Valley Bike Month

I participated this past April in Valley Bike Month, I mean how could I not. Even with the hotter than normal weather, I commuted to work a bunch last month. A benefit from riding to work was a prize of a pair of socks. Who could't use a sweet pair of socks? 

They finally arrived in the mail last week. They are nice socks, the Sock Guy brand. Not bad for helping clean the air on the commute to work and do something I would have done or enjoy anyhow. I will have to remember this next April during Bike Month and sign up for the promotion they have going. 

Night Provision BX550 Rechargeable USB Bike Light

On the brightest setting the light will produce 550 Lumens running about three hours. Of course with any battery operated device, the lower the brightness the longer the life of the charge of the battery. The three setting of this light consist of 550 Lumens, mid at 250 Lumens and the lowest setting shines the light at 50 Lumens. At the lowest setting the light will last about ten hours before having to be recharged. There is also a strobe mode, which flashes at the brightness of 250 Lumens. You can simply and easily check the battery power by holding the button down for three seconds after the light has been turned off. The light will then flash from one to ten times, with ten times meaning the battery is fully charged. I have used the light for commuting and it is plenty bright on street light lit roads. The light is only able to be attached on your handlebars and can’t attach to a helmet. The mount it comes with can stay on the bike and the light  can simply slide out. The light is very secure and stable in the handlebar mount. The mount ratchets to tighten when putting on the handlebar. The light comes with the necessary USB charging cable. This is a great light for any cyclist or mountain bike rider. Keep in mind this light is only able to be attached to handlebars and not the option of both handlebars or helmet. The ease of being able to charge it in a computer or wall USB charger is perfect for commuters who may need to charge it while at work. 

The lights battery can be checked by holding the button in for three seconds.  The light will then blink anywhere from one to ten times.  Each blink is ten percent of a charge.  So if the light blinks six times, you have a battery that is at 60 percent. 

I am a fan of using any light on the strobe mode, like this one that on that mode shines at 250 Lumens, during the day when commuting and riding with traffic. 

 Note: I was offered the light at at discount for supplying a review. 

https://www.nightprovision.com/products/night-provision-bx-550-usb-rechargeable-led-bike-headlight

the Oi from KNOG w/ video

The "Oi" from KNOG 
"Oi" translates to "HEY"

There is a hidden spacer in the packaging to help it fit on smaller bar sizes. Look behind this plastic piece before discarding the package. 

Many states or countries have laws requiring a bell or signaling device on bicycles that ride on the road or with traffic.  The Oi bicycle bell by KNOG is a sleek designed bell. This computer numerical controlled machined bell, size large fits bars 23.8mm  to 31.8mm bars. They do make a small version to fit bars 22.2mm, but that is not the bell I have. The metal part, noise making part of the bell, is suspended by a few springs inside. The bell comes with all necessary tools, a hex key and spacers, if needed, to install it on your handle bars. There are two nicely spaced places on the bottom of the Oi allowing for brake and gear cables to run smoothly along the underside of the bell.  Many states or countries have laws requiring a bell or signaling device on bicycles that ride on the road or with traffic. 

Listen to the tone in the video below.  

Dude Wipes -- Feel Clean and Remove the Stink

You ever get off your bike after a commute or ride and need to freshen up?  Some of us don't have access to shower facilities after a commute around town or work.  Dude Products makes the perfect solution with their Dude Wipes.  Very convenient to carry around and stash in your backpack, computer bag or cycling jersey pocket.  The alcohol free wipes can be used on your hands, face, arm pits and ..... you get the picture.  They measure 44 square inches, so they are plenty big for anyone wanting to remove the stink from themselves.  Keep in mind, these are "Dude" wipes yet if needed, I guess the "Dudette" could use it.