Bicycle Gear | Consider Biking

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How's this for a kickstand?
Author: lifeontwowheels :: Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 2:55 pm Working on getting a utility bike built up. Waiting for the rear baskets to get here, but I got the kickstand installed today. (6) Replies

Real Lighting
Author: subverita :: Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 12:08 pm "I've been wanting to update the lighting for a while, but what other options exist? The higher end lights often cost well over $200, feature proprietary rechargeable batteries and aren't the most portable things in the world." I use this little wonder and I just purchased a second for a friend. It's 90 bucks, it uses 4AA Ni-MH batteries (included) and runs all night on a single charge. It's only downside is the control button takes a while to break in. It's light and packs in my removable handlebar bag when I park the bike outside. The whole things weighs 12 ozs. [/img] (5) Replies

Real Lighting

Author: subverita :: Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 12:08 pm

"I've been wanting to update the lighting for a while, but what other options exist? The higher end lights often cost well over $200, feature proprietary rechargeable batteries and aren't the most portable things in the world."

I use this little wonder and I just purchased a second for a friend. It's 90 bucks, it uses 4AA Ni-MH batteries (included) and runs all night on a single charge. It's only downside is the control button takes a while to break in. It's light and packs in my removable handlebar bag when I park the bike outside. The whole things weighs 12 ozs.
[/img]

(5) Replies

Fenix E20
Author: lifeontwowheels :: Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 10:17 pm Lighting our evening commutes can probably be the biggest challenge we face, next to avoiding the crash. The dilemma is how to combine safety, visibility, frugalness and convenience all in one package. The first introduction we have to bike lighting are those packaged deals found at the bike stores which include a front light, usually powered by over the counter batteries and a poor LED and rear blinky light which is usually pretty good. The front lights really aren't that great, but at $30 or so, who is to argue? My latest venture into cheap lights was a Blackburn model powered by 4 AA batteries. Overall not bad, but it was a weak light often washed out by overhead street lighting and cars lights. It also took an unfortunate tumble from it's supposedly secure handlebar attachment onto High during the Ride of Silence and hasn't worked quite right since. A few of my short evening commutes (nearly all along the trail and a quick bike down a pretty well lit street) involved me pretty much riding one handed so I could flick the headlight back on after every bump in the road. You can see this is not a good idea for long term reliance on a bike. I've been wanting to update the lighting for a while, but what other options exist? The higher end lights often cost well over $200, feature proprietary rechargeable batteries and aren't the most portable things in the world. Great for a 15 mile commute to work and bike, where secure storage exists and one only has to take the battery in at night. Not so great for evening joy rides experiencing the finest of Columbus night life. Through Bikeforums, I had come to find Fenix Lights. High powered LED flashlights easily fitted to bike use. They even sell the handlebar mounts! The only issue I really had as I looked at the different models was the complexity. Most have 6-7 "modes" of different output, run time and steady or flashing. Not what I want to be doing in the dark. I came across their newest model, the E20 which has one mode, claims 3.3 hrs run time and an output of 109 lumens. It runs on 2 AA batteries (better performance with rechargeable Ni-MH) and has an adjustable beam from spot to flood. At $38, I picked up 2, plus 2 bike mounts for $15 each ($110 for all). I am also waiting for a recharageable battery set up from deal extreme that was around $15-20 for charger and batteries. They arrived today and I threw them on the bike and headed to work. These are amazing. I honestly have to say that tonight was the first night ride that I had 100% confidence. Great lighting that does not wash out under street lights. Very secure mounting and were able to be mounted on my forks. With one adjusted to spot and aimed closer, the other at flood and aimed further, I had full view of a very dark Alum Creek Trail and an easy ride back on the street. The pictures below don't do these justice. I think with better batteries (fresh batteries) these would be a lot better. The mounts are easy to swivel around, allowing work lighting for roadside repairs or flats. They pull double duty as a flashlight and are easy to tuck into a pocket, backpack or purse. The flashlights would be pretty easy to swap from bike to bike with a few new mounts. They run off easy to find AA batteries, so if you drain the pair you have, a 24 hr drugstore, corner store or grocery would have them. All in all, pretty good bang for the buck. I'll see how these last in the long term, but very happy with them. The pictures are poor quality and don't do these justice, but at least give you an idea. Looking at the bike, from the front: From the saddle: More Photos, Better Quality (4) Replies

Fenix E20

Author: lifeontwowheels :: Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 10:17 pm

Lighting our evening commutes can probably be the biggest challenge we face, next to avoiding the crash. The dilemma is how to combine safety, visibility, frugalness and convenience all in one package.

The first introduction we have to bike lighting are those packaged deals found at the bike stores which include a front light, usually powered by over the counter batteries and a poor LED and rear blinky light which is usually pretty good. The front lights really aren't that great, but at $30 or so, who is to argue?

My latest venture into cheap lights was a Blackburn model powered by 4 AA batteries. Overall not bad, but it was a weak light often washed out by overhead street lighting and cars lights. It also took an unfortunate tumble from it's supposedly secure handlebar attachment onto High during the Ride of Silence and hasn't worked quite right since. A few of my short evening commutes (nearly all along the trail and a quick bike down a pretty well lit street) involved me pretty much riding one handed so I could flick the headlight back on after every bump in the road. You can see this is not a good idea for long term reliance on a bike.

