Gear
Gear
Switching Gear
Get tricked out with these accessories (all pulled straight from our own wish list) - including a laptop-toting bike bag, solar headlight, and a wind-powered attachment that'll charge your electronics.
- Patagonia Critical Mass Bag - waterproof messenger bag made from recycled polyester, and decked out with padded back (no keys digging into you), an elastic pocket (fits a light jacket), and a padded suspended laptop sleeve (holds up to a 17-inch screen) ($120).
- Bern Unlimited - helmet with channeled airflow that pulls air in and back out to keep you cool; interchangeable cool and warm weather liners; and überlightweight (12.5 oz.) - guys, try the Brentwood and for the gals, the Berkeley ($69).
- HYmini - device that attaches to your bike and captures wind energy to power up your iPod (20-minute ride gets you 30 minutes of playtime), cell, or digital camera ($50).
- Kryptonite U-Lock - small enough to fit in your back jeans pockets (guess that depends on your jeans); comes with a $2,000 antitheft guarantee ($46).
- Owleye Solar Headlight - solar-powered, water-resistant white LED that attaches to the handlebar; constant and flash mode; up to 16 hours of light ($20). (Check out our "Staying Safe" section for more light gear.)
Recycling Your Helmet
For safety, make sure to buy a new helmet if you ever crash, if yours has breaks or cracks, or every 5 years. Then recycle the old one. Most centers won't take the helmet unless you separate the recyclable from the nonrecyclable parts - here's how:
- Remove the foamy part and save it for holiday packing material.
- Snag the nylon straps and closure and turn them into something new - like a key chain, sturdy strap for carrying home heavy bags, or if you're feeling especially crafty, a camera strap.
- Toss the foam-free plastic shell in the recycling bin.
Try:
Ch-ching: All bicycle commuters are eligible (thanks to the Bicycle Commuter Act) for up to $20 a month from employers to cover repairs, storage, and maintenance. No, seriously - go get your money.
