Comments on: No Regrets: Good, Cheap, Bike Commuting Accessories

By: norm

norm — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:56:25 +0000

Santa was good to me this year and I was able to get the Metro 300 and Hotshot lights (I must have been on the *very* good list). The seat post mount for the Hotshot is excellent. The handlebar mount for the Metro is less so, and it’s definitely working itself loose with vibration. So I’m thinking some foam friction tape on the bars will help (slight taper on the bars might be the essential problem), and I will figure out how to put a small lock washer on the handlebar mount’s thumbscrew in case that’s what’s working loose. The Metro’s handlebar mount also has a rotating platform for left-right adjustment of the beam, which is neat, but I can’t figure out how to lock that down. Here’s hoping for some long life from these gadgets! And sayonara, AAAs!

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 21:17:12 +0000

I made my own rack mount with a small piece of square wood, a piece of PVC, and a screw. I sanded the edges of the wood until it slid tightly into the PVC pipe, then screwed it to the horizontal piece of my rack. Looks like a short stubby white seat post. The regular seat post mount fits right on it, presto your done. Cost – a few minutes finding the stuff in my garage and making it, maybe 15 total.

By: Eric W

Eric W — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 02:00:11 +0000

Cygolight Hotshot is holding up perfectly after 9 months on LA potholes after the PB superflash tailight left me in West Hollywood. Very secure clip mounted on the end of the rack, where there’s lots of vibration.

I recommend a little ingenuity to anyone still using AA or AAA batteries. A small rubber band around the batteries will help keep them in place and reduce connection issues. And PB superflashes need addition help to keep them from separating into a clip and a battery/LED part. Use a big rubber band or a platic tie or something.

By: Karen Voyer-Caravona

Karen Voyer-Caravona — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:39:16 +0000

Tim Sherman, I also believe in multiple bikes for multiple purposes. I use my Brompton for trips that involve the rail and where I can store it in my office. My Breezer is for trips involving groceries or long rides. Plus, having a few extra bikes is great for those days when you discover you’ve got a flat tire or other mechanical problem you don’t have time to quickly manage or when you’ve got house guests.

By: Karen Voyer-Caravona

Karen Voyer-Caravona — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:33:45 +0000

I agree Ted. I wish I had the forsight when I first started bike commuting to know that I would love it. I would have gone ahead and purchased the Breezer Uptown 8, which basicly came with everything I needed for an easy commute, day or night. But the price, combined with my own uncertainty in my ability to commit, propelled me to a less expensive (thought very good) bike that I had to accessorize. Eventually, I upgraded and sold my original bike to another newbie.

By: Paul in N.W. Gorgia

Paul in N.W. Gorgia — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:47:31 +0000

I started off buying cheap, but I found that dependable options are what I needed. It took a lot of brain twisting, but now I only buy the product that will allow me to safely and reliable commute, shop and fill other transportation needs.
-Dynamo hub powered B&M lights
-Racks that can carry at least 50 pounds
-fenders that are full and take normal abuse
-comfortable saddle
-paniers that lock to rack and do not fall off
-Bicycles and trailers for different needs

I expect a bike to cost me around 1,500 to 2,000 dollars, including clothes that are comfortable to ride in and deal with rainy weather. People say I can buy a cheap car for that, but it wound not last 8 or 10 years and it will cost thousands more to run each year.

By: norm

norm — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:06:46 +0000

Thanks, Ray, that is a great review. You’ve got right to the heart of the matter. Can these things hold up to regular use? Sounds like these are a little better than the cheapies in that regard, but there are some concerns.

By: Joel

Joel — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 02:51:18 +0000

I am very torn on this subject. My bike must reside at the bus station all day on a regular rack. I cannot afford to lose a quality name brand bike. I converted an old bike for commuter purposes. I added a rear rack, panniers, fenders, and quality lights. Over the past 16 months, I have slowly upgraded all of the mechanics (I am fortunate enough to easily perform any mechanical task myself)and now have a wonderfully reliable means to commute.

A few extra pounds of weight does not bother me. My frames are old school, hard front and back (no suspension systems) and no bouncy seats. Suspension systems tend to absorb riding energy and create additional maintenance expenses. An occasional stretch on the pedals accommodates the few large bumps on my ride. I am in the process of recycling an older frame for a winter bike with studs (ice and snow) for next to nothing in cost. I have an extra wheels for front and back ready on in my garage for quick change out if I have a problem during my commute. This allows me to fix problems during the weekend.

I will give a shout out to Cygolites (front and rear), Bell, and Planet Bike as well as Topeak racks and bags. They have worn well with no complaints. I love my Planet Bike ATB
60mm fenders combined with an old 2 liter cut soda bottle to extend the front fender to the ground. Absolutely no road spray at all on the drive train.

My favorite piece of riding apparel, an ANSI rated lime green reflector vest with over 180 square inches of 3M reflector tape front and rear with 50 square inches to each side, I never bike without it. I complete the ensemble with a lime green helmet cover with additional reflective tape. Looks geeky as hell but every car gives me plenty of room.

Did I mention that I like to ride my bike?

By: Ted Johnson

Ted Johnson — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 02:58:24 +0000

Can I be in your band? I play bass. Speaking of scroti, A couple of years ago I picked up a 45 RPM record at a local used book store by a band called Scrotum Grinder, just because I liked the name. I didn't much like the music.

By: Tim Sherman

Tim Sherman — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 21:40:11 +0000

We just made our last mortgage payment. The first thing I did was to go to the dealer and buy a new vehicle. A bicycle for winter is what I need. I have been riding it for three weeks. I made my choices based on my commute not on price. I took the combined knowledge of my trips and picked a bike and accessories that improved my commute during nasty weather. This bike is not as fast as my good weather commuter but is safer. Wider tires and fenders, brighter lights, a front shock, lower gears and hydaulic brakes make it easier to navigate cold rain and wind. My good weather bike is a commuter/road bike hybrid. My new winter bike is a commuter/mountain bike hybrid. Buy the good stuff and have more bikes. I ride an old Schwinn Typhoon to the grocery store. How cheap is that? What I’m trying to say is get multiple bikes for multiple puposes and buy accessories to match those trips safely. Spend boldly. Ride freely. Be seen.