(Part 3) Top products from r/bikecommuting

If you're on a budget (after buying everything else) what I did was I bought a small flashlight that is compatible with 18650 rechargeable lithium ion batteries for pretty cheap and that works pretty well for general purposes. The battery is powerful enough to provide visibility while riding through the city. I wouldn't use just a regular flashlight with cheap batteries though.I use a bungee band to tie it on to the handlebars and it works very well (you can see it on the picture I posted earlier).

This has also been useful for night time riding and getting a flat. I can easily remove the flashlight and use it to see what I'm doing.

I also highly recommend the road morph g that zedmartinez recommended. It's PERFECT for cycling. I was looking around for a small pump with a hose and pressure gauge and that was the only one that fit the criteria that was any good.

As for fenders, they don't come with the window tourist (if you decide to get it). I got these fenders and they're perfect. They have a mudflap, are sturdy, and most importantly they look pretty good.

I'm in Pittsburgh, which has less snow, but plenty of cold. For that part, it's a matter of finding the right combination of layers for your cold needs and covering exposed skin. I wear generic-brand buffs over my ears and face, and then good windproof gloves under a set of barmitts. And then I have a commute with plenty of hills to help me warm up. When everything is right, I've been pretty comfortable riding down to about 0-5F.

Falling snow isn't so much of an issue except that I will add clear goggles, otherwise going downhill will involve thousands of little pieces of ice jabbing into your eyes, which sucks. Fresh snow on the ground, up to an inch or so, is usually fine, but will make pedaling a little harder. Packed snow will make it much harder, but doesn't really hurt traction much so it's usually ok, until you find ice.

Ice on the ground is more challenging, and occasionally will make me sit a day out. However, my rule of thumb is that if the streets are plowed enough for cars to drive, then they are clear enough for me to ride, and that's the case way more frequently than not (in my city). If there is too much ice for that, then I don't trust ANYBODY out there and I'd rather walk/bus/stay home. Other options to deal with ice include getting studded tires or something with bigger tires (I have friends who commute on fatbike in the winter).

The final issue is that winter weather will play havoc on your bike's moving parts. You'll want to get it cleaned and lubed WAY more frequently than in the summer, especially if you get snow/ice on your chain.

For people using rear panniers, I'd definitely recommend they look at the Topeak Super Tourist rack - it has the same mounting system as the Explorer model, plus it has an extra set of side bars so (1) you can easily use panniers and a trunk bag at the same time, and (2) the panniers are mounted lower and further back on the bike, which improves stability and helps avoid heelstrike. I've used the Topeak Super Tourist rack with my Ortlieb panniers for daily commutes and long-distance touring and it's worked great.

I'm also a big fan of the Topeak trunk bags - the Quick-Track mounting system used by the Topeak racks and bags is super-easy to use and very secure.

Listen to podcasts using this cheap but powerful external speaker. IMHO, external speakers are better than using one earbud, in terms of letting you be more aware of surrounding traffic.

I commute on commercial roads where there are no other pedestrians/bikers, so there's nobody to annoy with noise. I listen to national and local news, and then storytelling and nerdy/science podcasts (Snap Judgment, This American Life, Hidden Brain, Song Exploder, The Allusionist, The Moth, and Pop Culture Happy Hour are my current faves), and arrive at work feeling entertained, better informed, and happily sweaty.

Hey I totally understand, I work at a bike shop without a shower and a few of us have had this issue. Unfortunately, I live too far away to bike into work, but a few of us use these, but I've also heard good things about these. Best of luck!

I have a Blackburn EX-1 on one bike so I can use the Blackburn bicycle seat:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ZIQMCC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have a Topeak SuperTourist on my commuter, it's heavy but I like being able to fit my Topeak top bag with a couple of panniers when needed. I think the BadBoy 2 has mount points just above the axle.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ZKHN6Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I used a little clamp thing to attach the two front straps to the seatpost, worked fine. They don't really hold any weight, just stability. Something like this or this.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but any idea how to tell the difference on Amazon between ones that attach with QR Axel vs braze-ons? These are what I found that looked correct-ish and I don't see the word braze-on anywhere on any of them. :-/

• https://www.amazon.com/Minoura-Gamoh-KCL-1-Carrier-Front/dp/B003JZIF5K/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1525295198&sr=8-4&keywords=king+carrier
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Minoura-Carrier-Front-Basket-Large/dp/B003RLLD2I/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1525295198&sr=8-5&keywords=king+carrier
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Minoura-Junior-Gamoh-KCM-2-Carrier/dp/B003JZMC0E/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1525295198&sr=8-6&keywords=king+carrier
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Gamoh-KCL-3F-Carrier-Bicycle-Front/dp/B006I9PZ70/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1525295198&sr=8-7&keywords=king+carrier
  
  Thanks again for your time and help! I really appreciate it especially since you're the only one here!

