Title asks “must haves,” opening post asks “favorites.” Here’s my list of must haves with faves in parentheses...

Bike (drop bar, comfortable geo, steel framed workhorse, currently a Specialized AWOL)
Fat tires (Conti Top Contact 2, 42c)
Dyno hub (Shimano or SP)
Quality lighting front and rear (B&M, there is no substitute for the best)
Fenders, full length (any brand, must be metal, must have robust mounts)
Rear rack (Tubus Evo)
Panniers (REI Nucleus Deluxe)
SPD pedals, reflective (Shimano PD-T700)
Helmet (prefer integrated blinky lights, currently a Specialized Centro)
Jacket, high viz (Aero Tech or REI)
Gloves, fingerless to winter weight (Specialized or REI)
Knickers to full length pants (too many to list)
Liner shorts (PricePoint, REI, Aero Tech)
SPD shoes (Pearl Izumi, Specialized)
Tubes, tools, patch kit, pump, CO2 carts

About 20 years ago I started with “just a bike.” This list is where I’m at today. I got here by trial & error, research, hard knocks, and dumb luck. At this point I’ve been doing it for too long to do it with anything less than exactly what I want. That’s why the list is so long and specific. The list is seasonal and subject to change based on new information or improvements.

Anyone can start with “just a bike,” but you’re not a bona fide bicycle commuter until you’re picky about the way you do it.


-Kedosto

Quote:

Originally Posted by wphamilton

Way too much for "must-have" gear. The only gear you must have is the bike. Everything else is situational and preference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wphamilton

…So whatever I LIKE to have on me or with me, the only thing that I MUST have is the bike itself and frankly that could work for 99% of my commutes (or more).

It's not just a semantic distinction. If we're talking to new commuters, new cyclists, as Jim mentioned, it's not really doing them a favor to point to all of the goodies as "must-have" when they're really not. Don't make it harder and more elaborate than it has to be…

Quote:

Originally Posted by CliffordK

The OP asked about "Favorite Gear", rather than "Must Haves"…

How about describing such gear as “Don’t leave home without it.”?

Common sense tells me to carry: two spare tubes, a mini pump, tire levers, a small 15mm wrench and a small multi tool... Anybody who goes out on a ride should carry some basics which allow them to fix or change a flat tire.

I commute in cycling specific apparel because I commute around 15 miles to work. In addition, I prefer a backpack because of the horrible aesthetics of panniers and versatility on and off the bike.

I cannot stand backpacks for commuting, let alone a 15 mile stretch, but this just goes to show that everyone has their own particular take on the best solution. Thread topics like this are pretty much like asking "what's your favorite food?" At the same time, these kinds of threads are a great exchange of ideas and provide insights into the issues we all face. Good stuff.


-Kedosto

Keep Bad Karma at Bay Gear.... That stuff that if it isn't in your bag, you'll surely be found walking.

I used to do metric centuries (100km) nearly every summer weekend in Germany with the same backpack I commute with daily

I just spilled raw beef juice into and had to wash it in the kitchen sink. First time since 2010 when I bought it. Thankfully, it's black, which hides the wear.

Mmm, beet juice!

beeF juice as in sliced beef.

[smiles sweetly and squints]

Never mind!

There's a story but you must ask!

We're asking.

Earlier I posted on this thread:

Quote:

Originally Posted by mavericg

I’m about to start commuting to work about 25Kms one way, so having must have gears are very important such as the following:

1….
5. Phone holder for occasional google maps
6…

I keep my phone inside my jacket, but that item is duly noted and added to my list.