The Need to Accessorize
Nov 3, 2008 Cycling
I never understood why anybody would want to accessorize their car with aftermarket stuff (sorry Dad) until I bought a bike. Now I get it. My bike needs to personalize to meet my daily needs and convey my personality.
Out the gate, I bought fenders, a rack, a pannier, a bottle cage, a new water bottle, a bike lock, and a pump. For my own personal protection I bought a helmet, a rain jacket, and padded shorts. I did this without thinking, considering all their accesories essential items. (My youngest brother thinks this is all crazy and that I should be more of a minimalist.) I was very picky about my fenders and rack. I wanted silver to match the rest of the metal. My bike shop ordered both to fit my small bike. The fenders arrived in less than a week. The rack was on back order. So they gave me a black rack until the silver rack arrived. I finally got my silver rack. Totally worth the wait.
A couple of weeks ago, I started to think about the time change back to standard time. My ride home would in in the dark without lights. Now my bike sports this front light and this back light. I like both of them. They served me well on my ride home tonight.
I’m taking a small hiatus from accessory buying. I need to save my money for the approaching holiday season. However this isn’t stopping me from making a wish list. In the near future, I hope to gloves, a water bottle holder that fits on my handles, new pedals, and clipless shoes. I’m sure this list is incomplete. Of course, I reserve the right to modify as needed.