I've found buying from places like dx.com (basically a chinese distributor) to be really good for buying inexpensive lights. I currently use these:

http://www.dx.com/p/bicycle-bike-2-mode-3-led-red-light-tail-warning-safety-light-red-white-2-x-aaa-120031

which is a direct knock off of http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-Blinky-eXtreme-Bicycle/dp/B000KBEH1W/

and

http://www.dx.com/p/singfire-sf-607-2-x-cree-xm-l-t6-2000lm-cool-white-4-mode-bicycle-flashlight-black-4-x-18650-230382

which while not anywhere close to the brightest headlight that they sell, is brighter than any bike light I've seen on the road at full power. (I typically ride around the city at the low or 1/4 power setting and ride on dark trails at medium or 1/2 power setting) At full power, I measured it at 15 Watts which is huge for an LED light (equivalent to a 60W lightbulb and almost as much as a car headlight).

I'm trying to do more and more of my own repairs as I go. Flats are a non-issue...5 minutes on the side of the road and I'm back in the saddle. I've been slowly buying tools as I need them and the other day got this tool kit in the mail so I could replace a worn out bottom bracket and have some extra tools on hand that I don't have yet. My next project is replacing my gear and brake cables...haven't done that before so it should be interesting. I use this guy for a workstand - it does what it needs to do but it would be nice if it was a bit sturdier. Any time I need to sort out how to fix something I haven't done yet I consult Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance, YouTube, and finally /r/bikewrench. I haven't royally screwed anything up yet and I hope to keep it that way!

I ride year-round in Chicago, but had never gotten goggles or a mask, since I didn't love how big they seemed to be. I added these 3M glasses to an Amazon order recently and was quite pleased with how they worked! They didn't fog up while I was waiting at longer red lights like sunglasses usually do, and the coverage was enough to keep my eyes from watering. Highly recommended!

You should be fine with any brand that also makes expensive models. Trek, Specialized, Giant, etc. Their bottom-ranked stuff still needs to be solid and reliable because they have a brand reputation to preserve. The REI branded Co-Op bikes should also be OK. You can also search the internet for reviews of any model bike that interests you.

Buying used is a great way to get started but make sure you educate yourself to ensure you aren't buying someone else's wreck victim / maintenance problems or you can fix them easily. I do my own maintenance and learned pretty much everything I know from a book, Sheldon Brown, Google, and YouTube videos.

If you have the time and a few basic tools, bike maintenance is pretty easy to learn. My copy of Zinn and The Art of Road Bike Maintenance has saved me a lot of money over the years! Also, youtube and r/bikewrench.

I generally have to ride kitted out because I can't be in the sun for very long. I find my entire kit very comfortable though more so for being outside. If its a quick trip it isn't worth the time to change. Any more then that and I'll be physically cooler, and more comfortable on longer rides. I can't be outside for too long because of vitiligo without covering up anyways.

I use cameras for multiple purposes. To document interactions, to document idiotic actions -- even mine. Their main purpose though is to have a record in case of an accident and for that purpose I want to be able to clearly identify the driver and license plate. This requires good resolution front and back. I'm tempted to just use two generic go pro style cameras but then I'll have to remember to turn them on, charge them, etc. I'd like one battery pack at most and maybe one switch.

I have a very bright front headlight similar to this that runs off of a battery pack. We have a total of 4 battery packs that we use over 2 different bicycles. The backlights I have are AAA powered and I keep a backup (lights and batteries). I currently switched lights and I have about 6 of the new ones and maybe 3 of the old ones. I also typically care 2 or 3 cheap "to be seen" emergency lights.

Best experience is having a really crappy day at work and taking all the frustration out on the way home crushing my record. I'm just too physically exhausted to be upset. Then, after I've relaxed I perk up and realize that I just crushed my previous best travel time.

