Accessorizing!

[pooks]

When I decided we had to have bikes NOW, not eventually, my husband decided to order shaft drive bikes. I didn't care as long as we got them, and I'm loving mine -- even though I've been reading that it may not be as efficient, etc. I mean, it's mine now, so what can I do?

But. It's not funky or cool looking. For a sec when I was reading the "pink or purple" thread I got excited and thought maybe I could change the color, but then realized that probably wouldn't work because of the internal gears. Although I don't know, maybe it wouldn't make any difference.

Anyway, my bike can be seen here on my blog (https://planetpooks.wordpress.com/2006/05/30/runabout/) or on the website for the manufacturer: http://dynamicbicycles.com. (It's the step-thru Runabout.)

So, what can I do to make it look cooler/funkier/prettier/whatever?

And what "stuff" does a bike need? Headlamp? I'm already looking at a bike bag, and/or maybe panniers....

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Have fun with it!

[pooks]

Almost forgot. I especially want an odometer. My husband will end up with the niftiest geekiest GPS he can find and I imagine any time I'd care about something like that, I'll be with him. (For now, anyway.)

But what is considered pretty much essential for a bike computer, without going whole hog?

[CorsairMac]

you can get a very simple Trek Incite 4I, it's a 4 function computer for about $15.

Was Fascinated by the shaft-driven bike tho: do you like it? How does it ride? do you have gearing on yours?, does it seem to work for you? Sorry, I'm probably not answering your question but your bike is so fascinating, I wanna know more - from a personal standpoint!

[margo49]

This is sooooo weird.
Fascinating of course
Logical and no doubt a quantum leap in technology and efficiency
*but*.....
No chain!!!!???!!!
No friendly clicks and clacks and graunches. ?!
No grease,tattoo,throw-offs.?!

Tell us all about it - I looked at your link - I mean how does it *feel*?

[pooks]

Here's the prob -- I don't know how a regular bike feels! (And I'm afraid to find out, actually, since I'm worried that I'll find out it's better. Gack.) I finally found a discussion about them and supposedly they're superior to a poorly maintained chain bike, but not as efficient as a well-maintained chain bike. Also, they're supposedly heavier.

I don't know. The shipping weight of my 17" hybrid was 34 pounds.

As I said, I have nothing to compare it to -- but I love it!

I never thought about noise. It makes none. So maybe this is my Stealth Fighter? Heh.

[pooks]

Oh -- forgot to say, this isn't a quantum leap in tech supposedly -- shaft drives were around 100 years ago and that's what Henry Ford based his autos on -- shaft drive bikes.

So if it was superior, the question is, why did chains take over? (That's what the naysayers say.) The proponents say we have improved the technology now, which is why they're great.

Again, I have no idea!

ETA: They have these in the LLBean catalog, too, with the LLBean label on them. I found them online thru Dynamic and got a little better deal, plus there was a special offer that included the fenders and bike rack, which made it an even better deal.