BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

In terms of tools to carry, a multitool, tire repair scabs, extra tube, and a pump are always a good idea. The multitool is the easiest since it's small and would've fixed your handlebar problem right away.

In terms of saddlebag I have no preferences. The helmet is an aesthetic/feel thing. Helmets should all comply with the same safety standard so they're all equally safe. Consider 1. color-black can get hot in summer, orange should be interesting; 2. holes/slits-the more holes in the helmet the more air gets through, so more $$=more holes. As a commuter I don't really care (I wear a cheap $30 helmet I don't have to worry about scratching up); 3. fit-every helmet fits differently, I highly recommend trying out any helmet you're considering.

Pick up what ever helmet makes you feel good.

"Fortunately, helmets have become lighter, better ventilated and increasingly stylish over the years -- and you don't have to spend a fortune for a good one. All bike helmets sold in the U.S. must meet safety criteria set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), so a $30 helmet will meet the same standards as a helmet that costs $200. Most experts recommend trying a helmet on before you buy it, so if you plan to buy online, make sure the store has a good return or exchange policy. The CPSC recalls helmets that fail to meet safety standards, but there have been no major bicycle-helmet recalls in the past year."

http://www.consumersearch.com/bicycle-helmet-reviews/review

I have no opinion on bags; I usually carry my tools in my camelbak. It does get a little annoying on the shorter rides, so I might at some point pick up a a frame bag (the triangle shaped ones) or more than likely I'll add a rear rack and strap a bag or pannier to that.

Your handlebars came loose?!?! That really isn't acceptable! I'm glad that you were able to walk your bike home and didn't suffer some catastrophic accident.

I have a Citi Bell helmet. I have a yellow one, but they come in orange ^ as well.

Helmet is all personal preference, you go to the store and try a bunch on. That said, Bell has what I consider to be amazing customer service. The straps on my helmet became off-centered after 8 or so months of daily use. It was still usable, and effective, but kind of annoying. I took a photo and sent it to them. They fedexed a new helmet out the same day, and included a pre-paid return shipping label so I could send them back the wonky one.

Maybe others have a different opinion, but I wouldn't buy a helmet off e-bay unless it was some bike shop selling overstock or something like that.

ebay helmets from china scare me, especially off brand ones. you have no idea if they meet us safety standards.

for commuting i like a skate style helmet like this: http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/18940-215_BELFC9-2-Accessories-905-Helmets/Bell-Faction-Helmet-2010.htm which can be had from $15-$50 online or, preferably, at one of the many bike shops in the city where you can try them on first.

if you want something a little more stylish go down to Thick and pick up one of these bern helmets: http://www.bernunlimited.com/Home

I have a Trek seat bag where you mount a plastic "cleat" to your saddle and then you can attach/detach the bag very quickly. I think they have a few different sizes, the one I have holds a tube and multitool (topeak alien) with a little room left over for other stuff. I also keep a couple bus tickets in there just in case.

Over many years of experience I have evolved to believe that a "rack trunk" on a rack is the most useful thing for general riding. It's big enough to just throw things in without having to decide too hard what to leave at home, and still small enough that it just hangs out back there being unnoticable. As fall comes and the weather becomes variable you can carry a jacket or remove and stow them as well. Everything is carried off your body, plus you can carry a lunch and a bottle of wine. If you don't care for a hard-mounted rack or have a frame without eyelets you can use a seat post rack, very easy and sleek. Seat post racks are also useful as a rear fender substitute for keeping rain out of your grundies.

I am just worried about getting a bag big enough to hold my lock.

Rack trunk.

I was hoping not to go that route, Edmond, although I do appreciate your perspective. Mainly, I have been using this bike just to ride - not commute anywhere. This has allowed me the freedom to not even carry my lock with me. In fact, I haven't even used it yet.

It's not a road bike and the bike frame doesn't allow a lot of room for both a water bottle and a bulldog mini attachment. I would have to ditch the water bottle and I'm not really wanting to do that. This is my bike. Another problem is that I don't use the seat up too high because of my height, which doesn't allow me many additions to the seat post.

Looks like I might get a small seat bag for the tools, etc, and then if I know I'm going to use the lock, I will have to put it in my back pocket. Suggestions are welcome.

i have a bulldog mini mounted to my frame, and two water bottle cages. the trick is proper mounting. i have the lock holder mounted to my frame about 45° left of straight ahead, and twist the catch on the lock itself so that the lock sits against the frame, with the plane of the lock parallel to the plane of the bike frame. it sticks out a tiny bit to the left side, but it has yet to bother me, and it's out of the way of the water bottles.

I haven't seen many seat bags large enough for a u-lock. At that point, just get a rack and trunk bag. If you are really against that, get a few Twofish lockblocks and put the lock on your handlebars:

If you don't want that, put the lock on your frame and carry water another way: camelback, detachable water bottle cage on your top tube, or your handlebars:

That said, a rack and a pannier are the best bicycle accessories I've ever purchased. Unless I get some overpriced carbon-fiber midlife-crisisycle, I'll never own a bike without a rack. I even have a rack for my mountain bike. Is there a reason you don't want to go that route?

Hidden Variable, like this?

Ok, also, some seat bags have enough extra strap, the one that goes through the seat rails, that you would probably be able to stick a mini u between the bag and the underside of the seat. That would be something you could only find out by trying different ones at a shop.

Seems like that setup with the lock is going to work out fine. I didn't even think to try that, thanks. So if I just get a small seat bag it should be fine.

Wait - I've changed my mind. I want this bike now.

this is what mine looks like:

but yours could work fine too.

Darija brought one of those bikes to try-a-bike, Italianblend It was an interesting ride.

yeah, don't get too excited about the "triangle bike" as everyone was calling it. the ride is interesting, but I'm definitely glad it's not my only bike.

Another option for a saddlebag that will fit a lock is a Carradice-style saddlebag. I had a Junior for awhile, and a standard lock fit easily, along with other stuff.

Thanks for the idea Hidden, you have saved me some space!

Any local shops that have a nice selection of helmets?

Thick does. I haven't paid attention at any other shops I've been to, but I'm sure that at least a good handful do.