Safely visible
on the bike.
As summer slowly fades away, the most challenging time of the year for cyclists begins. Drizzle, darkness, wind, and mud. The days of carefree gliding into the sunset are a distant memory. But you don't have to push your bike; you can keep loving it! We know the worries of the brave all-weather cyclists and are here for you! Special challenges also bring special joys. Here are our tips and tricks for a motivated, safe, and highly visible everyday cycling experience.
Bright mind
Bike lights are, of course, standard, and you both need good rain gear: you AND your bike. Investing in rainproof accessories like gloves, a jacket, pants, and shoe covers will keep you dry and make all the difference. You stay cool because you're warm. Especially on longer routes and along traffic for a large portion of the route, the water seems to be coming from all directions. If you're truly dressed for the weather and you stay dry under your rain gear, being out in the rain is surprisingly uneventful.
Additional lighting on the helmet is the icing on the cake and increases visibility enormously. There are many models that also have brake lights and indicators and are easily rechargeable via USB. Many drivers will be surprised if you, as a cyclist, put on your indicator in front of them! Everyone can see that you're about to turn, even in the dark. Additionally, the helmet's front light always shines in the direction you're looking. Very useful. However, one crucial rule applies to all of these things: stay away from cheap products! There are countless gadgets that are sufficient for entertainment at best, but are a sure threat to your safety. These include weak reflectors, umbrellas that can't withstand the slightest gust of wind, rain jackets, ponchos, and bags that absorb every drop. Cutting costs here is neither sustainable nor conducive to safety. So, it's better to treat yourself to something high-quality straight away.
Accessories with charisma that are not only stylish but also offer real added value in terms of safety!
Yes, of course, the classic safety vest still serves its purpose – but there are so many more subtle and stylish options! Reflective fabrics and materials, for example, look good in daylight and reveal their full potential in the dark. Reflective threads can be woven into the fabric of your bag, or the bags can even be made entirely of reflective fabric.
A nice extra effect: If you equip the luggage rack with such highly reflective, bright bags, you casually create an extra safety zone on the road, as experience shows that drivers can see and estimate the required distances better.
Be funky!
Long gone are the days when children had to be tortured by wearing "blinkies," and reflective strips were primarily associated with construction sites and raves.
It's dark and cold outside? Cheer yourself and the others up! Show how funky you are and add color to the streets wherever you can. With reflective stickers, for example from Reflective Berlin, you can personalize bikes, helmets, bags, and even clothing. There are countless sets, shapes, colors, and options. There's something for everyone.
Krativität + Sicherheit
So that your bike remains smooth
Your bike suffers in the winter. To keep wear and tear under control, we recommend either storing your bike safely or protecting it from moisture as best as possible. Not everyone has the opportunity to store their bike in a weatherproof location. In these cases, bike garages, handlebar covers, saddle caps, and motor and battery protectors can help.
The latter has another, important benefit at this time of year: the well-known phenomenon that, as the temperature increases, a cell phone battery suddenly loses power drastically. Cold weather affects every battery, including those on an e-bike. This is where our neoprene battery protector comes in. It protects the battery and thus preserves its power.
And when the saddle and grips aren't dripping wet, it's easier to get on the saddle. Maintain and check your bike regularly. The more dirt and debris that accumulate, the stiffer your bike becomes, resulting in significantly increased wear. Wear is not only expensive, it's also a safety risk.
When it gets really icy and slippery, the brakes need to work perfectly and the tires need to offer sufficient grip. Bike paths are often poorly cleared and gritted, so caution is advised! Special studded bicycle tires are available for extreme winter weather. However, these should only be used on icy surfaces. We're happy to help if you have any questions about weatherproofing your bike.
Our CONCLUSION
No more excuses! Even in the darker months, cycling is the best choice for your health and our environment. Leave the car at home and enjoy the feeling of freedom! With the right clothing and motivation, you too can become an all-weather cyclist. At FAHRER-Berlin, we're proud to accompany your cycling journey through EVERY season. Stay warm, safe, and stylish on two wheels!
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