I've been wanting to update the lighting for a while, but what other options exist? The higher end lights often cost well over $200, feature proprietary rechargeable batteries and aren't the most portable things in the world. Great for a 15 mile commute to work and bike, where secure storage exists and one only has to take the battery in at night. Not so great for evening joy rides experiencing the finest of Columbus night life.

Through Bikeforums, I had come to find Fenix Lights. High powered LED flashlights easily fitted to bike use. They even sell the handlebar mounts! The only issue I really had as I looked at the different models was the complexity. Most have 6-7 "modes" of different output, run time and steady or flashing. Not what I want to be doing in the dark. I came across their newest model, the E20 which has one mode, claims 3.3 hrs run time and an output of 109 lumens. It runs on 2 AA batteries (better performance with rechargeable Ni-MH) and has an adjustable beam from spot to flood. At $38, I picked up 2, plus 2 bike mounts for $15 each ($110 for all). I am also waiting for a recharageable battery set up from deal extreme that was around $15-20 for charger and batteries.

They arrived today and I threw them on the bike and headed to work. These are amazing. I honestly have to say that tonight was the first night ride that I had 100% confidence. Great lighting that does not wash out under street lights. Very secure mounting and were able to be mounted on my forks. With one adjusted to spot and aimed closer, the other at flood and aimed further, I had full view of a very dark Alum Creek Trail and an easy ride back on the street. The pictures below don't do these justice.

I think with better batteries (fresh batteries) these would be a lot better. The mounts are easy to swivel around, allowing work lighting for roadside repairs or flats. They pull double duty as a flashlight and are easy to tuck into a pocket, backpack or purse. The flashlights would be pretty easy to swap from bike to bike with a few new mounts. They run off easy to find AA batteries, so if you drain the pair you have, a 24 hr drugstore, corner store or grocery would have them.

All in all, pretty good bang for the buck. I'll see how these last in the long term, but very happy with them.

The pictures are poor quality and don't do these justice, but at least give you an idea.

Looking at the bike, from the front:

From the saddle:

More Photos, Better Quality

(4) Replies

Down Low Glow
Author: pkovacs :: Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2008 7:30 am I read about this product on the LAB LCI forum. I like the purple one. I'm going to ask my husband to make one for me. http://www.rockthebike.com/lights/downlowglow Tricia (1) Replies

What do you think ...
Author: John Hopper :: Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 12:01 pm http://www.behance.net/Gallery/bike/111883 (6) Replies

Mirrors
Author: colnago1331 :: Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 4:14 pm Anyone have any suggestions on a good mirror for commuting? I've seen mirrors that attach to helmets and mirrors that attach to the bike and I have no idea which one works best. FYI- I'll be riding a touring bike with drop bars if that makes any difference. TIA! (6) Replies

someone neeeeeds to buy this....
Author: gphoto :: Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 4:54 pm I don't have the cheddar at the moment but would pay to take a ride http://columbus.craigslist.org/bik/753583350.html (2) Replies

Wouldn't this change everything? - $30 cardboard bike
Author: Louis.G :: Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:23 pm Carboard Bikes Wouldn't this change everything? A design student has built and shown a waterproof cardboard bike with $30 of materials, good for 6 months of regular use, then recycled. He suggests that on-board ads could defray the costs. That's it! No more junkers, no more need for the co-op except for cycling hobbyists. If you just need transportation go with the cardboard. We could decorate them easier than metal frames; you could burn it for heat in the winter; No more tons of hi-tensile steel shit for OSU to clean up every quarter. You wouldn't have to worry about anybody stealing it, but you might not be able to ride home if somebody kicked it. Do you think this is scary to the industry? Maybe they'll buy the design, and keep it off the market... (10) Replies

Wouldn't this change everything? - $30 cardboard bike

Author: Louis.G :: Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:23 pm

Carboard Bikes

Wouldn't this change everything?

A design student has built and shown a waterproof cardboard bike with $30 of materials, good for 6 months of regular use, then recycled. He suggests that on-board ads could defray the costs.

That's it! No more junkers, no more need for the co-op except for cycling hobbyists. If you just need transportation go with the cardboard.

We could decorate them easier than metal frames; you could burn it for heat in the winter; No more tons of hi-tensile steel shit for OSU to clean up every quarter. You wouldn't have to worry about anybody stealing it, but you might not be able to ride home if somebody kicked it.

Do you think this is scary to the industry? Maybe they'll buy the design, and keep it off the market...

