These are the greatest thing since sliced bread!

I picked up a pair this weekend. Packed only one (all the stuff I need for work currently fits nicely in one but come crappy weather and I will be using both) and what a difference!

My back was not sweaty at all, there was either no wind or I was actually able to ride faster (29 minutes vs 32-33) Did I mention that my back did not get sweaty?

I just need to find a helmet now with working vents and relegate the current one to winter duty.

What else will give me this great revelation? Motor assist? (J/K)

What made you go "oh wow" in the past year?

Seat placement did it for me. I'm still waiting on my Jandd panniers to arrive. I can't wait to dump the backpack.

A messenger bag did that for me. Unfortunately there is no way to get a rack onto my road bike, but I do use panniers with my mtn bike in late fall/early spring.

I had the "holy s**t why did I wait so long" epiphay last year when I went "fred" and bought the Arkel commuter pannier. This was after 10 years of commuting with a timbuk2 messenger bag.

No more neck pain or back sweat. I'm totally comfortable, I don't even notice it's back there even when I've got the laptop in it. My speed has definitely increased, and my jackets and jerseys vent properly year round now. I can't imagine going back.

One other revelation: studded tires (nokian) have essentially made winter riding possible, and enjoyable.

I'm still using a messenger bag, I've been meaning to upgrade to panniers.

1. Going from knobby to slicks.
2. HID headlight.

Fenders!

Tubus makes an adapter to use a rack with on a bike without braze-ons or eyelets. I use one and can say that it is a wonderful product.

https://www.thetouringstore.com/TUBUS...ONS%20PAGE.htm

Rule #1: Keep the weight off the body, and put it on the bike (as low as possible)

You know it makes sense!

- Wil

HID +1... HOLY CRAP!
XTRACYCLE
CLIPLESS SHOES/PEDALS

Rotor Q-rings. They're especially effective on a recumbent!

1. +1 Going from big knobby to narrow slick.
2. Running higher tire pressure in the slicks.
2 1/2. Not really an oh wow moment, but going to Al rims and Deore 7 speed freehub from steel and 6 speed freewheel was a gignificant improvement.

I actually do not think panniers are all that wonderful. I mean they are great for hauling large loads. However, in windy areas they cause an issue with wind drag and I do not like how my bike handles with them on. Rack trunks are much nicer. More aero and all that. Plus, I haul less with a smaller cargo capacity.

Lately I have been riding my road bike with a backpack. That really is not that bad of a thing. Though I can not wait to change it for a messenger bag.

My latest greatest thing since sliced bread happened when I switched to skinny tires. Consequently, I discovered that the reality of riding with skinny tires is directly opposite than the majority of the opinions posted in this forum.

Going from riding an X-Mart MTB to a road bike, wow what a difference.
+1 Knobbies -> 'slicks'.

Cleaning + full re-lube was a big eye opener for me, too.

I've got a seatpost rack and one pannier ready to roll, just having some teething issues with the rack on the roadie. I've got platform/SPD pedals on it ready, just waiting for the shoes to show

I got a Showerspass jacket for a trip I was taking. I ended up wearing it all winter long. I knew it would be good for rain, but with the zip vents closed, it was quite warm as well! I was shocked something so thin could do so much to keep me warm. Merino wool and a polar fleece balaclava were also nice discoveries. I was comfortable riding all winter.

How'd you mean?

Trading in the crappy MTB for a crappy road bike. 75 mins of grinding horror is now a pleasant 45 mins of almost-effortless.

Mainly:
-Uncomfortable: I am perfectly comfortable on my racing bike. Heck, I've ridden a century on 23mm tires.
-Will flat often: I flat irregardless of every solution I have tried. I'm just cursed that way. No drastic increase in flats.

It was clipless shoes and pedals for me, for sure.

Yep. Commuted for five years on knobby and went to slicks a couple of months ago. Couldn't believe the difference.


Illuminte clothing
www.illuminite.com

Oh Wows for me:
1. Car to bike
2. Knobby 38 to near slick 28
3. Regular Pedal to Clipless
4. Backpack -> panniers -> bag on the rack

Things to try next:
Jerseys, messenger bag, and switching out the hybrid to a cyclecross or touring bike.

O Wows (over the course of several years....):
1) slicks
2) Disc Brakes
3) "real" headlight 10W+ halogen
4) nice wheels (from generic wheels to Cane Creek)
5) clipless
6) Halo sweatband!
7) tubeless tires for commuting
8) fenders
9) baclava when it's real cold...

Every time I ride away after filling up my tires realizing how low they were.

I hate backpacks and never use them. Panniers and racks are on all my bikes. I don't care about the so called "bad" handling with them. I prefer them to having a sweaty back! Let the bike carry the load. I have an Arkel Bug and it's great. I don't use it as a backpack, but attach a shoulder strap to it and wear it across my body. Like I said before, I hate backpacks! Sorry for the repetition.

- Going clipless (CrankBros Smarty's)
- Brooks saddle (B.17)



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