Accessories recommendations for a new commuter?

[8jk8]

Even though I'm WFH for now, I plan to start commuting by bike for the first time when we eventually return to the office. I'd also like to get extra mileage with some recreational riding on weekends and while occasionally running errands. Hoping to get some recommendations for a new-to-me Bianchi Milano I bought on Craigslist. What are your preferences, and what do you like to keep on you when you commute?

I'm completely new to all of this, but I tried to think of what I will eventually need. I'd greatly appreciate your opinions on the following list:

• • Bells: Awpeye 2 Pack Bike Bell ($8.99)
• • Bungee Cords: Cartman Bungee Cord Assortment ($16.99) -- I plan to use these primarily for making sure our bikes are extra secure when driving with them mounted on the car rack. Might also use them for tying stuff down to the bike's rear rack/bag/panniers, unless that's a bad idea.
• • Car Rack: Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack ($39.93)
• • First Aid Kit: First Aid Only FAO-442 All-Purpose ($16.82)
• • Hand Pump: Topeak Mini Morph Bike Pump With Gauge ($25.93)
• • Helmet: Freetown Lumière Bike Helmet with MIPS ($29.99) -- I couldn't find a direct product link, but this caught my eye last time I was at Costco
• • Lights: Ascher USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set ($8.99)
• • Lock: Kryptonite KryptoLok Standard U-Lock with Cable ($47.09 with 20% off coupon) -- I've seen some recommendations for U-locks, specifically Kryptonite. Will their "standard" model be sufficient, or should I be spending more here? I'll primarily be riding in satellite cities/suburbs of Dallas-Fort Worth (very rarely actually in the city). Alternatively, how does this Via Velo 14mm U-Lock ($28.96) compare for about $18 less? Should I be going with a chain lock instead?
• • Multi-Tool: Crankbrothers M19 ($21.28) -- To be completely honest, I'm such a newbie that I'm not totally sure how/when I'd use this. Any insight would be helpful.
• • Patch Repair Kit: RocRide 16-PC Inner Tube Patch Bicycle Repair Kit ($8.87)
• • Phone Mount: Opamoo Waterproof Front Frame Top Tube Handlebar Bag ($17.99)
• • Rear Rack: Ibera Bike Rack ($24.99)
• • Rear Storage: Ibera 2 in 1 PakRak Commuter Bicycle Trunk Bag with Expandable Panniers ($58.99)
• • Spare Tube: Bell STANDARD Tube 700 x 35/43c ($6.41)
  

What have I missed? Might there be some issues with compatibility? What are some better alternatives that aren't super expensive? I don't mind investing more now if it will really be worth it down the line. Did I cheap out on some items too much? Are some of them a waste of money?

I promise I'm not an Amazon, Costco, or REI shill. With so many different items, it was just easier to find most of them in a couple of places, but I'm not restricted/loyal to any particular vendor/site if you have recommendations elsewhere.

Thanks for taking the time to read what has become a pretty long post, and thanks in advance for your suggestions!

[CharleyFarley]

(03-30-2020, 09:56 AM)8jk8 Wrote:  Even though I'm WFH for now, I plan to start commuting by bike for the first time when we eventually return to the office. I'd also like to get extra mileage with some recreational riding on weekends and while occasionally running errands. Hoping to get some recommendations for a new-to-me Bianchi Milano I bought on Craigslist. What are your preferences, and what do you like to keep on you when you commute?

I'm completely new to all of this, but I tried to think of what I will eventually need. I'd greatly appreciate your opinions on the following list:

What have I missed? Might there be some issues with compatibility? What are some better alternatives that aren't super expensive? I don't mind investing more now if it will really be worth it down the line. Did I cheap out on some items too much? Are some of them a waste of money?

Thanks for taking the time to read what has become a pretty long post, and thanks in advance for your suggestions!

It looks like you've got it all figured out. What's left to want?

Why two bells?

