Utility Cycling - What Utility Products/Accessories do you wish existed?

I'm seriously considering starting an online business. I have a pregnant wife who would like to work from home in the near future, and I've already identified several gaps in the market for bike goods that just aren't available online in England. The more I've thought about what sort of a niche shop I might run, however, the more this idea has developed.

What I want to run is a shop that's dedicated to what I want to call "Lifestyle Cycling". What I mean by that is people for whom cycling is not a hobby, but part of their life. That'll primarily be what we'd call *Utility Cyclists", people who use their bike for transport and shopping etc, but might also include commuters, and also people like Fixie kids, who ride all the damn time, whether they need to or not. I think utility cycling in particular is likely to boom in this country, with the rising price of petrol and the sworn aim of the government to encourage alternative transport, and I'd like to be in at the ground floor of that.

What I want to provide for these people is really nicely made items that they just can't buy anywhere else. At the moment, utility cycling means clunky, chunky bikes, but it doesn't have to. Looking at the model of Velo Orange and their frankly gorgeous randoneurring equipment, I want to create really lovely things that have the message, "Just because I use my bike practically, doesn't mean it can't be really gorgeous". I've got a few ideas already, including porteur front racks with rails for panniers, and porteur size rear racks (why should a rear rack have to be narrow?). I also think I could address chainguards and cases, and source pre existing things like different flat bars (Nitto Promenades and Doves, Soma Noah's Arc, some cheap Moustaches) that just aren't available in England at the moment. The in-house stuff I can get manufactured by local fabricators (sub contract engineering isn't exactly booming here), and I think I'll also try to get Wald stuff, specially their basket panniers and those huge front baskets, which just aren't available in England.

So, what I'm wondering is, what other problems could I try to solve? What do you wish existed for your bike? Is there a type of trailer? For that matter, how can we make trailers a bit classier, whilst still being functional? What else do you wish you could buy?

Out of interest, I think the brand will be Velo Chocolate, and the strapline will be "Special Treats for Lifestyle Cycling"

How about a multifunction rear rack that somehow lets you hang ordinary backpacks like panniers (quick removal is necessary, nothing bolted or laced on please), allows for a locking trunk, has a place to stow a U-lock and a place to mount rear blinkies.

Edit: And for good measure provide some kind of arrangement for towing another bicycle.

lockable cargo trunks, built in recessed taillights on the cargo boxes, bombproof construction, FUNCTION over fashion! gear that can take abuse from the daily knocks and bangs while in a bike rack, reasonable pricing, no gaudy pinstriping or ugly decals - keep it simple and have clean lines man!.

Yeah, a lockable cargo trunk that can store my helmet, tools, spare tube, lights, and other random junk would be useful.

If he isn't too busy, you should talk to Todd of Clever Cycles/Stokemonkey and see what advice he has for setting up a utility-cycling-related business.

Cell phone holders that are durable and convenient.

Locks that stow somehow without flopping all over the place.

Bike clothes that don't look like bike clothes, that you can wear into an appointment, a movie or a restaurant, for example.

...Locks that stow somehow without flopping all over the place...
Solve that and you really have something.

Yeah...develop a built in U-lock...something along the lines of the dutch style wheel locks but with the protection of a Kryptonite...now ya got me thinking.....:rolleyes::p

Aaron:)

Manufacturing is costly in the UK and profits are slim. Service is the way to go unless you intend to wait for ten years or more before customers become used to your products. Here's an idea.

If you could afford to put together a pedicab and rent the thing to someone you can trust, it just might bring in some extra cash. They rent here in New York City for $60.00 per day or $240.00 per week. That's in USD but it's still not bad money. I've seen these cabs sell on Craigs list for $700.00 USD.

These velotaxi's make even more money.

http://www.velotaxi.de/php/main.php?id=1&lang=en

http://www.pedicab.com/

http://www.bikesatwork.com/bicycle-delivery-service/

How about a multifunction rear rack that somehow lets you hang ordinary backpacks like panniers (quick removal is necessary, nothing bolted or laced on please), allows for a locking trunk, has a place to stow a U-lock and a place to mount rear blinkies.

Edit: And for good measure provide some kind of arrangement for towing another bicycle.

Excellent idea about the backpack pannier rear carrier!

I would like some kind of radio or ipod player or something that sounded good and did not cover my ears = so I can still hear traffic, no wires hanging all over the place - free and easy.

I would also dig an accelerator assist to get the oopf our of going from a dead stop and maybe a little assist going up hills.

