Just came back from 3h ride with almost 0 interfere of cars or traffic light. I started my ride at 5am normally packed road was completely empty. But it was pitch black. I don’t own a bike light. Is it good idea to train regularly this early? I’m talking between 4:30~5:30am. Do any of you guys do this?
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Only easy z2, low speed (<30km/h). Trust me the roads, especially when they are poorly lit can be quite dangerous even when you have a powerful headlight
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This is beyond dumb. Sorry, I know this sort of fails Rule 1, but this is not a good idea.
Please buy some lights. Once you have lights - have a great time and enjoy the peace and quiet!
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- Buy a light… RIGHT NOW! Seriously, that is beyond dangerous IMO.
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If it fits your schedule and you like it, great! BUT you absolutely need lights, both lights to see where you are going and to be seen by other road users.
On the weekends, too early is a higher risk of drunk drivers. I wouldn’t be going out at 4:30am for that reason. I bet traffic is very low until around 7:30 or 8 on the weekend anyways. In any case, be extra diligent for the few cars that are out there as the driver maybe intoxicated or sleepy.
I have the old version this light for 3am rides while I’m trying to avoid the heat. It produces enough light to see raccoons in the road. At 30 mph down hill it’s the last thing you want to hit.
I like it for the ability to switch between lighting modes without cycling thru all of them. I have mine set to just low and high. It is heavy and can get hot if you’re not moving.
I very regularly start my rides an hour or so before sunrise. I love being on the road alone and seeing the sky brighten as civil twilight and then sunrise occur. Having said that, I absolutely have a bright light for the road in front of me and a flashing light for visibility front, side, and rear, and bright reflective clothing so cars can see me. Please use lights, be safe, and enjoy the crisp clean air, the quiet roads, and the beautiful sunrise.
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Training that early can be great for avoiding traffic, but safety is definitely something to think about. If you don’t have a bike light, it might be better to wait until the sun starts coming up a bit more, just to make sure you’re visible. Some people do ride early, but having the right gear like lights or reflectors is key.
Get lights but otherwise, riding roads when they are empty is great.
Be careful that lights will say X lumens and Y hours, but that usually only means a max of X lumens for a short time OR a max of Y hours at a really low light (lumens) setting. Good lights will tell you how long the light lasts at each setting.
Look for a light that can output at least 700 lumens for the length of your ride plus one hour of additional time as a safety margin in case you get a flat, bonk, etc.
You will also need a rear light so cars approaching from the rear (those most likely to hit you) can see you, especially since you will likely be riding during sunrise when it’s hardest to see you.
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Get a lumintop b01 light, they are great since they have a shaped beam. Uses a common battery size so you can get some spares. They are cheaper on AliExpress. Shaped beams are great since they put more light on the road and don’t blind any oncoming people.
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Early morning workouts to beat the traffic are great, but c’mon, dude. Buy some friggin lights.
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I like to let my eyes to their thing in low light also. I do not like bright lights because then you can’t see off center.
Get a yellow or std be-seen light from Trek or someone.
Man get a light there are a ton of decent options out there now. I like to do evening rides in the Summer where I start before Sunset and then ride a bit in the dark afterwards, but always have a light on, a Front and Backlight… and preferably some hi viz elements on the clothing especially if you have dark clothes. I
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I used to do early rides like that when I worked in bike shops. I would get my training done before work. Loved having the roads all to myself, as you said!
You DEFINITELY need good lights, though! For fast road riding, I like lights that are at least 1000 lumens on full power. If I’m riding when it’s pitch black, the light will usually be on full blast. As the sun comes up, I’ll turn the brightness down to save battery (and to save the eyes of other road users – 1000+ lumens is bright!).
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Spend a good chunk of the year commuting in the dark but run lights all year in all conditions, especially at the back. Assuming availability outside of the UK is OK, then an Exposure TraceR for the rear. Won’t use anything less.
I use that in conjunction with a Garmin Varia front light for commuting on unlit roads. Before I got the varia I used to use it and the older version and a volt 400 helmet light. Three would just about get me by in pitch darkness with a little bit of caution and they are great lights for being seen but I don’t think I would like to train in the dark.
@adam_Bi a couple of thoughts:
- As everyone else has said, lights are a MUST. Not only so you can see but so cars and anyone else out that early can see you. It might also be illegal for you to ride at night without lights.
- Get a Garmin Varia or equivalent rear-facing radar.
- Wear hi-viz and/or reflectors. The bands below from Amazon are very inexpensive. Putting them on ankles or knees makes it more obvious that you are a cyclist due to the up / down motion of your legs.
- Ride on roads that you know well. You can safely do intervals in the dark, but I’d only do them on roads you are familiar with. Take a warm-up lap to ensure there are no new obstacles (eg potholes) before pushing hard.
- If possible, pick roads that have street lights.
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I wear light up neon flash bracelets on my ankles. Much better visibility than non-flash, especially from the side view.