Campingmobiles!

These two bikes have been our hardcore commuter bikes. The definition of hardcore is "having an extreme dedication to a certain activity," which I can say we have had over the past two years.  One guy on the train recently asked us, "Why do you prefer the 'fat tire' bike?"  I can honestly say I have no idea.  But when I'm riding down Santa Monica Blvd over all the humps and bumps, I'm grateful for a bike that can handle off-road terrain.  We also took them down some paved gravel trails in Elysian Park, which was totally fun and something I wouldn't feel comfortable doing on a road bike.  Maybe I'm on a solvent-high right now, since I've been taking a toothbrush to the chain and chainrings to clean it up, but I will never fall out of love with my husband's Trek or my Bridgestone.

Right now, they're both equipped with a rear rack.  Each bike has a single water bottle cage, although the Trek has room for one more.  The Bridgestone at one point had a Slurpee holder on the handlebars, which has since been replaced by a GoPro mount.  They both have front and rear lights.  The Bridgestone has a bell.  Both bikes have reflectors on the front wheel.  They could definitely use more reflectors, on the rear wheel for example.  Both used to have reflectors on the handlebars, which should be replaced.  The Bridgestone has a non-functioning reflector on the seatpost, which is blocked by the grocery-getting basket on the back.  I have always loved having a basket because you can deliver just about anything, including birthday cakes and pizzas.

Right now, I'm awaiting delivery of an order from Niagra Cycle which will contain two front racks, two front panniers, and two USB-rechargable taillights.  We love our rechargable lights.  They're super bright and eco-friendly since we're not constantly replacing batteries.  We bought a dog-carrier for the Trek, which prompted the purchase of the front rack.  Since the dog carrier is soft-bottomed, it bows down when our dog is in there and sitting upright.  To prevent the dog carrier from rubbing on the front tire, we got a rack that is called a Porteur.  This type of rack is wide and flat, and was originally used for delivering newspapers.  I'm hoping the installation of the racks will be easy, not requiring a trip to the hardware store.  Both bikes have eyelets at the top and bottom of the front forks.  I'm hoping that the added weight of the dog will be equivalent to the added weight of two (lightly) packed front panniers.

Installing the Porteur was no problem, it came in 4 pieces with assorted washers, nuts and bolts.  The weight-carrying capacity is 40 pounds.  I can't wait to ride with Edna Jo.  The look of this bike is different, but not so much so that it's unrecognizable.

Installing the other rack, was a problem.  I had to adjust my cantilever to connect the rack to the top of the front fork.  It's like that TV show "The Swan" which is an extreme makeover with cosmetic surgery.  After all this, we can take some awesome bicycle camping trip.

What we ordered from Niagra Cycle:

• Sunlite Quick Release-Tec Adjustable Front Rack, Black (821471) $38, max load 45 lbs.
• Gamoh Kcl-3f King Carrier, Front Bicycle Rack, Black (437320) $68, max load 40 lbs.
• Seattle Sports Company Fast Pack Panniers, Orange (738710) single, $36, 12 L total volume
• XLC Expedition Pannier Bag Set Large, Black (440749) $66, 28 L total volume
• Infiniti Lava USB Rechargable Safety Light Rear (739542) $26 can attach to helmet

We ordered these items on Sunday, October 4th.  Shipping was free.  The items arrived on Monday, October 12th.  Everything was correctly installed and in working order by October 14th.  We took our first long weekend trip on October 16-18th.  Thanks Niagra Cycle!  BTW I love your motto, "Because Everyone Should Be Biking."