Connect with us

Fitness

The Best Bike Lights for Trail Riding, Commuting, and More

Published

on

Light & Motion Urban 350


On your bike, it’s critical to see the path ahead and be seen by drivers you’re sharing the road with. A proper set of bike lights helps with both. Lights are a smart safety purchase no matter where you ride, and they’ll also keep you in compliance with the many local ordinances that require cyclists to be visible at night.

 

 

When choosing a bike light, look for its brightness rating, measured in lumens: A higher lumen rating means a brighter light. For comparison, a typical halogen car headlight emits 700 to 1,200 lumens, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association. But for a bike, brighter isn’t necessarily better. You’ll need a more powerful light to illuminate darkened singletrack, but if you mainly ride beneath streetlights, maxing out on a high-powered trail light probably isn’t necessary.

Whether you’re commuting, riding trails at night, or just want some extra visibility by day, bike lights are a wise investment. These are some of our favorites.

Light & Motion Urban 350 Courtesy Image

Light & Motion Urban 350

With a maximum output of 350 lumens, this isn’t the brightest light on our list, but it’s well-made (one Men’s Journal editor has used his for years without an issue) and affordable. The strap mount will fit just about any handlebar, side lights create extra visibility, and with its waterproof case, it’ll keep shining even if bad weather moves in on your ride.

[$40; lightandmotion.com]

Get it

 

 

cygolite bike lights
Cygolite Dash Pro 600 and Hotrod 50 Bike Light Set Courtesy Image

Cygolite Dash Pro 600 and Hotrod 50 Bike Light Set

If you’re looking for a do-it-all set of LED bike lights, this inexpensive Cygolite duo is just as good as some $100-plus sets. The 600-lumen headlight can shine for up to 70 hours and has eight beam modes, and the 50-lumen tail light stays powered for up to 100 hours and has six modes. Both emit a wide, long-range beam and are USB-rechargeable. The flexible mounts make them easy to attach, and together they weigh a mere 124 grams.

[$81; rei.com]

Get it

Kryptonite Incite X6
Kryptonite Incite X6 Courtesy Image

Kryptonite Incite X6

Kryptonite is best known for bike locks and cables, but last summer the brand launched a new series of lights that emphasizes lux over lumens. Lux is the measure of a light’s intensity on a surface at a specific distance, so this light is better at focusing the beam where you need it to go.

Aside from a powerful beam, the XC includes other useful features, too. It has three hours of battery life on its highest setting, it includes a sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness based on ambient light, and it offers seven different beam modes.

[$75; backcountry.com]

Get it

Blackburn Dayblazer 1100 Headlight bike lights
Blackburn Dayblazer 1100 Headlight Courtesy Image

Blackburn Dayblazer 1100 Headlight

The Dayblazer is a top choice for commuters. We especially like its battery life—12 hours on its lowest setting (200 lumens). For darker scenarios, you can crank it up to 1100 lumens, and its IP67 water- and dust-proof aluminum exterior makes it especially rugged. Plus, the grippy universal mount is easy to place on handlebars, and it can be swapped for a helmet mount, too.

[$95; backcountry.com]

Get it

Outbound Lighting Trail Evo
Outbound Lighting Trail Evo Courtesy Image

Outbound Lighting Trail Evo

The Trail Evo is like a high-beam headlight for your bike. The 2000-lumen beam has a wide pattern that’s ideal for illuminating potential obstacles in your pathway and on the periphery. It’s pricey, but it comes with thoughtful features like a centered handlebar mount and a unique adaptive setting that optimizes battery life and run time. Pair it with the Hangover helmet light ($132) for stadium-like clarity and brightness when you hit the trail.

[$245; outboundlighting.com]

Get it

Knog PWR Mountain bike lights
Knog PWR Mountain Courtesy Image

Knog PWR Mountain

Another heavy hitter for the trail, the PWR Mountain is designed for maximum illumination and usefulness in the backcountry. The simple twist switch is easy to use while riding, and like the Trail Evo above, it offers a powerful 2000-lumen beam (you can even create customized light modes, too). The light also doubles as a portable power bank: Remove the light head, and you can charge your other devices via USB.

[$200; knog.com]

Get it

Garmin Varia RTL515
Garmin Varia RTL515 Courtesy Image

Garmin Varia RTL515

This little device is the best kind of backseat driver. In addition to a red light, it features a built-in radar that alerts you with a beep or vibration if there’s a car on your tail (it can sense vehicles up to 153 yards away). It pairs with your phone, Edge bike computer, or an optional radar display unit, and it’s a great pick for riding safely on roads without a shoulder, especially at night.

[$200; garmin.com]

Get it


For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!



Source link

Fitness

10 Best Porters to Drink Right Now

Published

on

A bottle of Deschutes Black Butte Porter




Source link

Continue Reading

Fitness

Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

Published

on

Barbell Back Squat


The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.

“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.

If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.

Directions

Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.

Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

Circuit 1

Marius Bugge

A. Barbell Back Squat

Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts renegade row
Marius Bugge

B. Renegade Row

Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side

Circuit 2

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing renegade row Dumbbell Bentover Row in gym
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bentover Row

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 
Marius Bugge

B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 

Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 3

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat

Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Marius Bugge

B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift

Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Circuit 4

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing pullup
Marius Bugge

A. Pullup

Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Marius Bugge

B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press

Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 5

A. Dumbbell Pushup

Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps

B. Biceps Curl

Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps


For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!



Source link

Continue Reading

Fitness

The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout

Published

on

The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout




Source link

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2021 Vitamin Patches Online.