A rechargeable two-light set for only $8.99? That sounds almost useless. On a dark night, you're not going to be able to see where you're going, especially if the road is wet. And you'd want drivers to see you. I'd save your money on that and spring for a good light A decent front light should run you around $60. Then a rear light that takes batteries would be around $17. I have one on each of my bikes, and they have steady or flashing modes, and they are very bright LEDS. My front light cost me $80 a few years ago but prices have gone down. It's a brilliant light with four levels but I run on the lowest light level. The battery charge lasts longer that way. Lights are not a good thing to skimp on, and I feel sure you'd soon regret them.

Personally, I would have avoided a left hand drive bike. There is only one company who makes left hand freewheels, so you might want to have a spare one in case something happens, and it leaves you without a bike for a while. Also, if the wheel got damaged, you'd have to get one with a left hand thread, or have a bike shop reuse your hub with a new rim and spokes. But you bought it and you can make it work well.

Before you start commuting with it, I would suggest a full service such as cleaning and re-greasing all bearings. If you're good with mechanical work, you could do that in a half day. If not, a bike shop can do it for you. You don't want to find out the things that might let you down on the way to work or home.

Oh, one more thing if you'll be commuting. Get a fluorescent yellow safety jacket with reflective stripes. Being seen goes a long way to staying safe.

[8jk8]

Thanks for your thorough reply! I tried to make sure I covered my bases, but I don't know what brands or types of products are preferable/necessary.

Two bells because my wife recently got a bike as well (Diamondback Wildwood).

That's a good point on the lights. Do you have specific recommendations? The cheap ones I found are 80 lumens. Is there like a minimum brightness that you'd say I need to make sure I get?

Regarding the left hand drive bike - I don't even know what that really means. Could you help me understand what the differences are and why it might be inconvenient? What is the one company that makes left hand freewheels? What's a freewheel? Excuse my ignorance, but like I said, I'm a complete newbie.

I do plan on having a shop check it over and potentially doing a tune-up if necessary before we start using the bikes.

A bright safety jacket does sound like a good idea.

I really appreciate you taking the time to share what you know. If you don't mind, I'd like to ask your opinions specifically on the locks (Would the Kryptonite standard model be sufficient? Is it a good price? How does the cheaper Via Velo compare? Should I go with something else altogether?) and the Ibera rack/bag/panniers (similar questions). Thanks again!

[CharleyFarley]

(04-01-2020, 09:19 PM)8jk8 Wrote:  That's a good point on the lights. Do you have specific recommendations? The cheap ones I found are 80 lumens. Is there like a minimum brightness that you'd say I need to make sure I get?

I have no recommendations. Your best bet is to do an Internet search for bike lights. There are many from which to choose. I have a Serfas light I bought three years ago and it's great. It has four brightness modes. I just checked Amazon for Serfas brand lights. They range from cheap to $129. One that I would choose if I were buying one, would by the $79 light. I think if you go with a mid-range price, you'll be fine. I have an LED bike light which takes batteries in my bike parts box. It's okay if the purpose is to be seen by drivers, but for lighting a dark road, not very good. Here's a link to the Serfas page. Bear in mind that Serfas isn't the only maker of bike lights.
https://www.amazon.com/serfas-bike-lights/s?k=serfas+bike+lights

Quote:Regarding the left hand drive bike - I don't even know what that really means. Could you help me understand what the differences are and why it might be inconvenient? What is the one company that makes left hand freewheels? What's a freewheel? Excuse my ignorance, but like I said, I'm a complete newbie.

A freewheel is the gear on your back wheel. It can be a single cog or multiple cogs. You have multiple cogs in the photo you showed.

I am in complete error about your bike being left hand drive. It looks that way in the photo, but I downloaded it and zoomed in on it, and I see that it's right hand drive. That is good! Sorry about that! I gotta get new glasses. I should also have noticed that the chainwheel isn't on the left side. I can't believe I goofed up so badly!

Quote:I do plan on having a shop check it over and potentially doing a tune-up if necessary before we start using the bikes.

A wise decision!

Quote:I really appreciate you taking the time to share what you know. If you don't mind, I'd like to ask your opinions specifically on the locks (Would the Kryptonite standard model be sufficient? Is it a good price? How does the cheaper Via Velo compare? Should I go with something else altogether?) and the Ibera rack/bag/panniers (similar questions). Thanks again!

