Usually I surf through web sites, hang out at the bike shops, and create comparison charts of any new tool for my bike. I had been doing this for about a year with the decision to buy a light for night riding. After no real consensus on my own, I went to my trusted bike shop and went with their recommendation. After using a $30 light I got from Performance Bike, I was blown away by this one - Light and Motion's Stella 180-L. The guys on the November ride were impressed as well. They were not too impressed on my lack of knowledge in the specs, so here they are:
LED: High-Ouput LED (10,000 hours)
The Stella features multiple power settings, giving its user between 5.0 and 20.0 hours of usable light. The Stella also has a Read Mode (40 hrs.), a flash Mode (100+ hrs.), and low battery warning/auto shut off.
Light Output (lumens)/ Burn time (hrs.)
180 lumens / 5:0 hrs (High)
120 lumens / 10:0 hrs (Med)
70 lumens / 20:0 hrs (Low)
40 lumens / 40:0 hrs (Read Mode)
100:0 hrs (Flash setting)
A good review can be found here:
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/mountain-bikes/review-lights/Light---Motion-Stella-180-N-Light.222.html
On our December ride maybe we can do some comparison pictures to post up on the blog after the ride or at least have a group review of each.
Monday, November 12, 2007
No Such Thing as Bad Weather...
The November ride went pretty well. It was our first really cold day of the season, but I survived. I immediately went home and unboxed all of my winter bike clothes so now I am ready for the ride in December. If you can't afford expensive gear, then layer what you can for the winter. Sam's Club sells cuddl duds which I am now addicted to wearing. They are not too bad as a base layer for short rides. I have also heard of others finding some winter sports clothes in resale shops (even better if they have reflection) The picture is of a cycling buddy I met at Festivelo last winter in South Carolina. He was prepared for anything!The good and the bad of using last winter's clothing: Good - from all the biking, I am a bit smaller than the clothes now. Bad - I want to buy new clothes (maybe that's a good thing as well?)
The bonus about winter rides is that you can enjoy less traffic on the trails, paths, and roads. With the right clothes and the right gear, you will have a blast. My LCI seminar instructor once said "There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing"
Well said, o great one.
The next CRITICAL MANNERS RIDE:
When: Wednesday, December 5th at 4:30 PM
Where: Arts Center front parking lot
Bicycle helmets required
Lights are recommended(especially if you join us for dinner at an area restaurant)
Friday, November 2, 2007
First Critical Manners Ride
When: Wednesday, Nov.7th at 4:30 PM
Where: Arts Center front parking lot
Bicycle helmets required
Lights are recommended(especially if you join us for dinner at an area restaurant)
Due to Tom's brilliance and my excitement, we are organizing a casual monthly bike ride through downtown where we can socialize, find some good food, and learn some new cycling skills. All for the low, low price of wearing your helmet and showing up.
The Critical Manners ride is open to cyclists of all abilities and wishes to encourage responsible cycling in traffic.
The ride will take place the first Wednesday of every month. I will change up the blog to give us constant updates on cycling issues such as roadway positioning, safety, bike fit, etc. Look for blog updates at least on the last Wednesday of every month.
Where: Arts Center front parking lot
Bicycle helmets required
Lights are recommended(especially if you join us for dinner at an area restaurant)
Due to Tom's brilliance and my excitement, we are organizing a casual monthly bike ride through downtown where we can socialize, find some good food, and learn some new cycling skills. All for the low, low price of wearing your helmet and showing up.
The Critical Manners ride is open to cyclists of all abilities and wishes to encourage responsible cycling in traffic.
The ride will take place the first Wednesday of every month. I will change up the blog to give us constant updates on cycling issues such as roadway positioning, safety, bike fit, etc. Look for blog updates at least on the last Wednesday of every month.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Cycling Tip: Power Pedal Position
Having trouble getting started on your bike after stopping at that red light? Then get rid of your scooter start and place a foot into the power pedal position. You will have a smoother, faster take off and you will have less chances of falling when pushing off the ground using a shoe with cleats.
When you stop at a red light:
1. Clip out of one pedal and place one foot on the ground for balance
2. Keep the other foot clipped into the pedal and position the foot/pedal between 1 and 3 o'clock
3. When the light turns green, push on the pedal and then smoothly clip in with your other shoe
When you stop at a red light:
1. Clip out of one pedal and place one foot on the ground for balance
2. Keep the other foot clipped into the pedal and position the foot/pedal between 1 and 3 o'clock
3. When the light turns green, push on the pedal and then smoothly clip in with your other shoe
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