Cycling Accessories for Non-Cyclists and Dummies

bike bags

One of our sister blogs publishes occasional reviews of cycling gear based on the author's experience with the products (a far cry from the "best of" review posted by one of our Daily Dumbasses). We don't have much respect for content about cycling gear written by people who we suspect haven't been on a bike since they got their first learner's permit. We're thinking of freelancer Debra Durkee, who probably didn't use that BA in English when she wrote the WiseGEEK.com content loosely titled, "What are the Different Types of Cycling Accessories?"

We assembled  the staff cyclists and asked them to address this rather open question. The consensus they reached is that, starting with the most basic accessories, cyclists should probably buy their accessories in the following order:

• Safety: including helmets and lights. Add to that a water bottle and on-board storage for tools, snacks, and other gear.
• Comfort: including gloves and "bottoms" designed specifically for cycling. 
• Repairs: especially a tire pump, levers, patches, and tubes; plus a multitool.
• Efficient riding: including pedals, shoes with cleats, and low wind-resistance clothing in layers.

The first three are must-haves, after that you get into maintenance and transportation, including racks, repair stands, chain-maintenance products (cleaner, gauge, chain-breaker), and indoor trainers for winter.

Durkee, clearly not a cyclist, started her list with this pronouncement:

"When hitting the trails on a mountain bike or meeting other cyclists, cyclists can use a trunk-mounted rack to help carry bikes, no matter what size the car..."

...which isn't actually true: try putting a "trunk-mounted rack" on a pickup, Deb! She made other questionable points as well, such as this misconception of tire pumps:

"Portable bicycle pumps save space when traveling while still ensuring that low tire pressure is not the end of the trip."

We couldn't figure out what she meant by "save space," not to mention that the staff are a lot more concerned about weight than space. Debra also "informed" readers that,

"Gloves and elbow pads can help protect the upper body from not falls [sic] and while riding along narrow trails and at close quarters."

Apparently, Deb isn't aware that gloves are most often intended to reduce pressure on the hands, not "protect the upper body"; and that nobody wears elbow pads except BMX riders. Or how about this puzzling comment:

"...fenders can prevent mud, stones, and branches from being kicked up and caught in the tires."

Ummm, Deb? A) fenders are intended to prevent mud and water from splashing on the rider, B) fenders and "tires" are both exposed to the ground, and C) we imagine you meant "spokes," not "tires." And last, but not least,

"Different types of bags and mesh netting that attach to the bicycle itself can make carrying items easier than trying to manage a backpack."

We have no idea what this "mesh netting" is that Durkee is talking about. But, then, it's for darned sure that our Dumbass of the Day has absolutely no idea what she's talking about, either!

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