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3331 Bechelli Lane
Redding, CA 96002
(530) 223-1205

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T-F 9-5:30 and S 9-5

 

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Safety Gear and Accessories

Safety is everyone's responsibility, whether your are on your bike or in your car. Bike riders are legally considered a vehicle on the road. A very important law is that your ride WITH the flow of traffic, and as far to the right as possible because you are the slower vehicle on the road. you are required to abide by all rules of the road. It is your obligation to wear a helmet and be as visible as possible when you ride. Flashing tail lights and bright clothing help you be seen. It is important to be a courteous and predictable bike rider, and a reminder - it is not legal to ride side by side in the roadway. We all hope car drivers will become more sensitive and aware of the cyclists on the road.

HELMETS  
We recommend all riders wear a helmet EVERY time they ride. Nobody sets off on a fun day of riding expecting to fall, but sometimes the unexpected happens, and a helmet will protect your brain. Kids under 18 years old are required by law to wear helmets, but all parents should set a good example for them too. A head injury is the easiest to prevent but the hardest to recover from. Safety first!
A frequent complaint we hear is that a rider's helmet doesn't stay put on the head. A helmet that slides around is not comfortable and will not protect you unless it can stay in place during a fall. There are now retention systems that cure that problem. Today's helmets are light, well-ventilated, adjustable and affordable. Starting at $34, a helmet is cheap insurance. We take great care to properly adjust each helmet and there are many colors to choose from. Helmets are designed to absorb only one impact to the head. If you have crashed your bike, you should replace your helmet. It did it's job - reward it with retirement.
 
EYEWEAR
Protecting your eyes from bugs, dust and sunlight are important for every rider. Anything that gets in your eyes while riding is a huge distraction, and can injure you. We carry OAKLEY brand eyewear because they have safety lenses that are distortion free. The have a variety of styles to fit different face shapes, and some models offer replaceable lenses so you can change to an amber or clear lens in low light situations. ALWAYS protect your eyes - and you can look cool too!
   
HYDRATION SYSTEMS
Staying properly hydrated in the hot summer weather is important for your safety. There are several ways to accomplish this. The most common is a simple water bottle held on the bike with a cage that attaches to the frame. They are inexpensive and convenient. For longer rides it becomes necessary to take more water with you. CamelBak is our preference for backpack style hydration pack that allows you to carry up to 100 oz of water that is kept cool with insulation. There are different sizes and styles to accommodate different rider needs. They have the added benefit of keeping the water clean which is healthier than the off road, dirt encrusted water bottles with complimentary bacteria.
Another component to hydration is electrolyte replenishment. Many minerals are lost in the perspiration, and fatigue can be accelerated if they are not restored. We offer Cytomax brand which comes in a variety of flavors. They are usually used in the water bottle because the flavor lingers, and water is carried in the hydration pack.
For additional energy on long rides most riders prefer not to eat food because the digestion process interferes with stomach comfort while riding and the time it takes to get digested and usable in the blood stream is too long to be of use. We recommend GU, a brand of energy "food" that is essentially a liquid. It is not necessary for it to digest in the stomach, but is absorbed in the intestine, so gets the energy to you ASAP. It is a favorite of runners who have similar needs to cyclists. They come in foil packets (1 serving) - (and we know you will not litter the trails).
   
LIGHTING SYSTEMS
The law requires headlights and reflectors at dusk and dawn. Road riders and commuters can usually do fine with standard battery powered lights. They start with a standard bulb, LED, Xenon, then halogen for brightness. Tail lights now have a flashing mode that improves your visibility on the road.
Off road riders usually opt for the more technical lighting systems that have nicad (nickel cadmium), or nickel metal hydride battery that is rechargeable and has enough candlepower to illuminate a dark mountain trail. Many riders have one light on their handlebars and another on their helmet. The least expensive unit has a single light and the battery has a memory. It is necessary to recharge completely to retain the full use of the battery. If recharged less, that becomes the new level (or memory) that is the maximum recharge. More technical lights (more expensive!) have power saver modes, dual lights, high and low beams and a battery that can accept a partial recharge.
   
MIRRORS  
Mirrors are available in a variety of styles to match your preference. There are handlebar mount, helmet mount, and eyeglass mounted mirrors. There are different brands to choose from, but most important is that the mirror is the right choice and works well for you.

LOCKS
Protect your investment with a quality lock and cable. We offer a variety of styles, both set-your-own combination or key lock. Lock it or lose it!

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