Best kids bike accessories according to redditors
We found 142 Reddit comments discussing the best kids bike accessories. We ranked the 46 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 142 Reddit comments discussing the best kids bike accessories. We ranked the 46 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
super awesome version
Looks like you're getting their bike trailer then!
Good golly that sucks. I'd make a lot of noise with the landlord regarding that IIWY.
If it's wet/slush + cold where you live, even more so if all the water is salted/frozen, give any exposed steel bits (bolts, screws, gear teeth, skewers/axles) a thin coat/couple drops of WD40.
Use a "wet' chain lube, but not something too thick/heavy so it doesnt turn into viscous grease on your chain. Perhaps something like Orontas Type B. I also suggest using plenty of this with one of these brushes to keep the grit out of your drivetrain.
I also suggest full-length cable housing.
Considering how far north you are, I'd imagine your bearings/hubs get stiff and grease turns into a clay-like solid substance when it gets really cold. In that case, a few drops of degreaser into the bearings would make your wheels/pedals turn a bit more freely.
Keep your tires inflated.
Tarp is a good idea, hope nobody takes it off. I would secure it with bungee cords or something when the wind picks up.
Be sure your pride and joy is well locked too. Find a way to put the lock through your rear seatstays, around your rear wheel, around a pole/parking sign/end-bar of the rack, and take the front wheel off and bring it inside. Do consider your seatpost/lights, as they might get stolen too, unless you have something like this.
Good luck and stay warm.
I'm 42 and I don't have kids and I don't own a bike. Yes I bought one, it was only $20.
What about a trailer of some sort? I'm thinking if a bike is going to be my main mode of transportation, I'm going to need a lot of storage space. Something like this to keep me maneuverable.
I know it might slow you down, but if you get into a dire situation you can always ditch it and speed away with the bare necessities in your panniers.
Put one of these on your bike and go biking with her. Or maybe this. Yes, I know she's old enough to ride her own bike, but riding at her pace is unlikely to be a fulfilling workout for you. That enables you to ride at your pace without leaving her in the dust.
Find a track to run at. Take her with you. Bring stuff for her to play with by herself+ maybe her bike so she can bike the track. Run for 30 minutes, pack her up and go home. You'll be able to easily see her the entire time and work out at more or less the a fulfilling pace. Do try and go at an offpeak time as to prevent getting in the way of people using the grassy portions of the track for athletically inclined activities.
EDIT:
Also, ask around. You aren't the only parent trying to get active this summer. You may be able to find friends or coworkers with similar aged children and trade off watching each others kids so the other can hit the gym.
BOB Yak.
http://www.amazon.com/BOB-Plus-Trailer-Black-Includes/dp/B000RH7GKS
Hoping to get one for myself in a couple years to haul groceries. How do you like it SeanPlusPlus?
Give her a choice of walking or holding your hand, if she chooses holding your hand then let her know there will be punishment if she lets go and runs into the street. This probably will not be popular, but spank her. I only spank for safety issues after two warnings. (Touching the stove, running into traffic and unbuckling car seat) It only took once for my daughter to get that I meant business.
Another option is to get a push trike or bicycle like this (that one goes on the back of a 12'' bike, they have trikes with parent push things as well)
https://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Gold-Tec-Front-Rack/dp/B002MKHR7A
OP needs one of these.
I've had good luck with this thing while teaching my kids to ride their bikes. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MISWIW
It's an Origin8 Classique HD. It mounts on the axle and brake-bolt. It says 'max load 55 lbs' but I've put 80 on it with no physical problems... just really hard to turn.
The Origin8 Classique Cargo Unit. Why? Well because a front rack is clearly better than a rear. Also has plenty of space for the half gallon carton of vegan ice cream without getting your bag all cold.
Let me know if you guys want more pictures....
Beach Cruiser Passenger Pegs by Tower https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NXWKZVL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rF0RDbE3S8KYX
These pipes are what are appropriate for you.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RH7GKS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
It is extremely mobile, and carries an extra 70lbs of gear practically anywhere. I do bicycle camping with it every summer
I have a feeling it's going to be an origin8 classique front rack, but it comes tomorrow. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B135SSE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_JHwKxbW4EKXZW
Other than that, my Cygolight Dash 350/Micro Shot head and tail light combo. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013FIYP8G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MGwKxbWRPVSW0
$300 is too much money when the latest models sell for $419.
