I think where we do a disservice at times is when we make recommendations based on what we need to commute in all the conditions we are likely to encounter.

Most new commuters stick to nice days with no rain and daylight both in the morning and the evening. Why complicate things with discussion of lights, fenders, and rain gear? All of those tend to be multipage topics just on their own.

Very often the recommendation is to save $100 or more above the cost of a new bike for purchasing "accessories". They'll be told the stock tires probably aren't good enough and they'll need something with flat protection. They'll also be told they need a spare tube, a patch kit and a pump. After a long discussion about smooth vs tread and fat vs skinny tires, we'll start discussing CO2 vs frame pumps.

Once that's done, we'll get into lights. How bright? Rechargeable? Handlebar mounted or helmet mounted? Both! ... and another couple on the fork blades. Maybe a dynohub is what they should get? Then of course there are locks. By the way, one probably isn't good enough. You'll need two.

How are they going to carry all this crap? Well, a rack and panniers, duh! Wait. wait, maybe a backpack or a messenger bag? No. No. A carradice bag is the way to go.

Clipless pedals? Lycra? Sure, if you want to be some sort of geek! Stick to merino wool, or golf shirts from Goodwill or Target. Clipless will make you 10 times faster, or they just might be useless. Get toe clips instead. On second thought, just go with platforms but make sure you get the ones with pins.

What about rain? Well aside from fenders you're going to want to drop a couple hundred on some nice showers pass gear. Or maybe just get magical (I mean merino) wool that keeps you warm even though you're wet. Or just get wet.

Did I mention sandals? You'll want some good ones from Keen. They are the ideal shoe for commuting except for maybe Converse Allstars. However, if you live in Copenhagen, you probably should be wearing heels. Maybe we all should be. Oh that's it, - sandals with heels!

Of course that's just the beginning. You'll want to a carry a set of tools that will allow you to deal with any mechanical breakdown that might occur and a camera to document who runs you over. Actually make that two cameras. One facing the front and one facing the rear.

Ugh. How could I forget mirrors? And bells? A concealed weapon just in case?


That's what the threads here look like (in vastly abbreviated form). This is the 53rd post discussing whether we over complicate things or not.