Show me your hacks
#26
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Central Illinois
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#27
Senior Member
I'd used cheap adhesive rubber foam tape instead of the rather expensive (at least here in Brazil) bar tape on a flat bar to cope with hand pains and that worked surprisingly well. Worked for about 6 months with only some minor/cosmetic damage. I'm always wearing half finger cycling gloves, so maybe that adds to it.
The only reason I've removed it was due to a new glove with larger padding, which together with the rubber foam made it feel like I was squishing a large marshmallow...
The only reason I've removed it was due to a new glove with larger padding, which together with the rubber foam made it feel like I was squishing a large marshmallow...
#28
Senior Member
Short piece of inner tube wrapped around the bottom headset bearing. Have to remove the fork to install but works good to keep grit out of there...
#29
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26" clip-on fenders from an MTB installed on a bike with 700cc wheels. Been running like that for 2 years, can't see enough reason to spend the $50 or so for correctly-sized fenders.
#30
Member
Tool Bag Hack
I know I'm not the only one who balks at spending big bucks on certain bike-related items...and trendy tool bags has to be one of the worst for being overpriced. So, I decided to go cheap and convert a medium-sized shoulder bag to a saddle tool bag!
This bag is actually a Rothco Travel/Shoulder bag made of canvas and some leather. I found it on Amazon for $17! I put a few pieces of stiff cardboard inside and used a couple small carabiners to hold it to the B-17 saddle's rear bag slots. I just cannot bring myself to spend much for tool bags since I don't do any long distance touring. I know it's a cheap alternative and we'll see how long it lasts. It has a nice shoulder strap so I can undo the bag from the saddle and sling it over my shoulder if I choose to. Yes, some of the zippered pockets are not very accessible, but I don't really care that much.
Here's the shopping link: https://www.amazon.com/Rothco-Canvas...462834&sr=8-21


Cheap Rothco travel bag ($18)
This bag is actually a Rothco Travel/Shoulder bag made of canvas and some leather. I found it on Amazon for $17! I put a few pieces of stiff cardboard inside and used a couple small carabiners to hold it to the B-17 saddle's rear bag slots. I just cannot bring myself to spend much for tool bags since I don't do any long distance touring. I know it's a cheap alternative and we'll see how long it lasts. It has a nice shoulder strap so I can undo the bag from the saddle and sling it over my shoulder if I choose to. Yes, some of the zippered pockets are not very accessible, but I don't really care that much.
Here's the shopping link: https://www.amazon.com/Rothco-Canvas...462834&sr=8-21


Cheap Rothco travel bag ($18)
#31
Keepin it Wheel
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
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I know I'm not the only one who balks at spending big bucks on certain bike-related items...and trendy tool bags has to be one of the worst for being overpriced. So, I decided to go cheap and convert a medium-sized shoulder bag to a saddle tool bag!
This bag is actually a Rothco Travel/Shoulder bag made of canvas and some leather. I found it on Amazon for $17! I put a few pieces of stiff cardboard inside and used a couple small carabiners to hold it to the B-17 saddle's rear bag slots. I just cannot bring myself to spend much for tool bags since I don't do any long distance touring. I know it's a cheap alternative and we'll see how long it lasts. It has a nice shoulder strap so I can undo the bag from the saddle and sling it over my shoulder if I choose to. Yes, some of the zippered pockets are not very accessible, but I don't really care that much.
Here's the shopping link: https://www.amazon.com/Rothco-Canvas...462834&sr=8-21
This bag is actually a Rothco Travel/Shoulder bag made of canvas and some leather. I found it on Amazon for $17! I put a few pieces of stiff cardboard inside and used a couple small carabiners to hold it to the B-17 saddle's rear bag slots. I just cannot bring myself to spend much for tool bags since I don't do any long distance touring. I know it's a cheap alternative and we'll see how long it lasts. It has a nice shoulder strap so I can undo the bag from the saddle and sling it over my shoulder if I choose to. Yes, some of the zippered pockets are not very accessible, but I don't really care that much.
Here's the shopping link: https://www.amazon.com/Rothco-Canvas...462834&sr=8-21
#32
Junior Member
What bike related hack, bodge, or modification have you made this year? I discovered that my Abus 685 lock (6mm links, 76cm length) just barely fits in my Zefal bottle cage container. It’s been a great solution for me. The whole rig is under two pounds, it’s easy to move from bike to bike, and it looks clean on the frame.
That's neat!
#33
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Picture shows two hacks on my helmet:
1. Third Eye mirror further secured with the visor mount.
2. Light and Motion headlight duct-taped to the visor.
I use this set-up for all of my riding.
1. Third Eye mirror further secured with the visor mount.
2. Light and Motion headlight duct-taped to the visor.
I use this set-up for all of my riding.

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#34
Quidam Bike Super Hero
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My hack is terribly simple: I used to put my water bottle necks between fingers to transport inside (double walled metal with hidden mouth, ftw). Noticed that 4 liter bottle carry straps could detach and fit on my bottles. Now hand transport is easy and painless, even with multiple bags

#35
Happy banana slug
Join Date: Sep 2015
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My hack is terribly simple: I used to put my water bottle necks between fingers to transport inside (double walled metal with hidden mouth, ftw). Noticed that 4 liter bottle carry straps could detach and fit on my bottles. Now hand transport is easy and painless, even with multiple bags 


#36
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Central Illinois
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Old hack from 2010. I had a seat post rack, but the angle made the rack higher than I wanted. I had an idea to make an adjustable seat post mounted rack. It is a stem mounted to a cut down bmw handlebar, which is then connected with two bar ends that slip fit inside a suspension fork. Held up to 35 lbs without sagging. I ended up scrapping it because it weighed 5 lbs and I rarely used it.

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#37
Happy banana slug
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
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@caribou22, found it! Would you mind re-posting your awesome hack here?
#38
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Mud Flap
While we're at it, my Mud Flat just bit the dust last night. Anyone got any idea of what is the best material to use for it? (Plastic, Leather or something else.)
#39
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#40
Senior Member
The thin tough plastic from a 5L motor oil bottle. Very light, indestructible. I used a black bottle to match the SKS fender. If you cut it from the narrow "side" of the bottle it will have a cupped shape to it mimicking the form of the fender. Drill 4 small holes through flap and fender and secure with small zip ties.