Reddit reviews Bushwhacker Omaha - Bicycle Grocery Pannier Cycling Rack Basket Bike Rear Bag Rear Accessories - Sold as Pair

Posting pictures of the bike would be helpful. If you decide to do this, make sure to post a few high quality shots of your drivetrain which could show us if there's any critical wear.

However, before you post the pictures, it would be helpful to clean the bike. Get a bucket of soapy water, find a sponge or rag that you don't mind sacrificing and get to cleaning your mountain bike. Dry it off, and then post the pictures (that will make any critical deficiencies more obvious).

As others have mentioned, you'll most likely need to remove the chain. Here's a video from one of the best cycling channels on Youtube, Global Cycling Network (GCN), that shows you exactly how to do that. GCN and its sister channel, Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN) offer a number of fantastic maintenance videos in addition to a variety of other content. If you're wondering where to get a chain tool, I would just spend a bit of extra money and get a good multi tool like the Crank Brothers multi tool which already comes with one.

Pump up the tires to see if they still hold air. If they do, fantastic. Nothing more needs to be done. If not, you'll need to get new tubes (most likely your mountain bike will need 26 in X 1.9-2.125 in tubes). Here's how to install a new tube.


As a bike commuter, you'll need a number of things to stay safe and make sure your bike stays in your hands. Here are the essentials:

1. Front and rear lights. I use this flashlight for my front light, and a rear light similar to this.
   
   
2. A helmet. From your posting history, you seem to live in Australia. All helmets sold in that country are required to meet the same safety standards so in all likelihood, spending more on a helmet will not make you safer. Buy one in a store and you're set.
   
   
3. A great bike lock. Read this to learn the proper way to lock your bike.
   
   However, staying safe is only the first part. You'll want or need a number of other items to make sure that your commute isn't frustrating. Here are some of the items off of the top of my head.
   
   
4. Bike pump. If you're going to mostly ride near gas stations which have air pumps that can inflate a tube, you probably don't need to carry around a mini pump on your rides. However, everyone should own a floor pump.
   
   
5. Degreaser. The cheap automotive kind is fine as is WD 40. This is used when you need to clean the drivetrain.
   
   
6. Bike lube. Stick with a bike specific one.
   
   
7. Disposable poncho. When I lived in an area where it often rained, I always had a dollar store disposable poncho in my backpack. It's just super handy if there's an unexpected downpour.
   
   
8. Fenders. I personally don't have them, but I live in a relatively dry climate. If you live in a place where it always rains, they're super helpful.
   
   
9. Bottle cage. A cheap plastic one is fine.
   
   
10. Tire levers.
    
    
11. Rear rack. Assuming you don't have a full suspension mountain bike and instead have a hard tail (here's an article if you're unsure), get a rear rack. Do not get one that is only mounted to the seat post like this Ibera, but rather one that connects to the bike frame. If your bike does not have any bolts that can attach, you can use P clamps to secure the rack. This post describes how to do just that.
    
    
12. Some way to transport groceries. While I use a milk crate that I ziptied onto my rear rack with bungee cords on top of the crate (similar to this setup), many others use panniers to transport groceries and other goods. This has the benefit of more storage, better center of gravity, and can be water proof. However, they are usually much more expensive unless you go the DIY route.
    
    
13. Bike bell. Cars won't be able to hear you, but if you ride in areas with lots of pedestrians or other cyclists, it's useful.
    
    
14. Spare tube. Fortunately 26 in tubes are cheap and super easy to find. Any department store with a bike section will carry them.
    
    /r/bikecommuting can be a helpful resource if you have other questions.

I bike everywhere even during the summer months. One way to keep sweating to a minimum is to plan routes through quiet/shaded neighborhood streets, ride at a bit of a slower pace, get to know the topography to avoid hills, avoid wearing backpacks (get a rear rack on your bike and attach panniers to carry things), and avoid riding during the hottest part of the day if possible (3-5 PM).

There are commuter showers at Mellow Johnny's downtown. Outside of downtown, you can maybe look if there's a gym nearby your workplace (if they don't provide one) if you think you need to shower before work. That or you can bring a change of clothes and some wet wipes and clean yourself off a bit at your workplace's restroom.

Before heading out for a bike ride, take a cool shower. Getting rid of the germs on your skin lessens bad smells.

Another tip I recommend is to use the bus system. You can bring your bikes on all city buses via the rack on the front. For long commutes it helps to bus/train part of the way then bike the rest of the way.

