Originally Posted by
SunnyFlorida
Oh dear. Something tells me I'm asking far too much here. Not even one nibble.
Oh well, no problem. I went through a search of the forum and found three makers I can look up re folding bike rearview mirrors (Cyclops, Zefal and Mirrycle).
As far as the basket goes, I think it's going to be the classic ole milk crate, with the bungee cord wrapped around it, look. May not look pretty but at least I know it won't interfere with the fold.
As far as the lights go, I think I'll just get a light that gives me the option of a steady or blinking light for the rear. I think I'll get a steady light for the front.
Probably the only thing I really wanted feedback on were the pedals. Before I plop down 40 plus bucks for it, does the folding MKS FD-6 have a thinner profile than the suntour pedals? If someone can give me feedback on this item, I'd appreciate it.
Don't worry about it, Sunny. I had to think about your list and compare it to what I do on my bikes first before replying. Now to your list!
Originally Posted by
SunnyFlorida
Now that I know my folder is here to stay, I'm thinking of essential upgrades like: a bike mirror, lights, pedals & a basket.
However, it seems like I have to consider foldability whenever I add something like:
Bike Mirror
Which types should I consider that won't interfere with the fold, if any?
Lights
To blinky or not to blinky?...That is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the bings and dings of riding in the dark or to take arms against a sea of cars
by having front and back lights... and in so doing...avoid them. Yep, you guess it. It's another question except it has to do with either getting a static light or blinking one.
Normally I don't go riding at night but as the days get shorter, I can see riding home a little after dusk from work.
Pedals
Pedals, pedals everywhere but few will fit my bike.
I am thinking of the MKS FD-6 to replace the clunky suntour ones I now have. Not sure if the MKS FD-6 will be just as thick as the ones I have now. Yes, the few nano cm I don't have to adjust to, via the seat height, does matter.
Does anyone know for certain then if the MKS FD-6 is thinner in profile than the suntour pedals that came with the bike? I can't find measurements anywhere on the web on this.
Basket
Thinking of getting the seat post or frame adapter to put a klixfix wire basket in the back or front. However, something tells me that the seatpost or frame adapter would interfere with the fold. Am I correct on that?
Not crazy about handlebar baskets. I've got too much crap and I find them a little too distracting.
Sorry for all the questions. If the bike was just a regular bike, I wouldn't have to ask the above. However, since the key feature of the bike is the fold, I'm trying to keep this feature intact but not at the cost of overall safety (bike mirror) or basic convenience (basket).
With folding bikes, you always must remember that unless you keep the items pretty much attached to the bike like a regular bike, they must have a
Quick Release option and be able to detach very easily and quickly at folding. For that reason, I only carry bike parts that are used on the bike, mandatory for bagging the bike itself, or arranging and attaching items to the bike. Plus (very important here) mandatory use by local, state, or federal law. Anything else fall under "need not take with me."
Now for your list.
Milk Crates: I like to attach one to my rear rack for a load from a trip to the grocery or hardware store. But if I have to carry the bike as a load itself (i.e. carrying it aboard a bus or something), I don't bring one with me on that trip.
Traditional Handlebar Mounted Basket: I think they are cute and I had one when I was little. But now I make my own handlebar mounted bag for my Dahons (see the photo below) and soon for the Twenty. It is far cheaper than anything sold at even Wally World. Another big plus is you can roll it up when not in use.
Front & Rear Lights: Up to now I have been using simple battery powered lights. I rarely ride at night and try to avoid it if at all possible. When I am forced to, I use 2 front headlights-one pointed straight ahead-for maximum sighting ahead plus allowing others to see me & one angled down to avoid potholes & road debris. These are white lights and have the option to blink or stay on all the time. The rear ones are simple clip on ones that I scatter all over me and the bike. These rear lights are red and can be set to blink or stay on all the time.
Pedals: I use the cheapo plastic folding ones for now that came stock with the Dahons. The Brompton's are fine for now too. My Twenty has been designated as my "experimental bike" and I have been adding new parts to it to see how they work out on a folding bike. My Twenty will be getting the 9/16 size
MKS Sylvan Road Pedals after I finish paying the bike shop to overhaul it. If I like them, the Dahons & even the Brompton might get their own pairs too if it works well on the Twenty.
Bike Mirror: Unless required by law to attach one on the bike, I turn my head or listen to the traffic to get a sense of what is going on in traffic all around me. I tried one and it did not work for me.
Just remember that any folding or separating bike is just that-a bike first. The ability to fold or separate makes these bikes more portable & compact. So....plan accordingly about what is used with them. And don't clutter it up with unnecessary accessories that you have to carry around too.