Choosing a bicycle for transportation - Part 2: The important bicycle accessories and features

As you might already understood from the previous post, this is not the typical guide for choosing a bicycle for transportation.

I won't tell you what to buy and not! I will just puzzle you and make you think, so you can make that choice!

In the previous post, we talked about the different aspects that you have to consider in order to plan your route and imagine what your life as a cyclist will be. The purpose of the previous post was to prepare you, so you will know what to expect and I believe that you already acknowledge by now your particular needs.

In today's post we will talk about the important accessories a bicycle needs to have in order for you to use it for transportation. Today we will not talk about types of bicycles. The reason I'm not doing that is because I don't want to distract you. 

The accessories and features that we will cover today can be part of and work on any bicycle, no matter the type.

You will probably laugh, as many of these are common sense, but they are not common sense at all for someone who is just starting out. So let's begin!

The important bicycle accessories and features

The bell

The first item I will refer to is the simple and humble bicycle bell. This particular accessory might seem so small and unimportant. Oh, but how wrong you are! This little piece of machinery is a miracle. It is what is letting you communicate with the others.

Are there people walking in the middle of the road while playing with their smartphones? A simple "cling-cling" will immediately scatter the crowd. (Do not forget to slow down though! We must always be polite to pedestrians!)

Is there a car coming on the next intersection deciding whether to pass or not (you have priority), the simple "cling-cling" again will make the driver think that you acknowledge his presence and you can signal accordingly. (You can let him pass if you are feeling to, or not! You show that with your hand.)

You are riding a bicycle on the bicycle path while watching your clock, as you're late, but oh no there are these slow cyclists in front of you chatting and laughing and cutting you off, You desperately want them to make room for you to pass. What to do? Yell? Of course not! The bell is the polite way to go. The simple "cling-cling" on more time will inform the slow cyclists that you are there, and they will make room for you to pass, that's for sure!

In all those cases, the bell is the one that is letting you to communicate with the others! 

Bicycle fenders

The bicycle fenders, or mudguards, or whatever you like to call them, are a very important bicycle accessory as well. I have already wrote a post referring to them in the past, and despite the fact that I wrote that in summer and I was referring to a slightly different matter too (the one involving fenders' weight and why I never take them off my bicycle), the conclusion is the same.

No one likes to ride a bicycle with dirty water and grime splashing all over his back, feet and face. In order to avoid that you have to install a good pair of bicycle fenders. However you must keep in mind that the fenders must extend all the way to the back and cover the wheel completely. If not, the coverage will not be the optimum and ultimately you will find yourself having a dirty mud line starting from the nape of your neck all the way to your buttocks, even if you are using fenders on your bicycle. (This one mostly applies to the clip-on fenders mountain bikes have. Make sure that the fenders' length is enough for good coverage of the wheel.)

A comfortable saddle 

This is where you spend the whole time when you are on your bicycle, so choosing the right bicycle saddle is important. However you must take into account the aspects I was talking you about in the previous post for choosing the right saddle for you. The material, cushion, size, length or shape of your bicycle saddle will be depend on these aspects (weather, terrain, length of the route). Another tip? With bicycle saddles the rule "the more you pay, the better will be" does not apply. Its mostly a trial and error method. However before deciding, give your potential saddle (or saddles) a chance. For more information on this matter, feel free to read this post. You will understand better what I mean when I'm talking about taking into account the different aspects. 

Chain guard

This is another accessory of a great importance. I know I say that for all, but don't you want a nice cycling experience when you transport by bike? 

The chain guard will protect your clothes from getting in contact with your chain and will keep your pants and shoes clean. It also protects you from the splashing oils and dirt produced by your chain when it is raining. Think that the chain guard works like a mini fender for your chain! 

Chain guards come in all shapes and sizes. Some provide good coverage, others don't. The main purpose which is keeping your pants off the chain is succeeded with every shape and size. However the more coverage the chain guard has, the more protected you will be! If you choose a bicycle with internal gears, instead of derailleur gears, then you can also use a full enclosed chain case.

