Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

Must haves?

Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

Must haves?

Old 05-20-19, 12:44 PM
  #26  
chas58
Senior Member
 
chas58's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 4,863

Bikes: too many of all kinds

Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1147 Post(s)
Liked 415 Times in 335 Posts
Game changer to me means something that gives a distinct advantage over the "old way" of doing something. A competitive advantage in sports. An efficiency leap in accomplishing some task.
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
chas58 is offline  
Old 05-20-19, 01:18 PM
  #27  
Darth Lefty 
Disco Infiltrator
 
Darth Lefty's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,775

Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem

Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,102 Times in 1,366 Posts
Originally Posted by Korina
I always ride with a bandana.
Fidlock Uni Connector

__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Darth Lefty is offline  
Old 05-20-19, 01:57 PM
  #28  
no motor?
Unlisted member
 
no motor?'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 6,193

Bikes: Specialized Hardrock

Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1376 Post(s)
Liked 432 Times in 297 Posts
Originally Posted by Korina
I always ride with a bandana. It's like a mini towel, and you should always know where your towel (or bandana) is.
"Don't panic"!
no motor? is offline  
Likes For no motor?:
Old 05-20-19, 02:00 PM
  #29  
no motor?
Unlisted member
 
no motor?'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 6,193

Bikes: Specialized Hardrock

Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1376 Post(s)
Liked 432 Times in 297 Posts
Originally Posted by wphamilton
Yep, skin-out change of clothes. I keep socks, belt and shoes even, in a file cabinet at my desk. It's rare nowadays but still happens that I forget something and when I do it could be anything.
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.

Originally Posted by Darth Lefty
Fidlock Uni Connector

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.
no motor? is offline  
Old 05-21-19, 03:56 AM
  #30  
mike1234
Newbie
 
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
if you need to riding at night , you may need to equip a bike light for it .
mike1234 is offline  
Old 05-21-19, 09:17 AM
  #31  
crazyravr
Full Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Mississauga ON
Posts: 308

Bikes: 1 for road & 1 for gravel

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 136 Post(s)
Liked 30 Times in 25 Posts
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
crazyravr is offline  
Likes For crazyravr:
Old 05-21-19, 04:40 PM
  #32  
kellichou
Pedal Stompin'
 
kellichou's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 181

Bikes: 2014 Metrofiets w/EBO e-assist; 2007 Trek 7300; 1986 Peugeot road bike w/downtube shifters

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 41 Post(s)
Liked 15 Times in 9 Posts
Originally Posted by Phil_gretz
- carrying the Pedro's tire bead jack in my panniers for those impossible to mount Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires, in the rare event that I have to remove one and remount it. This was necessitated recently when I had a spoke broken at work and needed to replace a spoke nipple. The Schwalbe tire needed to come off first. Ugh.
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.
kellichou is offline  
Old 05-21-19, 08:10 PM
  #33  
Archwhorides 
Senior Member
 
Archwhorides's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Boston
Posts: 927

Bikes: Death machines all

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 297 Post(s)
Liked 85 Times in 63 Posts
Stanley one-hand coffee thermos, fits in bottle carrier, keeps temperature for hours

https://www.stanley-pmi.com/shop/cla...cuum-mug-16-oz
Archwhorides is offline  
Old 05-22-19, 07:42 AM
  #34  
chas58
Senior Member
 
chas58's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 4,863

Bikes: too many of all kinds

Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1147 Post(s)
Liked 415 Times in 335 Posts
Originally Posted by crazyravr
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
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
chas58 is offline  
Likes For chas58:
Old 05-23-19, 11:13 AM
  #35  
Farm_kid
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Albany, NY
Posts: 13

Bikes: '80ish Vista Pacer; '99 Iron Horse Flagstaff MTB

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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.

Last edited by Farm_kid; 05-23-19 at 02:26 PM.
Farm_kid is offline  
Old 05-23-19, 12:28 PM
  #36  
medic75
Senior Member
 
medic75's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: NW Pennsylvania
Posts: 241

Bikes: '19 Trek Stache 5, '17 DB Hannjo Trail, '09 Scott CR1 Pro, Schwinn Central commuter, '16 DB El Oso

Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 108 Post(s)
Liked 57 Times in 29 Posts
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.
medic75 is offline  
Old 05-24-19, 09:23 AM
  #37  
crazyravr
Full Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Mississauga ON
Posts: 308

Bikes: 1 for road & 1 for gravel

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 136 Post(s)
Liked 30 Times in 25 Posts
Originally Posted by chas58
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
I have that band as well and use it for running. I dont like it while cycling. Does not fit good under the helmet.
crazyravr is offline  
Old 05-24-19, 09:55 AM
  #38  
fietsbob
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NW,Oregon Coast
Posts: 43,598

Bikes: 8

Mentioned: 197 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7607 Post(s)
Liked 1,354 Times in 861 Posts
Gilet Jaune ? a yellow vest
fietsbob is offline  
Old 05-25-19, 07:14 AM
  #39  
FlMTNdude
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Williston FL
Posts: 531

Bikes: 1988 Panasonic, 1989 Fuji, Schwinn Beach Cruiser

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 115 Post(s)
Liked 60 Times in 45 Posts
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.
FlMTNdude is offline  
Old 05-25-19, 08:21 PM
  #40  
SylvainG
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Ottawa,ON,Canada
Posts: 1,270

Bikes: Schwinn Miranda 1990, Giant TCX 2 2012

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 486 Post(s)
Liked 10 Times in 7 Posts
Originally Posted by wphamilton
Yep, skin-out change of clothes. I keep socks, belt and shoes even, in a file cabinet at my desk. It's rare nowadays but still happens that I forget something and when I do it could be anything.
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
SylvainG is offline  
Old 05-25-19, 08:27 PM
  #41  
SylvainG
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Ottawa,ON,Canada
Posts: 1,270

Bikes: Schwinn Miranda 1990, Giant TCX 2 2012

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 486 Post(s)
Liked 10 Times in 7 Posts
Originally Posted by kellichou
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.
I got that one and it works great.

SylvainG is offline  
Old 06-07-19, 04:35 PM
  #42  
trailmix
Senior Member
 
trailmix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 684

Bikes: 50+/-

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 63 Post(s)
Liked 81 Times in 48 Posts
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.
trailmix is offline  
Old 06-09-19, 09:20 AM
  #43  
acidfast7
Banned
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: England / CPH
Posts: 8,543

Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS

Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1053 Post(s)
Liked 41 Times in 36 Posts
Originally Posted by trailmix
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.
acidfast7 is offline  
Old 06-09-19, 02:01 PM
  #44  
m.t
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I second the lights for sure
m.t is offline  
Old 06-09-19, 02:50 PM
  #45  
But its me 
Junior Member
 
But its me's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Memphis, TN
Posts: 196

Bikes: A few older US made Cannondales, a modern Soma Saga (no longer made, alas!), and one gifted crabon Specialized. Never enough.

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 45 Post(s)
Liked 60 Times in 39 Posts
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.
But its me is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.