Commuter Bike Accessories and Components

Commuting Save money on gas! Help the environment! Stay healthy! Yes, the benefits of commuting by bike are numerous. But best of all? It's fun. Here are some items you may want to bring with you on your way to the daily grind.

HYDRATION PACKS LOCKS LIGHTS REFLECTORS

Accessories Backpack — Choose a backpack designed for cyclists (narrower than normal packs). It can be used in place of panniers if your commute is under 10 miles. Bike lock/cable and key Cyclometer Boot material — $$ A dollar bill or an energy bar wrapper can be used to seal a torn tire. See REI's "Field Fix" section. Cycling gloves — Get padded gloves for greater comfort. Front and rear fenders — Get the kind that really cover the tires. They weigh a bit more, but they make up for it by cutting down on the time you spend cleaning your bike and your back. Helmet liner or headband — For freezing temperatures. Hydration system — Go for a hydration pack. Many models are expandable to hold extra gear. And, having your hands free while heading down the interurban is vital. Lighting system — Go rechargeable and plug it in at the office to make sure you've got the juice for those short winter nights or late stays. Headlamps are good, too Panniers — For commutes over 10 miles. Panniers come in various sizes. Choose the one that will carry your average payload: clothes, laptop and papers. Rack — Get the kind made for holding panniers. Rack trunks — These roomy storage bags attach to the top shelves of bicycle racks (usually rear racks). They can be used in addition to panniers. Reflectors — Don't stop at just the side and front/back reflectors. Give your helmet a reflective headband. Wear a reflective jacket. Put reflective material on your cycling pants. In short, make sure that you light up like up like a fireworks display when a car's headlights turn their attention to you. Saddlebag — $$ Depends on whether you need the extra room. If you're carrying a rack trunk or panniers, you probably won't need a saddlebag. Tool kit — Choose from compact multi tools that fit in your underseat pack to entire tool boxes for use at home.