Gears

Chances are you will not ride on flat city. And even if you are, your home might be on the top of the one and only hill the whole area has (thanks to Murphy's law), so having gears on your bicycle is a good advice. 

You don't need a lot of gears, "the more the merrier" isn't applying here. For internal gears, 3 or 5 are plenty enough for transportation and for derailleur gears, 6 or 7 are more than enough! Unless you live on Norway or areas like that (they have some very steep hills there!) If so, feel free to choose a bicycle with more gears. However, a beginner always has the fear of restriction which pushes him to choose a bicycle with a number of gears that he never uses. And before you think "so what?", let me inform you that the more gears your bicycle has, the more complicated the maintenance will be. That is why I advise you not to buy a bicycle with more gears than you actually need. 

Lights

Last but not least, your future bicycle will need some lights. Again, you should invest in a good lighting system. You need a good front light and a rear light! 

Tip: The small blinking ones don't count as bicycle lights! The purpose of these little lights is for additional protection. Not for using as main lights.

Do not forget to take into account the aspects again! For more information on that matter, feel free to read this post, where I talk about the seriousness of having a proper lighting system on your bicycle but while I'm using a humorous tone.

Bicycle lock

Although a bicycle lock isn't exactly a part of the bicycle itself, it is a useful accessory! If you want to find your bicycle where you left it in the first place, you need to buy a good and sturdy lock! Again, take into account the aspects! If you live in a small village where everyone knows everyone and there aren't any foreigners, your lock doesn't need to be fancy or anything. But if you live in the city or in a place with lots of tourists then you need to invest good money on a proper lock.

So these were the most important bicycle accessories and features your future bicycle will need to have, in order for you to use it for transportation.

The latter features do not limit you, and also can be part of any bicycle, no matter its type!

(P.S. Sorry for the blurry images, it was dark and my camera did not cooperate.)

Choosing a bicycle for transportation - Part 1: Consider the different aspects

Choosing a bicycle for transportation is not an easy task. Every person is different. The choices out there are endless, so it is very easy to become confused and overwhelmed by all those different types of bicycles!

Before you even consider paying a visit to your near bike-shop, I advise you to just sit down and think about your future commute. Don't forget that each cyclist you see in the street is unique. We might be cyclists, but we all have our differences. 

We don't live in the same city, and even if we are, we don't live in the same neighborhood. We don't ride on the same terrain. Some of us have hills, some of us don't.

We don't work on the same firm (obviously!) which means our commutes vary on length and the routes we choose to use are different, too.

We aren't made the same. There are tall people and there are short people. Someone's torso is longer in overall comparison with its whole body and others have longer feet. Two persons of the same height and weight are likely to find out that they chose different bicycles in the end. And that is totally normal! What might work for one, might feel totally wrong for another. Even if all of the latter aspects are common (like same town, same neighborhood, same job, same terrain and commute.)

And because we all have our differences, chances are that you have yours, too! So before doing anything else, you must imagine your commute by taking into account not only where you live and work, but also your neighborhood.

Is there a grocery store nearby or not? 

Do you live on a rural area with long distances between each destination or in the heart of a city? 

Last but not least do not forget to take into account the weather, too! Seasons in each place are different. In Volos, where I live, summer and winter are the challenging months! Summer due to the sun and winter because there is humidity! We might not get temperatures below zero that often, but where its humid, even 5°C degrees feel unbearable! 

So do you want to choose a bicycle for transportation? 

The first step is to think!

Plan your routes! Take into account all of the different aspects. 

Do not mimic others and their choices. 

You have to make your own choice! But for being able to do that, you need to consider of all the facts!

Autumn aromas

It is the end of October.

The second month of autumn has passed. Only November is left. We are officially heading into the winter season.

I continue to use my bicycle as my main transportation vehicle, as normal. I won't stop riding my bicycle no matter what. It is something that I really like. Despite the crisp air and the lower temperatures, riding a bicycle during fall season feels different but nice.

