Cycle Lights and cycle safety gears for you to use:

1. Lezyne Zecto Drive LED Light Set:

This is a small but powerful bike light from Lezyne. It is rechargeable, allows 180 degree side visibility. It is even easy to attach and remove from your bike. You can also attach it to the backpacks, belts, clothing etc.. The light set is great for those who want both front and rear lights. However, there is also a standalone edition which is also brilliant as it can be set to a front of a rear light.

2. Magicshine MJ-818 85: 

Essential for every commuter- this impressive rear light by Magicshine has an output of up to 85 Lumens.  Its highly reflective optical lens irradiates light up to 100m behind the rider. It makes your journey a lot safer!

The Magicshine MJ-818 uses Magicshine O-ring system for mounting, which has been tried and tested- you can just go within seconds. The three setting modes of this light help you to change its flash settings. Simply turn the magnetic ring on the lighthead unit to change between these settings. Its battery recharge time is 3 - 3.5 hours and comes with a battery overcharge protection.

3. 3M REFLECTIVE SPOKES:  


These reflective spokes by 3M are the easiest to fit to your bike. Slip them onto your spokes give you great side visibility, plus the spinning motion will help attract extra attention too. Use this gear to serve the CAUSE with style!

4. SPOKEPOV: 

This perseverance of vision kit will let you add the design, animation or text of your choice to your wheels as a spinning light show. Best option for those who want to add some flair to their steed after dark.  It can be used with road, mountain or BMX wheels. It consists of 30 LEDs on each side (22 for BMX) x 256 radial pixels. It runs on 2-3 AA batteries to give a standby for 10 hours or more, assuming 3000mAh alkalines and 50% image coverage.

5. REVOLIGHTS:

The image would have already made you understand what it is. The Revolights set your rims ablaze with white or red light as you travel. These lights ensure maximum safety by offering lighting and sighting together, in one revolutionary design.

Join and participate in the event with full enthusiasm to serve the humanity. But do not forget your own safety!!
 

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

What to Consider When Buying Mountain Bike Lights?


Riding at night in cool breeze is one of the best experiences you'll ever have on a bike. The clearer roads, the cool and crisp air- such a ride at night can provide an exciting new challenge even to the mountain bikers. To make this work, it is important to choose the right lights for your needs.
 
Night riding is one of the most exciting aspects of bike riding. Obviously, there is a lot less daylight available to squeeze in a mountain bike ride. Here’s where the bike lights come in. Today, the lights are smaller, long lasting and brighter than anything we imagined years ago when we thought a 10-watt light were the pinnacle. While it’s easy to spend a little on a set of lights, the broad spectrum of affordable lights today offers mountain bikers a lot of choice.


So, for your convenience, we have listed here the key essentials that you must consider when buying mountain bike lights. 

1. Brightness: How much illumination does a bike light provides is what really matters. Roughly, 150-200 Lumens is enough for a helmet mounted light. Anything over 300 will let you keep a decent pace on trails. The more Lumens a light has the greater its power output will be. But, don’t take manufacturer claims too literally.

2. Lamp Types: The advancement in the LED technology has made it possible for the manufacturers to choose from a vast range of emitters and fulfill just about every need with them.

Entry-level lights make use of a single LED while more expensive and brighter options use several that give a better and more useful spread of light across the way.

3. Fit: An important thing to consider here is to check whether the light actually fit on your bike. The lights need to be mounted securely too which means that a great lamp can fit to your bar or helmet perfectly- a weak or loose bracket that suddenly twists on a rocky descent is a recipe for disaster. The bigger lights usually fit on the curve of your handlebar without sitting at a crazy angle.

4. Battery Life: You need a battery that gives enough run time to cope with your longest rides. Additionally, they should give a bit extra for emergencies or when the battery gets old or cold. Also, check whether it has a battery indicator for rationing power rather than relying on an emergency alert.

5. Controls: If you want the convenience of a remote switch or the ability to tune power output, add it into your list of considerations. Definitely, you’ll have to prepare yourself to pay some bugs more.

6. Reliability: Besides considering various essentials like powerful electronics and long-life batteries, reliability is absolutely vital, since failing of light at speed on technical terrain is no joke.

To have fun is something that everyone wants, but at the same time, one should abide the elements of safety and vigilance.