Originally Posted by banerjek
I carry tools so that if someone bugs me, I can remove the cranks and BB and throw that at them like a boomerang. If that fails, I remove the tires from the rims and toss the wheels so the sharp spinning metal can decapitate them. I'd like to claim credit for that idea, but Goldfinger's henchman, Odd Job, came up with it first.
Sometimes I don't feel like taking my bike apart and putting it back together on the road, so I just be aware of my surroundings. I keep scanning ahead as well as behind (in my mirrors) for potential threats. Curiously enough, this method also protects you from being run over by cars that don't see you. Also, it lets you mentally prepare yourself when you see a vehicle likely to harass you approaching from the rear -- if you know you're about to be buzzed, you don't get surprised and angry when it happens.
It's not hard to take you seat post off with a quick release. No James Bond sh*t there genious.
As for all of these
intelligent answers of being aware of your surroundings & not worrying about protection doesn't make much sense to me as a commuter, & most of the people in this specific forum. We usually take the same route everyday/night. If someone were to mug a bicyclist(me) in a suburban city, they would pick a sucluded area and probably do it on my way home(it being at night). It's hard to see most areas no matter how many bike/helmet lights, mirrors, or the
common sense of relying on your
keen peripherals.
I'm not saying carry a firearm, in most scenarios especially being a bicyclist it'd be impossible to get to it and utilize it. You'd have to be prepared to shoot w/ a quick reaction. Most would prefer being the victim subconciosly.