Game Changer: Tubeless tires. (oops, did I say that?). But it is a game changer. In 45 years of commuting, that is my biggest game changer. Most of the posts above refer to flats.

I came home Friday afternoon with a “wet spot” on my tires. I had a nice 3mm gash in the tire. But the sealant plugged it up. No worries. Also, I would have had a snake bite flat in the morning due to an inopportune pothole if I had tubes. Two flats in a day would have sucked – but I made it round trip without issue. Tubeless isn't for everyone, but on my commute it is a game changer.

Honorable mentions:

• Messenger bag w/cross-strap (Aero, keeps weight low and no sweat on my back).
• LED strobes front and rear when in traffic + high vis clothing

Fidlock Uni Connector

https://media-prod.velomotion.de/wp-.../fidlock-6.jpg

"Don't panic"!:)

This morning after the usual listing of all the things I planned on bringing with me to the cat I got outside, locked the front door and realized I'd left my glasses inside. The ones I need to see while riding. I need to tell him to do a better job of reminding me to bring everything with me.

I usually put a banana in a water bottle pocket of my backpack when I bring one to work. I figure it makes me extra sanctimonious looking if anyone gets close enough to notice.

if you need to riding at night , you may need to equip a bike light for it .

Rockbros cycling cap.

I went from how stupid is this and why would anyone wear this TO how can anyone cycle without this liner under the helmet. Keep the bugs out, sun off and traps sweat. I now own 3 pairs and wash them weekly.
https://www.amazon.com/RockBros-Ploy.../dp/B074MPQSFC

YES. I love my Schwalbe Marathons, but my hands have bled more than once having to remount a tire. I keep meaning to get one of those lil tire bead jacks.

Stanley one-hand coffee thermos, fits in bottle carrier, keeps temperature for hours

https://www.stanley-pmi.com/shop/cla...cuum-mug-16-oz

I think I'll try the cap.

In the summer (or in the humid south!) I can't ride fast without a sweat band. I bought a Halo on a whim, but it has become a mandatory accessory on hot days. This one works amazingly well (had to buy two so I have a spare in case I can't find one before a ride).

https://www.rei.com/product/710872/halo-ii-headband

Intermittent Fasting. I eat all my calories between Noon and 8pm. I am still pretty new to bike commuting, but the fact I don't have to eat breakfast in the morning allows me to save a little time in the morning and make sure I am ready to ride. This might not seem as important as I get a better morning routine before setting off on the commute. Right now, I'm still learning.

My commute is no more than 2 miles. I am able to do laundry at work, so my work clothes stay there. My only must haves are a working bike, a helmet, a mirror, & working lights for winter when it gets dark early.

I have that band as well and use it for running. I dont like it while cycling. Does not fit good under the helmet.

Gilet Jaune ? a yellow vest

My standard (my commuter is also my main recreational bike) no matter the ride is my saddle bag kit with two tubes, front and rear lights, basic bike computer, nothing fancy. As I ride in hot weather for a decent distance I ride in Lycra. I have a trunk bag, two locks, a pannier with a grocery bag, my change of clothes and lunch.

My dress shoes always stays at work. When I switch to the car when there is snow on the ground, that means I'm now using Winter boots so like I said, dress shoes stays at work. Same as you, dress belts stays at work. Need to keep the commute light :)

I got that one and it works great.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1d8484b40a.jpg

A game changer for me was a nice set of full coverage fenders, I don’t know how I survived before them. They are not only great when it rains (we got 70 inches last year) but they are also good defense against horse urine, garbage truck juice, etc.

I agree. Full fenders were a game changer for me as well. They make commuting much more hospitable in rainy Britain.

I second the lights for sure

Halo II as well. Cannot ride without one in the humid summers of the South. Takes a bit of effort to get it just right under helmet, aiming for silicone strip just below helmet’s liner (so it doesn’t press as hard into forehead, causing headaches and nice indentation).

Dynamo wheel and lighting is the #1 must have to me! No worries about batteries and the output is designed for riding. Talking Busch and Mueller IQ-X.