Yes, deciduous trees are starting to loose their leaves and nature starts to wear its warmer colors, however if you notice more carefully, you will see that due to the rain's water, other plants are in their period of growth. 

During summer, I remember myself riding among yellow fields, but now, I see vibrant colors of green appearing on these fields.

And it is not only the color that is changing, along with the appearing of green, wonderful scents of all kinds start to fill the air, too.

These little plants have a distinctive smell of freshness. 

On the other hand, these little yellow flowers smell really sweet, and bees seem to really like them, as if I stop riding my bicycle, I hear them buzz all around. 

Arugula is also in its exaltation. You see it grow everywhere and every time the wind blows, its sharp and peppery smell fills the whole air!

Last but not least, I should not forget to mention these little mauve flowers. Those do not have a scent, but they're popping everywhere around, making the surroundings look more beautiful. 

Because we are in the autumn, everyone seems to pay attention only on the falling leaves and the brown colors, but if you start to observe more carefully, you will notice those little plants and how they become greener and greener with every passing rain. By being on a bicycle, which is keeping me outside for longer, I have the opportunity to notice the nearby landscapes and smell all the wonderful autumn aromas.

Those little plants deserve our admiration, as they complete the scenery's look by making it diverse, bright and less boring!

Bicycle restrictions?

It is known that I own and use an upright bicycle either for transportation or recreation. No matter the length of the ride or the terrain I support the idea of using whatever bicycle you have. I've repeated several times before that it is the rider that makes the bicycle and not the opposite. So I get a bit frustrated when I hear people complaining about not having the "ideal" bicycle. 

The different types of bicycles are meant for different kind of terrains and routes. An upright bicycle like mine is ideal for urban cycling. A mountain bike is ideal for gravel and slippery mountain paths. A road bicycle is ideal for long distance riding and racing. 

When you consider to buy a new bicycle, think about your bicycle's primary usage. For example, do not buy a mountain bicycle if you want a bicycle for transportation just out of restriction fear. As well as don't buy an upright bicycle if you want to join a cycling club just because you find upright bicycles cute. 

You must buy the right kind of bicycle for the certain type of riding you will do the most!

However this doesn't mean that you are forbidden to use a certain type of bicycle for different types of rides. 

Your upright or road bicycle won't break if you ride on gravel, as similar as a mountain bike handles just fine on asphalt. What will happen? It will just be uncomfortable!

I ride on terrain like the one shown in the pictures. I just take it easy. If I hurry into it, my bicycle shakes and I'm just speeding up its tear and wear process.

You own a road bike but want to join your friends on a exploration ride through some muddy trails? You are free to do it, but you simply won't enjoy it, as the ideal bicycle for this ride is a mountain bike. If you attempt it, you will be exhausted in the end or you will get stuck into the dirt. 
Every type of bicycle has its purpose and use. You should always respect that rule.

But if in your route happens to be a path like this shown in the pictures that will save you time if you follow it, and you know that it only extends for a couple of kilometers, then there is no need to feel restricted and sacrifice your upright bicycle for the shake of a mountain bike. Just ride this path gently and don't rush. 

Your bicycle won't break! 

If you ask me, every working bicycle is an ideal bicycle. You don't have to buy different types of bicycles for just in case, unless you want to do so. 

That's what I'm telling you. 

You are free to decide either to buy or not! But by all means, don't feel that you are obliged to.

Riding in the mist

We are in autumn's heart. 

The temperatures are dropping, the wind is getting chillier, the leaves are changing their color, from green they turn to a rich golden color, with orange and coppery hints. The days tend to be cloudy for longer and the migratory birds have already flown away. 

When I think of autumn, the images that come to my mind are the trees and the rain. I know and expect to ride in wet weather and I always keep in mind that these beautiful leaves, with their rich color, will soon fall from the trees' branches onto the ground, which will make it slippery. But one thing that every year I seem to forget is the mist.

The foggy cold days of last year are just a fade memory. Spring and summer have the ability to make me forget all about the autumn's mist. 

