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.

I like the rechargeable Cygolite Metro 550 USB Light and tail lights. Very bright.

What are your plans for reinforcing the trailer floor?

any further input?

I have no experience on fitting fenders or mirrors. Mirrors say No but they Don't say Yes, so bear that in mind when you're turning or pulling out and always turn your head and have a look as well.

Unless you have hundreds to spend on lights I would shop for 4V or 8V rechargable cree lights on Ebay. You can get one with a 4Ah battery pack for around $18 US and at that price you can buy 2 or more and have spare batteries. I have been using them for years with no failures but be careful to get all the same voltage or you might blow one as I did. https://tinyurl.com/j35hzk9



Definitely look into the flooring of that trailer. You mightn't carry more than a toddler in weight but a toddler doesn't have sharp edges like some recyclables do. (don't they have bins where you live)

You will need some flat tire solution unless you're happy pushing the rig for miles? CO2 cylinders or a pump and some patches say.

Lastly scope out the touring sub-forum, the hybrid forum is more about cycling for pleasure and what you are doing is more business like. Lots of trailer discussion in the other one I am sure.

PS: It often helps if you include things like your Location in your profile. "out there" sounds cool I must admit, but it won't help with specific advice and will exclude you from local cyclists who may spend more time answering your questions because they feel a close connection with you. "basic psychology"

As far as the trailer, just drop the seat down. Do you need the cross bar for side support? I like to leave the side flaps up as they protect the tires, as well as short flaps front and back to protect cargo without tying down or covering.

My Burley trailer gets adequate side support with the stroller bar on the back which keeps the bed area open, and gives me something in the back to tie onto.

My trailers without the stroller bar need a top bar to keep them together.

I just use the stock floor.

As far as the mirror. I find the bars are an awkard location to look at, so I prefer just looking back. But, there are mirrors that mount in the bar end plugs, so just cut a hole in the grips and mount the mirror.
Bicycle Handlebar Mirror Handle Bar Plug End Mount Rear View Flexi Convex Safety | eBay

Helmet/glasses mount?

There are lots of racks available, so I'm not sure what is best. One feature that I like is extra rearward support to keep panniers from flopping into the wheels. Also a center strip if you aren't also using fenders.

Somewhat like this, but lots are available.
Bicycle Rack Rear Topeak Super Tourist DX MTX Black | eBay

Mudguards? A rear rack? a Good LOCK?

Yep, Mirrors are more for me to see what's coming up on me rather than seeing if I'm clear to turn. Thanks

Yeah, I'm planning on an aluminium floor in it. I like the wood ones, but trying to keep weight way down

Carrying a spare tire for the bike and trailer, patch kit and air pump.

Thanks
It's a bit hard for me to do that as I'm literally living on the road or water. I'm in the middle of a kayak trip from Canada to Key West FL. Just taking a break for the winter, thus why the bicycle is my main vehicle now. Currently in NY, headed to VT till Dec and then down to FL across to San Francisco in the Spring and then back to Delaware where I finished up paddling.

Thanks, found a nice Bar End mirror in the bike shop tonight. Much larger than the ones I've seen / had before.

I'm liking that version of a rack, though not sure how much I'll be using a pannier vs the trailer. Need to think about that a bit more.

Will certainly be using fenders.

Aluminium panel

Mud guards are on the fenders, no?

Yeah, was looking for rear rack options

Suggestions on lock? I have a cable lock now

It sounds like you're moving around a lot. You may choose to purchase an actual "cargo trailer". Also one that is covered, although some people use rubbermaid bins in the trailers.

Personally, I do use my backpack or trailer more than the rack. Plus, I only have a rack on a couple of my bikes. But, the rack is good for touring, and carrying some things.

Locks depend on the environment, and how much of a target you think your bike and gear will be.

I've used a cable lock off and on, but after seeing cut remnants of locks near where I was locking my bike, I went back to a more modern U-Lock. Right now I've been using a Kryptonite NY lock. It is beastly heavy, but would be a major theft deterrent. Generally, I only lock one wheel and the frame unless I consider there to be a particular increased risk. My last tour, I decided to just bring a cable lock with me as I didn't expect to be leaving the bike very frequently and it was half the weight.

Thanks for the info on the locks.

Money is super tight - as you might imagine when one is traveling full time. The trailer was given to me in exchange for some labor one day. Looks to be in good condition. I'll use it and rebuild / upgrade as necessary.

Right now, I'm not planning on traveling on the bike, but using it for everything, once I arrive at my temporary locations. I'm thinking U lock for the SF area. I'll be on an island in FL so doubt there will be a lot of theft in a small village.

Heyyy, that's excellent, why waste your life in an office 9-to-5 just to die of a heart disease by 60 I say. This planet is amazing and we owe it to ourselves to get out and explore it. I couldn't think of a better way than on the water either. Sure it has its risks but if you stay near shore and keep an eye on the weather it would be just like cycling but without the traffic. No pirates in the waters your traversing either

I can assure you that its almost as dangerous navigating commercial waterways in a kayak as it is on a bicycle. At least on the road they simple say: I didn't see him. On the water, they are usually aiming for you.

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

Well, after a visit to a couple of bike shops. I've gotten all the accessories and trailer hooked up.
I put it to work today to bring the garbage to the transfer station, pick up groceries, see a friend and tend to some business in town. 6 stops in all. 11.4 miles and 486' in elevation.

I also wrote a little story about a little bike shop...give it a read.
A Bike Shop that is Changing the World