Cycle Commuter - Adventures in Bicycle Commuting

There’s an abundance of parts, accessories and various clothing items that are deemed to meet all your riding needs. Sometimes this is a load of hot air, sometimes it isn’t. A lot of it has to do with your own personal needs. For me, gear needs to be durable and practical. Simplicity in design goes a long way. Below you’ll find some of the things that I’ve grown to love enough to make note of:

• Pearl Izumi Cyclone gloves: Just like Goldilocks and the porridge, these fit the “just right” bill for keeping my digits comfortable (and functional) when riding in cooler temps. Dexterity is kept for all bike-necessary operations, as well as finite ones (e.g. operating camera settings). Even in colder temps, they work great with a pair of liner gloves beneath. They’re not waterproof by any means… but then again, they’re not intended to be. That’s a whole other beast.
• Showers Pass Elite 2.0 jacket: I really hope eVent catches on and gives Gore a run for their money, but in the meantime Showers Pass has one of the best executions of a cycling jacket around (eVent playing a large part in its success). Breathability is exceptional to the point that I’m surprised if I even notice that I’ve been sweating. It has kept me dry in snow and downpouring rain, but the little things are what makes it just that much better–things like the stretchy cuffs, long sleeves and the angled back pocket.
• Planet Bike Super Flash tail light: Holy crap this is an awesome tail light. Definitely gets your attention from a long way off. As a friend put it “That light is awesomely spazztastic. I saw you from a mile off.” The multiple mounting options are also great.
• NiteRider MiNewt X2 light: This is an odd one, as I don’t own or use a MiNewt. I have the TriNewt, which should definitely be noted for it’s unholy, retina-searing brightness. However, the TriNewt is almost prohibitively expensive and could be considered excessive depending on your commuting/riding needs. The MiNewt is much more accessible in comparison, not only in price but in size as well. The large-walnut-sized light is quick to mount, and the deck-of-cards-sized battery will fit on most stems. The battery life is pretty radtastic, too. I’ve ridden with several people who lurve the light to death. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy with my TriNewt, but I think most people would be just as happy with the MiNewt at half the cost.
• Sugoi Resistor booties: Wet feet suck. A lot. So do cold feet. The Resistor booties have done their duty in keeping my feet dry and comfortable, which is all I can ask of them. The open bottom works well with my MTB shoes and allows me to walk around freely without unnecessary wear on the booties, which is a large reason why I got them in the first place. Easily one of my most-favored pieces of riding gear.