However riding in the mist is a common thing at this time of the season. Everything around seems like it's covered with a dense veil. The visibility decreases dramatically. 

Riding in the mist considers to be more dangerous than riding in the rain. Not only because others cannot see you, but because you can't see anything in front of you either. Bicycle lights are necessary when there is mist, as they help other users of the road to spot you, but they do nothing for improving your eyes' visibility. You need to be extra careful when you ride in the mist. Routes that are so familiar, suddenly seem to be strange and foreign.

A dense mist has also the ability not only to cover the surroundings but to drown any sound, too. When being alone, the absence of noise feels so calming. You can no longer to hear any birds or the rustling of the leaves. You can only hear your own breathing and the rolling sound generated from your bicycle's wheel. 

But as dangerous as it might be, riding in the mist feels so nice. It is like you're in another world. When there is mist, people suddenly disappear, you're left alone, riding your bicycle, trying to see far into the horizon, but with no success. 

However do not be afraid, the mist will eventually fade away, bringing back all the colors and the sounds. People will reappear too. 

When this dense veil fades, all the fears of the fog are fading away along with it.

In need of some bicycle culture?

Today morning, when I was returning home after finishing a couple of errands, I came across a surprise. The city has finally decided to cut out all the branches and the bushes that were extended through the fence into the bicycle path. 

We were complaining and asking for this since summer, and they finally decided it was time to cut them. 

I know that this time of fall is the pruning season, but they could do this earlier. It is not that we want these branches to grow again, so they could cut them out beforehand. But anyway, I'm happy as from tomorrow we all will be able to ride there free of weeds and without leaves slapping our legs and faces. 

However, I am still sad as I realise with this action that city's people still simply do not care about people on bicycles. 

It is not that our complaints were heard, it is just pruning season. You see these workers scattered all around the city, cutting the trees and reshaping the bushes.

Weeds happened to be on the cycling path, and the city happened to cut them out. They still do not do anything that will upgrade the cycling experience into the city. 

And this is sad, as courtesy in the roads from motor vehicles is present, but city's efforts towards cyclists aren't. 

Usually it is the opposite that happens. Many fellow riders emailed me, asking questions about the cycling experience here in Volos and Greece in general. They seemed surprised that I ride into the streets and navigate through other motor vehicles with ease. They can't understand how it is possible for a car to wait for you, the cyclist, to pass first through the intersection and that at nights a simple lighting system with a front and a rear light is efficient.

When I'm reviewing the situation from their sides, then I'm happy to live in Volos. I'm happy that I am able to ride freely into the roads. I'm happy that keeping priority applies to both cars and bicycles and everyone seems to obey to that traffic rule. I'm just happy riding a bicycle here, even if the city's attitude impedes in people on bicycles.

I'm happy other citizens aren't discourage at all and still use their bicycles for transportation. 

I'm happy that here there was since the past and still is up to the present time a bicycle culture even without the infrastructure.

Do you feel there is a bicycle culture where you live and ride?

Light your way in the dark

Are you familiar with the term "ninja rider"? 

It's a mysterious rider...

It is the person on a bicycle that during nights wears dark clothing, mostly black, rides a bicycle in a high speed and has no bicycle lights. His night vision depends completely on moonlight.

During the day the ninja rider isn't any different than any other typical cyclist. But as the night starts to fall and the darkness approaches the ninja rider takes his ninja form!

You see him for a second but afterwards you're not sure that you really saw him. He vanishes in front of your eyes, only to appear suddenly in front of you and cut you off in the next intersection.

He's a cyclist that likes to ride in mystery, thus the coverage and the free of lights riding system he uses. But despite the hard looks and the puzzling aura, he's vulnerable. In fact the ninja rider is more vulnerable than any other type of cyclists. 

I started to write this article with humor, but after getting to the main point I think it is time to get serious.

No matter the place, the time or the infrastructure, everyone who rides a bicycle after the sun is set must use bicycle lights! 

The three scenarios

Number 1:

Some say that where they ride, there are no cars thus no need for having a lighting system.

