Stuff you add to a bike but aren't absolutely essential. May or may not actually bolt on. Such as rack, fenders, bottle cage, water bottle, bike computer, lights, bell, etc.
12
votes
8answers
2k views
How can I charge my phone while cycling?
I have an HTC Hero, which is a great phone, but the battery life is pretty poor if I'm using the GPS and music player on it as well. The phone uses a mini-USB connection for charging, and I have a ...
24
votes
15answers
7k views
Toddler bike seat vs. bike trailer?
Our 2.2 year old toddler seems very interested in a random, abandoned bike seat we found, so we're considering some method of letting him ride with us. But I am not sure whether to get ...
A bike ...
5
votes
3answers
140 views
Is it possible to transport many (up to 12) bikes using some sort of auto-trailer?
I would like to be able to use a trailer, either open-air or enclosed to transport multiple bicycles at the same time. When I google hitch racks the maximum is 5...I am looking for a towable ...
26
votes
1answer
346 views
Does a helmet-mounted light affect the safe functionality of the helmet?
I am currently testing a bunch of lights for my (slowly) upcoming head lights review. Several of the lights can be mounted to a helmet using a mounting strap, like this:
I'm wondering if having a ...
14
votes
4answers
857 views
Equipping a commuter bike
My commute is a bit over 5 miles each way through the city. It's not that long a commute; in traffic, it takes about 35 minutes door to door, and I'm never far from public transit that I could use in ...
20
votes
7answers
2k views
What are the pros and cons of panniers vs messenger bags?
I was shopping for new panniers and thought it might be worth it to also check out messenger bags as an alternative. What are the basic pros and cons of each?
I started out using just a regular back ...
1
vote
3answers
242 views
Bicycle lights- Indicating in the dark
I am a product designer and am currently working on a bicycle lighting project and would really appreciate your valuable feedback.
In England, turning left on a bicycle is not really a problem as ...
10
votes
7answers
3k views
What is the best bicycle lock on the market?
What is the best bicycle lock on the market, defined by:
Best security
Easiest usability when securing your bike
Easiest method of transport
Lightest without other compromises
Edit:
In addition, ...
11
votes
5answers
520 views
What's the cheapest way to get into training with power?
I used to train with a stopwatch, and later on, heart-rate. Both required relatively inexpensive tools.
Now I'm interested in training with power (measuring the watts produced) and I'm finding that ...
7
votes
6answers
2k views
Kickstands and mountain bikes
Why is it that many people often recommend against using kickstands on mountain bikes? Does it have something to do with offroad riding (perhaps something could get caught there?), or are kickstands a ...
2
votes
2answers
358 views
What is this cable/hose management clip? (picture)
I've purchased a RockShox Reverb seat post, and its come with these delightful little Cable/Hose clips. Since my bike frame only comes with built in cable clips for the brakes and shifters, these ...
6
votes
12answers
370 views
Bike touring/camping tip(s)
I have a tentative first-time bike touring/camping trip in the planning stages and working out my set-up. I have a good idea of the essentials. My question is especially directed to those who have ...
8
votes
2answers
191 views
Rec for bike backpack with side zipper into main compartment
I got a used SAG Life Air Force 1 backpack from a friend, after deciding that a messenger bag was just too heavy when it was full for my one shoulder to bear. I primarily use the bag for urban ...
0
votes
3answers
484 views
best rear rack for fuji absolute bike?
my trail bike (only i've ever attached a rear rack) have a straight line from the seat stays holes to screw in the rear rack and the top clearance for the rear tire. my wife's fuji bike has the rear ...
20
votes
5answers
1k views
Recommendation for panniers used off the bike a lot
I'm looking for panniers. I mostly just potter around town, and am not planning any cycle touring so my main criteria is that the panniers should be easy to carry around off the bike. Built in ...
12
votes
7answers
279 views
Off road lights
I've started really getting into mountain biking over the past few months and I'm keen to carry on riding through winter, preferably after work as well as at the weekends. To do this I'm going to need ...
1
vote
2answers
239 views
wedge/saddle rail mounted bags interchange
A variety of manufacturers make snap in wedge bag mounts. The mount attaches to the saddle rails and the bag snaps into the mount. Does know which brands if any interchange?
