I do have fenders and a bell, as well as a mirror on my helmet. I didn't include everything in the list above (a pretty complete list of what I carry at the beginning of the "Advice for New Commuter's Thread"). Another thing that helps make the ride work well is a pair of good sunglasses with replaceable lenses--dark polarized for bright days, amber for low-light situations.

But you're right about tinkering. I'll probably put a Brooks saddle on my Christmas wish list. I also will hope for clear lenses for the "sun"glasses so I can use them at night as eye-protection.

But, in terms of function, everything just popped into place this morning.

And, 2manybikes, fortunately I have not been in an accident since I walked into the house.