A guy by the name of Jim Papadapolis invented a front hub with a wind-up spring in it. It would wind-up when you were going down a hill, for example, and then release to give you a shove when you needed it.

Something like that would be cool.

I would also dig an accelerator assist to get the oopf our of going from a dead stop and maybe a little assist going up hills.

A guy by the name of Jim Papadapolis invented a front hub with a wind-up spring in it. It would wind-up when you were going down a hill, for example, and then release to give you a shove when you needed it.

Something like that would be cool.

Never seen that one, but there is the Stoke Monkey (http://cleverchimp.com/products/stokemonkey/)...

Aaron:)

Never seen that one, but there is the Stoke Monkey (http://cleverchimp.com/products/stokemonkey/)...

Aaron:)

Wow, that IS cool (if it actually works). Of course, at $1,350 that's a lot of Snicker bars to use as extra fuel...

Wow, that IS cool (if it actually works). Of course, at $1,350 that's a lot of Snicker bars to use as extra fuel...

It works, I know 3 people that have them and have test ridden one of their bikes with it. If I was in the market for an electric boost /extracycle that would be my first choice. I had toyed with the idea but have changed my direction of thinking for the time being. (that and I am cheap!:o) We are most likely moving in the next year and the town we are planning on moving to is pretty flat and relatively small so it would be overkill for the area. The money can be better spent on other things.

Aaron:)

It works. The business is here in Portland, and they're very popular and well-regarded.

How about a bicyling equivalent of those car tires that still work even after a flat? (Well, as long as we're dreaming...)

Chainguards.

You could use Vélo Orange for inspiration, but I think you should aim less retro, less fashion and more function.

A few things that are missing from the Canadian market (and maybe from yours too):

– Lighting systems that work well and that fit a utilitarian bicycle. I like the SON hub (expensive) and the Shimano DH-3N70 hub (affordable), but they are very hard to get here, so nobody knows them.
For a loaded bike, you need brackets that allow the headlight to work even with a handlebar bag (a problem for petite riders) and the taillights to be attached easily behind the rear rack.

– Panniers, containers... What about something like the Arkel's GT-18 BP (http://arkel-od.com/panniers/gt18/overview.asp?fl=1&site=) or the Bug (http://arkel-od.com/panniers/backpack/overview.asp?fl=1&site=), but with enough room inside to work as luggage for a student or professional?

– On a cargo bike, large containers that are water resistant. The add-ons coming with the Xtracycle are somewhat inspiring, but I have little use of bins, racks, attachments... that aren't enclosed. And many of those could be adapted to fit on a standard bike.

– Trouser clips. I still have the stainless steel trouser clips that I bought in 1970 - 1971. As far as I know, they don't make them anymore, yet they work much better than the reflectorized straps they sell nowadays. the straps slip down but the clips don't.

I've been riding an Xtracycle for only a few weeks now, but I can already say it needs an easily deployable rain cover for the cargo area, a sturdy center-stand (or at least a kickstand that allows you to load up the bike without it flipping over), and a more comfortable passenger area. I'd really like it to be more secure, too -- my lighter around-town bike has locking wheel skewers, so I can just run a lock through the main triangle and a bike rack and feel pretty secure. It would be great if the Xtracycle kit could lock securely to the bike, so some jackass with an Allen wrench couldn't just walk off with it. I do like the idea of some built-in lock or handy, rattle-free lock storage device.

Municipalities need bike racks that don't scratch the crap out of our bikes.

I'd sure like some clipless-compatible shoes that weren't embarrassing to wear off the bike. John Fluevog made some for a year or two (Racevogs).

I'd like a Rohloff hub that didn't cost a thousand dollars, but that's really pie-in-the-sky!

I agree that the Velo-orange model is a little more effete than utility. A utility bike for me is one that I don't mind getting scratched and beaten up... I can lay it down in a turn or someone can ram their cruiser into it at the bike rack at the grocery store, and it looks about the same.

I think a key point is that "design" doesn't have to mean "pretty" -- a beautifully designed object serves its primary and secondary functions well (and sometimes one of those functions is "decoration" or "looking good").

Any cargo gear designed with aerodynamics in mind. Stuff that a roadie wouldn't mind sticking on his Specialized S-Works or Bianchi S-9 Matta.

I want a briefcase with a retractable quick-release clamp that will hold it to the seatpost of a bicycle, so the briefcase would hang over the back wheel.