So many locks to choose from! There is no perfect lock that can't be broken by a thief; you can only make the bike as secure as you can. Cables can be cut in seconds. Some thieves carry portable battery-powered grinders which will cut a lock or cable in seconds. If you intend to keep the bike locked up in a place that's accessible to the public, you'll likely find it gone, one day. Locks are good if you're stopping just to get lunch. Chain it to a post, through the wheel and frame, and sit where you can keep an eye on the bike.

I ride around our county on a fat bike, and I use a 'U' lock and cable when I stop for refreshment. The 'U' lock fits snugly around the rim and tire, so it can't be ridden away. A cable attaches to the 'U' lock to secure the bike to a post. It would still be possible for a thief to cut the cable and hoist the bike into a pickup truck, but at least they can't ride it away. And I'd be watching it, anyway. Most thieves are walk-up, ride-away.

I know nothing about panniers/saddle bags on bikes. I had them on a motorcycle. If you buy saddle bags for your bike, you'd need a luggage rack with the side bars to prevent the bag from going into the wheel.

[Carina]

(03-30-2020, 09:56 AM)8jk8 Wrote:  Even though I'm WFH for now, I plan to start commuting by bike for the first time when we eventually return to the office. I'd also like to get extra mileage with some recreational riding on weekends and while occasionally running errands. Hoping to get some recommendations for a new-to-me Bianchi Milano I bought on Craigslist. What are your preferences, and what do you like to keep on you when you commute?

I'm completely new to all of this, but I tried to think of what I will eventually need. I'd greatly appreciate your opinions on the following list:

• • Bells: Awpeye 2 Pack Bike Bell ($8.99)
• • Bungee Cords: Cartman Bungee Cord Assortment ($16.99) -- I plan to use these primarily for making sure our bikes are extra secure when driving with them mounted on the car rack. Might also use them for tying stuff down to the bike's rear rack/bag/panniers, unless that's a bad idea.
• • Car Rack: Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack ($39.93)
• • First Aid Kit: First Aid Only FAO-442 All-Purpose ($16.82)
• • Hand Pump: Topeak Mini Morph Bike Pump With Gauge ($25.93)
• • Helmet: Freetown Lumière Bike Helmet with MIPS ($29.99) -- I couldn't find a direct product link, but this caught my eye last time I was at Costco
• • Lights: Ascher USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set ($8.99)
• • Lock: Kryptonite KryptoLok Standard U-Lock with Cable ($47.09 with 20% off coupon) -- I've seen some recommendations for U-locks, specifically Kryptonite. Will their "standard" model be sufficient, or should I be spending more here? I'll primarily be riding in satellite cities/suburbs of Dallas-Fort Worth (very rarely actually in the city). Alternatively, how does this Via Velo 14mm U-Lock ($28.96) compare for about $18 less? Should I be going with a chain lock instead?
• • Multi-Tool: Crankbrothers M19 ($21.28) -- To be completely honest, I'm such a newbie that I'm not totally sure how/when I'd use this. Any insight would be helpful.
• • Patch Repair Kit: RocRide 16-PC Inner Tube Patch Bicycle Repair Kit ($8.87)
• • Phone Mount: Opamoo Waterproof Front Frame Top Tube Handlebar Bag ($17.99)
• • Rear Rack: Ibera Bike Rack ($24.99)
• • Rear Storage: Ibera 2 in 1 PakRak Commuter Bicycle Trunk Bag with Expandable Panniers ($58.99)
• • Spare Tube: Bell STANDARD Tube 700 x 35/43c ($6.41)
  

What have I missed? Might there be some issues with compatibility? What are some better alternatives that aren't super expensive? I don't mind investing more now if it will really be worth it down the line. Did I cheap out on some items too much? Are some of them a waste of money?

I promise I'm not an Amazon, Costco, or REI shill. With so many different items, it was just easier to find most of them in a couple of places, but I'm not restricted/loyal to any particular vendor/site if you have recommendations elsewhere.

