10 Essentials For The Urban Commuter

Published By

Millions of people commute to and from work each year, many of them actually living within the urban areas that they frequently work and play. Rising fuel prices, lack of a vehicle, and the green movement are just a few reasons why commuters choose an alternate means of urban transportation such as a bicycle or scooter. Commuting on a bicycle has it’s distinct advantages over any other form of commuting. Bicycles are cheaper than a car, easier to maneuver through traffic, and almost always less of a hassle to park. If your goal in 2017 is to navigate the urban landscape on a bicycle, here are 10 essentials to get you started.

Evo Utility Bike

Evo Utility Bike

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or regularly commuting through the urban jungle via bicycle, the Evo Utility Bike has got you covered. This urban bicycle comes standard with connecting mounts on the front and rear that allow you to attach a variety of accessories to it such as a basket, cargo rack, or surfboard mount. Additional features include lighting systems on both the front and rear as well as as a bicycle lock that is integrated right into the frame. – $TBA

Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase

Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase

Part backpack, part briefcase, the Commuter by Topo Designs is a versatile everyday carry bag that can be carried on your back or on your shoulder thanks to a detachable messenger bag strap and a set of integrated backpack straps. Leather handles and a laptop sleeve render it refined enough for the office, while a 1000D Cordura exterior, YKK zippers, and heavy duty hardware make it durable enough for your commute to work. – $149

Packable Anorak Jacket

Packable Anorak Jacket

Minimalist by design, this anorak jacket by Dyer and Jenkins will keep you prepared for any error in the weatherman’s predictions. The jacket folds up completely inside it’s own chest pocket for easy storage and transport and includes a pair of side zip pockets and a hood that can be cinched down to protect the face against wind. – $102

Ass Savers

Ass Savers

Its rare to find a rear fender on a bicycle because they add unnecessary weight and enthusiasts rarely ride in the rain. But if you commute to work every morning on your bike, an uninvited rain storm can cause water to spray up onto your backside, ruining your entire work day. Ass Savers will solve this problem. These lightweight, polyurethane emergency rear fenders quickly and easily fasten underneath your bicycle seat for protection during inclement weather. – $7+

Fibre Flare

Fibre Flare

Unless you’re only part time, chances are the sun won’t be up yet on your commute to work, so a bicycle light may be in order. Unlike most aftermarket bike lights that light up in only one direction, Fibre Flare is multidirectional, delivering much needed illumination in all directions at up to 300 meters away. Utilizing only AAA batteries, it can run continuously for up to 24 hours, or well after you’re sitting at your desk drinking coffee. – $35

Quad Lock iPhone Bike Mount

Quad Lock iPhone Bike Mount

Utilizing your iPhone while commuting on your bicycle has never been easier thanks to the Quad Lock iPhone Bike Mount. Heralded as the strongest and lightest iPhone bike mount on the market, the Quad Lock iPhone Bike Mount easily mounts to most bicycles and motorbikes, allowing you to utilize your GPS apps, listen to your playlists, and stay connected to the rest of the world without missing a beat. – $70

Reductivist Ringtool

Reductivist Ringtool

The Reductivist Ringtool was designed with the bicycle commuter in mind and is a worthy addition to your everyday carry collection. Integrated into it’s stainless steel design is a flathead screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, torxhead T25 driver, 8mm Hex bits, and a bottle opener for popping the top on your morning refreshments. – $32

EDC Bike Kit

EDC Bike Kit

the EDC Bike kit was designed specifically for those who prefer to travel by bicycle. Because what can go wrong eventually will on a bicycle, the EDC Bike Kit includes a hand-selected collection of tools to get your bike up and working again such as four and five millimeter hex keys for adjusting brakes, handlebars, and your seat post, mini pry bars for changing a bicycle tire or prying just about anything you can think of, and a brass compass—all attached to a U-shaped brass key ring. – $79

GoRuck Gr1

GoRuck GR1

Built from military-grade, water-resistant materials, the low-profile GR1 Backpack opens up to reveal a large main compartment and a 17 inch, bombproof internal compartment reinforced to accommodate a hydration bladder or laptop computer, while a handful of external and internal pockets along with integrated MOLLE webbing allow for the organization of your smaller items. – $295

Thousand Bike Helmet

Thousand Bike Helmet

You don’t need to look like an astronaut to protect your noggin from the road during your commute. Lifestyle brand Thousand proves this with their new Bike Helmet. The Thousand Bike Helmet features a clean, minimalist design inspired by the vintage motorcycle helmets your grandfather probably wore on his 50’s model Panhead, while seven separate air vents, internal cooling channels, a magnetic buckle, and a vegan leather strap provide the comfort of a modern day helmet. – $80

Disclosure: Clicking on these links and making a purchase may earn us a small referral fee, at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.