Commuter gear: Blinkies, backpacks and more
- By Zack Vestal
- Published Mar. 29, 2010
- Updated Mar. 29, 2010 at 7:25 PM EDT
If you’re a VeloNews subscriber, you’ve already seen our April issue. If not, you’d better start looking for a copy on newsstands now before they’re all gone.
In the tech section we included a story with tips and gear for commuting by bike and we reviewed some rechargeable headlights. Sure, riding to work once or twice a week isn’t as glamorous as riding Milan-San Remo, but it’s practical, easy, and more than ever, stylish (if not downright trendy).
For those concerned with racing on the weekends, riding to work now and then offers the free training benefit of easy miles. For those who can’t fit regular workouts into the day, the ride is an opportunity to reap overall health benefits. It saves money in fuel and parking costs. Cycling pollutes less than driving a car. And the gear that makes a bike commute easy and safe is generally both affordable and practical.
We ran out of space in the April issue to give detailed descriptions of some of the cool products that we found. So here’s a look at some of the gear I’ve been riding to work with. For more detailed suggestions on planning your own pedal-to-work day, go find a copy of the magazine. And if you’re sick of lame commuter gear, just wait: Reynolds sent us a pair of the $6000, 900-gram RZR carbon fiber wheels to ride for a month.
Chrome’s Ivan bag looks like military surplus gear, but it works, very well. My commute is short and I have fenders, so it’s remained very clean. Photo: Brad Kaminski
Chrome Bags: Ivan backpack ($180)
It’s pricey for a backpack, but the Ivan is my new favorite bag for getting to work and back. It’s sturdy and waterproof, which is perfect for toting a change of clothes, laptop, paperwork, lunch, and more. The weatherproof 1000 denier Cordura construction gives it some heft even when empty, but after a few months of use, I’ve got no gripes, aside from wanting some reflective edging or stripes for added visibility.
The capacious roll-top main compartment is seam-sealed against the elements, and I find the flat, padded back and broad shoulder straps to be super comfortable. It’s got an additional zippered file compartment and two external accessory pouches. A webbing daisy chain stitched across the center is perfect for clipping LED safety lights or for lashing down a lock or other cargo.
Chrome calls it a size medium, but I think it’s pretty darn big at 18 inches by 25 inches by 6 inches. Functionally, I’ve had no problems whatsoever, but the square shape riding high on my shoulders creates a bit of a blind spot when I’m looking over my left shoulder for traffic. But it’s worth the tradeoff to have this much space in a very comfortable, weatherproof cargo backpack.
Rapha: Trousers ($210)
If you thought the Chrome bag was expensive, don’t even read this section about the Rapha Trousers. Full disclosure — I’ve only worn these a couple of times. My typical uniform involves $40 Carhartt work pants. However, if you want something a little more dressed up that’s still fully functional in the saddle, the Rapha Trousers are amazing.
The Rapha Trousers are out of my league, but when I wear them I feel way cooler than I actually am. And, they are wicked comfortable both on and off the bike. Photo: Brad Kaminski
The trousers are über-classy, slim-cut trousers, meant for rolling into the office and directly into the conference room. They’re tailored from sturdy cotton-based fabric for comfort in the saddle. But off the bike, they have the sophisticated style of tailored dress pants. And for a complete look, keep your eyes on the Rapha website this spring for button-down dress shirts, a polo shirt and even a sport coat, all of which are tailored to accommodate riding a bike.
The fit is remarkable, at least for me. They come in 34-inch length and 30- to 38-inch waist, and since I’m a 32 by 34, they fit me as if they were sewn to my specs. The pockets stay in place when I pedal, because they’re sewn to the side seam. The material has just enough stretch to feel super comfortable for a 20-minute pedal to work. What I find most impressive are the details, like soft gripper tape on the waistband to help them stay in place, and a zipped rear pocket for security. The seat panel is lined on the inside for added comfort and durability.
Rapha Trousers are much cooler than I am. I don’t usually need pants this nice. But if I did and had the means to buy them, I would. And if an architect or attorney friend was planning to ride to work and needed a slick outfit, I’d certainly recommend Rapha Trousers and one of their new dress shirts.
Planet Bike: BRT Strap ($16)
Planet Bike of Madison, Wisconsin, is one of the original advocates of using bicycles for sustainable transportation. Support of grassroots cycling and advocacy is built into their business ethic, and products like the 38-gram BRT Strap speak to the simple but functional tools they invent. It’s a reflective, battery powered, flashing elastic safety strap that helps you be seen while holding your pant leg away from the chainrings. But it can also be used as an armband, dog collar, backpack strap, and more. With run time of 200 hours on a coin cell Li-ion battery, and visibility claimed at 2000 feet, it will get you through bike commutes of all stripes.
I’m always happy to discover something ultra-simple, but endlessly practical and useful. I keep the BRT Strap clipped to my backpack so it’s ready to roll with me whenever I am heading out the door. The cuffs of my standard boot cut Carhartt work pants tent to flap into my chainrings unless I’m wearing the BRT strap. The BRT’s added blinky-light visibility is just a bonus. It would be a little quicker on and off if it were Velcro instead of a plastic clip and elastic, but not a big deal.
The Cateye LD 610 is a super-bright, 6-LED flashing light. New for 2010 is the pearl-white body. Photo: Brad Kaminski
Cateye: LD 610 safety light ($25)
Cateye’s LD 610 has long been revered as one of the best “be seen” tools in the commuter’s arsenal. With five ultra-bright red LEDs and four flash modes, it can mount either directly to your bike with the universal mounting bracket or to your backpack with an available clothing clip. With bracket and two AAA batteries, it only weighs 60 grams. Now it’s available with a pearl-white body and clear lens so you can style out your townie bike and ride in safety, all at once.
This is the light I’ve put on my fiancée’s bike, because it’s so bright. Cateye’s new tool-free universal bracket is slick and easy to install. I also like the clothing clip, which allows it to clip directly to her backpack.
Blackburn: Mars 4.0 safety light ($20)
Blackburn says this is the company’s most powerful rear flashing light. It’s got a 1-watt red LED and two amber LEDs on the sides, all powered by two AAA batteries. Run time is claimed at 50 hours for steady burn and 150 hours flashing. The mounting system is versatile for bike or rear rack attachment, but I just use the clothing clip to keep it attached to my backpack.
What can you say about a flashing light? It’s super bright, as promised, and it’s been working great all winter. I haven’t been run over by a car. The on/off button is hard to press with gloves on, but I love that it won’t accidentally turn on if it’s kicking around in a backpack pouch.
FILED UNDER: Bikes and Tech / No Spoil