Since the Five Boro Bike Tour, I've made good on my promise to myself to keep cycling. But the problem is, the more you bike, the more likely it is you're going to crash or get doored. Turns out the idea of eating it on your bike is way scarier than the reality of it - but it's that way with a lot of things, isn't it? Still, it wasn't fun!
How did this graceful event come to pass, you ask? I was riding home from my boyfriend's place with my laptop in a tote bag. I foolishly let it dangle from my handlebars. I took a corner fast and the bag swung into the spokes of my wheel; the bike stopped short, and I went flying over the handlebars. YEOWCH. Fortunately, my hands were there to break my fall, but I skinned my elbow raw and have some beautiful bruises on my legs that have turned about 14 different colors in the last few days. As for the question you're all actually concerned about: the laptop is FINE.
Moral of the story: even the quickest rides can turn into a major debacle if you're not riding safely. I have a helmet, but I should have also had a backpack instead of a tote bag hanging off my handlebars. I most definitely should have had bike lights. So I was inspired by my aching shoulders and the gravel embedded in my palms to write a post about some amazing products that can keep you safe while you ride.
1. LL Bean Sport Pack
$49.95 from llbean.com
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| Credit: LLBean.com |
As soon as what will henceforth be referred to as "the incident" occurred, I headed to llbean.com to check out their sport packs. While I was definitely tempted by a cute, trendy backpack from Herschel, LL Bean has served me so well over the years and their backpacks are absolutely indestructible. No frills, no long straps to dangle while I'm riding, plus easily accessible mesh pockets for an extra water bottle or Clif bars! Now the REALLY hard part: do I want orange or gray?
2. Nutcase Helmet in Watermelon
$60 from nutcasehelmets.com
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| Credit: nutcasehelmets.com |
I love Nutcase helmets because they're fun, they don't look too derpy, and they provide really solid protection for your precious noggin. I have one in school bus yellow, but I originally found the company when I saw this amazing watermelon design on Fab.com. You can purchase Nutcase helmets from their website or your local sport or bike shop - check out REI if you've got one nearby!
3. The Fahgettaboudit New York Lock by Kryptonite
$71.09 from Amazon.com
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| Credit: Kryponite via Rei.com |
New York bike theft is so rampant that Kryptonite named their most badass bike lock after my fair city. New Yorkers report thousands of stolen bikes each year, with thousands more unreported. It seems like everyone I know has a "how I had my bike stolen" story. Why take the risk? Kryptonite's locks have been tested to withstand against crowbars, hammers, and bolt cutters, and the Fahgettaboudit boasts 18mm of solid steel protection. It's an expensive bike lock, to be sure, but way cheaper than replacing a stolen bike, and it provides up to $4,500 worth of insurance if your bike/lock are registered and your bike is still stolen.
4. Revolights Lighting System
$229 for a full system from revolights.com
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| Credit: Revolights Kickstarter Campaign |
Revolights are pretty amazing, and I'm considering shelling out the $229 to outfit my bike. Not only was Revolights an awesome crowd-funded Kickstarter success story, it's also a product that lives up to the "revolution" in its name. The battery-powered LED lights cast light forward to light a path for safe night vision, but they also provide visibility for cars and other cyclists from 360 degrees. Most bike lamps and reflectors don't have half the visibility of these lights. Plus they look like something out of Tron, which is awesome.
5. The Electra Spinner Bell
$15 from electrabike.com
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| Credit: Electra Bike |
Never underestimate the power of a bicycle bell. This classic bell from Electra is loud, clear, and basically scream, "Move, bitch, get out the way!" Or a polite "On your left." Whichever you prefer.
Bonus: Bicycling.com not only tested their favorite bike bells, they recorded what each one sounds like so you can hear it before you order a bell online. AMAZING! Listen to the Electra bell here!
The most important part of having a bunch of awesome bike equipment is USING it. Please put on your helmet. Yes, you look like a dork, but you probably looked like a dork anyway, and I still like you! And yes, your hair is going to look all smushed afterwards, but it's way better than your whole head being smushed. Got any cool products you'd like to recommend or see me review? Let me know!
I'm sorry to hear you fell..but yay for safety! Osprey makes great backpacks specifically for cyclists. They're super durable too.
ReplyDeleteI checked out the Osprey backpacks...those are pretty awesome! And they have hydration packs, which is sweet. Thanks for the recommendation! :)
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