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While biking to work has considerable perks (health, endorphins, budgeting), it also introduces unique complications into your routine and outfit choices.
For instance, you might have encountered the conundrum of riding to work in a morning downpour only to have it burn off into a hot, humid afternoon ride home later.
You likewise might not love having to carry all of your possessions on your back — or if you don’t mind that, you haven’t found the right bag for the job.
If your morning routine requires physical activity, the most worthwhile qualities your possessions can have are adaptability, durability, and comfortability. And if your destination at the end of the ride is the office, they had also better look polished as well.
Keeping that in mind, we asked the team over at Competitive Cyclist to give us their top picks for the commuter essentials they value the most. Below you'll find their 11 favorites:
SEE ALSO: 26 of the best workout accessories you can get for under $50
Convertible pants to adapt to different temperatures and weather
It can be difficult for cyclists to dress properly and comfortably for the day, since the temperatures of the morning can differ wildly from the afternoon. Adaptable gear helps you get the most out of one piece of clothing.
These pants can zip off into shorts at the 3/4 point, so you can make a quick change to suit your temperature as a morning downpour turns into a clear, hot afternoon. They're also fully seam taped to ensure there aren't any drafts or water penetration.
Featuring lightweight, Artex fabric — a three-layer laminate that combines an inner, wicking fabric, a wind- and water-blocking membrane, and a durable, ripstop outer — these pants provide you with the weather protection you need as well as the breathability that means you won't overheat while you stay dry. Read more here.
Men's: Showers Pass Club Convertible 2 Pant, $149.95 also available on Amazon from $89.06
Women's: Showers Pass Club Convertible 2 Pant, $119.96 also available on Amazon from $119.96
A lightweight, unobtrusive rear bike light
Whether you bike during the day or commute home at night after dark, clip this LED light with 11 different modes (including a daylight option) onto your seat post to increase visibility. It'll project up to 150 lumens of light for an added reminder to motorists that you're on the road. You won't notice it, but others will.
To keep it simple, there aren't any cords or cables. The light is rechargeable, so when batteries are low just plug the entire light into a power source with the USB that's charger already integrated into the design.
Lezyne Strip Drive Rear Light, $34.99 also available on Amazon from $34.99
A bike lock that will take much longer to cut off
Nobody is stealing your bike today! It'll take a long time to chop a bike lock off a bike, but this one will take a whole lot longer.
Unlike standard, round-shackled U-locks, this one features a hexagonal hardened steel shackle that can't twist in the locking mechanism, which basically means it's going to take a good while longer to get your bike free of this if you're trying to cut through it. A silicone sheath also increases cutting time, while also protecting your bike from nicks and scratches.
It also comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
Blackburn Local U-lock, $23.35 also available on Amazon from $23.35
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