The Captain's Cabin
E-bike commuting
I commute by e-bike with no car, north side of Chicago, most of the year. This is lock, light, and cargo gear for that commute, some of it riding on my own bike right now and some of it still on the shortlist.
ILM Adult Bike Helmet with USB Rechargeable LED LightsOwnedView on Amazon
My commute helmet, and the one I reach for most on the hotter days, when the vents and the built-in lights beat strapping extra gear on.
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USB rechargeable, so it is one less thing to remember to charge separately from the bike.
Skip it if you already have separate bike-mounted lights and just need a helmet.
Not photographed yet14
Picks I have not photographed yet. Each is labeled owned or shortlist, and each fits a gap I can name.
- Electric Bike Battery Adapter Bottle Cage BracketView on AmazonOwnedCheap part that got my downtube battery mounted. Fit is frame-specific, so check yours.
- Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) 4 PackView on AmazonOwnedI own this four-pack of AirTags. A tracker hidden on the bike is cheap insurance for a no-car rider, and four covers the bike, the spare battery bag and the keys.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 Radar Tail LightView on AmazonShortlistFor city commuting with cars around, radar beats guessing by sound alone.
- Titanker Heavy Duty Bike Chain Lock (3 ft)View on AmazonShortlistFor locking up outside all day, a lock that resists more than a basic cable.
- Sportneer U-Lock with CableView on AmazonShortlistThe cheaper of the two locks here, for a rack that is in view all day rather than a street pole overnight.
- Rhinowalk Bike Pannier Bag Set (Rack Bag with Shoulder Strap)View on AmazonShortlistFor hauling a laptop and a change of clothes on a rear rack.
- JXFUKAL E-Bike Rear Rack BagView on AmazonShortlistA cheaper way to get weight off your back on a rear rack when a full waterproof pannier is more than the commute needs.
- Ascher USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set (Front and Tail)View on AmazonShortlistFor when the evenings get darker earlier and a bike needs to be seen, not just see.
- Lamicall Bike Phone Holder (One-Hand Mount)View on AmazonShortlistKeeps the phone visible for turn-by-turn without holding it.
- Guardian Angel Micro Safety Light (White Front, Red Rear)View on AmazonShortlistA clip-on light bright enough to be seen from a block away in Chicago traffic, on the body instead of the bike.
- WeePro Photochromic Anti-Fog Helmet Visor FilmView on AmazonShortlistSun-darkening film for a helmet visor, so one visor works for the morning ride in and the dark ride home.
- ILM Steel Knuckle Touchscreen GlovesView on AmazonShortlistKnuckle protection plus touchscreen fingertips, for the fall and spring rides where bare hands stop being fun.
- ROCKBROS Hidden Bike BellView on AmazonShortlistA bell that hides under the handlebar and still rings loud enough for the Lakefront Trail.
- ROCKBROS Bike Saddle BagView on AmazonShortlistA hard-shell under-saddle bag for the tube, tool, and lock keys, so the rack bag is only for the day's cargo.