The Winter Solstice has passed (for us in the Northern Hemisphere) and the days are finally growing lighter, but the mornings and early evenings are still dark and often the rain can impact on visibility.
So, if you were lucky enough to receive a new bike for Christmas or gifted a bike to a younger family member, you might be wondering about how to keep safe while cycling in the dark and winter weather.
Thankfully, Cycle Republic have created a very enlightening (couldn’t resist the pun) post to help you decide your lighting requirements.
In their post, you will see that the brighter you are, the more safe you are, but that it doesn’t alway mean that you have to spend a small fortune to achieve this.
By thinking about what you want to achieve i.e. avoiding being hit by vehicles, pedestrians and the occasional pot hole, you can focus on what lights suit you without breaking the bank.
Attach a wee light to your backpack and /or helmet (or even shoes) and make yourself seen without the need to look like the Blackpool Illuminations while some strategically placed and cheaply purchased Lezyne Strip lights will make you visible to all.
Mini Bike Light Reviews
Earlier in the year, I got to test the awesome Garmin Varia Smart lights which react to your speed and to the level of darkness and while I was blown away by their functionality (I could switch them on using my watch as I approached my bike), for someone cycling short distances in a well lit city, the price of £280 for the set dulled my enthusiasm.
Instead, I have fallen (thankfully not literally) for the Ryder Alumia 650 Lumen light that also functions as a handheld torch.
Very handy when my pipes burst at Christmas and my power went out!
Easily charged by USB, it is bright, waterproof and durable (I am a tad clumsy) while at £35, they are very reasonably priced (I received a pair to review and could have asked for a more expensive set, but I genuinely felt that these were more practical and a better fit for me).
While it does take up to four hours to fully charge them, the time to fit them to your bike is minutes. No tools are required and with the main body being small and removable, it is ideal for city journeys and stops.
At the moment, Cycle Republic are offering £15 off an £100 spend and with a great sale on, you can brighten up your day and ride.
