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.
121
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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 ...
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votes
18
answers
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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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12
answers
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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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29
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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 ...
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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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6
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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
27
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7
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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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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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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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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, ...
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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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6
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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
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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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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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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 ...
- 2,958
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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 turn-your-helmet-into-a-...
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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, ...
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4
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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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5
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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?
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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 ...
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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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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 ...
- 1,041
13
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2
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What are the differences between a seatpost-mounted and frame-mounted rear rack
I am in the market for a rear rack. I noticed that there are two categories of rear racks:
Seatpost-mounted rear racks, such as this one:
And frame-mounted rear racks, such as this one:
I'm ...
- 267
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votes
6
answers
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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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votes
7
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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 ...
- 1,561
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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 heavy-...
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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
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What are these mounts for on inside edge of carbon fiber fork?
I just got a new Tommaso Sterrata.
I commute during the winter so I'm looking to put fenders on. I know I can get fenders that clip onto the fork instead of being mounted, but while inspecting the ...
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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 ...
- 6,223
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General mounting solutions for lights etc
I am curious to know your best solutions for using lights and other accessories that mount to a proprietary clip, when the correct original fitment is not available. Why? I get a lot of lights and the ...
- 2,716
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What is this metal bar parallel to the frame?
I saw this at work the other day and I was completely baffled. This bicycle has an additional, adjustable metal bar that runs parallel to the upper part of the frame, between the seat and the ...
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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 ...
- 12k
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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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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 - ...
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Why do consumer battery powered LED lights fail mid ride
I've had consumer battery powered LED bicycle lights fail mid ride without the battery being at fault. This has been spread across brands, weather conditions, ride lengths. The most recent failure ...
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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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9
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Do I need a shock-proof watch for cycling?
I've just started cycling longer distances as a hobby (I cycle for my commute daily).
My watch isn't waterproof at all so I don't take it with me but on my last ride I found myself getting annoyed at ...
- 81
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12
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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 ...
7
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1
answer
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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 with ...
- 7,735
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How many lumens (lm) should a front light have?
I need a front bike light for pretty quick night riding on roads beside the town. I found one that has 120lm, 30lux, and 92m shining distance.
Is it enough? What parameters should a good front light ...
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What are these eyelets for on my 2015 Diverge?
I just learned a bit about Specialized's "Plug and Play Fender" that apparently fits my bike by way of metal rod into the leftmost hole of the first photo, secured by the set screw in the second photo....
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What is must-have gear for mountain biking?
All types of biking, mountain biking in particular: what are some must have items/gear to keep with oneself on mountain biking trips? I'm think of items such as extra inner tube, bike pump, etc...What ...
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What are the Trek Domane frame bottom hex screws for?
I recently purchased a Trek Domane AL 3 Disc. It has 4 mounting supports.
2 inside the frame for water bottle cages
1 next to the stem
1 on the frame bottom
I wonder if anyone know what kind of ...
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votes
6
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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 (...
- 1,445
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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 won'...
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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 ...
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ANT+ to Bluetooth Low Energy bridge? [closed]
Does anyone know of a stand alone ANT+ to Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) bridge device?
I have a Garmin Edge 810, which uses ANT+ ... but I would also like to track my rides on my iPhone 5S (which has ...
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"Le vélo de Tati” - Jacques Tati by Robert Doisneau
Does anyone know where i can purchase this iconic poster? I've searched the most obvious websites.
thanks
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