It's quite an unremarkable bike, but you could of course tour on it. It'd be better than a road bike if you plan to ride on some dirt, and would make a fine (but boring) commuter.
It doesn't have any mounting points for a rack, but there are racks available that mount to your QR skewer, and attach to your seatpost/seat-tube using an adaptor like this.
This is the only one I trust at the moment https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HN47G1M/
Origin8 Classique CargoUnit
You can get this: https://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Pannier-Mesh-Bottom-Basket/dp/B01KH59A12
or
this: https://thebikeshopstore.com/categories/banjo-brothers-grocery-pannier-black-each
And put the backpack in.
Thanks! Here it is:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00B135SSE
Sure thing,
The rack is a JANDD Standard rear rack:
https://www.amazon.com/Jandd-Standard-Rear-Rack-Black/dp/B000VSFI76
And the netting is similar to this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WY6ZXA/ref=asc_df_B000WY6ZXA5085897/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B000WY6ZXA&linkCode=df0&hvadid=193154321880&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4001830713657135826&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9058761&hvtargid=pla-310856335170
I can't find the exact brand as i got it in an LBS and I didn't pick it out per ce, i explained what i needed, and the dude just went into the back and slapped this on the bike, lol
Get one of these, and I’ll join you:
https://www.amazon.ca/Turbospoke-TBSP-Bicycle-Exhaust-System/dp/B002WJ2Q5E
Take my money!
Edit: fellow canucks
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07TTRFN1P/
Just about any bike shop should carry a bungee net thingy that's specifically sized and designed for strapping stuff onto a bike rack. They're quite secure and cost like $10.
Like so.
I think you are looking for a Monostay adapter. The two I've found are slightly different but essentially do the same thing. Made by Sunlite or Jandd. Actually just ordered the Jandd model for my girlfriend's bike as it didn't have any braze-ons for her rear rack.
Check out the Origin8 Front Cargo Rack, it's much more solidly build and has double the rated weight capacity.
https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Classique-Cargo-Front-Rack/dp/B00B135SSE
I used mine fully loaded up for a 2 week offroad bikepacking trip which included a good bit of rugged singletrack and it held up great, and that was after using it for two years to haul myself and all my stuff around the city on my commuter.
It doesn't work with thru axels but will work okay on fender mounts if you use washers.
First time riding with a front rack (Origin8 Classique Cargo), and it wasn't a bad ride at all. However, getting used to the new handling along with the temp and winds, gave me quite the workout.
My unpopular opinion, especially if this is your only bike, is to go fixed. The bike is cheaper/tougher for the money, and less maintenance means better reliability. And for you the rider, it teaches/reinforces proper pedal stroke and ability to hold higher cadence, which translates to your ability to do 50+ mile rides after just a month or so of riding. Something like a Kilo TT Pro with a porter rack is a helluva city beater. I threw some flat bars on mine and its comfy as hell. And with the front rack you can bungee a regular waterproof backpack or whatever and don't have to buy actual panniers. Anyways, just my 2¢
I know at least Origin8 makes a similar product
quick edit: this
https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Classique-Cargo-Front-Rack/dp/B00B135SSE is this the rack?
Side note: Anyone have any luck painting a rack?
Trying to get it to match my silver/grey back rack
https://imgur.com/a/iadO0TL
Yeah, like this...
https://www.amazon.com/WeeRide-96455-Co-Pilot-Bike-Trailer/dp/B003XNFMLS
This basket honestly looks pretty lame but it works well and can hold 30-40 pounds. Just depends on how bulky all your things are.
Sme thing happened weight my son. If he's not riding yet, I ordered one of those training bars that attached to the back of his bike.
http://www.amazon.com/Bike-Trainer-GEEal96089-Handle/dp/B002WBWBQQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396882735&sr=8-1&keywords=bicycle+training+handle
Didn't take long to get confidence. Now I can't keep him off his bike.
Just as an FYI, if you try to "upgrade" your way to a nicer bike, you'll end up spending more than if you save up and buy a bike with aerobars/new wheels/whatever else.
