On a motorcycle, it would be called a “farkle”. Is it the same on a bicycle? The bike does have an electronic horn but it’s way too loud to use with pedestrians and cyclists. In Vancouver, a bell was a required item and it was used whenever you are getting ready to pass someone (always on the left). I was thinking of simply ordering something on Amazon but then you couldn’t hear what it sounded like. This little teapot bell is a little on the loud side but definitely has a friendlier sound than the horn.
The bike also came with one bag that really didn’t fit that well on the rear rack. I think it’s supposed to fit on the handlebars. I tried the front panniers from my touring bike and they fit great on the rear rack. Less room in each but there are two of them. I installed the stainless steel hooks on the frame in an extra tapped hole in the rear dropouts. This is the second picture. These front panniers are almost forty years old and they actually got more use than the rear panniers since they were smaller and could be used on the rear rack as well as the front rack. I don’t think the company exists anymore but they made good gear. I had sold the rear panniers back in the 80’s since I rarely used them. The only other farkle will be a handlebar mounted water bottle cage that I just ordered.
Yesterday it wasn’t raining so I rode the bike to a coffee place then up to my office. There is a hill up to West Ridge that I never enjoyed cycling up. This time I passed up four other bikes up the hill and I wasn’t even breathing hard. My excuse to them for “cheating” as I breezed by them, was that I’m 62 and without this, I wouldn’t be riding. ;-)
No need to justify anything, RichardM.....ride on
ReplyDeleteJust some lively discussion on the road. Much easier on a bicycle than a motorcycle.
DeleteI love the little teapot bell! We have bags on our e bikes that I think were intended for the front handlebars too, but we use them like saddlebags and they are SO handy! Go e-bike, no justification necessary! You are still getting exercise.
ReplyDeleteThe bag it came with is now in front of the handlebars and works for a light jacket. The rear panniers are handy for heavier items such as the cable and U-lock.
DeleteI love the bell, too. Mike had a dainty little bell for his bike, which he said worked to catch people's attention BUT sounded like a text message alert. So, instead of getting out of his way, they checked their phones.
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty funny. This little bell does sound like a text alert...
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