Biking Style Thread

[Rina]

I am new commuter about 1 month. And I have the biking bug now. I really like the new biking look. The Urban Cycling Look. Cycle Chic look and all the great biking blogs. I have to really pace myself with the shoping for cute items like helmets, bells and dresses.

I bike to work in my dress and I love it. I just refresh a little and start work.

I have also started a whole biking theme in our office. I have converted 4 ladies to start biking for fun and 1 has started to commute.

Question - What is your next bike accessories purchace? Bike Computer
What was your last bike accessorie purchace? Mine Nut Case Helmet

Thank you
rina

[deanywalker21]

Next will be a helmet to match my new Vita Elite. Something white with blue.

Last was a tool canister that fits my bottle cage holder. It frees up space in my bag for my commute and means I do not need to transfer the kit from my rear bag to a seat bag when not using the rear bag.

[Rina]

Next will be a helmet to match my new Vita Elite. Something white with blue.

Last was a tool canister that fits my bottle cage holder. It frees up space in my bag for my commute and means I do not need to transfer the kit from my rear bag to a seat bag when not using the rear bag.



I would like to have a tool canister. Sounds like a great idea. Where did you find it?

[deanywalker21]

http://www.amazon.com/SKS-10368-Cagebox-Storage-Container/dp/B0030IC22S/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

The only two things I do not like about it are its orange cap and the fact that it needs the space of a large water bottle. I have two bottle cages on all of my bikes which makes it work. If I ever use my Vita for a ride where I feel the need to carry two water bottles I will just have to use a seat bag or put my emergency kit in my rear bag. This thing fits nicely into my rear bag.

[Trek420]

Having moved recently I'm still getting the bikes organized and unpacking bits from boxes. My goal is each bike has an under seat bag with what I need for a quick repair; spare tube of the right size for each, spare copy of ID ... for tools I have this:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodTO_TT2352.html

and also a smaller one not carried here but you could go with:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodTO_TT2351S.html

Either one will fit in the under seat bag. I don't find I need a specific case just for it. But if I needed more space I'd get this perhaps:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodLG_1493734.html

And ... there's a sale going on right now at TE; 20% off through Monday, free shipping on select orders, yada yada yada :) :p

But I don't need extra space, tool specific carriers etc on the commuter because everything but the kitchen ;) sink fits stylishly and neatly in a basket off the rear rack:

http://madeinusareviews.blogspot.com/2010/06/rack-on-every-bike-for-chicken-in-every.html

[hebe]

Next bike accessory - not sure, I can't think of anything at the moment.
Last bike accessory purchase - Detours Fremont pannier (http://www.rei.com/product/833057/detours-fremonster-flap-pannier-single)- dh bought me one back from Seattle and I adored it so much I ordered another one and paid for transatlantic shipping.

[NadiaMac]

Next purchase: thinking about a new helmet and resisting the urge to get a new bike (I kind of want a geeky randonneur bike with a front rack)
Last purchase: chrome backpack for commuting

[leah]

Last purchase - Velo Orange fenders :)
Next purchase - Brooks saddle!!

[Reesha]

I'm a big fan of Ortlieb's waterproof Mudracer LED under the seat thingy. May have to get one for my current roadbike/commuter.

Here's something to chew on. I do love it. LOVE IT. I just can't afford to get it right now with all the gear I need for my cross country tour

http://tigrlock.bigcartel.com/product/tigrtm-lock-0-75-set

[lovelygamer]

I have the bug too. I'm not able to buy nearly as much as I like. This is an expensive sport and hobby.

Question - What is your next bike accessories purchase? Parks Chain Cleaner
What was your last bike accessory purchase? Basket Liner and bell

[Reesha]

Oh right that question!

Next bike accessory purchase:
http://www.bikebagshop.com/cart/images/ortlieb-ultimate-5-classic-yellow-medium-front-stock-M.jpg
Last bike accessory purchase:
http://www.7hundred.co.uk/images/arundel_gecko_yellow.jpg

[sarahkonamojo]

Oh, I wish my next purchase would be a new bike! But, most likely will purchase some new socks. Can never have enough cute cycling socks. Socks are relatively cheap.
Last purchase was an Osprey hydration pack.

[Sky King]

Loving my last purchase

Rivet Pearl Saddle (http://store.biketouringnews.com/rivet-pearl/)

next purchase: biking specific rain/wind jacket - probably a Bellweather as Endura is so expensive.

[goldfinch]

Oh right that question!

Next bike accessory purchase:
http://www.bikebagshop.com/cart/images/ortlieb-ultimate-5-classic-yellow-medium-front-stock-M.jpg


I have this bag in gray. I really like the yellow. It is an extremely nice bag. I use it on my hybrid and carry binoculars and camera and assorted junk. Very sturdy. Waterproof. Cool looking. Good, solid mount that make the bag easy to put on a take off.

[Reesha]

I got to see one when my last warm showers guest came and stayed. It is the perfect thing for my cross country trip-- I'll keep my dslr, snacks, phone and spare tube in there :)

[silversurfer]

Last purchase was a Deuter Speedlite rucksack for commuting. Not glamorous but a real revelation and so much more comfortable than using my old Deuter hiking one.

