Safe and comfortable: bike tuning and equipment

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

From the very beginning of summer, snowboarders cannot wait for snow to cover the slopes of the mountains, suitable for descent. Cyclists, on the other hand, are ready to pray around the clock to all the gods known to the world, if only the summer would be delayed by an extra couple of weeks. To the delight of the riders, the season is still going on. Let's think about what kind of equipment will help make the ride safer, and the impressions from them - brighter.

Perhaps, both the first and the second can be understood: going downhill slopes is equally fun at any time of the year, not to mention the fact that sports are good for health, which you probably have been aware of for a long time. But, whatever one may say, it is still far from winter, but Indian summer is outside.

For me (forgive me, fans of snow-covered trails), this can only mean one thing: it's time to write about bike tuning, as long as it is fine days on the street, and sports shops continue to delight with discounts timed to the end of the current season.

Let us recall the times when the choice of bicycles was not as huge as it is now, and the concept of "gadget" was not familiar to our vocabulary. What additional equipment could you attach to your iron friend before?

Only the so-called bottle dynamo comes to mind. The thing as a whole often had a number of significant drawbacks: tire wear at the point of contact with the head of the "dynamo", significant noise when switched on, and most importantly - insufficient lighting level for a comfortable ride.

Fortunately, the era of scarcity has happily sunk into oblivion. Today, the market for all kinds of devices is literally overflowing, and this observation is also true for cycling. With the advent of smartphones into our lives and the ubiquitous development of coverage areas of mobile networks, pedaling has become much more interesting: here you have a GPS, and counting calories burned, and a photo against the backdrop of mountains for good memory.

Nevertheless, with such a rich set of functionalities, the fundamental disadvantage of the “tubes” is undoubtedly the limited supply of battery power. And we well know: the more actively we use our mobile, especially using geolocation applications and Bluetooth, the more often it asks for a power outlet.

But, as they say, not a single smartphone! Technologies are moving forward by leaps and bounds, and not only in the field of mobile communications. I don’t remember exactly how many years ago LEDs replaced conventional incandescent bulbs. How long have cycling computers with cadence sensors and a heart rate monitor been around? Lycra clothes and bicycles, after all.

What am I leading to? The fact is that you can practically endlessly tune a vehicle. This is akin to a "blue disease" for tattoo fans - they would have money. Thinking about it, I decided to share my thoughts on what is important and necessary, having previously skated for almost five months on a modern bicycle.

No, I'm not an old Soviet cyclist, just my last "horse" was the domestic Vela bicycle produced by the Frunze plant, presented to me as a child. There were no additional devices on it, except for the usual flashlight fastened to the steering wheel with blue insulating tape.

Now I have a GT hardtail, which we won't talk about today. Let's better focus on additional equipment: what, why and how.

The main question is: why?

Why do you even need to hang something on a bike? I think the answer should sound at least logical. Therefore, I would answer this way: so that the ride on it becomes as comfortable and safe as possible.

Based on this judgment, we will choose several gadgets that meet the requirements of the time (it's time to start saying this word out loud) in accordance with the criteria we have defined.

So what comes first? Security, I think. That is why the first recommendation will concern the rider's equipment, that is, yourself, and not your bike.

Go!

Helmet, goggles and gloves

At first glance, a helmet may seem like an optional wardrobe item if you're not a professional racer. Immediately I will disbelieve you: sticks in the wheels and sudden obstacles often hit just the same on a regular road, and not on a cycle track. Unfortunately, I myself have witnessed such situations several times: if it were not for the helmet, I don't even know what would have happened. Especially if you are not the most experienced rider, do not be stingy to allocate funds for head protection: after all, you have one, and the price of a helmet cannot be compared with the suffering from injuries received due to negligence.

Why are glasses following the helmet at the same point? Everything is very simple: the sun may not blind you on a cloudy day, but no one is immune from getting into the eye of an insect or a thin branch. Believe me, when a small midge gets under your eyelid, your eyes will begin to water and close, and this is very dangerous (I know from myself).