My worst experiences excluding being hit or nearly hit would be engaging with idiots that yell at me. Normally I let it go but sometimes I won't because I'm tired of it and I'll catch up to yell at them. For me to have the desire and ability to do this I've got to be pretty pissed which means I'm potentially running into a really shitty situation blind. I never worry about it in the moment, but after the fact in reflection I feel pretty stupid even if I haven't had anybody go physically psychotic on me.

I don't worry about getting injured while flying in an air plane, riding a buss, driving a car, or letting a co-worker who thinks she is the female version of Andretti drive me around. To me cycling isn't any more dangerous then any of these activities. Some of them its actually less dangerous. I try not to let fear paralyze me. I read what I can to learn how to ride the safest I can. I'll position myself in such a way that I'm the safest I can be based on experts and their research.

I'm not sure what would make me more comfortable on a bike. Maybe a bluetooth speaker that gives me several mounting options and has a quick release retention system so I can take it with me. Currently I'm using this I've modified it to work with a velco strap on its rubber mounting. I mount it on the stem just before the drop bars. I'd prefer other mounting options, and better battery life. Currently it only works for about 4-5 hours.

That's pretty much how I started my 2 mile commute in 2015. I went reading and bought the Wirecutter's reccommendation at the time, a Trek 7.2 (though I did go for the 2014 7.4 Disc, since my shop had it on a good sale). I added fenders and a kickstand immediately, grabbed a cheap (but safe) Wal-Mart helmet and lights, and started riding when the weather was decent. As I needed them, I added elastic, reflective ankle bands to keep my jeans out of the chain, got a set of decent gloves for cooler weather, a rear rack and expandable trunk bag, upgraded my lights, and bought a cheap bike computer from Aldi.
 
After a few years, I had a better idea of what I really wanted, so last fall I sold the hybrid and picked up a gravel bike to get off the 50mph highway and onto the gravel shoulder and replaced my helmet with a more comfortable and better ventilated one. I moved over the rear rack, bought new, larger fenders and a kickstand, but didn't bother with the computer and just got a handlebar phone mount since I track everything on Strava anyways.
 
Of course I don't NEED all of this to bike commute, but it makes it easier/more comforable/etc. to do so. The only thing I've regretted is the fancy gloves: they work just fine, but I could have spent half the money and gotten something just as well suited to my needs. Thankfully I'm in an area with basically no bike theft, so I just use a cheap cable lock on the rare times I even bother to lock it up.

• Tubes: anything you find will work
  
• Patch kit: I like Einstein's patch kit because the patches are small, thin, and have feathered edges. Rema patches work too, but they're larger. I prefer small patches because the vast majority of tube failures are small punctures and the patch is already a zillion times larger than the hole. I dislike sticker patches and I don't trust them.
  
• Bike pump: The Lezyne pressure drive is small and dependable. Get the carbon fiber one if you want to save grams. I don't use a CO2 inflater because I think they are wasteful and of limited utility.
  
• Seat post bag: Really, anything will work
  
• Water bottle: Whatever you have lying around.
  
• Multitool: I like the Topeak Hexus II. It is compact, and has most of the tools you'll need for on-the-road fixes, including a chain tool.
  
• Pliers: There is NOTHING on your bike that you should use pliers on. Use the proper tools for the job.
  
• Tire levers: Any will work, but my favorites are the Soma steel core.
  
• Rear light: Anything will do. I like the Planet Bike Superflash.
  
• Front light: This totally depends on how often you commute in the dark, and what your environment is like. If you're riding on well-lit city streets, your needs will differ a lot from someone riding on rural roads or unlit trails. I use a SON generator hub with the Lumotec IQ Cyo and the combination is awesome. But not everyone needs that kind of setup.

Milk crates are great but these guys save you precious grams.

My commute also involves off-road paved path portions that are unlit, so we're probably similar in that regard.

Based on previous threads on this topic in this sub, I recently went with the Cygolite Metro 300 and have found it pretty good. Now that I use it on a regular basis, I probably wouldn't go with anything less bright than this. Things I really like: it's USB rechargeable - no more AAAs; the mount is sturdy - I've had previous lights that tip down as soon as I hit any road bumps (my city's streets are in godawful condition), but this one attaches much more securely. The light I used immediately before this one had 120lumen output and was not NEARLY bright enough - on the unlit parts of my ride I was navigating half by moonlight.

