Questions tagged [accessories]
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.
36
questions
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6
answers
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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 ...
- 12k
34
votes
29
answers
11k
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What's your most useful cycle accessory?
What is the most useful accessory you got for your bike? By useful, I mean something that improved the enjoyment or functionality of using your bike.
Note - I know this is a subjective question, but ...
47
votes
18
answers
64k
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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 ...
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18
votes
14
answers
3k
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 ...
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26
votes
7
answers
2k
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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, ...
- 4,690
15
votes
10
answers
24k
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 ...
- 1,119
37
votes
12
answers
27k
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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 ...
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32
votes
8
answers
12k
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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 ...
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26
votes
3
answers
21k
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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 ...
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12
votes
6
answers
31k
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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 ...
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10
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Bike Lights: Helmet Mounted or Handlebar Mounted
I am just curious, I use handlebar mounted lights, and since I have multiple bikes to switch, it's a lot of trouble changing the light from one to another. So, I am thinking of switching to helmet ...
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votes
3
answers
5k
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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 ...
- 12k
54
votes
4
answers
8k
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 ...
- 3,833
27
votes
7
answers
5k
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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 ...
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26
votes
5
answers
3k
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Equipping a commuter bike for a 5 mile city commute
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 ...
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22
votes
12
answers
8k
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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 ...
- 1,688
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votes
15
answers
4k
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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: I'...
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17
votes
4
answers
8k
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. ...
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16
votes
15
answers
8k
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 ...
- 1,688
19
votes
6
answers
8k
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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 ...
- 603
17
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7
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6k
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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, ...
- 29.9k
17
votes
5
answers
4k
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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 ...
- 2,363
16
votes
9
answers
6k
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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?
15
votes
7
answers
2k
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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 ...
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8
votes
7
answers
2k
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What are the absolute essentials a cyclist should own? [closed]
Context:
My bike shop includes free servicing as a standard with a new bike. I don't need such thing and live too far away. In lieu of waiver I can get €100 of stuff from the shop.
Best bike problem ...
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8
votes
2
answers
627
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 ...
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5
votes
1
answer
795
views
Android/EVO bike mount recommendations
Does anyone have experience mounting an EVO phone on the handlebars of a road bike?
user313
5
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Is there a "conventional" configuration for mounted accessories?
Many different types of bike accessories as designed to be mounted via somewhat-conventionalized braze-ons: These braze-ons most often are on the down tube and occasionally on the seat tube and nearly ...
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5
votes
7
answers
9k
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 ...
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4
votes
2
answers
2k
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 ...
- 2,913
3
votes
4
answers
484
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 ...
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2
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Would a seat post mounted back rack act like a rear fender?
Specifically I want to know if the right one would stop the rider's back from getting splattered with rain. That way it does double duty as a fender and a rack.I want a light duty back rack for day to ...
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1
vote
1
answer
715
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.
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1
vote
3
answers
601
views
Making bicycle semi-motor powered
Is there any way that I could easily and affordably (under $US200) add a motor to my bicycle, so that it would move both by my pedalling and with the help of the motor?
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0
votes
1
answer
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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.
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3
answers
561
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Equipment for a multi-day bike trip
I'm planning a multi-day bike trip, and I want a list of all bike related equipment I'll need to fix / negate the most common bike problems.
The list currently has:
Multi tool.
At least 3 spare ...
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