Pedalling at dusk: a great way to beat the summer heat

When the sun goes down and the heat eases: discover why sunset is one of the best times to go cycling in summer

Summer invites you to get out, to move, to enjoy the outdoors… but when the heat is intense, it’s not always easy to find the perfect moment to get on your bike. That’s why more and more cyclists are turning to a simple and effective alternative: going out for a ride at sunset.

When the sun starts to set, temperatures drop, traffic lessens, and the landscape is bathed in warm colours. A perfect combination to enjoy cycling safely, pleasantly and in a very refreshing way. Here we tell you why rides at sunset are this summer’s best cycling ally.

5 positive reasons to go cycling when the sun goes down

1. Escape from extreme heat

In the height of summer, the middle hours of the day can be practically impossible for any physical activity. High temperatures, direct sunlight, and the risk of dehydration or heatstroke are more than enough reasons to avoid cycling under the midday sun.

On the other hand, sunset offers a gradual relief. The temperature begins to drop, the sun sinks on the horizon, and the tarmac stops radiating accumulated heat.

When the sun goes down, the perceived temperature falls and the body responds better. Your muscles work without overexertion, your skin sweats with less discomfort, and feelings of exhaustion decrease. This allows you to keep a smoother pace, extend your ride, or even tackle a slight hill without worrying about excessive heat.

On especially hot days, a simple breeze at sunset can make the difference between an uncomfortable ride and a truly pleasant one. Additionally, by avoiding temperature spikes, you reduce the risk of dehydration, dizziness, or cardiovascular overload.

2. Golden light and inspiring landscapes

Pedalling at sunset is an aesthetic experience in itself. The warm light of the setting sun beautifies any landscape: open fields, mountains, the city, or even a simple cycle path are transformed under those golden, reddish, and violet hues that only appear at the end of the day.

This time of day not only soothes the eyes but also awakens a feeling of peace and connection with the surroundings. Many people describe these rides as “therapeutic” or “magical,” and it’s no coincidence. The beauty of the sunset has an emotional impact that, combined with physical exercise, produces a total sense of well-being.

3. A mental break after an intense day

Later in the day, many streets, paths, and cycle routes are less busy. Traffic decreases, pedestrians head home, and rural or urban routes offer a level of tranquility not found at other times of the day.

This not only makes the experience more relaxing but also safer. You can focus on pedalling, enjoying the scenery, or even chatting with a companion without constantly having to dodge cars or pedestrians. If you choose familiar routes or well-marked cycle lanes, you’re likely to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free ride.

4. Active recovery without fatigue

Cycling at sunset doesn’t have to be an intense or high-performance session. In fact, it can become a perfect way to do active recovery: a gentle ride that helps to loosen up your legs, relax your body, and promote better muscle oxygenation after the day’s effort.

Additionally, by avoiding high temperatures and exertion under extreme conditions, your body recovers better and your night’s rest improves significantly. Many cyclists agree that after a calm ride at sunset, they sleep more deeply and wake up feeling renewed and energised.

5. Less traffic, more safety

At the end of the day, many streets, paths, and cycling routes are much quieter. Traffic decreases, pedestrians head home, and rural or urban routes offer a level of calm that you don’t find during the rest of the day.

This not only makes the experience more relaxing but also safer. You can focus on pedalling, the scenery, or even chatting with a companion without constantly having to dodge cars or pedestrians. If you choose familiar routes or well-marked cycle lanes, you’re likely to enjoy a smooth, hassle-free ride.

Do you cycle at night or at dusk? Here’s what you absolutely must have

Front lights

Riding when the sun goes down has its magic, but it also requires being well prepared so you can enjoy every pedal stroke safely.

When it comes to visibility, a good front light is key—not only so others can see you, but also so you can clearly see the path ahead: curves, potholes, slopes, or poorly lit trails.

Eltin offers options for every level: the Explorer 2000 lumens is ideal for demanding routes or mountain biking, with powerful output and long battery life; the Focus 800 lumens strikes the perfect balance between brightness, size, and durability—perfect for daily use; and if you’re looking for something more urban and versatile, the Lite 200 lumens, with an additional red light, is compact, lightweight, and ideal for low-light commutes.

Rear lights

When cycling at dusk or after dark, it’s not enough to see the path ahead—you also need to ensure others can see you. The rear light is essential to guarantee your visibility from a safe distance, especially to traffic approaching from behind. And we’re not just talking about any light, but choosing one that suits your routes and conditions.

In Eltin’s catalogue, you’ll find options for every type of cyclist. If you’re after maximum visibility, the Explorer 100 lumens is a powerful light, ideal for darker or faster routes. Slightly more compact but equally effective, the Explorer 70 lumens offers an excellent balance between size, brightness, and battery life. For a more urban and lightweight use, the Focus 30 lumens features a minimalist design and intense light with side visibility, while the Lite 30 lumens is perfect for short trips or as an auxiliary light, with an ultra-compact, rechargeable format.

Other essentials for when night falls

Besides good lighting, there are other key items that make a difference on your rides at dusk or night. Wearing a vest like the Eltin Electric in fluorescent yellow greatly improves your visibility from a distance, which is essential when natural light fades. Additionally, depending on the area of your route, it will protect you from the chill of the early evening hours.

It can also be useful to wear a brightly coloured helmet, such as the Eltin Radd, which is lightweight, comfortable, and compatible with lighting systems or reflective bands, allowing you to stay protected without sacrificing ventilation.

If you plan to stop during your ride, a Caiman Lock chain lock lets you secure your bike quickly and practically, even in poorly lit environments.

On the other hand, unexpected issues like a puncture can be trickier to handle at night, which is why carrying a CO₂ cartridge allows you to inflate your tyre in seconds without effort.

And just in case, it’s always good to have a multi-tool handy, like the Eltin 8-in-1 compact flat mini multi-tool, which is compact yet complete, ideal for fixing small adjustments or mechanical emergencies when visibility is limited.

With the right equipment, night rides are not only possible: they can also be safe and highly enjoyable.

Some extra tips, so you don’t miss a thing

Plan your route in advance: choose familiar paths, well-paved roads and, if possible, with partial lighting or low traffic.

Moderate your speed: at night reflexes and visibility change, so adjust your pace to be able to react in time.

Check the weather forecast: especially in summer, it’s important to avoid unexpected storms or sudden weather changes.

Inspect your bike and accessories: make sure brakes, tyres and drivetrain are in good condition before setting off. Of course, also check that your lights are fully charged.

Carry ID and a charged mobile phone: for safety, it’s always best to be able to communicate or identify yourself in case of any emergencies.

Riding your bike at dusk or at night is not only a way to escape the heat: it’s an opportunity to reconnect with your surroundings, enjoy the silence of the route, and pedal at a relaxed pace. But to experience this safely and confidently, having the right equipment is essential.

At Eltin, we design products that accompany you on every ride, with solutions made so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the journey, even when the light fades.

We hope you found this content useful and inspiring!

If you want to keep discovering tips, ideas and equipment for every kind of route, don’t miss the rest of the articles on our blog.

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