Must haves?
#26
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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.
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
#27
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#29
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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.
#31
Full Member
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 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
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#32
Pedal Stompin'
- 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.
#33
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Stanley one-hand coffee thermos, fits in bottle carrier, keeps temperature for hours
https://www.stanley-pmi.com/shop/cla...cuum-mug-16-oz
https://www.stanley-pmi.com/shop/cla...cuum-mug-16-oz
#34
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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 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
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
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#35
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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.
#36
Senior Member
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.
#37
Full Member
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
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
#38
Banned
Gilet Jaune ? a yellow vest
#39
Senior Member
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.
#40
Senior Member
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
#42
Senior Member
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.
#43
Banned
I agree. Full fenders were a game changer for me as well. They make commuting much more hospitable in rainy Britain.
#45
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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.
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.