a cougar hunts stealthily, comes at you from behind, and jumps aiming to bite the neck. you'd be better with a mirror.
^(not as macho tho)
edit: don't people put googly eyes on the back of their hats / helmets? seriously.
^(mirror and googly eyes you'd be sex on wheels.)
Here's the buy link
MEILAN X5 Smart Bike Tail Light with Turn Signals and Automatic Brake Light Wireless Remote Control Bike Rear Light Back USB Rechargeable Safety Warning Cycling Light Fits on Any Road Bicycle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075PYDN5V/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_RYE0KMSMPC1603KXF0MW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I stuck one of those little situational mirrors on my helmet to minimize turning my head to the left to check for cars coming up from behind me. Been a life saver one 2 fronts - I no longer drift in the lane I'm checking because I don't turn my head.
And, I've become so accustomed to it, that I literally can't stand going for even a 30 second test ride (after tuneup/adjustmetns) without the mirror - I feel exposed and situationaly unaware. As a result, I pathologically wear my helmet.
This is the saddle mount I use for my radar. That said I used the rubber band on my specialized venge for years without any problem whatsoever. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0832D9DMW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You should look into getting the front mounted seat. One example is the weeride kangaroo . More fun for the kid, safer (imo), you can speak to them easily, and it doesn't get in the way of your rear rack. Just have to make sure your frame can support it.
I purchased this one from Amazon, I've only needed to use it a couple of times but it has some really solid reviews.
Not much you can do now, and I don't think the police will be very interested because it has very little chance to amount to a conviction.
For future reference and as a PSA, this locking technique has never failed me (with a Kryptonite cable for the front wheel, cf. amazon): https://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html
So you're going to post this cool little gadget, fucking TWICE no less, and not even fucking tell anyone what the hell it is after multiple requests?
Fuck it. I'll do it then.
https://www.amazon.com/X5-Wireless-TailLight-Automatic-Rechargeable/dp/B075PYDN5V
Best I've found is the
Bike Peddler Take A Look Cycling Eyeglass Mirror
Get the compact version and clip it to your safety glasses.
Yeah. So the rack itself is a Sunlite rack. I got it at my LBS but I think this is the one. The basket is a Sunlite Folding Basket found on Amazon here. They have both worked well for me. I use the basket to carry supplies to work, groceries, and yesterday about 15 to 20 pounds of books from my classroom. It has held up. This one also has a mesh bottom. There are similar baskets that come without the mesh.
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I will say, I bought bigger hose clamps from Home Depot to replace the ones it comes with. And I did move the latch over one spot myself. Otherwise, solid.
I absolutely love this helmet mount mirror. You can really see anywhere behind you with subtle movements of your head.
Front: https://www.modernbike.com/product-2126218872
Front or rear: https://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Gold-Tec-Front-Rack/dp/B002MKHR7A/
Other option for rear:
The axiom streamliner mounts to the upper fender mount
Planet bike eco rack comes with p clamps
The blackburn and surly racks also come with multiple mounting options.
MEILAN X5 Smart Bike Tail Light with Turn Signals and Automatic Brake Light Wireless Remote Control Bike Rear Light Back USB Rechargeable Safety Warning Cycling Light Fits on Any Road Bicycle
https://www.amazon.com/X5-Wireless-TailLight-Automatic-Rechargeable/dp/B075PYDN5V/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=25SL2OKKTLY1M&keywords=mini+bike+tail+light&qid=1658398200&sprefix=mini+bike+tail%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spL.... Now the brackets it comes with I used the second one and took metal wire and bent it to shape to fit the bracket then put it under the seat to keep it stable. I can make a video showing what I did later today.
I was just thinking about this, as I recently got back into sculling. I have one of these for biking that I need to dig out to use for rowing: https://smile.amazon.com/Bike-Peddler-Cycling-Eyeglass-Original/dp/B000C17M26
The mirror itself is pretty small, but I think it might be sufficient. It kind of hugs sunglass earpieces or hat brims.
I've had these stuck to my rear rack for the past 10 yrs (collapsible metal panniers).
They stay on the bike, fold up when not in use and you just put your shopping in them when need be.