Hands down the best light for the brightness, usb recharge capability and price is the Cygolite 300

Cell mount(don't let it distract you):
https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Bicycle-Handlebar-Motorcycle-BlackBerry/dp/B015C03SI8/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1468274577&sr=1-1&refinements=p_72%3A1248957011

Choices for rack trunks and/or panniers

timbuk2(highly advise you look into it):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R936DOS/ref=twister_B00B3XWZD8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Hardbox(rack trunk, used to own one, very nice and good for clothing and light gear):
https://www.amazon.com/M-Wave-122461-Amsterdam-Hard-Box/dp/B001EVAYFK/ref=sr_1_13?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1468274731&sr=1-13&refinements=p_72%3A1248957011%2Cp_n_feature_keywords_two_browse-bin%3A6035256011

Affordable rack trunk:
https://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Roswheel-Trunk-Handbag-Pannier/dp/B008S4SX5E/ref=sr_1_2?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1468274753&sr=1-2&refinements=p_72%3A1248957011


Or if you already have a backback you can go for the oldschool option(i.e. mil crate with zip ties):

Milk Crate:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001ACQQA/ref=twister_B002BDTFP0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

zip ties:
https://www.amazon.com/BuyCheapCables%C2%AE-Standard-Locking-Strength-100-pack/dp/B00IRMTYA0/ref=sr_1_sc_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1468275702&sr=8-3-spell&keywords=heavfy+duty+zip+ties


All of these items should have amazon free shipping(two days for prime, 6-8 for non prime members but still free)

Definitely not aero, but warm as hell. These are Bar Mitts, and they’re super warm. I only wear a thin glove underneath, and my hands stay very comfortable.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VK3SEC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_B3-3DbJ4Z8SRA

Some great suggestions in the thread already. Consider Bar Mitts for winter riding--your fingers will thank you. They have drop bar and flat bar variants.

Aside from putting delicate things at the top of my pannier, another option is a trunk bag like this:

http://www.amazon.com/MTX-Trunk-rigid-molded-panels/dp/B000ZKHN50

With the rigid sides, if you don't pack it full, then things like berries are not likely to get squished.

This particular bag relies on having a Topeak rack with the MTX mounting rail on top.

For battery tail light I'm a big fan of the Planet Bike's Turbo flasher. It is incredibly bright and the pattern reminds me of a aviation strobes.

https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-Superflash-Turbo-Light/dp/B004U5PV5A?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-ffab-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B004U5PV5A

Before I switched to dynamo I could make it six months between battery changes.

I love single speed and wouldn’t mind coasting every now and then but it’s going to be my winter bike as well and I want the feel of how much traction I’m getting.

But anyways, I have a “Topeak Super Tourist Tubular Bicycle Trunk Rack DX with Side Bar for Disc Brake Bikes” and SKS Raceblade XL fenders. I used 1/2 inch p clamps. I honestly haven’t test ridden it with the rack on there yet but I’ll report back when I do. I’ll probably carry no more than 20 pounds at once though.

I would like to add the body wipes have been a part of health care for ages and now some venders have made them more sporty and less like something the belongs in a nursing home. Check out this or these. There several others but those are the ones I have heard the most.

I really really like this one. Can't ride without it.

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003LVHZ4O/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Your...your situation sounds identical to mine. First winter for me, I commute 6 miles each way, part on a multi-use path, the rest on roads.

I am using the Giant Roam 3 with studded tires and so far am very pleased with it.

There were two different versions for $100. This one is the one I got. It looks like you ordered this one. It had been priced at $100 when I first started looking at them.

bike shop, amazon, other online bike stores. They are very warm though! I have yet to go riding in weather that I need anything on my hands under them.

Topeak Tote on a Topeak Tourist rack if anyone is curious.

I have a Trek 7.2 FX and got Planet Bike Cascadias. Totally worth it.

I use baby wipes and shower wipes when I get to work since I don't have access to showers. Currently using these and they work well.

you might like this just in case you hit a good bump. I'd hate to lose that lunchbox haha

Bit of discussion of this on the wiki: https://www.reddit.com/r/BicycleGear/wiki/baskets

• Milk crate — the classic low-budget option * ** Note that there are legal implications in using one from a dairy ***
  
  
• Amazon
  
• http://www.containerstore.com/s/authentic-dairy-crate/d?productId=10000531&q=milk%20crate *
  
• Duluth Trading
  
  (and I added a link back here, so it's now a circular reference)
  

I definitely got the wrong panniers (at least inappropriately sized). I got the Topeak MTX EX.

