Pardon the over-exposed light, but this is my gal Libertas. She's a Marin Fairfax 1 and has 3×7 shifting. She's due for some TLC, the breaking feels a little loose and the shifting doesn't engage all the way unless I hold the shifter for a bit. Can explain more in comments.
I debating some upgrades. Specifically, I'm thinking of adding a small front basket, a new kickstand for more support, and swept back handlebars since I like to ride more upright.
Does anyone recommend any other pieces I should upgrade (and why)?
by nowhere_man_1992
5 Comments
Nice setup! My main suggestion:
Fenders fenders fenders!
Game changer
A bike tune would fix your shifting and braking issues. Fenders are a must if you start riding in the rain. They keep the water and dirt off you and your bike’s frame. I see you have a “be seen” light, but can’t tell if you have a light with cutoff (eg StVZO) that allows you to see the road/trail without blinding others. Those are useful for night riding.
I see you already have rear rack and panniers, those are always my first choice for carrying, and on bikes where I have also added a front basket, I mainly use them for specialized purposes: eating on the bike, delicate items such as baked goods, food takeout (due to smells and spills, easier to clean a basket than a pannier). However, I use my rear panniers much more.
Aside from that, saddle bag with essential ~~tubes~~ tools/spare tube/patch kit, and a frame pump will keep you going.
Finally, N+1 is a thing. One bike can handle a wide range of scenarios but won’t be ideal for all. Once your first bike is kitted out, having a second bike with different capabilities expands your range of biking situations and serves as a backup so you can keep on biking. I’ve got bikes for snow/gravel/off-road, rain bikes, bikes for speed, folding bikes for multi-modal, electric bikes when I’m overtraining, etc.
1: Fenders
2: front hub dynamo for permanent front and rear light (cannot see if you already have it on the picture)
3: Suspended seatpost
In my experience commuting for years, I really do not care for front baskets. Even when unloaded you feel the weight, and it effects your steering. When they are fully loaded it really makes the balance unwieldily.
I ended up going for these folding baskets for the rear that can be deployed as needed, and will fit a backpack, or grocery tote. The weight is much better when it is behind you.
[https://www.amazon.com/Wald-Folding-Rear-Bicycle-Basket/dp/B0012DZEBY?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/Wald-Folding-Rear-Bicycle-Basket/dp/B0012DZEBY?th=1)
I put a Cane Creek Thudbuster LT on my commuter & boy, howdy! It sure makes a difference. I’m lucky that where I lock up is relatively secure.
Fenders are a great suggestion that we all seem to agree on. Adding a skirt to the fender, front especially can be a big help by keeping feet & bb free of road spray.
I have a powerful light mounted on my fork, it is great for showing off the road surface with detail.