I've been using the Take A Look mirrors, found the best attachment solution (for me) was simply taping them to my riding glasses (usually just safety/shooter eyewear).
I agree, really changes your confidence, feeling of security.
Best is the Origin 8 pizza rack.I carried a two cases of 24 pack beer and two large pizzas without any issue.Almost flipped though since it was front heavy.
https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Classique-Cargo-Front-Rack/dp/B00B135SSE
Purchased off Amazon
- Tail Light Holder for Garmin Varia Rearview Radar
- Same Direction Straight Joints Mount for GoPro (I bought this to extend it and use my saddle bag)
So the one I use gives me a 360 view, the only time I look back now is just randomly for quick double checks if I’m merging into a lane that’s to my left, or if I am not wearing my mirror. Surprisingly my brain does totally okay from going to looking back over my shoulder when I don’t have the mirror.
My suggestion, the way to angle it for the one worn with glasses is to get into a riding position in a parking lot and angle it juuuuust enough to see the tip of your ear and the car you’re in front of. If your roads are to the right have the mirror attached to the left side of your glasses, I attach it as far up as possible, basically the glasses can’t bend on that side. I am unsure if you do the opposite if your roads are on the left?
Make yourself wear it EVERY ride for a month. Because I personally hated it and thought it was in my way until I got used to it being there. Now it’s like my third eye! I truly believe it saved my life once when I was hit by a distracted driver. I couldn’t escape but I at least had time to get to the middle of the lane so I was instead rear ended vs. getting hit from the side of me.
Bike Peddler Take A Look Cycling Eyeglass Mirror. This is the one I would recommend is the original and I have no clue if the “improved” original is worth the price. This used to be cheaper but now of course everything is more expensive.
Ride with traffic on a bike and wear high viz / reflective gear
Get a bright headlight and flashing red light on the back
Watch behind you with a mirror
Try to stick to roads where people expect bikes if possible
A lot of cities have bike maps so check for those
If you're traveling, look at the Adventure Bicycle Association. They've mapped out the best roads for biking
You could see if this fits as is or modify the attachment to the frame:
MEILAN X5 Smart Bike Tail Light with Turn Signals and Automatic Brake Light Wireless Remote Control Bike Rear Light Back USB Rechargeable Safety Warning Cycling Light Fits on Any Road Bicycle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075PYDN5V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YTC1TNTD1TRD4SZXPF1D?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This seat was a lot of fun for both of us. Except for a bit of knees out style (maybe).
WeeRide LTD Kangaroo Child Bike Seat https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001DF68MA/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_EQ5KHNT3J4EY89NC65F9
I have two of these baskets (cheaper than the Wald 582 mentioned elsewhere). They each fit a full trader joe's bag and they fold up when not in use!
couple of suggestions from a long time bud wearing commuter
- get yourself a mirror, preferably on you mount on your glasses. being able to proactively monitor overtaking traffic is a real game-changer.
- consider using a bone conducting headphone, you maintain almost all of your original abilities to hear the environment around you.
> there’s rearview mirrors for bikes????
There are lots of rear view mirrors for bikes and I’ve tried many designs. IMHO, the one to get is the Bike Peddler Take A Look Cycling Eyeglass Mirror. Once I tried it, I’ve never looked back.
A helmet mounted mirror is key; that insures it’s stable with respect to your eye (handlebar mounted mirrors vibrate way too much to be useful). The metal/wire frame is both lightweight and durable (the plastic ones break or are too bulky). The simple mounting system is versatile, holds well. Finally, the mirror is both easy to adjust and holds its position well.
>I'm constantly looking over my shoulder for oncoming traffic
Getting rear ended is the least common car-bike collision. You really need to be more worried about a car making a right turn directly in front of you. Get a bar mirror or helmet mirror if that's something you feel you need.
This is a classic, but there are beefier styles. https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Peddler-Cycling-Eyeglass-Original/dp/B000C17M26/
Yep. here it is . I don’t bother with the turn signals. They work, but Just doesn’t seem worth it to me. I just use hand signals. I’ve had it for two years and it’s still going strong through two years of four seasons in Upstate NY.