This bike has 700c wheels so you don't need new wheels. (There is a difference between wheels and tires people!) You can however get a set of road tires, size 700x23 or 700x25 which will roll a bit faster. So Conti Ultra Sports will run you ~$50.
http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/bicycle/themes/race/racetyres/ultrasport/ultra_sport_en.html
Next I would do pedals (you'll also have to get shoes) so expect about $150 there.
Shimano PD-R540 Spd-Sl Road Pedals : http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-SPD-SL-Road-Bicycle-Pedals/dp/B004XG5XNG
I suggest this because pedals can go with you to a new bike so you'll have to get those eventually anyways.
Next I'd suggest an indoor bike trainer b/c as the people said, "Practice" is going to be paramount. ~$90.
http://www.amazon.com/F2-MAG-Trainer-by-Forza/dp/B000QRMUHI
Cheap, gets the job done.
Again, a trainer can be used on any bike so it's a wise investment like the pedals.
Outside of that, I'd just save for an entry level road bike and some clip on aerobars or an entry level "tri" bike that has aerobars already. You can probably go as low as $800 now days but expect to pay between $1200 - $1500.
I have a decent Bianchi that I'm always guarding and locking up carefuly. I use an ABUS lock for it which I plan to use for the Rev as they are much better locks than Kryptonite (although it is a popular brand in the US). I also live in the Bay Area. 90% of the time, I know I can just take my bike indoors but even then I plan to keep it within view but otherwise, I'll use the ABUS lock.
I use this but it's already pretty heavy although it is smaller: https://www.amazon.com/Abus-Granit-Bicycle-Lightweight-Security/dp/B07D4BBWF2/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=abus+mini&qid=1564708797&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-1
But they also make a larger one which is about 4lbs: https://www.amazon.com/ABUS-Granit-XPlus-Inch-111617/dp/B00HN47G1M/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=abus+lock&qid=1564708732&s=gateway&sr=8-3
ABUS locks are German manufactured so the quality is amazing. These two locks have a 15/15 international rating which is as good as it gets. The construction is fairly difficult to break through. If you're still not thinking that's enough, you can get an additional locking mechanism with an annoying alarm.
It's an Origin8 and then he put a basket on it.
http://www.amazon.com/Classique-Cargo-HD-Front-Rack/dp/B00B135SSE ?
Modular in the sense that you can lash a basket or box to it/hook things onto it.
Get a tag-a-long. She'll love it and feel less like cargo. They can pedal or not.
Something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/WeeRide-96455-Co-Pilot-Bike-Trailer/dp/B003XNFMLS
Here's something that would work.
Sure thing, not sure why I didn't before. Origin-8 Cargo Unit
Pretty lucky to have gotten the bag that’s for sure! Rack is from Origin 8
Origin8 Classique Cargo HD Front Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B135SSE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_QDNSBbDF7YFCZ
Get a front rack instead. It makes your fixie feel like a Cadillac. Rear racks (imo) make bikes feel sluggish and spongy.
I have this one, but I don't know why it's so expensive now
Lots of good answers here, so I'll just give some extra advice. I highly recommend getting a good bike lock. It'll save your bike and give you peace of mind when you leave it for long periods of time. I personally use an ABUS Granit XPlus. I also recommend getting a rear rack and bag. PakRak makes a really good combo (sold separately).
>tell me your experience and why you started doing it
I didn't want to pay for a car, insurance, gas and upkeep. Now I do it because I've developed such a passion for it. The place I bought the bike from offers free maintenance for life, so that was a good bonus incentive.
Maybe do a group buy of these
Sorry this got caught in the spam filter. The gyrowheel looks pretty interesting.
We've got an attachable trailer with pedals & 3rd wheel, kinda like this:
http://www.amazon.com/WeeRide-96455-Co-Pilot-Bike-Trailer/dp/B003XNFMLS
I think it is helping my daughter with her desire to ride, because together we can go pretty fast & she can see how much fun that is. Also she can get used to the feeling of balancing on a bike and pedaling while I do most of the work.
Sunlite front rack. Pretty cheap. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MKHR7A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KS8ODbNSVXK56
You can also buy a handle that clamps onto a bike.
Like this one.
