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The Complete Bicycle Commuter
This article is revised from what originally appeared in the 1994 Cycle America Wine country cycling guide
The commuting cyclist outfits him or herself for function and dependability not fashion or speed. The recommendations below may add weight or 'clutter' to your commute bike but they will get you from home to work and back with the greatest of ease and comfort:
You:
- Helmet. Motorists take you more seriously when you wear one. Gives you a place to mount a mirror, reflective tape or a light.
- Rainwear.Get a lightweight, waterproof set. For upright bikes, Rain Panchos work. Walgreens has inexpensive ones.
- Rain Booties. Get the kind that slide right over your tennis shoes to keep your feet dry.
- Gloves. Two styles. One set for cold or wet, one set for everything else
- Visor to keep the rain or sun out of your eyes.
Your bike
- Spare tube and a lightweight pump that attaches to your bike frame.
- Reflective tape. Adds to your visibility at night. Use it to cover up scratches.
- Fenders. Keep you clean, keep the bike clean.
- Horn. By anticipating its use you can save your vocal chords and ward off potentially dangerous situations.
- Mirrors. Fit on your helmet, glasses or handlebars.
- Flatproof gel or tubes. Make your tires nearly impervious to punctures.
- Rear pulsing reflector. The most important night light you can have (the batteries last for hundreds of hours).
- Headlight.
- Racks. Make you safer. By getting the weight off your back, you lower your center of gravity. Also let you carry:
- Panniers for a change of clothes..
- Collapsible shopping baskets for errands in between work and home.
- Cycle Briefcase. Lets you move your important paper work, planners, phone numbers and pens and pencils around in a dignified, organized way.
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