What are your favorite bike accessories?

[awakenedsoul]

awakenedsoul, is your sheepskin seat cover real sheepskin or synthetic? I want a real one ever since I used a real pad for my horse. It's warm in winter, cool in summer, and breathes so it doesn't get smelly. My horse saddle has one on the seat and it's comfy.[/QUOTE]

It's real. I found it on Amazon. It's lasted for years, and it's just as you described. I really like it in the winter when it's cold. I used a lambskin for yoga. I got it at Costco. The dogs always eye it as if to say, "I'd really like to sleep on that."

[awakenedsoul]

One I didn't mention, is an accessory I use, but not a lot of other people do; handcuffs. I have two bags on the bike, the one under the seat, holds a spare innertube and change tools, while the one at the front, holds the handcuffs, to lock up the bicycle. People see it handcuffed, and tend to not mess with it. (and they were around the same cost as some of the better bike locks)

That's a clever idea. Very creative. Plus, my bike lock is really heavy. I carry that and two locks with me. One I use for my locker at the gym. I'd like to start paring down what I bring. I really don't need to bring my purse. I also have a tool that works like a screwdriver for bike parts. I use it to tighten my handlebars, Walkydog attachment, etc.

I should be able to change a tire, but I don't know how. I usually just hop on the bus and go to the bike shop. They sell slime and tuff tube and that's been working well for me. I like to give them my business. They're really nice. That's great that you do your own work on your bike!!!

[ctg492]

I think I have purchased every item on the assorted bike sites and bike shops I visit. Bungee cords are one item I try to keep in my bag, never know when I need to bring a find home.

[Gardenarian]

Handcuffs! Cool. Are they very expensive?

[awakenedsoul]

I think I have purchased every item on the assorted bike sites and bike shops I visit. Bungee cords are one item I try to keep in my bag, never know when I need to bring a find home.

I need to get a set of those. I've been looking at bicycle shop websites on line. I can see how it would be easy to start buying a lot more really cool bike accessories: a wicker basket, panniers, those things for your spokes that make them glow....all the gear! I saw a helmet that was an animals print on line...but I don't need another helmet. It sure was cute, though. The European stuff is really stylish...leather bags, etc...I have to control myself.

[ToomuchStuff]

Handcuffs! Cool. Are they very expensive?

The last time I bought any (LONG time ago) around $20. (I was a security guard as a second job, in a bad area of town) Later, they were loaned to a LEO relative, who misplaced his cuffs. (kid wanted to play with them and hid them, to try to make them stay home)

[Packy]

I ride "road bikes". They aren't the preferred type for strictly in-town use, but most of my trips are outside the city. I like a rear rack/carrier with a zippered trunk bag. I have even insulated the large compartment in the trunk. Many road riders these days don't even have racks & bags, as a matter of fashion, but that's their problem. I like to carry camera, phone, ibuprofen, allergy meds,lip balm, cash, toolset, Gatorade & m&m's; Continental "Gatorskin" 700-28 tires; spare tire & tubes, inflation kit, etc., anytime I go. 2 Bottle brackets-- 1 bottle with diluted ammonia; pepper spray; cycle computer, simply for mph/distance/time; cycling gloves, helmet, clip-on mirror; cycling shoes for clipless pedals; spandex shorts; chamois butt'r; Brooks saddle, which, btw, has NO padding, but I use a very thin polyester slip cover on it, which further reduces chafing. ; lizard-skin brand (plastic) bar wrap; lighting kit-2 front, 2 back; 1-on seatpost. Of course--a cable lock. Just a $5 one. Plus, a bubble inclinometer. These are kind of hard to find, but essentially a small line-level like masons use, that is mated to a handlebar mount. Tells you the gradient of the roadway you are on. Oh, yess--a bungee cord or two.

[Packy]

I've been in the process (slowly) of trying to come across a cheap old bike, preferably made here. (only found girls or wallyworld imports) I want to put one of those small Chinese motors on it and paint it line an OLD (1900-1915) motorcycle and use it for runs that are a little longer then I want to pedal to. (pedal for a while then use the motor)
Other then that, probably a bike computer and a gel seat.

They are not practical--actually downright dangerous. The kits are about a $150, but too crudely designed. Bicycles are not engineered for a motor, other than the rider. Best bet if someone doesn't care to pedal is a 50cc motorbike.

[awakenedsoul]

I really like my bell, too. People move to the side when I ring it. It's calm but effective. It's so much better than calling out, "Excuse me!"

[Baldilocks]

• I have a lot of item's on my bike. Light, front and back. A mirror, a rack a trunk bag. I even put a bell on it. Pedal clips and I put some custom handle bar on it. What can I say. I love my bike. No matter how complicated my bike gets, it is much simpler than the most primitive car. It give's me exercise, transportation and recreation.
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