Turn it up

Autumn is just around the corner, and although temperatures still remind us of summer, the shortening days are a clear signal that it's time to prepare for the season with lower visibility. Mornings and evenings are growing darker, making it more important than ever to ensure your lighting equipment is in top shape. To help you stay safe on roads and trails, here are some key tips on using lights and flashers effectively.

You might think lights are only necessary at night, but that's not true. Even during the day, especially when riding through forests or shaded areas where light and shadow constantly shift, you can be almost invisible without lights. Always use flashers, regardless of the time of day or terrain. Visibility is key to your safety.

TIP: Front lights like the CASS 300LM and PEN 200LM, along with flashers like the PILL 12LM and SKATO 20LM, are great options.

Improperly adjusted lights can be dangerous not only for you but also for others on the road. A light aimed too high can blind oncoming cyclists or drivers. How can you set it up correctly? Stand with your bike about 10 meters from a wall and check where the light beam falls. It should be below eye level to avoid blinding others. Or, test it with a friend to see if you're dazzling each other while riding.

If you're using battery-powered lights, regularly check their condition and replace the batteries in time. Unlike rechargeable lights that automatically turn off when the battery is low, battery-powered lights can continue to shine even when they're not strong enough. This could make you practically invisible to others on the road.

TIP: Consider using the LUX 100LM front light and the TWINKL 3LM flasher for reliable illumination.

Many older lights have a fast-flashing mode, known as a strobe. While it may look cool, it can be annoying or even dangerous for others on the road. Strobe lights can trigger epileptic seizures in sensitive individuals, so it's best to avoid using this feature.

More lumens don’t always mean more safety. A powerful front light with a high lumen count is perfect for dark forest trails where you need to see the path clearly. However, on the road, such a light can blind oncoming drivers, which is hazardous. Therefore, it's better to reduce the intensity of both lights and flashers in the dark, while during the day, you can use a stronger light or a flasher with a strobe feature.

TIP: The TORCH 2000LM front light and the FLEA 70LM flasher with a strobe diode are excellent choices.

Safety comes first, so don't forget to adjust and maintain your lights regularly. Stay visible and ensure the safety of yourself and others around you. Safe travels!