You're right, I don't need all that stuff, especially given that there's a bus line that runs very close to my route. It's just that I've always been one that erred on the side of caution and always try to be as prepared as I can.

I've been eyeing the Velo Orange Porteur rack. I like the low profile of the basket. It's pricey at $160 though. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004JKJNLY/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1427246535&sr=8-2&keywords=velo+orange+porteur&dpPl=1&dpID=418iqWOyOeL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

I checked my order history and this is what I ordered (looks like the same as you?). Now I'm just confused.

Bar Mitts

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004JKJNLY/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1427246535&sr=8-2&keywords=velo+orange+porteur&dpPl=1&dpID=418iqWOyOeL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

Another option is the Contour ROAM (which is the predecessor of the Contour ROAM2). Amazon has it for $99.

Have you thought about one of these? A guy I used to work out with had one of these but he wore it on his glasses somehow.

Also, has anyone tried one of these mirrors? How do they work?

King carrier cro mo porteur. Haven't heard of moloko, I'll check em out.

KCL-1

Gamoh KCL-3F King Carrier, Bicycle Front Rack, Black

Would u consider these one day:

http://www.amazon.com/Schwalbe-Marathon-Winter-Studded-Allround/dp/B001K72VO0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415846439&sr=8-1&keywords=schwalbe+winter+tires

I have a Specialized [Secteur sport] (https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bike-archive/2015/secteur/secteur-sport-double/95174)

I was thinking about getting this

There are some anti-fog options. They still fog sometimes, but in that case you change your breathing a little and blow the air somewhere else.

Try these:

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Virtua-Protective-Eyewear-Anti-Fog/dp/B00166OALC/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1479758812&sr=8-9&keywords=safety+goggles

You need bar Mitts

I just use a bike cargo net over my backpack. It never falls. I've been using it 25 miles a day for ten years without incident.

By the way, don't buy the one I linked. Go to ebay and search for "Sunlite Cargo Net" Buy that one.

I think riding with headphones is incredibly dangerous. I got myself a speaker recently off of amazon which I would recommend though

Yeah, if it's that heavily loaded it would probably not be comfortable all day. Another option for ortliebs: https://www.amazon.com/Ortlieb-Carrying-System-For-Panniers/dp/B004ET2AHE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472942067&sr=8-1&keywords=ortlieb+backpack+carrying+system+for+panniers

Ortliebs mainly have one big compartment, so not sure if that work work for you or not.

A front platform rack like this (I'm sure there are cheaper options) might work to strap a backpack or other bag to. I always worry about the straps getting stuck in my drivetrain. If it's in the front, at least you can see it....https://smile.amazon.com/Velo-Orange-Porteur-Front-Polish/dp/B004JKJNLY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1472942230&sr=8-4&keywords=front+bike+rack+platform

I use the Planet Bike Blinky Superflash. It is so bright that in blink mode it is actually sort of annoying, so I put it in steady and have another less bright one that blinks. I use rechargeable NiMh batteries in all my lights.

Safezone mirror is my favorite. Huge and looks dorky as hell, but it's the only one I haven't found to be frustrating to use. 40 bucks on Amazon but if you're in the pacific NW most likely you can find it for half that at bike stores.

Planet Bike Blinky Superflash Turbo 1W Tail Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004U5PV5A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_RtsRwbS5J40SZ

I have a similar light and it has a clamp and it detaches, I've clipped it to the bag for several years with no problem.

Yep, directly on the rack.

I selected the wrong one in my OP though, it was this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Delta-Unisex-Cargo-Hooks-Black/dp/B000ACAMII

I paid £7.99 from Evans: https://www.evanscycles.com/delta-cargo-net-00103523

I got the recommendation on this sub somewhere I think as I kept finding with bungees they were either too short so I was putting too much pressure on them and they were a struggle to attach (especially during the winter on a cold morning!), or too loose meaning they weren't holding things secure. Someone suggested a cargo net and I went with this one.

Straight over the rack, secured at all 4 corners. Not a single problem since I got it.