[Velvetsmack]

Hi all. Just getting back into cycling since my university days (when I rode my trusty Bianchi).
I've been perusing this site and getting some great advice by reading these forums. I do have a couple questions however.

As it's been awhile since I've been out, and I'm not sure of the lighting equipment a road bike now requires - if any. Anybody care to "shed some light" as to what's required in Ontario in order to make the bike legit to ride?

Secondly, I've never ridden with clipless pedals - from what I've read I'm leaning towards Speedplay Zero (I'm 200lbs - but powerful soccer legs - I press hard. ;), but the bike I just purchased has Crank Brothers Smarty clipless. Any thoughts concerning the two?

From Ottawa btw. i may see some of you out on the road this summer.. :)

VB
Iron Horse Triumph 5.0

[The BikeForums Team]

This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.

Ready to buy? Check out these two online bike stores:
- http://www.nashbar.com (you can find the latest bike nashbar coupons in this thread)
- http://www.performancebike.com (you can find the latest performance bike coupons in this thread)

Cya on the forums,
- The BikeForums Team
- http://www.bikeforums.net

[J T CUNNINGHAM]

"from what I've read I'm leaning towards Speedplay Zero" QUOTE.


From my own experience with Speedplay, (the adjustable ones) I would

recomend them.


Regards,
J T

[mchell]

Welcome to the forum. Maybe this will help answer your question(s) about lighting.

http://www.haliburtonrealeasyryders.com/safety&roadetiquette/cyclist_pocket_guide.htm

Not sure about the "intermittent lights not permitted" item. I plan to ask how the authorities interpret this. I want to be noticed, so I have a "blinkey" on all of my bikes and use it day and night.

[Malistryx]

From the Gears Bike Shop website (www.gearsbikeshop.com) since they also list the corresponding fines:
You must wear a bike helmet if you are under the age of 18 [HTA 104]. The helmet has to be on your head and the clip must be attached. Helmets are highly recommended for adults, they save lives. $75 fine.

If you ride between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise, you need to have a white light (not just a reflector) on the front of your bike, and a red light on the back of your bike [HTA 62]. Technically, a light mounted on the body does not count. $35 fine.
*Adults are 4x more likely to be involved in a fatal collision at night than during the day.

All bicycles need a bell or horn attached to the bike [HTA 75 (5)]. The idea is to maintain courtesy, such as with pedestrians, and they only cost a few bucks. $105 fine.
*We’ve seen this one a lot and whistles and shouting don’t count.

All bicycles must have brakes, at least on the rear wheel. $105 fine.

All bicycles need reflective tape on the stays and forks, white and the front, and red at the back [HTA 62 (17)]. The tape must be at least 2.5cm wide and 25cm long, although this is impossible on many bikes. This is a funny one and the only place we have ever seen compliance is on the police bike fleet… go figure!

[sweep242]

Give the smartys a try to see if you like clipless not all do, I still use clips & straps on one of my bikes!

I use small MEC blinkys front & back so far so good.

I read in the kingston whig today a guy got pulled over on a bike for not having lights on it yesterday! Guess it was a slow bad guy day?

[Velvetsmack]

Thanks for all the replies. Forgot about the horn. Funny, never actually seen a horn on a race bike to my knowledge.

I'll talk to an LBS and get their input on the clips as well.

[skiracing]

Jeez, I wasnt aware of any of those laws except the helmet for under 18. Not planning on complying with the bell or tape one, I do see a value in the lights though. If by some random chance I get "pulled over" then I will go to court and I'm almost certain a cop wouldn't show up for these kind of charges.

Also, it's kind of stupid that you would get a higher fine for not having a bell than you do for not having lights and riding in the dark.