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Winter Bike Supplies

Posted by DanielA in BikeAhead - (Comments Off)

bike suppliesThe colder months are here again. Biking in the sub-freezing temperatures can be particularly unpleasant, especially when it’s windy or snowing. The best way to beat the cold is to stay insulated.

A breathable thermal is a good idea; long johns work well. Over that, a thick sweatshirt, and on top, a Gore-Tex style shelled jacket. Ideally it should be weatherproof. Gore-Tex is great because it releases moisture without letting in any. Good gloves are equally important — we lose the most warmth from our face and head, our hands and feet, and our core. So when you have insulated boots and gloves and a few layers around your middle, the only part that can go unprotected is the face.

Face covers, the kind skiers use, are a great winter bike supply. Many Gore-Tex shells zip up entirely to cover the nose but this may not be as comfortable as the soft easy to breathe in face covers.

After you’ve protected your body, protect your bike. Keep your bike clean with bike supplies such as chain lube. Make sure your brakes are tight. And when biking in inclement weather, take extra precaution. Try to wipe your bike down after getting it wet. Bike supplies can help you stay warm and keep your bike clean, ready to see another season.

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LED Light For Night Cycling

Posted by TimD in BikeAhead - (Comments Off)

It is definitely getting darker earlier. When I left the office on my bike last night I was actually a bit rattled not to have any sort of reflective gear or lights to guide my way. I guess now I know I’ll have to be better prepared as the Fall sets into Winter.

Luckily in preparation for the Fall I went out and got a new LED light for my handle bars as well as a few extra reflectors for the back of my bike. This will ensure that I can continue to bike into the wee hours of the night, while ensuring my continued safety of course. The LED light in particular is among the best cycling accessories I have added to my collection lately. It acts as a headlight while also making me clearly visible to cars with whom I am sharing the roads.

Night cycling is not for everyone. Some folks need the coverage of a lot of street lights and natural lights to feel comfortable and confident biking an area. That makes sense to me, though I tend to enjoy the perceived solitude of biking in the dark. I also enjoy knowing that I have taken the necessary precautions to ensure a safe arrival home.

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Helmets Are Must Have Bike Accessories

Posted by DanielA in BikeAhead - (Comments Off)

bike supplyAlthough wearing a bike helmet is the law in many states, it should be worn regardless of where you live. Would you feel safe not wearing a seat belt in a car? So, why take the same risk when riding a bicycle? You can’t forgo these bicycle accessories; there are three basic styles for helmets:

  1. Sports helmets are actually good for commuters, road, and mountain bikers.
  2. Road helmets are more expensive, but they weigh less, have an aerodynamic design, and more ventilation.
  3. Mountain bike helmets are typically less expensive than road helmets. They are designed to offer maximum protection with more rear-head coverage.

Picking the right size is crucial to ensure your head is well protected. Once you figure out what size you are, you can adjust the fit. The helmet should sit level on your head and the forehead should be protected. It should be snug, but not so tight that it’s bothersome.

While weight of a helmet is important, it should be a secondary consideration for recreational cyclists. The less is weighs, the more the price goes up. Pick a helmet with plenty of vents to keep you cool. A visor is a nice addition to protect you from the sun, but some find it annoying.

It’s recommended you replace these cycling accessories every 5 years. But, do not hesitate to purchase a new one the moment you notice damage.

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Bike Supplies: A Seat and Seat Pole

Posted by DanielA in BikeAhead - (Comments Off)

bike supplySo last night I went to a party and chained my bike up with my Onguard bike lock through my front tire as usual. I had a few beers, chatted with my friends as well as some pretty girls and when I was ready to go after my fun evening, I saw to my horror the headless horseman of bicycles — my seat had been stolen.

I was flabbergasted, disgusted, and understanding. It finally happened, I thought. At least I got a good year of use out of that seat… And so I resolved to ride home seatless, which wasn’t as difficult as I had expected, although it certainly did leave me sweating harder than if I had been able to rest a while on my cushy ol’ seat…

So I started shopping for new seats. Since I commute it’s important to invest in a comfortable one that won’t leave me sore and resentful towards my bike. I also had another bike supply I needed, a seat pole for an extra sixteen bucks. Thankfully once I chose from all the bike supplies what I needed it wasn’t that expensive, but the principle — that a bike thief would be so petty as to steal my seat — still leaves me a lil’ sore.

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