With gloves, everything is easier - they provide a reliable grip on the steering wheel, even if your palms are sweating (they always sweat) while riding, due to which you will feel more confident.

Lighting devices

They continue the topic of security, which we have today as the main one. In the summer, many ride from morning to evening, and many at night. The latter, I think, will not have to talk for a long time about the advantages of lighting devices. In general, if you live in an area with well-lit streets and carriageways, then you may not feel an urgent need for a front lamp.

But on a forest path or in a remote corner of a park zone, he will be a reliable assistant and a guarantee of additional self-confidence: believe me, sometimes even a small hole or a piece of brick on the road (as well as a lone pedestrian) can cause an incident with consequences.

I would advise getting an expensive, but more powerful and functional version - a bicycle headlight with an additional battery: such a light source has several modes of operation, including emergency and economical. The rear light, on the other hand, is logically created to indicate your presence on the road to other road users. Moreover, the larger and brighter it is, the better: unfortunately, cases when cyclists are knocked down even on the sidelines are not uncommon.

To further attract the attention of drivers, you can buy a signal (construction) vest with reflectors: under the headlights of cars in the stream, you will shine like a New Year tree.

Wheel illumination

While driving at dusk or at night, potentially dangerous objects can appear not only in front or behind, but also on the sides. In this case, a signal vest will come in handy, which can be purchased at any clothing store.

It won't be superfluous to buy a couple of additional light reflectors and glowing caps on the nipples: when you move, you will be seen much better from the side, which means that the risks of getting hurt will decrease.

Now about a little less fundamental, but still important things. They will relate to comfort and even some chic when driving.

Bike computer

The thing is definitely useful. For example, it allows you to track the state of your vehicle depending on the distance traveled. You can determine the resource of this or that node, as well as boast of the total mileage that you dash off during the season.

Many of these computers are equipped with a GPS sensor and even a "personal trainer" - a system that analyzes your performance as you move. Why really there, sometimes just wondering how much you managed to squeeze out, rolling down the hill.

Action camera

Here, and arguments are not particularly needed, as it seems to me: it is very interesting to watch your turns and pirouettes in the newfangled POV format. In addition, it can help you detect possible errors while "piloting".

And also, if you manage to do something like that, you can become a star of vlogging.

Additional battery with USB-recharge capability

I think you will not deny that you use your phone on a trip, and do not leave it at home (modern people cannot be without means of communication for a long time, a fact). I would not be surprised if you use any application for displaying routes and orientation on the ground. You almost certainly take photos with your smartphone. Of course, you know that all these manipulations will not help in any way to save battery power. Fortunately, all sorts of additional chargers and mobile power supplies are no longer uncommon and certainly not a luxury item. Moreover, they can help you out if you suddenly need to call for help. Agree, anything can happen.

Portable speaker

"Maestro, music!" - sometimes you want to shout, pedaling towards the horizon. Not so long ago, this became possible thanks to the appearance (finally!) Of rather powerful musical Bluetooth-headsets that flooded the market for compact devices. The devices take a long time to discharge, share energy with other devices if necessary, and, of course, delight the ear with your favorite tunes. There are models that seem to be made for a bottle cage that can be attached to a handlebar or frame - whichever you prefer.

By the way, many of these "radio" are equipped with a very capacious battery (mine is 6,000 milliamperes). This automatically turns them into a two-in-one device: both a portable speaker and an external power supply.

In general, these are the main, in my humble opinion, things that can significantly increase the safety and comfort of the trip and, as a result, the pleasure of it. If I missed something or simply don't know about something, I suggest discussing it in the comments!

P. S. Always take your multi-key, pump and bike lock with you. If you are driving out of town, do not forget to grab a spare camera, and preferably two: wheel punctures never happen on schedule.

Take care of yourself, ride more often and read Lifehacker!