Accessorize!

I've always had urges to accessorize my bicycle.

Back in the high school days, biking home with Dan, I was all about buying neat stuff from canadian tire - a bell, bullhorns, a mudflap, bike rack, water bottle holder, u-lock, and some other stuff I can't remember. I was limited by cashflow though, so most of my accessories either didn't match, or were of poor worksmanship and quality.

Now that I do have some spending power, I've got that urge to accessorize my new bike, but stronger. This time, it's all brand name stuff. Nothing too flashy, I wouldn't want any of it stolen, but still nice. I've just bought a new helmet and brakelight, and I bought a new lock and water bottle holder when I bought my bike last month.

I think I want to buy a LED headlight next, along with a second, matching bottle holder (my bike has space for two), and a front saddlebag. I figure, with my sense of direction, I really should be cycling around with a map in front of me, hence the saddlebag. I can also put my lunch in there, or whatever something else I need to take with me (compass, settlers of catan). The second bottle holder will just look nice. I've never had to drink two bottles of water on a cycling trip. I probably only need about a litre every 40km, double that if I go hard. As for the LED headlight, I already have the LED brakelight, so I might as well be safe for those night trips. For next year, I'll look into buying spare inner-tubes in case I get a flat, a portable pump, and a roadside repair kit.