Reddit mentions of BV Bike Bag Bicycle Panniers with Adjustable Hooks, Carrying Handle, 3M Reflective Trim and Large Pockets

Was inspired by this post to show my own reflective gear!

I tried to keep the logos visible so you could see what it all is but:

• Super Engineering Grade Reflective Tape
  
  
• Light Reflective Bike Bar Tape
  
  
• Timbuk2 Maze Classic Messenger Bag
  
  
• Sugoi Zap Versa (it’s a convertible jacket/vest and I think they discontinued it so I can’t find a link, sorry!)
  
  
• BV Bike Bag Bicycle Panniers (these aren’t The Best nor the most reflective but they work fine for a casual commuter like me)
  
  
• Not shown in this picture but a super fun addition: Serum No. 5 ‘Flashing Lights’ Reflective Nail Polish

Also a bike that has the ability to add bags to the sides of the back wheel is very important for transporting. A heavy backpack on a bycicle is very tiring.

If it's an 11 mile one way commute, then you'll probably want a road bike. The Raleigh Merit will be well suited for your needs but I would recommend adding or swapping the following:

1. More puncture resistant tires. You can also get Mr. Tuffy tire liners, but those will not have side wall protection.
   
   
2. A good ULock and possibly some locking skewers to secure your wheels and seatpost. I interned right outside of Denver in 2015 and 2016 and regularly bike commuted. Even in the suburbs, bike wheels were regularly stolen if not secured.
   
   
3. A rear rack and a set of panniers. Carrying stuff, including a change of clothes, with only a backpack gets old and sweaty. Plus the whole grocery thing if you're not going to bring a car.
   
   You may wish to check out /r/bikecommuting for additional information. If this will be your first bike, you will also need to get the following items:
   
   
4. A helmet.
   
   
5. Front and rear lights.
   
   
6. Bicycle chain lube and degreaser (automotive works fine) to clean the chain.
   
   
7. A bike specific multitool and tire levers.
   
   
8. An air pump.
   
   If this seems like a lot, don't worry. You can get a really cheap and good pump from Walmart. Just make sure it has a presta valve hole. They also sell helmets which are required to meet the same safety standards as all other helmets sold in the US, as well as chain lube and auto degreaser. Amazon has good deals on the other stuff, especially lights.
   
   Finally, I find this frame mounted cell phone holder extremely valuable. The reason being, that I have a horrible sense of direction and this enables me to view Google Maps biking directions while riding to various places without having to take my phone out. Plus I can easily listen to music while riding.

r/bikecommuting

I love commuting by bike, my rear rack and my previous pannier were about $60. The rear rack has the added benefit of my wife being able to ride seated on the back (with a cushion for comfort).

There are cheap panniers on Amazon. This one is 20 bucks and is the best seller of that kind of thing.

if you want panniers which are affordable you could go for these. Its not awesome like ortleib or vaude. but its something which would last at least a year or two if you take care of it.

https://www.amazon.com/BV-Panniers-Adjustable-Carrying-Reflective/dp/B00ESLVDIU/ref=sr_1_4?crid=25CUWT5ZU3FBV&keywords=panniers+for+bicycles&qid=1557945714&s=gateway&sprefix=panniers%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-4