Thanks for taking the time to read what has become a pretty long post, and thanks in advance for your suggestions!

A water bottle! Try Bivo

[ichitan]

I am not sure how far you are riding, or what the area is like.

Don't carry anything you are unlikely to use. For example, you have a patch repair kit, and a spare tube. The spare tube is probably all you need. How often are you likely to use a first aid kit? I would just carry a few Band-Aids. But there might be something about your situation I don't know about.

The next bicycle lights I get will probably be LED aftermarket motorcycle lights, or LED driving lights for cars or trucks. If they don't have low beam, point them towards the ground. Most bicycle lights are not really bright. Others are too expensive. I would then work out something for a battery pack, and switch. It is handy if you understand the basics of electricity, or have a friend to help.

[joelhuebner]

(03-31-2020, 07:37 PM)CharleyFarley Wrote:  

(03-30-2020, 09:56 AM)8jk8 Wrote:  Even though I'm WFH for now, I plan to start commuting by bike for the first time when we eventually return to the office. I'd also like to get extra mileage with some recreational riding on weekends and while occasionally running errands. Hoping to get some recommendations for a new-to-me Bianchi Milano I bought on Craigslist. What are your preferences, and what do you like to keep on you when you commute?

I'm completely new to all of this, but I tried to think of what I will eventually need. I'd greatly appreciate your opinions on the following list:

What have I missed? Might there be some issues with compatibility? What are some better alternatives that aren't super expensive? I don't mind investing more now if it will really be worth it down the line. Did I cheap out on some items too much? Are some of them a waste of money?

Thanks for taking the time to read what has become a pretty long post, and thanks in advance for your suggestions!

It looks like you've got it all figured out. What's left to want?

Why two bells?

A rechargeable two-light set for only $8.99? That sounds almost useless. On a dark night, you're not going to be able to see where you're going, especially if the road is wet. And you'd want drivers to see you. I'd save your money on that and spring for a good light A decent front light should run you around $60. Then a rear light that takes batteries would be around $17. I have one on each of my bikes, and they have steady or flashing modes, and they are very bright LEDS. My front light cost me $80 a few years ago but prices have gone down. It's a brilliant light with four levels but I run on the lowest light level. The battery charge lasts longer that way. Lights are not a good thing to skimp on, and I feel sure you'd soon regret them.

Personally, I would have avoided a left hand drive bike. There is only one company who makes left hand freewheels, so you might want to have a spare one in case something happens, and it leaves you without a bike for a while. Also, if the wheel got damaged, you'd have to get one with a left hand thread, or have a bike shop reuse your hub with a new rim and spokes. But you bought it and you can make it work well.

Before you start commuting with it, I would suggest a full service such as cleaning and re-greasing all bearings. If you're good with mechanical work, you could do that in a half day. If not, a bike shop can do it for you. You don't want to find out the things that might let you down on the way to work or home.

Oh, one more thing if you'll be commuting. Get a fluorescent yellow safety jacket with reflective stripes. Being seen goes a long way to staying safe.

BELLS, Bells, bells. I actually have 3. One for those I can tell are paying "general attention" just a small "ding". Two is for those I see who have earbuds in and are ignoring "nature"... it is more of a louder "whistle." Three is for "CWBs" (clueless wonder bunnies" usually blocking a crosswalk, not watching and turning in front of me, generally lacking bicycle awareness. It is a 140 dB electronic HORN, especially for those blocking crossings. I show no mercy. On the "main drags" in our city, bicycles are encouraged to use the sidewalks.

[GirishH]

Hello 8jk8, so what did you end up getting and how's your biking experience so far been? What did you end yo getting from the above list and what worked? Just curious as many of the things can be repurposed from what you already had at home (camping headlight, backpack) while others are specific.

It would be great to see what you learned from this experience. Take care and safe riding.

[Noraaa]

A smart watch. Convenient to tell the time and receive notifications and calls, BP Doctor smart watch. It’s also convenient to get data about your body and movement while riding.