– Trouser clips. I still have the stainless steel trouser clips that I bought in 1970 - 1971. As far as I know, they don't make them anymore, yet they work much better than the reflectorized straps they sell nowadays. the straps slip down but the clips don't.

I was going to post about this. I had some of those 70's clips, back in the 70's. A car dependent friend just returned from a trip to Sweden and brought me something better. I use chain guards on my utility bikes but I use those stupid velcro things on my recumbent to keep pants out of chain ring. Anyway, these Swedish things are like a larger version of those snap bands that kids played with. It is like the metal strips they make tape measures from they have two stable states, curled and flat. From the flat state you just slap it on your leg and it curls around your leg grabbing your pants. It is coated with a reflective scotchlite stuff on one side and a soft fuzzy material on the other. I should take some photos. I guess the soft fuzzy material keeps them from sliding on you pants.

affordable panniers. I have no clue why two bags need to cost $150. OR some kind of kit to easily retrofit more inexpensive bags for pannier use.

affordable panniers. I have no clue why two bags need to cost $150. OR some kind of kit to easily retrofit more inexpensive bags for pannier use.

I agree, esp when 95% of those panniers are made in china or vietnam, for less than $4 USD wholesale.

"Just because I use my bike practically, doesn't mean it can't be really gorgeous"

Something made of wood. Wood and leather.

affordable panniers. I have no clue why two bags need to cost $150. OR some kind of kit to easily retrofit more inexpensive bags for pannier use.

++1 for sure. Like Bushman says, they are made in China for near nothing, so why stick it to us? At least throw the rear rack in for free.

I want a briefcase with a retractable quick-release clamp that will hold it to the seatpost of a bicycle, so the briefcase would hang over the back wheel.

One thing I've been thinking about is a briefcase rack - a porteur size rack for the back of the bike that's the right size to bungee a briefcase too. Some of the things you all mention were in my mind, specially making it easier to get a range of hub gears, and a selection of easy to fit chainguards/cases which actually protect your trousers, without making it impossible to service the bike. I love the idea of a rucksack hanger type rack - that'll be very high up my list of things to think about. I suspect shoes are going to be too far out of my expertise for me to mess with however. Luggage, on the other hand, I might dip into.

I have to confess that I love the aesthetic of the Velo Orange stuff, and where I can make things pretty without compromising the design or elevating the cost, I'm probably going to do that. I want kind of a boutiquey feel. Starbucks (and others) have done very well out of providing "everyday luxury", and I think utility cycling is ripe for that, specially given how much one can save on car use.

One thing I've been thinking about is a briefcase rack - a porteur size rack for the back of the bike that's the right size to bungee a briefcase too. ... I want kind of a boutiquey feel. ... providing "everyday luxury"....

All good ideas, but I'm in a bit of a (philosophical?) dilemma here.

Versatile is good, and the old rack-and-bungee trick is versatile -- up to a point. When you hit that point, and limitations set in, things don't look so good any more. Yesterday I brought home a pizza, bungee'd to the rack of my bike... and by the time I got it home, it was damaged. Perfectly edible, but no longer perfect. The fact is, my rack is poorly suited to pizza transportation. On the other hand, how many times to I carry pizzas on the back of my bike? The flip side of the coin is that solutions to specific needs will not be versatile; so if you were going to market, say, a pizza carrier, then it would have to be perfect for carrying a pizza, and easily removable for those times when you're not carrying a pizza (which, for me, is most of the time).

I have got very tired of bungee'ing my briefcase to the rack, which I did for years. The bungees would squash things inside, and of course it made the briefcase look like hell, and sometimes it fell off anyway. Yeah, I know, it's all my fault, but I'll blame the whole rack-and-bungee thing anyway. And now that I'm commuting on a bike that doesn't have a rack, I don't miss it. I want a good looking briefcase that I can use every day, carrying just what I need at the office or on the train, that fits the bike without a rack.

Here, I'll draw you a picture.

Cute drawing, rhm! You even added a Brooks. That's a whole lot of seatpost, though! It seems like you might have some rain and taillight obstruction issues.

What about something like a waterproof, rigid pannier or rack trunk that contains a nice leather/whatever briefcase? Essentially a plastic, lined box?

Cute drawing, rhm! You even added a Brooks. That's a whole lot of seatpost, though! It seems like you might have some rain and taillight obstruction issues.

What about something like a waterproof, rigid pannier or rack trunk that contains a nice leather/whatever briefcase? Essentially a plastic, lined box?

