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6 commuter bike accessories I couldn’t live with out

From BikeRadar.com

Deputy editor Jack Luke on his essential kit for any commuter bike

Cycling to work comes with many benefits – it will save you money, it’s good for the environment, it’s beneficial for your physical and mental health, and is usually faster.

While any bike can be used for commuting duties, it’s worth buying (or building) a dedicated commuter bike if it’s a regular fixture of your working week.

A specific commuting bike prevents wear on your pride and joy, and you’re more likely to fit dorky practicality-boosting accessories without the fear of abuse from friends.

That final point is critical – carefully selected accessories are what separates a run-of-the-mill bike from a true super commuter.

If you’re setting up a commuting bike, these are the six must-have accessories that will make your ride more enjoyable, safer and, in the long run, cheaper.

1. Mudguards

I’ve said this many, many times before, but life is simply too short to ride without mudguards.

The best mudguards keep you and your bike dry, prolonging the life of consumable parts and boosting morale.

You are much more likely to commit to riding year-round if you know you’ll arrive dry(ish). It also usually negates the need to change clothes when you arrive at work.

Provided they’re installed well, full-cover mudguards will last for years of rattle-free service.

2. Cargo-carrying capabilities

There’s nothing wrong with carrying your stuff in a backpack but, if you’re a regular commuter, it’s worth investing in some kind of luggage system for your bike.

There are many ways to carry stuff comfortably on your bike, shifting weight off your back.

Pannier bags mounted to a rack are good for heavier loads. If you only have a small amount of stuff, a little handlebar-mounted basket will suffice.

I prefer a large platform-style front rack with a basket. A custom-made bag then fits inside this.

This is a better option for me, because I don’t like the ‘tail wags the dog’ sensation of riding with rear-mounted panniers (particularly on a flexible frame). I like being able to see my stuff when riding, too.

I also think this setup looks cool – and I’m a fashion victim. Make of that what you will.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

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The best stocking stuffers for the electric bike rider (or regular cyclist) in your life

From Elektrek.co

By

Sure, we’d all love a new e-bike for Christmas. Or for Hanukkah. Or Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, Las Posadas, Boxing Day, or did I miss any other good winter holidays? The point is, an electric bike would be great, but it’s those other small accessories that can really help make the ride even better. So here are some of the smaller but no less important pieces of cycling gear I’ve been testing this year, which just might make a great stocking (or latke) stuffer for the cyclist in your life.

If you’re looking for an actual e-bike to give as a gift, we’ve already got a great roundup over here.

And just a note, this list includes around a 50/50 mix of gear I’ve bought for testing and gear sent to me for free from the companies. If I bought something, I’ll say it. The rest were media samples. We get sent a lot of crap all year. Only the stuff that’s actually good shakes out in the end to land on this list.

So let’s get this party started!

Tools

Topeak Ratchet Stick

The Topeak Ratchet Stick is probably my favorite bike tool of all time.

It doesn’t have every tool in the box, but it has most of the hex driver sizes you’ll need for common tasks (adjusting brakes, saddles, racks, etc.), and then the second plastic holder that snaps onto it carries even more drivers that you probably don’t need as often (mostly the Torx drivers).

 

Image courtesy of Topeak

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Which bike lights do I need? 8 perfect choices for the 4 most common requirements

From Road.cc

The bike light market can be difficult to navigate with so many brands, so many power outputs, and just so many options. But with the help of Moon lights, we’ve simplified things to make sure you only buy exactly what you need.

Modern bike lights can be so incredibly bright they’re perfectly capable of leaving anybody completely dazzled. But what’s even more dazzling is the sheer range of different options available in the bike light market. How exactly are you supposed to be able to see through the glare of options to find the exact lights that are perfect for you? 

The answer, as always, is to break down the options and possibilities into the fundamentals that address one simple question: what exactly do you need the lights for?

For road cyclists, the answer to that question often lies in one of four areas:

  • I need ultimate performance front lights to make the way ahead bright and clear
  • I need a suitable commuting light set that conveniently fits in with daily life
  • I need a reliable back-up light set that will do the job when all else fails 
  • I need an effective rear light that will be ready to shine all the time

Identify which one – or which ones – among that list applies to you, and you’ll be far better prepared to buy the type or types of lights you actually need.

Modern bike lights can be so incredibly bright they’re perfectly capable of leaving anybody completely dazzled. But what’s even more dazzling is the sheer range of different options available in the bike light market. How exactly are you supposed to be able to see through the glare of options to find the exact lights that are perfect for you? 

The answer, as always, is to break down the options and possibilities into the fundamentals that address one simple question: what exactly do you need the lights for?

For road cyclists, the answer to that question often lies in one of four areas:

  • I need ultimate performance front lights to make the way ahead bright and clear
  • I need a suitable commuting light set that conveniently fits in with daily life
  • I need a reliable back-up light set that will do the job when all else fails 
  • I need an effective rear light that will be ready to shine all the time

Identify which one – or which ones – among that list applies to you, and you’ll be far better prepared to buy the type or types of lights you actually need.

Image courtesy of MoonSportUsa.com

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