1
vote
1answer
279 views
Can I use long reach calipers on my cyclocross bike?
I've got cx bike(Centurion Cyclocross 4000) which I currently use only for commuting and riding long distances on a road. Is it possible to use some longreach caliper brakes on it (e.g. Shimano BR-650 ...
0
votes
2answers
302 views
Accessory to raise handlebars (on a bmx)
I just bought a used bmx bike and after raising the seat to a level where it is semi-comfortable to pedal while on the seat, I now find that the handlebars are too low.
Is there any sort of an after ...
14
votes
15answers
3k views
iPhone 4 bike mount recommendations
Can anyone recommend a good bike mount for the iPhone 4?
There seem to be a lot of reviews for the old models.
Update: I'm mounting this on a Trek 1.5 Triple with Bontrager SSR VR bars.
Update: ...
10
votes
13answers
1k views
What are the most important things to bring on a ride?
On one of my recent ride, my bike broke down. My rear derailleur got pushed into the rims and broke. Since I have never gotten stuck like that before, I've never bothered to take anything with me ...
2
votes
2answers
209 views
How to fit a Storage Options bike cam helmet mount
I recently bought a helmet and handbar moutable camera made by a firm called storage options. The instructions do not explain how to fit the strap for helmet attachment. It consists of a ring of ...
13
votes
3answers
4k views
How do bicycle power meters work?
What exactly are they measuring? How do they measure it? What are the implications of the different approaches on accuracy / speed of getting a good measure?
It would be helpful if someone could ...
4
votes
7answers
1k views
Do mudguards/fenders help? If so, what are the best for a fixie commuter?
I ride an SE Lager fixed. I'm riding on sealed paths and roads pretty much all of my commute.
On wet days my bike picks up a lot of water and also a lot of sandy/silty residue. It coats the frame and ...
5
votes
5answers
3k views
Kick-stand on a commuter bike?
If I get this commuter bike, should it have a kick-stand?
One LBS said "no": they explained that stands are difficult to attach, weigh a bit, don't stay on well, and/or scratch the frame.
I've never ...
3
votes
7answers
5k views
Most Crucial Gear/ Accessories for a (Road) Cycling Beginner?
Some background information on myself before I get to the question:
I've decided to get in to cycling both as a hobby and because I need the activity. (Though I'm honestly driven more by the former - ...
16
votes
11answers
1k views
What's the purpose of cycling gloves?
I haven't cycled for many years already and long ago when I was cycling I didn't pay much attention to equipment. Now I see that many cyclists wear a certain kind of gloves - that only cover the palm ...
1
vote
3answers
669 views
Good Gloves to Prevent Ulnar Numbness
I recently noticed that towards the end of my 6.4 mile ride to and from work, my hand and arms began to numb. A friend recommended I try cycling gloves, so I purchased these from Amazon. They do ...
0
votes
0answers
61 views
How to carry small-medium sized personal stuff on my bike? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Recommendation for panniers used off the bike a lot
I have a rack and I have panniers, but I find them to be too large and cumbersome to bring with me once the bike is ...
12
votes
10answers
791 views
How can I carry a tripod on my bike?
I have a tripod for my SLR camera that I want to carry on my bike. It's just a generic tripod like this one, but if I strap it to my top tube it rubs against my legs while riding (and it's slightly ...
0
votes
1answer
151 views
What is this — seems to be bike-related?
I'd love to know what it is that is pictured below:
It is worth driving 320 km to pick it up. (Makes no sense.)
I am trying to win a bet that I can find out what it is.
1
vote
1answer
198 views
Can I use my nitto campee rack on my bike?
I just purchased a Nitto Campee 27R rear rack. It seems like it's not wide enough to mount on my All-City Space Horse, which has rack bosses and 130mm rear wheel spacing.
Has anyone tried to ...
5
votes
3answers
336 views
Are reflectors mandatory by the UK highway code?
I bought a set of mudguards recently, the rear one attaches onto the seat post.
I have a red reflector that also attached onto the seatpost, so if I have both the seat has to be too high and only my ...