Yeah.... The seatpost is long because this is on a folding bike with 16" wheels. Check it out:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=49471&page=80
It's already a lot to carry onto a crowded rush hour train, so I don't want any extra bits, like a rack, if I can avoid them.

Taillight obstruction is an issue, but I have about 17" of space between the bottom of the seat and the top of the taillight, so as long as the briefcase mounts pretty high up in that space, it should be okay.

Rain, of course, is also an issue; but in time of need I could put the brief case in a plastic bag, assuming, of course, that it isn't waterproof.

Panniers are great if you want to carry stuff next to the wheels, which is necessary if you have those big wheels like most people have, but with a bike like mine there is no heel clearance for panniers. I have a lot of free space over the wheel. I can hang stuff from the seat pretty well, but some things don't hang well. The solution I've proposed, I think, suits my needs pretty well.

I really like the idea of a hard plastic trunk that you could leave stuff in when you lock up the bike. To take the idea one step further, how about a front and rear plastic/saddlebag/rack/fender/light system that has quick detach fasteners on the inside and is lockable? It would look weird and it would be difficult to make it light and/or inexpensive, but it would be very utilitarian. In my mind's eye it looks very Indian motorcycle/Italian scooter/Corbin beetle bag. Getting totally carried away, you could incorporate wheel locks (like European or Chinese commuter bikes) and a retracting cable in the design. You pull up to your destination, kick down the sidestand, pull whatever you need out of the trunk/saddlebags, leave what you don't need, lock the trunk/saddlebags, pull the retractable cable and loop it to a pole and back to the bike, turn the key in both wheel locks, and walk away. When you come back, it's dark, so you pop open one of the bags and there's a switch for the lighting system that's built in. (The switch is inside so that some moron doesn't flip it and drain your batteries when you aren't around). It starts raining, so you pull some raingear out of the saddlebags and the built-in fenders keep the splash away from you and out of your eyes. You get home and... dang, you can't carry the thing up the stairs because it's too heavy. Oops. But if you have a ground level place to keep it, then everything is A-OK.

If I had a folder, and I do have one, I'd be using an Ortlieb Office bag 2. And I do. I know it means you need a rack, but it works soooo well, and a rack isn't that much more of an obstruction. The "Briefcase Rack" would be for those who really don't want to give up their old briefcase in favour of Ortliebs 007 look, and really wouldn't suit a folder at all. Too big.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/images/ortlieb%20office%20bag%202.jpg

From the look of it, the Office Bag 2 mounts like a pannier, which means heel clearance issues, like the Office Bag 1, which I have. It's an amazing piece of craftsmanship; unfortunately it does not fit on the bike I ride.
The briefcase you illustrate, if I understand it, mounts horizontally onto the rack; which means instead of hitting it with one heel, I'll hit it with both heels. How is this supposed to be an improvement? Don't get me wrong; it looks like a lovely item. It just wouldn't solve any problems for me.

The briefcase I illustrate IS the Office Bag 2, and it does fit horizontally. I have it on my Raleigh 20, with no heel strike issues whatsover, as it's well above the rearmost point of the pedal circle. I'm almost certain it would be the same with a 16" bike. I'd try to get a look at one if I was you, because it's the bomb. If my size 12's clear it, you should be ok.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a322/Samuelw72/P6040010.jpg

Wow, that's pretty slick. And it slips in and out just like the Ortlieb soft panniers?

affordable panniers. I have no clue why two bags need to cost $150. OR some kind of kit to easily retrofit more inexpensive bags for pannier use.

Ortlieb small parts. I have about $20 or so in this (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=236014&highlight=home+cobbled) bag, turning it from a shoulder bag to a pannier.

Man, I should start buying up all the Honda saddlebags I see on ebay, and send you a container full. Locking, waterproof, and you can even get inexpensive cordura soft luggage that's made to fit inside.

Interesting discussion... I'm working on many of the same issues, except for a Vermont based business - utility and rando / touring specific (more focus on the utility, tested on the rando rides).

Some things I have in the fire: reclaimed wood fenders with stainless hardware, accessory mounts that don't suck, rain gear, accessories for my bakfiets, simple bags (hopefully made by a woman who does BMW motorcycle soft bags), did I say all weather gear?

hard cases are an interesting problem. not sure how to get there just yet. yes, i want something that can be secure, but in the end its only as secure as the bike or the mount...

and clothes for everyday riding. simple, effective. maybe with an extra pocket or two. presentable at work or dinner.