I have an older crosscheck without mid-fork eyelets and use a nitto big front rack. Love it. Strong, stylish, versatile and well thought out design. Expensive, but I found mine on craigslist for less than half price.
http://imgur.com/a/1ZSEK
I looked into getting a tubus low-rider (without a top platform) but I'm really glad I have the nitto. On the last weekend tour, I carried a blueberry pie on it (that's right). Want to be the most popular guy at camp? Roll up with a fresh pie.
Other options...
Super cheap, (will probably break) - http://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Gold-Tec-Front-Rack/dp/B002MKHR7A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1347452415&sr=8-3&keywords=Nashbar+Front+Rack
The Surly racks get good reviews. Super beefy design.
https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Classique-Cargo-Front-Rack/dp/B00B135SSE
It isn't true that you need to spend half a day doing it. It is very useful if you want to eat over allowance, and only need to burn 600 - 800 kcal. Which you can do with about 80 minutes of cycling. Think that is a long time? You could rig your regular bicycle to work indoors, and that way you can do it while watching your favorite TV Show.
Why don't I just limit my calorie intake and forget this nonsense? Sometimes I want to eat a whole, large, pizza. The one I like is about 2400kcal, while my allowance is 1800kcal. I could cut off the next days, but I don't like being hungry.
It's actually an origin 8 classique hd. I purchased it because it was just like the cetma half rack but way less expensive. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B135SSE?pc_redir=1405364067&robot_redir=1
What I carried, wore, and used:
Sandals
All in all, I rode pretty lightweight, with room to take on additional storage throughout the trip, though I'm not sure of the final weight because I don't own a scale.
I'd like to see in the future whether I could tour without a rack, and I think I can cut down on storage volume considerably by consolidating clothing (a single rain/thermal jacket, and jerseys with more of a street fit which can double as normal shirts) and using a walkable cleat system, as well as getting things inside a compressible stuff sack.
General tips:
I have this Origin-8 rack on the front of my Surly Ogre, and it has been amazing. It's just about the same thing for around $55 instead of $140, and it is super sturdy and light.
i found some called "Porteur Racks" but they are all for the front.
i basically just want something like this
https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Classique-Cargo-Front-Rack/dp/B00B135SSE/ref=pd_sbs_468_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00B135SSE&pd_rd_r=TE00W3PQFHBTAADEEKFH&pd_rd_w=Z8V56&pd_rd_wg=kNTgF&psc=1&refRID=TE00W3PQFHBTAADEEKFH
but for the back of the bike.
Here's the Amazon link.
Origin8 Classique Cargo HD Front Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B135SSE?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
It's a pretty basic carrier but it gets the job done. Note that it doesn't come with the hardware for mounting it to your fork.
Product promotion.
Get one of these, or a variation.
They're amazing!
Since you're not hunched over, it's easier to keep up. Plus, since your child CAN tell you're still there, but can't see you're barely holding onto the handle (if at all), their confidence is dramatically boosted.
I had my four-year-olds off their training wheels and biking on their own in under 30 minutes. Plus, in the days that followed, the handle was helpful when their emergency braking wasn't quite mastered.
Listen to the folks pointing you to panniers or get a BOB bike trailer.
You don't want to ride with a backpack that heavy. Think of your choad (or taint) and the back sweat.
Oh wow, I hadn't heard of the balance buddy handle. That looks like a great tool and it's not all that pricy:
https://www.amazon.com/Balance-Buddy-31264002-Adjustable/dp/B000MISWIW
Sure! It’s just a folding basket from amazon. I picked this one because the bottom is a much tighter pattern to prevent small things rolling out. I use it for my laptop in that same bag but add a bungee over it.
Upside is that it goes flat and fits a standard paper grocery bag easily.
Downsides are if over load it your balance will be a little off. And you might have to swing your leg over in a new and exciting ways.
Panniers are by far the best option, but if you're short on cash you can do what myself and others have done: I had the planet bike eco rack with a milk crate zip tied to it and liked it. Just changed it to the origin8 classique front rack w/milk crate and LOVE it. Good luck.
https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-Oversized-Aluminum-Pre-installed/dp/B000SPMU9Q
https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Classique-Cargo-Front-Rack/dp/B00B135SSE/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1510021748&sr=1-1&keywords=Origin8+classique
Try a nice front rack. I have a '94 Singletrack as well that I turn into my commuter during the winter. I am wanting to get a rack and believe a front rack would work better. You can easily put your backpack on there and strap it down. Here: https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Classique-Cargo-Front-Rack/dp/B00B135SSE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511010576&sr=8-3&keywords=front+bicycle+rack
I have the following and think they're great.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YBHONG/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Bottom-Folding-Bicycle-Basket/dp/B000VNFD80/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1396820580&sr=8-15&keywords=collapsible+side+baskets
Unfortunately I live and work in a neighborhood with a lot of bums, so I have to use a small padlock to secure the front detachable basket.