Next purchase will be Carradice Kendal panniers http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&product_id=52 for my light tourer to replace my Ortliebs that have seen better days but are still functional. So, a while yet.

Yes, I have a thing about bags.

[malkin]

Last purchase was pedals and good old clips (pretty leather covered ones) for the folder.

Next probably a patch kit, because all the ones around here are way past prime.

Not too stylish, am I?

[Trek420]

(I kind of want a geeky randonneur bike with a front rack)

Why not keep the bike you have and install this:

http://www.rivbike.com/category-s/146.htm

If you don't have braze ons you can use clamps.

Last purchase Cateye Jido front light and Planet Bike Superflash rear light.

Next purchase: none. We already have plenty of Scotchlight reflective tape somewhere around this house which I plan to use creatively on the spokes for more side visibility. Also moving a spare bell to the road bike in case I use that on the trail.

[Melalvai]

Last purchase: new brake pads & a spare chain
Next purchase: There are so many things my bike needs...Maybe a new battery for my downlow glow. Maybe a rear blinkie (I prefer to have 2, and only 1 works at the moment). I'm a bit desperate for a new jacket, the zipper on my pearl izumi is giving out finally after a good 4 years. Also desperate for shoes. Who knows which one will push its way to the top of the priorities.

[shootingstar]

Arkel bike panniers --they are wonderful, strong sturdy material and have several pockets which are useful for frequent commuting, bike touring trips and utilitarian rides to grocery stores. My current pannier will probably fall apart in about 18-24 months or so.

Ortelib are fine except most lines lack an extra built zippered pocket or so, for smaller things.

Then leftover money, a long cycling jersey (I only have 2 long sleeved cycling jerseys) and a lycra skort for short cycling around.

[BodhiTree]

I'm a bit desperate for a new jacket, the zipper on my pearl izumi is giving out finally after a good 4 years.

Zippers can be replaced for quite cheap. If you have an REI near you, that's an easy place to go. Drycleaners often do it also.

[Catrin]

My last commuting-related purchase was actually in the winter, and I bought the Light and Motion Vis-360 helmet lights. They are awesome! Between the cheap flasher on my bar, the very bright helmet light I've no problem seeing when I set off from home in pretty much total darkness. My part of Indianapolis doesn't have many street lights to begin with, but the first mile of my commute after leaving my complex has NO street lights at all. I don't commute every day, only once a week, but it makes my morning ride much safer. The light is USB chargeable :)

My next purchase will be another rear light to put on my Camelbak - I already have a tail-light on my rack, and the Vis360 has a huge red flasher on the back of my helmet. I might consider getting something reflective for my legs - the helmet light does emit an amber light to the sides so that helps.

Here is a YouTube video review of the 360. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJeThod5eWk)

Melalvai - how do you like the Downlow Glow? Is there any risk that it can scratch the paint? Is it easy to remove for non-commuting rides or is it a PITA to take on/off? How is the battery life? They currently have suspended sales as, apparently, they are preparing to come out with a new version of it. I will consider this for NEXT year if I stick with commuting...

[Giulianna23]

Like I said before I started commuting a week ago and I am loving it.

I went crazy this past weekend and pruchased

1. End bar rearview mirror
2. Helmet/glasses rearview mirror
3. New Helmet with LED safety light
4. LED Spokelit
5. Mini U-lock with security cable
6. A couple cheap but nice looking bright color shirts for commuting


PS : I need a good water bottle that keeps my drink cold for at least 45 minutes . I also need a trunk bike rack (non hitch nor roof ) to hold at least 3 bikes (4 would be better though). I have a Toyota 4runner and a Volkswagen Golf hatchback. I need something that could go on both vehicles . Any suggestions?... something good but on the budget side. It will be use only on the weekends when I am planning on going bike riding with my kids and ocassionaly on family trips.

Thanks

[Trek420]

I also need a trunk bike rack (non hitch nor roof ) to hold at least 3 bikes (4 would be better though). I have a Toyota 4runner and a Volkswagen Golf hatchback. I need something that could go on both vehicles . Any suggestions?... something good but on the budget side. It will be use only on the weekends when I am planning on going bike riding with my kids and ocassionaly on family trips.

Thanks

With 4 bikes I'd be worried about a trunk rack. Can you at least get the kids bikes in the car leaving adult bikes on the trunk rack?

On the websites of the major rack mfr's websites Thule, Yakima, Saris etc you will be able to plug in your car make, model, year and it will tell you which racks fit your cars best. With a 4runner and a hatchback you may get two very different results.

Next bike purchase may be a seamstress alteration. :) My favorite rain jacket is an ancient Bellweather model. It's school buss yellow, vents well, has the pit zips, nicely lined collar, covered zipper. I really like it and they don't make these anymore.

I've lost weight, it fits differently. It fits well overall but catches on the seat as I dismount. I'll ride to my LSS (local seamstress shop) to ask what options they suggest.

[Giulianna23]

Thanks for the input Trek420.

My concern is that I really want to have room in the car or truck for a cooler , backpacks etc etc. I was thinking about a roof rack for the truck and one trunk bike rack to use on both vehicles ...but I really dont know how hard it is to mount the bikes on top of the roof . My kids have mountain bikes and I have a steel road bike for now (pretty heavy ). We sometimes invite a cousin or a friend to bike ride with us.