– Panniers, containers... What about something like the Arkel's GT-18 BP (http://arkel-od.com/panniers/gt18/overview.asp?fl=1&site=) or the Bug (http://arkel-od.com/panniers/backpack/overview.asp?fl=1&site=), but with enough room inside to work as luggage for a student or professional?

Axiom (they're part of Norco bikes I believe) has such a product, mounts on the rack and converts to a messenger bag called the Legacy.

http://www.axiomgear.com/product/bags/messenger_and_shoulder_bags/product.php?id=107

Apple has a Bike speaker.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=AA00755D&nplm=TN914LL/A

A bit pricy at $100.

I'm seriously considering starting an online business.

So, what I'm wondering is, what other problems could I try to solve? What do you wish existed for your bike? Is there a type of trailer? For that matter, how can we make trailers a bit classier, whilst still being functional? What else do you wish you could buy?

Out of interest, I think the brand will be Velo Chocolate, and the strapline will be "Special Treats for Lifestyle Cycling"

I'd like to see a pannier for PC's that protects the PC from the shock of riding over rough pavement at fairly high speeds. (Not everyone thinks shocks on a bike is a particularly good idea.)

How protected do you think they need to be? The Office Bag 2 has a padded laptop sleeve, and a padded interior, but I can imagine that a web of elastic straps would provide more free movement and less impact as a result.

How protected do you think they need to be? The Office Bag 2 has a padded laptop sleeve, and a padded interior, but I can imagine that a web of elastic straps would provide more free movement and less impact as a result.

I agree with you. I have Ortlieb panniers, which are actually very good, but I once destroyed a notebook computer when I placed it in the pannier and padded it with clothing. I live in a city whose streets are in poor shape, and I tend to ride somewhat aggressively, and I'd like to see a pannier that could help a notebook computer survive such abuse on a regular basis. I now have a PC backpack, which works fine, but the whole point of panniers is to get the load away from one's back and avoid all that sweat, and I'd like to extend that to hauling the PC. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who'd be willing to pay a premium to the company that could provide a way to do this...

Apple has a Bike speaker.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=AA00755D&nplm=TN914LL/A

A bit pricy at $100.

This gizmo ran me about $20. I've seen them at Wallyworld, and other places.

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/iPod1.jpghttp://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/iPod2.jpg

I think baskets are a big unexplored country. What I'd like are:

--Big, strong steel baskets that wil fit on something more than just than traditional handlebars.

--Baskets with compartments in them, and lids.

--Baskets with lights mounted on them

--Baskets designed to hold laptops, drinks, etc. securely as opposed to the generic wire cage for bread and whatnot

--Streamlined baskets for commuting.

I'd also like to see cargo holders that can be mounted around the bike's center of gravity, inside the diamond of the frame. These used to be a lot more common than they are now.

--Saddlebags designed to fit beneath the handlebars, hung on the frame beyond the knees

--Hard shell containers that fill the empty space inside the frame.

--Ass panniers that attach to the central post behind the rider, and carry the weight straight down the center line of the bike towards the pedals. And I'd like to trademark the term "ass panniers."

I'd like to see a pannier for PC's that protects the PC from the shock of riding over rough pavement at fairly high speeds. (Not everyone thinks shocks on a bike is a particularly good idea.)


you want a PELICAN case. I've dropped my Pelican case while running and my laptop was fine. They are well padded and very secure, and the Pelican cases are waterproof to 500+ feet, shockproof ,m can br run over with a car etc. Bombproof storage.

http://www.globalsoundandimage.com/website_assests/1490/1490one.gif
http://www.globalsoundandimage.com/website_assests/1470/1470two.gif

there is a guy with a Baja motorbike in my area, that has 3 Pelican cases bolted to his rack for when he rips across the country or thru water etc.

^^^^
I've gone down that route too.
Ortlieb small parts are great for such things.
http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Pellican.jpg

Possibly design something for those of us who are practically midgets, and

a) have no seatpost available for attaching the usual assortment of saddlebags
b) have tiny bike frames which have no room for much of anything, never mind whopping big things

I have simple needs--mostly something to carry the mobile, and a few tools. However, I spent much of one day exchanging saddlebags onto various bikes to see if any of them fit in a configuration which would allow my reflectors/lights to show up properly.

:(

East Hill

^^^^
I've gone down that route too.
Ortlieb small parts are great for such things.
http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Pellican.jpg



Nice!

Thanks