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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — With cycling season in full swing, riders and motorists alike need reminders to look out for one another.
First, before going on a ride, everyone should wear a well-fitted helmet.
Here are a couple cycling products to help with biking safety and maintenance this summer:
Bontrager Flare R lights
The Bontrager Flare R rear bike light is designed to be used night and day to help cars see the smaller profile of a cyclist. Bike lights were once only considered necessary for commuters and others who ride at night, but lights during the day have been shown to help motorists recognize cyclists, according to a 2013 study.
Companies like Bontrager and Light & Motion recognized this and introduced rear lights designed for day and night use.
The Flare R output is 65 lumens with a claimed visibility of nearly 1 1/4 mile. During bright, sunny mid-day rides and cloudy, overcast rides, I felt more secure knowing I was giving cars extra help seeing me.
One of the defining features of the Flare R is the blinking pattern. Instead of a continuous blinking setting, it features a cyclical pattern of several quick flashes between two longer flashes. This makes the light both more visible and less repetitive. There is also an "always on" mode and two amber lights on the side. It also includes a USB cable that makes charging simple.
Lizard Skins Charger Evo and frame kit
This time of the year is also a great time to freshen up your steed with new grips. The Lizard Skins Charger Evo helps protect those shiny handlebars with a protective frame kit.
Lizard Skins is actually a local success story. The American Fork-based company launched in 1993 and have grown to be one of the dominant players in producing grips for all kinds of cycling.
I tested the new single clamp, Evo Charge. Compared to standard double lock on grips, the profile is much lower, lending a cleaner look to the handlebar. The grip cushion, thickness and compound are just about perfect, and grip bare palms and gloves alike without being overly sticky.
The Lizard Skins' protective frame kit also offers enough coverage to protect the vulnerable down tube of a bike frame from rocks being kicked up from the front tire, as well as other contact points where cables and the like might damage the paint.
What other products do you consider your favorite for cycling? Let us know in the comments.
Kory Pitcher is a lifelong Utah resident and graduate of Utah State University. Preferred habitat is the desert rocks and sand of Southern Utah. Contact him at weheartbikes@gmail.com
