Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - New DIY Gadgets - Showing Off new Stand and Headlights

I haven't been cycling for too long, coming up on maybe two months now since I first hopped on the bike, and maybe a month of seriously cycling for commuting purposes. Over that time I've learned a few things.

1. Flipping the bike upside down on the kitchen table from the late 1920s or early 1930s is very worrysome. Even though I cover the table and haven't caused any scratches or scuffs, I am perpetually worried about the condition of the table so it makes bike work more difficult.

2. A kitchen table isn't at a great height to service many things on a bike regardless.

3. The chandelier is so low that when spinning the pedals to adjust things I need to make sure I don't whack the leaded crystal!

4. Many repairs are better served with the bike in its upright position, but one or both wheels need to be able to freely spin.

5. And finally, I love wrenching around with things when I am able to, especially if it saves me a buck!

So, after some internet research I found these (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=31255) pipe clamp do-hickies at Harbor Freight for $3.99 on sale. I then bought some 3/4" threaded pipe from Home Depot, a flange, and a "T" for the top (in case I want to set it up for two bikes at once) for less than $15 and I was in business! I can't claim all the glory, there were several other websites showing pretty much the same thing that inspired me.

http://workshopwebs.com/steve/pictures/bicycle/20080602/bikestandroad.jpg

There's the stand with my dad's old 10-speed road bike. I've been fixing it up as cheaply as possible since I don't want to put too much money into it - probably saving for something newer.

http://workshopwebs.com/steve/pictures/bicycle/20080602/bikestandstreet.jpg

And there's the stand with my daily commuter on it. The stand is rather sturdy with the cinder block at the bottom, but I plan on widening the board I have supporting the stand so I can work without it. I'm also pondering putting it on lockable caster wheels so I can scoot it, with the bike(s) on it back into the garage without having to dismount everything. At the top I have a "T" so I can eventually have two bikes on it at the same time, if need be.

And now the other goodies:

http://workshopwebs.com/steve/pictures/bicycle/20080602/headlights.jpg

While at Harbor Freight I found these anodized aluminum 9-LED flashlights WITH batteries for $1.99 each! Hot dang I was excited. Eventually I want to have these on some sort of quick release akin to my super flash but for now this will work. I don't commute in the dark (or dawn/dusk)... yet. But, now I know that if I want to, I'll definitely be seen from the front. These things are impressively bright for their size, but I have a feeling the cheap batteries that they came with will burn through rather quickly, at which point I'll swap to rechargeable.

http://workshopwebs.com/steve/pictures/bicycle/20080602/headlights2.jpg

Here's a side shot (a front shot is useless as they wash out the photo) which also shows off my peace-sign brake pulls. Very chic :p I've gotta wait for it to get dark before I can officially test it to see how well they illuminates the road and warn drivers of my presence. They are a far cry from something professional, but they blow away the cheapy *Mart $15 lights in my opinion, and cost less than $5 after taxes!

So there's my new gadgets which now work on the bike along with my DIY pannier which attaches to the modified rack which holds my superflash. At the cockpit is the Planet Bike 8.0 computer which I love too. All in all, this free bike is turning out to be expensive, but not much of it is the fault of the bike :p

I just took the lights outside. While I didn't go for a ride (its late/early and I've got to get up earlier than usual tomorrow morning) I was able to see clearly 15-25' in front of me on the road, and I cast a shadow on a tree behind me at nearly 50'. Its very visible from even further but walking bare foot into the street, which is a major trucking route under construction isn't something I was going to do :p More importantly, however, is the fact that I know I'll be seen.

I need to concoct a way to be seen from the side better, but there is quite a bit of spill over. I don't intend on doing much night riding any time in the near future but its good to know that I'd be visible if caught in the dark.

I like your work stand, I've been thinking about buying one but this is so much cheaper!

Tek:

Get back over on M.R.! lol

The stand looks good. Gotta love the "China Outlet" (Harbor Freight) as I call it.

Maybe put some (gasp) reflectors on the wheels to be seen better from the side. I left 'em on on our road bikes "just in case" we go out for an evening ride.

Chris

Tek:

Get back over on M.R.! lol

The stand looks good. Gotta love the "China Outlet" (Harbor Freight) as I call it.

Chris

Apparently I should have used a different alias for various forums, I'm being found out! E-Quality PMed me this morning too.

I did get an opportunity to test the lights out last night, and I would rate them as "so so" (which for $5 I'm perfectly content with). Drivers did notice me from the front and I could see the road in the absence of street lights. Ideally, it'd be a little brighter and project a little more on the road, but for now I felt safe riding with the lights on and will just add more in the future :)

Apparently I should have used a different alias for various forums, I'm being found out! E-Quality PMed me this morning too.

I did get an opportunity to test the lights out last night, and I would rate them as "so so" (which for $5 I'm perfectly content with). Drivers did notice me from the front and I could see the road in the absence of street lights. Ideally, it'd be a little brighter and project a little more on the road, but for now I felt safe riding with the lights on and will just add more in the future :)

That is funny!

Not sure if I mentioned this before, but at Lowe's there is a 2 c cell flashlight for $30.00, very bright & compact. Just make sure the package says "60x brighter" on it. The old light had half the light ouput, same price, & same sku number!!!!!

Also, stop in at the lbs and see if they have any "take off" reflector mounts for a seat post or h. bars. You could use those to mount your lights to the bars, & have a little adjustment as well. Just use 2 per light.

Chris