First strike!

You need lights not only for cars, but for pedestrians and other bicycles, too. 

Having a collision with a pedestrian isn't nice, don't forget that they tend to wander and pass a road trusting mostly their hearing. By not having lights on your bicycle, you just don't give them the opportunity to see you. The same applies with running into other bicycles.

Number 2:

Others say that they ride at night without lights, but not during rush hour and that most of the time they're all alone in the road, hence bicycle lights are optional.

Second strike!

Riding alone makes the importance of using bicycle lights even greater! As you do not expect to run across anyone at that time, other vehicles aren't expecting to meet you either. And because they do not expect anyone to be on their way, by being invisible you just don't make yourself present and they aren't aware of you. You are just an alive target, begging to be hit. As cynical as it sounds, it is the plain truth. 

Number 3:

Last but not least, there is a group of cyclists that swear to their city's lighting system and infrastructure and think city lights and the sparse bicycle path lights are all they need.

Third strike!

No matter if you ride in the heart of a city or in a peaceful neighborhood with a good lighting road system, you still do need bicycle lights. Take it from yourself, when you ride during nights, what does it catch your eyesight? I bet the traffic lights, the illuminated banner on the opposite building, the bright front window on a near shop, etc. Lighting temptations are lurking everywhere, attracting your eyes and capturing your attention. Sadly, the same applies to the driver that holds the wheel behind you... You can imagine the rest!

In the urban environment, these lighting temptations are endless! By having lights on your bicycle, you catch others' attention, so they won't hit you. Again, the same applies on bicycle paths in relation with other bicycle users.

So I'm asking all of the ninja riders out there, please, light your way in the dark!

Invest in a proper lighting system. You don't need much, a good front light and a rear light are all you need. Your front light choice depends on where you tend to ride. In urban areas you need a strong light with a short beam so others can see you, but in rural areas you need a light with a wide beam that illuminates at least 20 meters ahead of you, so you may be able to see the road along with its potholes and other obstacles. 

The rear light on all occasions must be strong but in a way that doesn't blind the people behind you. Make sure also that the rear light has three leds, one in the center and one in each side. You want to be visible when someone is looking you from the side, too. 

By having lights in your bicycle you catch other vehicles' attention, you're making yourself present!

Light your way in the dark! 

Let others notice your existence!

The fisherman

It was an ordinary morning. I was with my bicycle, riding the way back to my house. The air was cold. I rode one-handed and with the other arm I was holding my jacket's collar up to protect my neck from the crisp air.

I didn't expect to meet anyone at this early hour. I imagined people were still in their beds, under their blankets, sleeping. 

There was a wonderful peace everywhere in the atmosphere. I rode in a moderate speed, observing the surroundings. 

The only living creature I've met up at that time was only a cat sitting on someones tile roof. But after a couple of kilometers I run into a fisherman.

I stopped my bicycle as the view was amazing. Him, standing in the coast, with his fishing rod, the small boat to his left and another abandoned small boat in the far left, and at the background the calm sea, the fluffy dark clouds and the city of Volos. 

The scenery is breathtaking! This picture is like its taken from an old book's cover. Preferably a novel. 

I took four pictures, but this first snapshot was the best of them all. Its like finally my camera phone agreed to capture the beauty of the wonderful scene I was viewing.

I waved him good morning. He was there since 06:00 a.m. He saw the sunrise. When I asked him why was he fishing at that early hour, he replied that fishing at first light relaxes him and makes his day. Also, the fish seem to bite more easily when there is peace and quiet in the atmosphere. That is why he prefers to fish really early in the morning.

After this conversation he grinned and ask back what was I doing riding my bicycle at this early hour. I laughed as I told him exactly what he's told me, too! Riding my bicycle in the early morning feels relaxing and makes my day!

He then noticed that every person has his morning rituals. He had the fishing, I had my bicycle riding. Others have walking, planting, cleaning or waking up really early and watching telemarketing programs on TV. Unfortunately, he cannot do his ritual everyday, only a few days per week, and that I'm lucky as I ride my bicycle during work days too. 