3
votes
3answers
520 views
Speed and Cadence Bike Sensor Opinions
I'm looking to start tracking my speed and cadence for my iOS app, Cycle Meter. The app works great for distance, time, but is not accurate at all for measuring my speed.
So I'm thinking of buying ...
6
votes
3answers
506 views
Bike Lights: Helmet Mounted or Handlebar Mounted
I am just curious, I use Handlebar Mounted lights, and upon having multiple bikes to switch, its really uneasy changing the light from one to another. So, I am thinking of switching to Helmet Mounted ...
1
vote
1answer
218 views
What should I look for when buying a smartphone handlebar mount?
I am not interested in a specific product recommendation in answer to this question (like the existing iPhone question), but rather the key attributes to consider when buying a smartphone mount. ...
1
vote
2answers
2k views
Garmin Heart Rate Monitor Not Reporting Accurate HR Anymore
With my first Garmin Edge 305, I got the cadence and heart rate accessories. Cadence is still humming along, but the heart rate monitor has been not accurately reporting heart rate over the past ...
20
votes
5answers
2k views
What bike+equipment for a long daily urban commute?
In the (distant) past I commuted 6 km (more than half an hour) each way, on a cheap bike with big knobbly tyres.
Soon I'll have a new commute: 18 km each way, daily. That's much further than I've ...
2
votes
4answers
280 views
Affordable GPS with maps?
I have my eye on the Garmin 800. It looks fantastic, but alas I can't afford it right now.
I would like a gps / cycle computer that would work well in Europe with maps.
What are my options? I want ...
2
votes
3answers
1k views
Alternate mount for Kryptonite U-Lock?
My wife's bike doesn't have room on the upright to mount the Krytonite U-Lock she was given as a gift. The plastic mounting bracket sticks out way too far. She has a small framed Specialized Vita.
...
4
votes
3answers
273 views
Rear red light with seat bag
My bike has this red reflective light right below the seat (I don't know its name), and I'm thinking of buying a seat bag such as this one. Won't the light be covered? Isn't this potentially ...
1
vote
1answer
402 views
Kickstand compatible with 2011 TREK Utopia
Will a kickstand fit on a 2011 Trek Utopia? I'm told the standard that bolts in near the front gear won't fit and I read that the one that mounts near the rear axle won't work with disc brakes.
0
votes
4answers
225 views
Recumbent Accessories [closed]
My cousin recently bought a recumbent bike (well, I suppose it's technically a trike) and has been having a blast with it. I'd love to encourage her new hobby and get her an accessory for it as a ...
1
vote
1answer
170 views
Will the topeak FX & RX mudguards fit a Carerra kraken?
I have this bike
Will these mudguards fit OK?
I don't know much about fittings, but there is a picture on the bike link.
3
votes
4answers
516 views
attaching seatpost acessories to rear of racks?
most night lights are designed to attach to the seatpost. but while carrying a bag on the rear rack that area get's blocked.
some manufacturers sell cheap, awful, lights that attach to the rack ...
-1
votes
2answers
232 views
List of accessories and training for commuting [closed]
It's been about 10 years since I last rode on a bike. My wife and I have decided that we need to get ourselves into shape, and one method we've decided on, encouraged by our daughter, is to bike back ...
4
votes
1answer
380 views
What does this warning symbol on my pannier bag mean?
I bought a pannier bag which attaches to the rear rack with 3 quick-releases. Each quick-release has a sticker on it:
What does this symbol mean? My guess would be something like "don't hit this ...
0
votes
1answer
120 views
What are the missing accessories for you cyclists? [closed]
I am a technology guy and I would like to ask you cyclists, what are the missing accessories with your bike that you want us to do for you? In a project at school, I am asked to use the following ...
6
votes
6answers
2k views
Ever seen a locking bag that could be locked to the bike?
This might take a little explaining.
I've got stuff on my bike that removes easily and could be stolen: head light, tail light, cyclometer. If I'm riding to a concert or something, I don't want to ...
14
votes
9answers
1k views
How to keep the pants from getting dirty
If it is wet, not necessarily pouring rain, it is easy to get the bottom of the pants and the shoes dirty. My tires have protective platesfenders, yet it is not enough. If there a way to avoid that?
