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What to buy with $8?

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Old 03-27-10, 07:17 PM
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What to buy with $8?

So I will have $8 remaining to my REI dividend. I have tire levers, spare tubes, frame pump, chain tool, front and rear light, pannier, etc. I have all of the stuff I need to feel confident commuting (at least until I need something and realize I don't have it yet )...

So is there a tool or gadget or something that is close to $8 that would be good to buy next?

I know it's totally random, but I am curious if there is some neat thing that I should have and don't yet.
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Old 03-27-10, 07:30 PM
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hmmmm.... do you have a decent bike specific multi tool for your kit? it might be worth putting that 8 bucks towards that.

I ride "vintage" bikes mainly, so I also like having a good 8/10 mm wrench in my bag, as most bike tools are just allen keys and drivers. the 8/10 is good for most brake bolts, could be smart to carry a 9/11 on you as well depending on what sort of brakes and derailleurs you have.
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Old 03-27-10, 07:56 PM
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Don't let the money burn a hole in your pocket. I've found it isn't too long before I break or wear things out on my bike then $8 doesn't go too far.

If you HAVE to spend it I'd recomend a second rear light. There have been times when I've reached my destination only to discover one of my rear lights isn't on anymore or have gone to the bike after work to find one of the lights doesn't work because of dead batteries. I figure it's important to have more than one just in case.
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Old 03-27-10, 08:03 PM
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A tube of "Phil" grease to redo all your bearings.
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Old 03-27-10, 08:05 PM
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Spares of things that you know are going to break or wear out. Inner tubes, brake cables, brake pads, derailleur cables or chain lube. I'm also big on duplicate tool sets. I can't have enough 4,5,6mm ball-allens or Park 8-10s.
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Old 03-27-10, 08:37 PM
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A bright yellow rainjacket.
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Old 03-27-10, 08:50 PM
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I got a $1.83 dividend. Whoop-dee-doo!!!
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Old 03-27-10, 09:37 PM
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+1 on second rear light. A spoke wrench is about that price but not necessary to carry on the commute. A shower cap to put over your helmet when it rains is a useful addition to your commuting gear that wont overload you.
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Old 03-27-10, 09:39 PM
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Patch kit.
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Old 03-27-10, 09:52 PM
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Get some Toblerone and Gummi Bears or chain lube.
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Old 03-27-10, 10:07 PM
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If you bike on an MUP some of the time you may want to get a bell to announce your presence to peds, runners, etc. in front of you.

Or how about a mirror for your helmet/eyeglasses or a mirror for the handlebars.
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Old 03-27-10, 10:16 PM
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A subscription to Bicycle Times Magazine? That's $12 per year.
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Old 03-27-10, 10:43 PM
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You could always get something you may need in the future like a new patch kit, tube, CO2, brake pads, bar tape, etc.

You should have some good reflective tape. I don't know if they sell that at REI.

Maybe a nice thermos or insulated water bottle.
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Old 03-28-10, 07:07 AM
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Lube - keep that drive train clean and lubed, especially after a rainy ride.
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Old 03-28-10, 09:29 PM
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Mirrycle Incredibell STI bell (free shipping to the store).
With the remainder, get a Cliff Bar.
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Old 03-28-10, 09:32 PM
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Originally Posted by kludgefudge
hmmmm.... do you have a decent bike specific multi tool for your kit? it might be worth putting that 8 bucks towards that.

I ride "vintage" bikes mainly, so I also like having a good 8/10 mm wrench in my bag, as most bike tools are just allen keys and drivers. the 8/10 is good for most brake bolts, could be smart to carry a 9/11 on you as well depending on what sort of brakes and derailleurs you have.
+1 Carrying some kind of a multi tool would be a good idea.
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Old 03-28-10, 09:37 PM
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+1 bell
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Old 03-29-10, 05:04 AM
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tube
ankle bands
chain lube
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Old 03-29-10, 05:58 AM
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REI has nice stainless steel bottle cages that only cost $8-10. They also carry Incredi-bells, which others noted. Also, if you buy 10 or 12 Cliff bars or gels, you get 25% off, so you could stock up on them.
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Old 03-29-10, 06:00 AM
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Dog repellent?
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Old 03-29-10, 06:58 AM
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Bike repair book.
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Old 03-29-10, 07:34 AM
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Originally Posted by no motor?
Bike repair book.
If you do that, there is only one, IMO. Park Big Blue Book. I have one or two others that I bought before that, and they're all junk in comparison.
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Old 03-29-10, 07:46 AM
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lunch
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Old 03-29-10, 08:06 AM
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Topeak Cargo Net
Item # 797996

Probably the best $8 I've spent on my bike. Very versatile.
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Old 03-29-10, 08:36 AM
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lunch? haha - maybe at Cabela's in CT!
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