Archive for the ‘Cycling Bags & Packs’ Category
Like all machines, bicycles do break down from time to time. A small emergency kit can keep you prepared. You can keep the following close at hand in a bicycle bag
or bags:
- A multi-tool (small wrench, tire levers, allen keys)
- An extra tube
- Patch kit (for those irritating flat tires)
- Pump or inflation kit
Are you a cyclist who likes a little something different for their bike? A bicycle bag in a unique pattern or color is one way to do just that. Check out the variety o
f fabric styles Krieg bicycle bags come in. There is a wide range of bike bags from Pink Camo, Skulls and Chili Peppers or animal prints like Zebra in the traditional black and white or black and pink to jazz things up a bit. Krieg aims to make bags for every personality. So strap a bag with a little personality to your bicycle and hit the road!
The first‐ever Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) designations were announced in March 2011 at the National Bike Summit. Among the 32 universities that applied, 20 receiv
ed designations, with Stanford University earning the only platinum‐level award. The program recognizes institutions of higher education for promoting and providing a more bicycle-friendly campus for students, staff and visitors. They create exceptional environments where bicycling can thrive. Cycling bags and packs are a must for the student planning to bike on campus.
See the winners:
| College/ University Name | App Year | Award | Location |
| Stanford University | 2011 | Platinum | Stanford, CA |
| University of California, Davis | 2011 | Gold | Davis, CA |
| University of California, Santa Barbara | 2011 | Gold | Santa Barbara, CA |
| California State Long Beach | 2011 | Silver | Long Beach, CA |
| Colorado State University | 2011 | Silver | Fort Collins, CO |
| Portland State University | 2011 | Silver | Portland, OR |
| University of Arizona | 2011 | Silver | Tucson, AZ |
| University of California, Irvine | 2011 | Silver | Irvine, CA |
| University of Minnesota, Twin Cities | 2011 | Silver | Twin Cities, MN |
| University of Oregon | 2011 | Silver | Eugene, OR |
| University of Washington | 2011 | Silver | Seattle, WA |
| University of Wisconsin, Madison | 2011 | Silver | Madison, WI |
| Boise State University | 2011 | Bronze | Boise, ID |
| Cornell University | 2011 | Bronze | Ithaca, NY |
| Emory University | 2011 | Bronze | Atlanta, GA |
| Indiana University | 2011 | Bronze | Bloomington, IN |
| Michigan State University | 2011 | Bronze | East Lansing, MI |
| University of North Carolina, Greensboro | 2011 | Bronze | Greensboro, NC |
| University of California Los Angeles | 2011 | Bronze | Los Angeles, CA |
| University of Maryland | 2011 | Bronze | College Park, MD |
Part 1 of 2 (Check Monday for Part 2)
Cycling isn’t just about exercise. You can also use a bike to perform errands, get to work or just to enjoy the outdoors.
Below is a list of key accessories you should consider buying to ensure safety and enjoyment of your riding experience if you are a beginning cyclist. Some of these are more relevant if you are a cyclist who is riding for fun and fitness while others are more relevant if you ride short distances on a regular basis to perform errands or to get to work.
Proper Saddle
Finding a comfortable saddle can be one of the most difficult tasks for beginning riders. Saddle choice is matter of personal preference and experience, and what works for one person often doesn’t work for another person even though they have the same build and the same riding style. You may go though two or three saddles over the course of several months before you find the perfect one.
Helmet
Bicycle helmets have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of head injury. When buying a helmet, first and foremost, make sure it fits. If possible buy a helmet that is light in color to help with visibility.
Bag
Everyone needs to carry things with them on their bike (phone, tube patch kit, basic tool kit, wallet, etc.). The type of riding you do, utility or fun/fitness, will determine the type of cycling bag you will want.
Sunglasses
Glasses protect your eyes from the sun, wind, bugs and road debris. No need to say more.
Lighting
Busy schedules often mean cycling at odd hours. Lights are a must if you are riding at dawn, dusk or night. In addition to using lights, dress in light-colored, reflective clothing.
Lock
If your bike is going to be out of your sight, it’s best to lock it up. Always lock your frame up to something, never just the wheels because wheels can be easily removed. Both combination and keyed locks are readily available.
Part 1 of 2 (Check Monday for Part 2)
Bike bags allow you to carry the gear you need for the ride. When deciding what kind of bike bag to buy, consider the following:
Capacity – How much do you have to carry?
Accessibility – How many openings does a bag offer? How large are those openings? Is it easy to reach as you ride?
Looks – Is it appealing?
There are numerous types of cycling bags available from saddlebags, to handlebar bags to messenger bags.
Saddlebags
These small-capacity bags fit directly under your saddle. They provide just enough storage space for bare essentials in an easy-to-reach place. They provide quick, easy access to small items such as tool kits and money or credit cards.
Handlebar Bags
These bags attach to your handlebars using clamps or straps. They’re perfect for carrying small items (cell phone, snacks, cycling gloves) in a convenient place. Most bags are easy to attach and remove.
Messenger Bags
These bags typically feature a shoulder strap so the bag can be worn across your body – in true messenger style – with the bag hanging down at your side or slung onto your back. These bags are usually roomy enough hold a lot of stuff and they go with you versus staying on your bike.
Are you all about function and utility, or do you want a fun saddle bag that matches your bike or your personality? We are sure you’ll find a bag to fit the bill!
It’s been a hard cold winter but today the temperature is just passing the 40 degree point, the sun is out and the neighbor’s flag is hanging still without a breeze to move it.
This is the day, the first ride of the season, I think to myself all the while scrambling to gather my cycling gear, heading for the garage to air up the tires. See I am an avid cyclist, yearning for months now to get out on the road, to breath in some fresh air and to cruise the country side soaking up the sun.
It’s going to be great!