(10) Replies

convert touring bike for commuting
Author: esmail :: Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 5:23 pm Hello all, (maybe this should go into commuting tips topic?) I will be moving to Columbus in the next few weeks. I plan to cycle from my tiny apt just below 4th Ave on High St to Franklin University downtown where I'll be working. I have a touring bike and while it has taken me on several seriously long distance rides, it's not really set up for commuting. The main problem I see are the clipless pedals and the lack of a chain guard. I have to arrive at work somewhat without oil stains I would also like to have fenders. Here is my bike: http://it.stlawu.edu/~esmail/images/bicycle.jpg I don't have a problem keeping the fenders on permanently I suppose, and possibly the chainguard, but I like having clipless pedals so I am looking for a solution that will let me keep those for weekend rides. Is there some sort of conversion thing that I can clip on there to temporarily convert it to a regular pedal or one with toe clips that I could ride with regular shoes while I am commuting to work? I really would rather not have to swap pedals on a regular basis. I have a small apartment so my space is limited and I have a somewhat minimalist approach, so I would like to stick with just one bike. However, I would consider getting a second bike for just commuting if my bike could not be converted easily for commuting. Anything that makes it easy to ride daily (ie to work) is a big plus. So, if there are suggestions for commuter bikes, or possibly where to get good used ones, please feel free to share. I don't have to have the most expensive/fanciest gear, it only has to work Anything else about cycling in Columbus, or specifically for my route to work .. let me hear. Thanks, Esmail PS: As I will also be new to the area, I would appreciate recommendations regarding your favorite bicycle shops. (8) Replies

convert touring bike for commuting

Author: esmail :: Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 5:23 pm

Hello all,

(maybe this should go into commuting tips topic?)

I will be moving to Columbus in the next few weeks. I plan to cycle from my tiny apt just below 4th Ave on High St to Franklin University downtown where I'll be working.

I have a touring bike and while it has taken me on several seriously long distance rides, it's not really set up for commuting. The main problem I see are the clipless pedals and the lack of a chain guard. I have to arrive at work somewhat without oil stains Smile

I would also like to have fenders.

Here is my bike: http://it.stlawu.edu/~esmail/images/bicycle.jpg

I don't have a problem keeping the fenders on permanently I suppose, and possibly the chainguard, but I like having clipless pedals so I am looking for a solution that will let me keep those for weekend rides. Is there some sort of conversion thing that I can clip on there to temporarily convert it to a regular pedal or one with toe clips that I could ride with regular shoes while I am commuting to work? I really would rather not have to swap pedals on a regular basis.

I have a small apartment so my space is limited and I have a somewhat minimalist approach, so I would like to stick with just one bike. However, I would consider getting a second bike for just commuting if my bike could not be converted easily for commuting. Anything that makes it easy to ride daily (ie to work) is a big plus. So, if there are suggestions for commuter bikes, or possibly where to get good used ones, please feel free to share. I don't have to have the most expensive/fanciest gear, it only has to work Smile

Anything else about cycling in Columbus, or specifically for my route to work .. let me hear.

Thanks,
Esmail

PS: As I will also be new to the area, I would appreciate recommendations regarding your favorite bicycle shops.

(8) Replies

Conference Bike
Author: meredith :: Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 11:47 am Have a conference? Need a bike? Witness the Conference Bike: LEARN MORE Thanks, Emily! (4) Replies

Bike Powered Blender!!!
Author: razzmatazz :: Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 9:46 am Okay, this is too cool! I wanna make one!! http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-create-a-human-powered-bike-blender-for-les/ (1) Replies

IRO bikes
Author: mike reed :: Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 11:51 pm I may just spend my "free" tax money on this: There is a really sweet bike building tool on their site. Sexy bikes. (14) Replies

Make a Messenger Bag out of Trash Bags - Make: Video Podcast
Author: mike reed :: Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 12:03 pm (12) Replies

rear rack on a road bike frame?
Author: clausti :: Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 5:35 pm can you still mount a rear rack on a frame like this? ... it doesn't look like it has that extra hole on top of the rear dropouts where my rack is currently bolted to my old steel frame, and i'm wondering what you'd do with a rear rack and a frame like that. Thanks! (6) Replies

DIY Trailer
Author: lifeontwowheels :: Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 4:54 pm I have been looking at ways to best replace the car come fall: trailers, long bikes, xtracycle. Trying to find something cost effective and versatile. Looking at DIY trailer plans, I came across the one pictured above. The plans can be found here. This looks like a great idea using mostly recycled bike parts: top tube and stems as well as parts of the handlebars and forks. It would probably solve my problem of what to do with the old frame sitting in pieces on my balcony. I'll probably look at doing the project in the summer, when I have more time available. I would like to see if anyone could help with welding. Also figured this might make a fun group project, if more are interested in building up their own trailers. We could all chip in to help pay for the labor of whoever helps out with the welding. Thoughts? (6) Replies

DIY Trailer

Author: lifeontwowheels :: Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 4:54 pm

I have been looking at ways to best replace the car come fall: trailers, long bikes, xtracycle. Trying to find something cost effective and versatile.

Looking at DIY trailer plans, I came across the one pictured above. The plans can be found here.

This looks like a great idea using mostly recycled bike parts: top tube and stems as well as parts of the handlebars and forks. It would probably solve my problem of what to do with the old frame sitting in pieces on my balcony.

I'll probably look at doing the project in the summer, when I have more time available. I would like to see if anyone could help with welding. Also figured this might make a fun group project, if more are interested in building up their own trailers. We could all chip in to help pay for the labor of whoever helps out with the welding.

Thoughts?

(6) Replies

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