Blue_Bulldog

I've been thinking of random things that would make my Car Free life all kinds of easier. And I don't know if they are things, or if we have a goldmine on our hands. Can you guys let me know if these things exist, and if they dont... phone numbers for an engineer and a patent lawyer?

1. Actual workable turn signals that snap on your handlebar grips, have a push button thingie, and flash super bright on the end of either grip, and then switch off when you tap the button again.

2. A small, handlebar mounted horn... that is actually audible to motorists

3. A regular sized messenger bag or backpack that has a hydration bladder (Or an add-on kit for a backpack you already really like)

4. Earmuffs that you can hear through

5. A comfortable, lightweight, protective helmet that allows airflow... and does not give you a tri-hawk when you take it off.

6. Built in/integrated and key operated pedal locking mechanism for secondary security


Which ones of these things do I need to bug my LBS about and which ones deserve a "get on this, science"?

Machka 

4) They're called headbands, and you can get them in various thicknesses. I have several.

Roody

1. I think turn signals are illegal almost everywhere.
2. I just yell "look out m...f'er!"
3. IDK
4. Like Machka said...headbands.
5. I don't use helmets so I have no information.
6. This I would like! I have seen built-in handlebar locks, but I don't remember where.

Artkansas 

1) I used to have turn signals for my bike when I was a kid. As an adult it's a losing proposition. How are you going to get enough separation from either signal that the typically unaware driver will be able to tell that the flasher means that you are turning and not just having another twinkling light. But just in case, Amazon has you covered

Bicycle Turn Signal.


or Bicycle Turn Signal


5) Have you considered a hairnet?

6) my Honda CB400F had a built in handlebar lock. It all depends on the strength of the weld and the strength of the thief. A lock that holds your left crankarm could be interesting. Take it with you.

gerv 

#2 The Airzounds fits this bill.

https://www.airzound.co.uk/

10 Wheels

Horn
https://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/st...r+horn&Ntk=All

10 Wheels

39 Holes I have one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/White-MTB-Ro...item2c767dee71

Zedoo

4. I prefer hooded sweaters.
5. Shorter hair, hairnet, cornrows, braids, etc. Any dancer is probably an expert on what to do with hair for an active life.

10 Wheels

Guess you could add a hydration pack into it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/25L-Army-Gre...item5d465d2cc2

Isaiahc72

I took a water bottle cage that had an adjustable strap and then bought an air horn from walmart and mounted them on the front handlebar. It really stops motorists and is very loud and lightweight.

alaskanb3arcub

I have Bicygnals set I like.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBBPRhf8lNs
my review: https://akbearcub.com/blog/bicygnals-review-part-1/
The company's domain seems to be parked, however, and I do not know if any more are going to be produced. the place I bought them from does not seem to have them any more.




I ride with a baseball cap(I hardly ever take it off, really), and would ride with a helmet over it(when I wore a helmet at all)

Machka 

1. Why? What's wrong with hand signals?

2. I think you can get horns that are quite loud.

3. Have a look around ... there are all sorts of different bags out there. Someone is always coming up with something "new". Do some Google searching ... look up 'backpack with hydration pack' and another other similar word combinations.

4. As I said before ... headbands.

5. Rowan wears a bandana on his head ... just an ordinary one. But if you look up "cycling bandana" you'll find another option. I wear my hair in a braid, and never have any issues with "helmet hair".

6. Not sure what you mean by this.

wahoonc

For #6 I use an Axa Defender ring lock. It immobilize the rear wheel. My 1972 Raleigh Superbe has a built in fork lock that keeps you from turning the handle bars when it is locked.

#2 Airzounds or a hand held boat horn FTW. I have used the boat horn with good results, though Roody's method has worked too

Aaron

locolobo13 

I've seen turn signals on the bikes. I never heard they were illegal. The ones I saw were home made from some bicycle lights, mountings and he wired it himself. It's not rocket science. But I'm too lazy to do it myself.

The problem with hand signals is a lot of drivers either don't understand them or don't pay attention. That said I do hand signals.

fietsbob

1) .. Your Hand , you stick it out, straight Arm left , for Left, TO signal for Right,

a 90 degree bend in your LEFT elbow so your hand points Up, or you extend your Right arm out.

5) .. bring a comb to straighten out your Hair-do

Artkansas 

I've never seen a law against it, but that may be a state by state thing. I used them as a child, but said systems were pretty much a joke. I later came to wonder if a driver could discriminate between them and just general flashing on a bike. I don't know if they can.

I use hand signals but Arkansans are a friendly bunch and 3/4 of the time, a classic right-turn signal gets a wave of hello returned back to me.

I-Like-To-Bike

Can't say what you need, but I do not need or even want any of these listed items at any price.

I-Like-To-Bike

My 1976 Raleigh Superbe, the deluxe 3 speed sold in the U.S. at the time, had this feature.

I-Like-To-Bike

I think Roody was making a funny. The reluctance of so many drivers to use them would make someone think that their use is illegal.

Roody

In Michigan, the legal lights are a white one pointing forward, and a red one pointing back, both solid (not flashing). That's it. I think most states have similar laws.

Our state legislature just passed a law making legal the "point right for right turn" signal. This is better than the old "left arm straight up for right turn" signal which, as Artkansas indicated, is often mistaken for a friendly wave.

I-Like-To-Bike

You can't be talking about turn signals. In the U.S. I believe all car turn signals are amber and flashing, though in the past the rear turn signal lights were red and front white and are probably still legal.

DiegoFrogs

I think the hand signals mostly come from the days that predate the electronic signals in cars, where the driver wouldn't be able to lean across and signal a right hand turn with his right hand on the passenger side. To my mind, that makes them fairly antiquated and poorly understood. That's why I just point with my right hand.

Probably my most used hand signal is actually the "my heart is about to explode, and I appreciate the break" patting on my chest when people insist I go at stop signs, usually in front of them and up a steep hill.

Roody

I'm talking about bikes, not cars.

Added later, from Michigan Vehicle Code:

Zedoo

In Little House on the Prairie, a family is stranded by horse theft. That would be a good time to have some sort of backup drive for the wagon, such as pedals. It would be slow with low gears, but the wagon is a mobile home, so they park anywhere and sleep before pedaling again. The covered wagon design will need some updating for available materials and energy sources.

zonatandem

#6 Pedal lock has not been invented yet . . . here's your chance! However there are folding pedals that would confuse a would-be joy rider!
All other stuff has been around for ages.