After talking a little bit more, I then continued my ride. When I arrived home, the neighbor was sitting in the balcony, despite the cold, drinking his coffee while watching the sea view. He did that every single day, rain or not. That was his ritual! The others were still sleeping.

I dragged my bicycle inside the house with a smile in my face, thinking the fisherman.

"Every person has his morning rituals..."

What is your morning ritual?

The green cactus

In the beginning it was only a small plant. It looked mismatched between the pine trees and the cypress trees. Who knows how the cactus seed landed there in the first place...

All we know is that one day, a small cactus plant appeared on the side of the road and started to grow.

...That was over 7 years ago.

Today the cactus is spreading and has already covered most of this rocky area. As I was riding my bicycle by this particular spot today, I stopped and took a photograph. It has a vivid green color and small burgundy cactus fruits are spread throughout the whole plant.

I had seen this cactus many times before, but never when I was with my bicycle. This road is used mostly by cars. The area there is hilly and the road is somewhat narrow. When passing this particular spot while sitting inside of a car, one cannot perceive the true beauty of this cactus. 

If you think about it, it is amazing the fact that just from one seed and with time a plant can grow and cover such a large area. And although being mismatched at first, now this green cactus blends nicely with the environment. 

I searched the Internet to find more information about this type of cactus, but sadly didn't find anything in particular. All I know is that it seems to like the rocky ground underneath, otherwise it wouldn't grow towards the road turn, where there are only rocks, but it would grow towards the other side.

Most people think that cacti are ugly. I don't share this opinion. I think that they are just unique and have their own, and I must say rather wild, beauty! When I first showed these pictures to a friend all he thought about was to uproot them. He believed these cacti would create accidents by being upon a road turn and that they are dangerous. 

The road turn. The cactus is in the right side. Accidents are reported to the left side of the road.

I believe the opposite, as they grow there for over 7 years and no accident has ever been reported at this side of the turn (at the other side, sadly yes, but for other reasons.) 

I think this fear is mostly psychological, because a cactus has thorns. If it wasn't a cactus but a thyme bush, then he wouldn't want to uproot the whole plant.

Which type of cactus do you think it is? Isn't it beautiful?

Sunday, the day meant for living

Sunday...

Sunday is the day of resting, meeting up with loving ones, eating with family and friends, going for a long walk, travelling to near destinations, riding a bicycle for recreation, fishing, playing with the pets, cooking delicacies, swimming, or in other words Sunday is the day meant for living.

Today is the day that the city is quiet. The streets are empty. Traffic lights are becoming green, red and then green again with nearly no one waiting for them. But despite the fact that there is no traffic, the city is alive! 

It may be silent but not dead! 

Suddenly you see people everywhere. These people, who usually would be at work, are outside. They are enjoying themselves. When you cross paths with a stranger, he will wave and say hello. 

At 11:30 I went for a simple ride. I took a few pictures.

This is Volos port. It is the part where the sailboats and the fish boats are tied. We expect rain today, thus big clouds are everywhere in the sky.

A traditional fish boat. 

A grandfather with his grandson. 

The little boy asks his grandpa about the boats and the sea. Everyone can definitely tell how much love the grandfather has towards his grandson when you hear him answer to the kid.

At work days and early in the morning this spot is filled with people who come to purchase fresh fish from the fishermen. The building in the right is the city hall. (I will dedicate a post to it in the future.)

These two buildings are the old and the new customs office. This is where all the imported goods that arrive with boats are checked and their duties are collected.

In the far is the industrial port. You can slightly notice the cranes that load and unload the boats. 

After taking these pictures, when I was starting to head back home, a 75 year old man warned me about stray dogs ahead that bark to cyclists. I thanked him and wished him to have a good day. 

After arriving to the spot where the stray dogs were - I counted eight - I smiled, as everyone is much more polite when it is Sunday. 

How do you like to spend Sunday mornings?