Best products from r/BikingATX

1. As gurzil said, switching to flat bars is not trivial.
   
   If you want to change them, you'll probably need a new bar (of course), and new brake and shifter levers (unless your bike has them on the frame like the one in the picture) and new cables ... really, I'd suggest not doing it, at least not now. You don't have to use the drops if you don't want to -- you can use the tops and the brake housing all the time if you want -- many do.
   
   Often you can add another set of brakes to the tops of the bar if you want -- interrupter levers -- that's pretty simple, but you might need a bike shop to do it for you if you're not skilled with it.
   
   If you buy another bike ... get a hybrid, and you'll have the bars you like.
   
   
2. Headlight -- these are really good, and only $15. The battery will probably wear out in a year of moderate use or so ... but it's easy to just buy another at that price.
   
   For taillights, there's lots of options, but I've been happy with this for $5. Being rechargeable isn't so important for a flashing tail light when they'll last 100 hours on alkalines ... but use some eneloops in there if you want.
   
   Like the PBSF that it's a clone of, the back can pop off -- tape it shut with clear tape, or use a zip tie.
   
   
3. Got me. Do be aware that in general, bike helmets are all of generally equal effectiveness -- spending more generally doesn't get you one that's safer. So you'll probably pick one based on comfort, looks and air flow (this is Texas -- air flow is good!) -- but don't think you have to spend a lot on it. Even the ones at Walmart are fine if you find them to be comfortable.
   
   
4. as said, a patch kit -- flats often come in packs. Throwing some of those little packs of wipes in there is nice too when you've got greasy hands after using these tools. I keep a small travel tube of sunscreen in mine as well, in case I forget some, and two AAA batteries for my tail light if it dies.
   
   
5. if you've got what I think you've got -- you can easily remove the cloth things without damaging them, or cut them off if you want -- then you've got normal pedals. No big deal.
   
   If you want to replace them, options are numerous. They're also easy to replace, but it's a lot easier if you have the right wrench that you probably don't have already. If you buy pedals at a bike shop, they'll probably install them for free.
   

1. You definitely want a U-lock. Cable locks only deter people who would not "otherwise" be bicycle thieves. If you use a single U-lock only (which is probably fine unless you have some unusually fancy accessories), the best locking method is to lock both the rear wheel AND the frame (the side that extends from the seat to the pedals) to a rack or secure signpost (so, 3 things inside the closed lock's "U": frame, wheel, and rack). This requires a largish U-lock but it's definitely doable. This does leave your front wheel vulnerable though, so if you do tend to leave your bike in not-great areas overnight, you may want to consider extra measures for that.
   
   
2. Give them a couple of weeks' worth of regular (like, every day) riding first. There are types of uncomfortableness that will go away within that period, but if they're still giving you grief after that you might consider upgrading or getting some proper fitting/adjustment advice from a bike shop.
   
   
3. I've had similar worries but no actual incidents (beyond verbal) in three years so far. Mostly I just go for situational awareness and have occasionally taken slight detours or even run through red lights (something I would never ordinarily do otherwise) to avoid suspicious looking situations. Though I like being able to avoid traffic otherwise, being around lots of traffic actually helps with this situation (public witnesses!) if it's particularly troubling to you.
   
   
4. I used to, but not anymore. I might have an upper-temp limit if I didn't have showers at work, but luckily I do. When it's below certain temps in the winter I wear a balaclava . They may look weird, but wow do they make cold weather riding nicer. Also might help with your third bullet point 'cause if you pair that with some sunglasses no one will be able to see your face!
   
   Finally: check out /r/bikecommuting also! I think they'll have a lot of info there you'll find useful. Happy riding!

I second this.. Great light for the price. I would also recommend getting the wide angle lens instead of the default one, it has a much better beam. http://www.amazon.com/Angle-MagicShine-Gemini-Lights-Headlight/dp/B004WLCLQY/ref=pd_bxgy_sg_text_y

As far as a lock goes, your best bet is a U-Lock with cable (similar to this - try to buy it locally!) AND to take it up to your apartment when you're home. There is absolutely no reason to leave your bike outside your apartment, even on the balcony. If you can fit it into your apartment that will be the best way to prevent it from getting stolen, and also keep the components from corroding from the humidity.

This bike is your best bet:

http://www.amazon.com/Thruster-700C-Urban-Fixie-Black/dp/B00GWWEZDS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414620491&sr=8-1&keywords=thruster

I have one of these pumps and highly recommend it for both types of valve.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000UV8I94?vs=1

Some people ride without lights and without reflectors. It is just crazy and inexcusable when you consider just how cheap a simple blinky LED light is. I really think that bikes now should come with lights instead of reflectors.

Since we're on the topic of lights I figure I'd throw out my favorite light accessory: This light mount that lets you mount your lights to the braze-ons for a front or rear rack. A bit pricey for a small chunk of machined aluminum but it is incredibly nice to have your headlight at a low position so that it really highlights any bumps or debris on the road.

Ha! Gloves have saved my ass more times than helmets. Gloves allow you to use your hands to save your ass. After wearing them for a while you'll not hesitate to use your hands in a crash. Judging from my helmets, my head has never touched the ground. Even cheap gloves will do the trick. I've been rolling with these for years. You can get them up for about $10. I've seen them at BSS for $12. Even after all this summer (below), they're still going strong.

Used to MTB 'core so, many spills on rocky surfaces, etc. I would never have dreamt of riding without protection on my palms (except for the hair - ba-dump-bup). I ride pretty aggressively sometimes. This summer alone: I've laid my bike down to avoid a drop-off, dropped the bike while screwing around w/ fixed maneuvers, failed to stick a 10' boost (23mm tires), endo'ed over a hazard, and last week had a front tire blowout at 20 mph from which I was very fortunate to walk away (er, spend 5 hrs. repairing things on the roadside).

I love my UE Boom. Pricier than others, but it's one of the more highly rated/highest rated bluetooth speakers out there.

So this guy reviewed some locks and recommended this lock.

You can also register a bike with the city of austin using this webform.

If you are looking to replace this bike, and you are poor, a good way to do that would be to either visit austin yellow bike or to visit the annual university bike auction. You can contact them and ask them to add you to the mailing list. The auction is usually in August.

http://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Road-Racing-Complete-Competition/dp/0941950077#

This was my bible for 2 years.