tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050916568736413860.post1780997912585311754..comments2024-03-23T22:33:38.324-04:00Comments on anniebikes: Avoid Buying Bike-Specific Items When it Makes Senseanniebikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02737989268380822651noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050916568736413860.post-73228392359216541122019-06-03T15:15:48.549-04:002019-06-03T15:15:48.549-04:00Most of my bike accessories are in fact bike-speci...Most of my bike accessories are in fact bike-specific. Lights, fenders,racks, trunk bag, and panniers are all made for bike use. That doesn't stop me from using them, particularly the headlights, for non-bikey purposes, but sometimes the best choice really is the bike-specific stuff. Like my poncho: I have one from Cleverhood that works better than anything else that I've tried, including four different jackets of varying levels of "waterproofness". Why should I use substandard stuff when better options exist?<br /><br />Where I agree with you 100% is in the minimalist and re-use mindset. I've been paring down my possessions quite a bit in recent years - not just bikey stuff - and naturally that extends to biking, too. My accessories purchases tend to last for 5 years or more and often show some signs of being mended (in some cases mended well; others, not so much, but still functional). I don't even like getting the obligatory water bottle or other crap in the "swag bag" for riders at some large rides. I have one bottle - a Kleen Kanteen 800 ml in stainless steel - that I use for everything (hiking, biking, beer fests, etc...), rather than an array of forgettable and difficult to clean plastic bottles.Morlamwebhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17799436150549217033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050916568736413860.post-32299442871210391562019-06-02T17:08:02.882-04:002019-06-02T17:08:02.882-04:00Ponchos are great for urban cycling, but are not s...Ponchos are great for urban cycling, but are not so good on a tour as the wind catches them. <br />Why spend loads on waterproof panniers, just use a plastic rubble bag as a liner and you have complete waterproofing.<br />To keep your feet dry in wet weather put a plastic bag over your socks before putting on your cycling shoes.Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01047342243577979820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050916568736413860.post-4876054058752014642019-05-30T15:28:13.552-04:002019-05-30T15:28:13.552-04:00Buffs are a personal favorite - forgot to mention ...Buffs are a personal favorite - forgot to mention them. I also plan to use one on a long distance hike to keep my hair in check!anniebikeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02737989268380822651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050916568736413860.post-31156733890489761242019-05-30T14:13:12.357-04:002019-05-30T14:13:12.357-04:00I find Buffs are good year-round headgear. In heat...I find Buffs are good year-round headgear. In heat they keep sweat out of your eyes and in cold they can cover your head/ears without being too bulky to fit under a helmet. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050916568736413860.post-70081802634043850612019-05-29T14:39:09.597-04:002019-05-29T14:39:09.597-04:00Since we're the same age and have multiple bik...Since we're the same age and have multiple bikes we've had to become resourceful, eh?. I realize I'm very much like my Dad, though my duct tape needs to be leopard print and not bland grey ;)anniebikeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02737989268380822651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050916568736413860.post-83116517853955784372019-05-29T08:35:58.821-04:002019-05-29T08:35:58.821-04:00Good tips. At one time I was buying breathable, qu...Good tips. At one time I was buying breathable, quick dry clothing from bike specific companies then I found I could get some of the same type clothing from Wrangler and Eddie Bauer quite a bit cheaper. I almost always have a bandana and bungee cords with me. I also keep some of those cheap flashlights around for headlight use. I've repurposed various bags for bike use a few times.Randyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09960843311274452366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050916568736413860.post-24257071263274562962019-05-26T16:57:17.082-04:002019-05-26T16:57:17.082-04:00I too use small flashlight on my helmet for extra ...I too use small flashlight on my helmet for extra visibility.anniebikeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02737989268380822651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050916568736413860.post-86580801879197083432019-05-26T16:55:26.732-04:002019-05-26T16:55:26.732-04:00Socks count! I've even heard you can use socks...Socks count! I've even heard you can use socks for hand and arm warmers.anniebikeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02737989268380822651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050916568736413860.post-90860331668915211302019-05-25T18:23:05.870-04:002019-05-25T18:23:05.870-04:00Not sure this counts but I have used orphan socks ...Not sure this counts but I have used orphan socks for storing inner tubes in my saddle bag so they don't get punctured by other stuff in the bag and for putting around a metal water bottle ala Kleen Kanteen so it doesn't rattle in the bottle cage. I also sometimes use those mini flashlights that are in hardware stores (about the size of a salt shaker) as front bike lights or to attach to my helmet with zip ties for more light.RoadieRyanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15900109046198641775noreply@blogger.com