Gearing up

Latest gadgets and safety equipment whip your commute into shape

Janet Simons, Rocky Mountain News

Published June 25, 2007 at midnight

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When you were a child, you picked up your bike from the spot where you'd left it lying in the yard, swung onto it and headed out into the world, fast and free.

But now that you're all grown up, you can think of lots of reasons that you shouldn't ride your bicycle to work for Bike to Work Day on Wednesday.

Perhaps your bike has been gathering dust on a hook in the back of the garage, hemmed in by the snow blower. Anyway, it's one of those old 10-speeds with drop handlebars, and everyone rides the new hybrids with flat handlebars now. And, hey, aren't you worried that you'll get sweaty if it's hot, wet if it rains?

Any or all of those might be true for you - but they're still just excuses.

Take a deep breath. You can do this.

First, find someone at your workplace who bicycles regularly and discuss your qualms. Chances are excellent that he'll ease your mind as he rhapsodizes about the wind against his face, the exercise, the money he doesn't spend on gasoline and his clear conscience on the topic of global warming.

To find accessories that can make a bike commute safer, more comfortable or more fun, we visited three metro-area bike shops that have been named "best" in past Top of the Rocky issues.

Here's the cool stuff we found. Some - like the products that use LEDs (light-emitting diodes) - are fairly new. Some - like the rear rack - have been around forever without much change. And some - like the bicycle helmet - are incredibly upgraded. See you on the bike path!

Trek Interval helmet

If your bike helmet is at least 5 years old, you should stop fumbling with that chin strap and get a new one. Not only is the Trek Interval light, comfortable and well-ventilated, but it adjusts easily and features washable fit pads and a removable snap-on visor. $60, Wheat Ridge Cyclery

Gel-Vent Pro Gloves from Pearl Izumi

• Perhaps your ride involves a few bumps. The gel pack in these gloves helps absorb jolts. $40, Campus Cycles

• Check out the Electra custom cup holder 4

Timbuk2 Adjustable Classic Commuter Messenger Bag and Camelbak Cell Phone Pocket

Don't even think about packing your lunch, business papers and laptop into your 9-year- old's Hot Wheels day pack. This rugged, ballistic nylon bag has been in production since 1989, when it came onto the market aimed at bike messengers. The Camelbak Cell Phone Pocket attaches to the strap of your bag. Messenger bag, $70, Wheat Ridge Cyclery; Cell Phone Pocket, $10, Campus Cycles

LED light by Knog Frog

• Serious bicyclists value this because it weighs less than half an ounce. The rest of us love that it's waterproof, wraps securely around the handlebars without screws and is able to flash for 160 hours. It won't illuminate the road, but its bright white light will make you more visible in the dark. $11, Wheat Ridge Cyclery

LED Safety Vest from Boulder-based Nite Ize

• This lightweight mesh vest fits anyone. Stripes — one made of reflective material, the others fluorescent fabric wrapped around LEDs — make the wearer visible at night. The push of a button changes the lights from steady to flashing. $25, Collins Bicycles

Detours Transit Cycle Panniers and Sunlite rear rack with spring

• With panniers, a commuter can balance the load and keep things dry, and they look tidier than plastic supermarket bags bungeed onto a rack. Here they're draped over a rear rack. No Lance Armstrong wannabe would consider adding 10 pounds to his bicycle by installing this device. You, however, are a commuter with a lot of stuff to schlep, and a rack takes that load off your back. Panniers, $65, Campus Cycles; rack, $30, Collins Bicycles

Electra custom cup holder

• Ever since Starbucks opened its first Colorado outlet, you've relied on that grande latte to get you through your morning commute. And there's no reason to miss it just because you're on a bicycle. $25, Campus Cycles

X-Alp Low bicycling shoes from Pearl Izumi

• A shoe-and-pedal system allows you to pull up on your bike pedals as well as push down, and helps keep you from tiring on long rides. This model works as a running and walking shoe and, according to the Pearl Izumi Web site, "transitions from the trail to the coffee-shop patio with ease." $100, Campus Cycles

Tips from experts

Staffers at the bike shops offer this pre-ride advice.

• If your bike has been in storage a long time, have it checked at a bike shop before you ride. "A simple safety check shouldn't cost more than $10," says Tracy Fifer of the Bike Rack, Campus Cycles' rental shop.

• The day before your ride, take to work a change of clothes and some personal hygiene products. "Baby wipes are good," said Doug Claxton of Wheat Ridge Cyclery.

• If it's been a while since you've gone bike-riding, take your bike out for a spin first, said Tito Collins of Collins Bicycles.

• Always wear a helmet when riding. "If you're bald, wear a kerchief or liner under your helmet or you'll get a really odd-looking sunburn through the ventilation holes," Fifer said.

Let's roll

• What: 2007 Bike to Work Week

• Where: throughout the metro area

• When: Free valet bicycle parking today through Friday at the Market Street RTD station; Bike to Work Day - Wednesday - offers giveaways and free food from more than 100 breakfast stations, 6:30 to 9 a.m. or while supplies last.

• Registration and more information: Go to RTD- Denver.com or drcog.org, call 303-458-7665 or go in person to the Market Street RTD station. To qualify for prizes, participating bicyclists must register by 5 p.m. Wednesday.

simonsj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2547

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