What is the most underrated bicycle accessory?
#78
Bikes are okay, I guess.
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Also, kickstands. I've used them for decades on nearly every bike in my fleet. Center mount on some bikes, rear mount on others, and I just recently tried the remarkably heavy but astonishingly useful ESGE Pletscher Twin. Worked on the touring bike fitted either with six bags (front and rear panniers, plus handlebar bag and rack pack) or with just the handlebar bag and B.O.B. trailer.
#79
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Also, kickstands. I've used them for decades on nearly every bike in my fleet. Center mount on some bikes, rear mount on others, and I just recently tried the remarkably heavy but astonishingly useful ESGE Pletscher Twin. Worked on the touring bike fitted either with six bags (front and rear panniers, plus handlebar bag and rack pack) or with just the handlebar bag and B.O.B. trailer.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LNLXML4...s_ad_dp_asin_1
I don't notice the extra weight especially for how useful it is. It's very well made and cost much less than the Pletscher. I bought the single BV for my wife's bike and it's also very well made and useful.
#82
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I'm going to vote in the top-tube bag, or 'Bento Box' as the tri guys call it. It's a small bag that attaches to the top tube right behind the stem.
I threw one on last-minute before a 6-day Tour, and it was a game-changer. Just enough room for a couple of granola bars, the extra battery for my phone, and a small bottle of eye drops (I wear contact lenses)
All the stuff that'd usually end up in a jersey pocket, now right in front of you.
I got the Bell -branded one from Target, although most LBS have one brand or another; $15-$20. The Bell has zippers, some have velcro, and a clear sleeve on top, meant for a phone, but i put pace notes / cue sheets in it.
I threw one on last-minute before a 6-day Tour, and it was a game-changer. Just enough room for a couple of granola bars, the extra battery for my phone, and a small bottle of eye drops (I wear contact lenses)
All the stuff that'd usually end up in a jersey pocket, now right in front of you.
I got the Bell -branded one from Target, although most LBS have one brand or another; $15-$20. The Bell has zippers, some have velcro, and a clear sleeve on top, meant for a phone, but i put pace notes / cue sheets in it.