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.
26
votes
1answer
352 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 ...
24
votes
15answers
8k 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
18
votes
7answers
619 views
What are important items for a touring first-aid kit?
When riding long distances, either solo or with groups of people, it is obviously necessary to carry a first-aid kit in case of a crash or other injury. What are the most important items to pack, ...
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 ...
15
votes
4answers
867 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 ...
15
votes
11answers
456 views
Listening to audio without obstructing ears
I'm looking for a way to listen to my audiobooks while commuting without obstructing my ears.
One (rather expensive) option appears to be the Tunebug Shake (a Bluetooth ...
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?
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: ...
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 ...
13
votes
5answers
786 views
What is a good small bicycle bag to store your gear and/or personal things?
I'm looking for one that attaches to your bike and easily detaches so you can take it with you. I usually ride with a small Timbuktu messenger style bag (really small, it's about the size of a large ...
13
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 ...
12
votes
10answers
792 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 ...
12
votes
7answers
304 views
What tools on a multi-tool do I actually need?
I feel like there are almost as many bike multi-tools out there as there are bikers. In a single trip to REI, I found nine different bike tools each ranging from only four to over thirty individual ...
12
votes
7answers
280 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 ...
11
votes
5answers
247 views
How can I stop my feet/shins getting soaked/muddy when cycling offroad in the winter?
I went for a ride last weekend around some forrest trails, it was particulary muddy with lots of puddles, and was also raining at the time.
I've got a good set of mudguards, so my back was reasonably ...
11
votes
5answers
526 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 ...
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 ...
10
votes
7answers
4k 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, ...
9
votes
3answers
332 views
What should I look for in a “trailer bike”/“tag-along” bike for a child?
My daughter is growing fast, and will soon be too big for the child seat that is on the back of my bike. She is not yet ready to ride on the road, so I am thinking of purchasing a "tag-along" bike. ...
8
votes
4answers
458 views
Do I need to buy a special stand for my front wheel when using my turbo trainer?
I have seen available special "stands" (please tell me the correct terminology) to be placed under the front wheel when using a turbo trainer.
I normally just put a copy of the phone directory down ...
8
votes
2answers
192 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 ...
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 ...
7
votes
3answers
1k views
Summer rain jacket recommendations
I'm commuting an hour each way each day in summer now and it rains sometimes.
I have a GoreTex jacket which I bought 10 years ago for walking in. With additional inner warm clothes I wear it in ...
6
votes
12answers
372 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 ...
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 ...
6
votes
3answers
508 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 ...
6
votes
3answers
660 views
Will a bicycle trailer damage my (steel) bicycle?
I have a rhode gear trailer with a 100 lb capacity, similar to the burley and other brands, that attaches to the left chainstay (see image of hitch below). I currently have it attached to my ...
6
votes
3answers
1k views
Mountain bike — exciting after-market parts, modifications or paint jobs
I have a Specialized Stumpjumper Comp FSR from 2009. My previous bike was a mean-looking matte black Cannondale Jekyll 1000 with a Lefty fork. Now I've got this vanilla, grey boring looking bike that ...
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 ...
5
votes
3answers
527 views
Rack compatibility
I want to buy a back rack online. How can I be sure that it will fit my bike without testing it first? Is there any standard for racks that I can ask the seller about? What are the chances that I ...
5
votes
3answers
144 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 ...
5
votes
1answer
670 views
Android/EVO bike mount recommendations
Does anyone have experience mounting an EVO phone on the handlebars of a road bike?
5
votes
3answers
337 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 ...
5
votes
2answers
522 views
Is it possible to pair wheel sensors with an Android phone GPS?
This is a 2 part question:
I have concerns over the general accuracy of a GPS device to calculate speed. Mainly because I will be using the device in Eastern Europe, and not sure on the accuracy of ...
4
votes
1answer
382 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 ...
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 ...
4
votes
3answers
274 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 ...
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 - ...
3
votes
3answers
632 views
Is there anything similar to motorbike roadbook holders for bicycles?
Does anybody know if there may be in commerce anything similar to the roadbook holders they use on offroad motorbikes, but for use on bicycles?
I know there are some electronic versions in commerce ...
3
votes
3answers
524 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 ...
3
votes
4answers
518 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 ...
3
votes
2answers
530 views
How do I know if mudguards will fit my 2009 Carrera Kraken?
With the nice (and muddy!) weather coming up, I'd like to get some mudguards, but I'm really unsure of what will fit my bike
I have a 2009 Carrera Kraken, no modifications.
I will probably buy them ...
2
votes
4answers
281 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
2answers
362 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 ...
2
votes
2answers
279 views
Recommendations for waterproof map carrier for an adventure race
I am going to an adventure race that has a MTB segment (~100km) where you get the map 5h before the start.
I am looking for a bicycle map holder that is waterproof and can pivot (Its a team race and ...
2
votes
2answers
210 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 ...
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.
...