I'm not in LA but came across this post while searching for a Caviar courier subreddit(looks like it doesn't exist yet). Would this work for your bike and budget?
http://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Classique-Cargo-Front-Rack/dp/B00B135SSE
Add a heat bag, bungees(I prefer the flat kind).
The map routing situation can be dealt with some MacGuyvering or with more expensive fixes. I have this flattish seat bag that I used to keep spare tubes in; now I have it MacGuyvered onto one of the straps of my backpack. I stick my phone in there instead of a pants pocket. I turn the app volume all the way up and can hear Gmaps routing(if I need it) through the din of NYC traffic.
Bluetooth earbuds, as already mentioned, will work. Small portable BT speakers(that you can somehow attach to a backpack) will work. If you must have the visual map to look at, maybe the mount is your only option..
Amazon sells these (that's the cheapest one I think). I wish I had some sort of design in mind for you =P
Is this what you're talking about? Curious because I have a Kryptonite Series 2 lock and will be locking my bike in public soon.
Yeah, I only spent $120 on mine.
ABUS 540 U-Lock supplemented with a Kryptonite cable
(A) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HN47G1M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_w9thDbFAY40XT
(B) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NORUJW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_f.thDbBGHKB6P
My commute is about 11 miles there and back - I keep all my things in a backpack that I secure to my rack trunk with this bungee net. It works like a charm for irregularly shaped items like the various coffee paraphernalia you mentioned. I would suggest grinding your coffee in the morning and taking it in a mason jar or something - after a few trips to and from work you will want to lighten your load as much as possible. If you can keep an electric kettle at work, that would be optimal. If not, then probably just microwave your water.
It's an Origin 8 rack. It's alloy, so it's pretty light for the size of the platform. It's supposed to mount on a solid axle, but I figured out that chainring bolts fit inside the mounting holes perfectly, and the inner diameter of some allow an m5 bolt to fit perfectly. Works great this way.
I've found a front porteur rack (like https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Classique-Cargo-Front-Rack/dp/B00B135SSE) is a much more convenient solution for hauling a messenger bag or backpack. Depending on the bike, a Wald basket on the front is an even more convenient solution.
Rear racks are great for long-distance touring with a good set of panniers, but using them with anything else (including makeshift panniers) is just not that convenient. Stuff on top of the rack can make mounting/dismounting awkward. Stuff on the side needs to be free of straps and dangly bits that could get caught (or very carefully secured). Heel clearance with makeshift panniers is another concern. Last, but not least, panniers pick up a lot of road grime. Even if it's easy to take your bag off the side of the rack and throw it over your shoulder at the destination, it may be dirty enough you don't want to.
For an EBIKE I might look at a cargo/bar/basket rig
http://www.blessthisstuff.com/stuff/vehicles/cycles/bicycle-handlebar-with-integrated-basket/
https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Classique-CargoUnit-25-4mm/dp/B00TG3ENVO
I have one of the Origin 8 cargo racks. I don't love it, but it gets the job done and it was cheap.
I would avoid a rigid attachment as it will likely fail. What about some kind of elastic net that it could fit into? Like a mini cargo-net?
Sunlite Bungee Cargo Net https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WY6ZXA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CwuyzbBQ1TEG3
You could mount this to the ceiling.
Not sure what your ceiling looks like now, this will surely force you to put holes in the ceiling material. Don't go through the roof.
Yeah for just a platform rack, you could even look at the Origin8 CargoHD. I have one on my around towner and I love it.
My favorite way around this is to modify the rack hardware. This is made easier if you're on good terms with a shop that's been around a minute, and they happen to have a bin full of leftover rack hardware (most if not all racks come with extra to suit different bikes). Remove the upper struts and bend it such that it routes around the brake entirely. If you want really sharp bends/angles, I recommend employing a bench vise.
