Cute commuter crap

There's a constant controversy between commuters and cyclists. I respect both, since we're both on two wheels and going somewhere.

I am not a cyclist. I don't ride for races or long distance touring (yet).

Some people are confused when I wear (gasp) regular clothes -- even dresses and skirts -- on my bike instead of the blinding highlighter colors and padded pants.

What else would I wear?

One of my favorite blogs, Bikeyface, is a bike commuter blog and hits this laughable question bang on the nose:

{http://bikeyface.com}

{http://bikeyface.com}

One of the biggest conundrums of commuting is finding necessary things like reflectors or lights that don't cost and arm and a leg and don't make me look like I'm going to race the Tour de France, especially as a woman.

I have a whole Amazon Wish List full of fun reflectors and lights, so I'm sharing with you some of my favorites I've added and/or bought.

(This post is completely unsponsored and just my opinion on these products.)



FunFlector Reflectors: Tags & Stickers

I am so in love with these tags. They're cute enough to be a backpack zipper pull or hang on your bag, but they're also effective.


Available on www.funflector.com and www.amazon.com

Funflector also has stickers and slap bracelets. While I probably won't wear the slap bracelets on anything but a night run, I definitely want to add the stickers to my helmet.



Available on www.amazon.com



PoCampo Reflective Bird Pin

How discreet is this??



{photo credit}

Available on www.pocampo.com

Whimsical pin by day, reflective pin by night. This little guy does a double duty.



PoCampo Reflective Bandana

I use bandanas to cover my face when it gets too cold to breathe outside. This is be perfect for commuters like me, or who don't wear helmets, but also wants some added visibility.



Available on www.pocampo.com



OneTwoThreeSpeed Reflective Helmet Bows




Sensing a theme here with double duty??  I'm absolutely in love with these. They look like a simple bow on your helmet but at night they reflect just as well as those ugly hi-viz vests. Plus, you can buy multiple and attach it to your back rack, bag, or front basket.  And they spice up an otherwise bulky, ugly, boring commuter helmet.

Available on www.etsy.com



LeBands Reflective Nonslip Headband



Okay, I admit, I love this more for running (I usually wear my helmet), but it was too cute to not share for those who do not wear helmets.

Available on www.etsy.com


Bookman Light Set

These are all the rage in The Netherlands, where there are more bicycles than people (and cars). They're fun little bandy lights available in multiple colors that are easy to take on or off your bicycle and come in sets of two (one front white light, one rear red lgiht). You can even stack them to get 360 visibility. Apparently they're really bright (I haven't bought any.......yet) but I'd put them more in the "be seen" category.

Available on www.amazon.com

Nite Ize SpotLit and PetLit Lights



There are two products here, one for dogs (cheaper) and one for humans. I see no reason why the dog light can't be used if you don't own a dog. These, much like the FunFlector reflectors, can be put on your bag or a rack for added visibility. They're very small (about the size of a housekey), but even a small light is better than nothing.

Available on www.amazon.com


Nite Ize SpokeLit Lights



I have these in red on my bike. They work pretty well for being seen, since they move with your spokes and get driver's attention, but the battery can die quickly (20 hours of steady, 24 in flashing). I'd recommend buying batteries for these in bulk and to always make sure they are turned off when you're done riding. They are fun to have on the bike, and add a rare side visibility that most lights don't offer.

Available on www.amazon.com


Petzl E91 Tekkina Headlamp




I know this is supposed to be a list of things that don't make you look like a commuter, but I've found that a headlamp really helps with riding at night or in winter. I wear my headlamp in conjunction with my (ugly, but effective) Planet Bike front light  and also when I run. The nice thing about these headlamps is that they're colorful (and therefore, less "cyclist" looking) and they help you see things from the sides like that annoying dog that always chases you.

Available on www.amazon.com



What are your favorite reflectors or lights? Do you think there is such a thing as "too much"?