General Cycling Discussion - Favorite Bit of Schwag, Chi Chi, or Candy?

What is your favorite cycling item that you never knew you absolutely needed until you got one?

Mine - arm warmers. Absolutely perfect for taking the edge off the morning commute, instead of pitting out my shirt under a vest. Roll up into a tiny bundle that fits in the jersey, great for descents or getting caught by changes in the weather. Can strip them off in a few seconds while riding.

How did I ever live without these?

Here's a couple:

Waterproof socks/Neoprene overboots - Lots of stream crossings on the trails around here. These allow me to ride all winter long. Which one I wear depends on how cold it is.

Silk Balaclava - thin and warm, fits under the helmet. When it's freezing cold, you can wear down on your face. When it's a bit warmer, fold it up into a skull cap. Keep your head warm, the body will follow.

My bicycle! Ok, that's cheating.

I don't know about "favorite," or "absolutely can't get along without," but I will list some accessories I picked up along the way that I have stuck with and would not like to go without:

1) Rechargeable alkaline batteries for my rear LED. These help me keep my blinkies at maximum brightness all the time through frequent recharges. NiCd's have a tendency to quit suddenly and do not work well when recharged before they are drained. The only caution is to secure the LED very well so that I don't lose the batteries by losing the blinkie.

2) B-B gun CO2 refills. These are 12 grams each, unthreaded and work just as well to fill my tires as
CO2 cartridges made for bikes. But they cost about 1/4 as much from any XXXX-Mart.

3) 3-inch reflectors, red and amber, on the rear. These are far brighter than standard bicycle issue and provide
high visibility when combined with a rear LED. They are mounted on the end of my rear rack, in a two-foot horizontal line, parallel to my front handlebars. This setup somehow commands more respect from passing motorists who give me a wider berth than before.

4) Kryptonite Evo-2000 U-lock and cable. Combined, these give me peace of mind should I have to lock my bike outside. I never leave home without the extra few pounds, though I rarely use them, bringing my wheels inside whenever possible.

The one item that I didn't realize how useful it was until I got one was a bike computer. It makes it so much easier exploring new trails while using a map when you know how far you've gone or how far you have to go. Plus, I think it's kind of cool knowing how fast you went on the downhill.

It`s funny, i just discussed this topic a few days ago with some friends.
I have actually two things;

1) a Leatherman PTST 2.

2) my Mountain Hardwear fleece jacket.

The Leatherman was a gift from a friend (thank god, they are so expensive!) and yes, i never thought that i needed one!
I would die without this "little device"!
Fleece keeps you warm, i take it with me every time.

Oh, I forgot!

One day I left without my whistle. A school bus crowded me over. I kept shouting, but the driver didn't hear me at all.

They always hear my whistle! Boy, did I miss it!

Originally posted by Pete Clark

2) B-B gun CO2 refills. These are 12 grams each, unthreaded and work just as well to fill my tires as
CO2 cartridges made for bikes. But they cost about 1/4 as much from any XXXX-Mart.


How do you puncture the top with out losing all the CO2? Me and my friend tried to open a CO2 cartridge one time and the little circular piece that you are supposed to puncture blasted off like a bullet, we were lucky somebody didn't get hurt.

Originally posted by fubar5
How do you puncture the top with out losing all the CO2? Me and my friend tried to open a CO2 cartridge one time and the little circular piece that you are supposed to puncture blasted off like a bullet, we were lucky somebody didn't get hurt.
Nonononono. That's not wise.

They fit into a specially designed tire pump (non-threaded, or "non-screw-in.")

Which reminds me, never throw away a full CO2 cartridge. My uncle got "shot" with one of those while burning trash (this was back in the 1940's.)

Originally posted by Pete Clark

Nonononono. That's not wise.

They fit into a specially designed tire pump (non-threaded, or "non-screw-in.")

Ok, that is cool


Which reminds me, never throw away a full CO2 cartridge. My uncle got "shot" with one of those while burning trash (this was back in the 1940's.)

THAT, is DEFINETLY, not cool.

Glueless patches. They're great, no glue to find dried up when you need it or wait for it to tack up before you put the patch on.

my helmet, my CO 2 pump and my heart rate monitor sensor and my mini bike tools

Aerobars, on both my hybrid commuter and road bike. Offer different positions, and speed, more of a difference on the hybrid, and comfort.

Yes I do keep them on all the time. They are the type that are bolted on so it's easier. I can still ride the tops of the bars on my roadie, as the aerobar pads are set back slightly from the bars. You can also put your hands on the pads themselves in those "relaxed" moments.

Servus!

I would have to say my bike computer. My beauty rides perfectly without it and I have no pressing need to know my current speed and how far I have traveled, but it's something that I really enjoy. I love having all of those little bits of data to write down in my training journal.

Since I have a high value for my life! I think my new bar-end mirror, since I commute in a fair amount of traffic. I picked up a Rhode Gear oval mirror. I makes visibility of the 4-wheelers much better!