Originally Posted by
Waterdawg
Hi All,
I'm new to the forum, but not biking. I had been riding a Trek 930 Mountain Bike for decades and recently upgraded to a used Cannondale Adventure Three. I also scored a Schwinn Child Trailer that I'm converting into a Cargo Trailer for this bike.
The Cannondale Adventure Three has front suspension and a suspension seat post. I'm looking for input on a couple of accessories.
I need to mount a good back rack for some panniers and perhaps a front rack as well. I know there are a lot out there, but the reviews are all over the place. I have a really large foot so I'd prefer a rack that keeps the bags back a bit so I don't hit them with my heel.
I also need a set of fenders. Not sure if I should go with aluminium or plastic. I like the look of the silver plastic ones.
A mirror is alse another high priority. I'd prefer the handlebar mount, but as you can see by my grips, I'm not sure I can do that
Finally, lighting.
Looking for feedback on various front and rear lights. Looking to make myself visible over using it for road lighting.
The bike will be my sole method of transportation. Needs to get me to the store and back and carry garbage and recyclables to the transfer station once a week. Anything else you can suggest, I'd appreciate it.
Lots of choices out there. I've got a couple bikes with the silver plastic SKS longboard fenders on them. Look great, keep the water/muck off of me, relatively inexpensive. Purchased one set online from rivbikes, the other in my LBS. Price was the same either way, though the LBS installs anything purchased there for free.
Dittos for the racks. I've got one Jandd rear rack (lite duty) and one blackburn. Both are sturdy and well-made. The blackburn was half the cost, and probably only a little heavier, I think it was only $25 at the LBS, and they installed it for free...no rattles. No idea how either of these are for those with larger feet. For a front rack that will work with a suspension fork, I think you're looking at mostly the Old Man Mountain sherpa racks. They have their own website, and can probably respond best on their own rear racks, as to which will work with a larger foot.
Old Man Mountain specializes in Racks designed to work on all bikes.
If your main concern with lighting is being seen (same issue for me on my commuter that is ridden only during daylight) the Blackburn 2'fer light set, around $35 for the pair is rechargable, and they can function as solid bright white, pulsing white, or solid/flashing red.
Everyone has their own picks for locks...whatever you've got is great, until it isn't, lol. SF is a high bike theft area. I'd probably go with a multi-lock system there of high quality locks. I'm in a relatively low risk are with my commuter, and typically only use a cable lock...I carry/use a u lock for when it is being left for longer periods out of sight. I'd probably review the theft chart on Kryptonite's website to help choose what type of lock you should invest in:
Security Ratings