If you're unconcerned with looks, keep in mind that as long as it doesn't contact the brake or interfere with its action, any solution really works, no matter how rough and ready it looks. The upper struts are not weight bearing in any way, and are simply there to prevent your rack from pivoting backwards on the m5 mounting screws.
Edit: you can also get a monostay adapter for this frame, and mount above the brake: https://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Monostay-Adapter-One-Piece/dp/B07CG9P7TY
> For various reasons, I need to drive to work.
As explained by many others, a car isn't the best way to commute in Boston, and is usually beaten by public transport or bikes.
Out of curiosity, what are the reasons you need to drive? Not to second guess you, but there might be a non-driving solution that you haven't thought of.
If it's a matter of simply lugging things to and from work, a pannier or rear rack might suffice.
If it's a matter of picking a kid from daycare on the way home, then a trailer, kid seat, or something like this could work.
If you need to be able to get on the T after work, a folding bike might work.
If you have some minor mobility issues, then an electric bike or Vespa might be better than a car.
This is my trainer https://www.amazon.com/Forza-pdh70022-Sunlite-F-2-Trainer/dp/B000QRMUHI
I've been looking as well, this Bell trainer (80$) has been mentioned a few times as the best value. Looking for something used would probably be a good way to go too.
A couple others that are close in price:
Forza F2 Mag
Blackburn Trakstand Mag 3
Do you have one of these? Do you like it? This seems like an economical option albeit the component called "dry sak" is a bit off-putting.
I found it on amazon here.
Looks like my Sunlite front rack with separate pannier racks.
My kid didn't want to ride the balance bike; I used this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002WBWBQQ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_bcJPCbXV4JXNN
No, it's one of those tandem bicycles that you attach to your bike for your daughter to ride. You can then hook the dog up to your side of the bike.
Not sure if this will make it easier to see on mobile.
I'm leaving on my Chicago to Seattle Tour on 6/3.
Nashbar makes nice inexpensive panniers. Ortliebs are great but double the cost.
With a handlebar bag or top tube bag you should be able to get away with no front panniers. That means you will have your tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad strapped to the top of your rear rack. Try a cargo net: http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-Bicycle-Bungie-Cargo-Black/dp/B000WY6ZXA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370021844&sr=8-1&keywords=bicycle+cargo+net
Sleeping pad is a must. Therm-a-rest is ideal but a walmart special will be fine.
As someone who commutes to work on a bike, here's my list. Granted, a few of these don't really apply to mountain biking.
Safety
Security
Comfort
Utility
If I saw them with these, I don't know whether I'd be horrified or impressed.
Edit: watch the video just for the Irish guy trying to sound cool. Worth it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MKHR7A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 this is the one I got.
Poor man's Nitto for sure.
It's this Origin8 basket thing; https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ACTMJ3U
It adds 3lbs, but it's stable enough and doesn't interfere with the suspension fork
Have any of you used the origin 8 classique rack? Is it any good? If I don't have eyelets should I be fine? Should I spend way more and just get a soma or even a BLB rack?
I agree--love my cargo net, and got it from Amazon for less than $5:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WY6ZXA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000WY6ZXA&linkCode=as2&tag=xoxoadrienn-20
I can strap my backpack on, or take it a step further by using the cargo net to secure a small woven trash basket to the back rack to carry things. My husband does the same with a crate: http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6mx77QJzX1qz8fbvo1_500.jpg
Is this same one? cassavetes' seems to have a much thicker shock cord, has four instead of five grids, and has four thick red plastic hooks instead of the six wire ones on the Topeak.
Both are good, but they don't look the same to me.
Edit:
Linky time!
Instead of an "exercise bike," consider a real bike and a trainer. You'll get the same quality workout you'd get on a stationary bike, with the added benefit that you can ride it outdoors. Trainer + craigslist bike is probably cheaper than a stationary bike.
A rack mount seatpost clamp should cost <$10. I like my QR, so I opted for this: Sunlite Monostay Adapter, 1-1/8", One-Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AO9PE8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Z1gTCbFGSP2Z7
I use the Origin8 classique. Fits just fine on a 26' fork, however you are going to need to change your front wheel from a quick-release to a threaded rod. Which might be too much of a PITA for touring.
Rack + Net