For grocery shopping, you can actually do that on a bicycle pretty easily! I can't recommend these enough, I use them to grocery shop and they are very sturdy and can carry 2 big bags of food:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B4ZKZK0/ref=asc_df_B00B4ZKZK03094547?smid=AOX84OWDPPJFO&tag=pgmp-1370-97-20&linkCode=df0&creative=395109&creativeASIN=B00B4ZKZK0

I guess I see what you mean, but I'm so detached from the bar scene that I really don't know what is appropriate. A backpack also seems awkward? Maybe you'd prefer something like this and just leave it on the bike: http://www.amazon.com/Bushwhacker-Omaha-Bicycle-Grocery-Pannier/dp/B00B4ZKZK0/ref=sr_1_14?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1464531744&

I use these $60 for two basket panniers. I put a reusable grocery sack that will fit both panniers when they are folded up so I can carry them into work. They should work with almost any rack. You can zip tie them if you want to leave them attached to the bike.

Get a bike and throw some panniers on the back. Biking to AS is very easy.

Biking will make most of midtown, downtown, and the surround areas much more accessible.

Grocery panniers! They're fantastic. Though back in my cheap ass college days I used to just put the bags on the handlebars and deal with it.

https://www.amazon.com/Bushwhacker-Omaha-Bicycle-Grocery-Accessories/dp/B00B4ZKZK0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502814147&sr=8-1&keywords=grocery+panniers

You can get a grocery cart, a bike trailer or panniers.

Half a mile of walking is 10-15 minutes; biking takes 3-5 minutes.

https://www.amazon.com/Bushwhacker-Omaha-Bicycle-Grocery-Accessories/dp/B00B4ZKZK0

I have those, works for two huge, heavy bags quite well.

I have a gym bag version of a convertible hobo that I love. It's this bag, Calia by Carrie Underwood. I also have grocery basket style panniers for everyday riding that I love because they pop out and I can stick just about everything in them. I may upgrade to some Ortliebs if I start touring or riding in the rain, but for now I love the convenience of just being able to pop the pannier open and throw my bags down.

I use these for throw and go commuting:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B4ZKZK0

1. Yes, a century to me is 100 Miles. It seemed insane when 5-6 miles was a good long ride. Now on flat level ground my boyfriend considers 20-30 miles at 10-15Mph a warm up.. I'm in much better shape then he is. (I tow Max and still out ride him)
   
   
2. There are multiple reasons why we don't take cargo in this trailer. (On a regular/planned basis)
   
   a) We have 3 trailers. A child trailer for my nephew and a dedicated cargo trailer. We almost never use the cargo trailer except when bikecamping.
   
   b) Our cargo trailer isn't nearly as wide as the dog trailer so it is easier to get around things and people. The dog trailer is almost as wide as a typical tadpole style trike (2 wheels up front). While it is great for Max, it means having to plan a route in/out of tight spaces.
   
   c) We have several options for taking cargo. We have racks, panniers, bags, etc. If he isn't going I can gain my maneuverability and still carry a frightening amount of material. With only 1 cargo basket I put in my large backpack. It has a change of clothes, baby wipes, deodorant, body spray, a 40oz cold brew container, a protein shaker bottle, water bottle, wallet, keys, arm sleeves, etc. There is also room for 2 laptops, but I've been leaving one in each location recently. This is just on one side. In that picture you can see that same backpack. It doesn't even take up the entire basket in that picture because it isn't fully loaded.
   Folding baskets I use.
   https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B4ZKZK0/
   
   e) Note* There are times when we will see something while riding about that we have to have, if we have to put it in/on his trailer we will. He doesn't mind things on the roof of his trailer, only things inside of it or on that front part.
   
   
3. I do, when I had a regular upright diamond frame bike it was fairly easy to lockup. The trailer could have been stolen at anytime as it is pretty quick to release/detach. My recumbent is difficult to lock up on its own without the trailer. The only thing the trailer really adds to the mix is I cant lock up the back are of the bike to a rack by backing into it. I also have to plan how to get to the place I'm going to lockup otherwise I may have to manually move the trailer or bike around. It isn't difficult to do, I just don't like to.
   
   I have a few rules though. If your a restaurant and you don't have outside bicycle and dog friendly (outside) seating... I'll keep going. I'll buy food from a grocery store and eat it outside before I patron an unfriendly restaurant. While on group rides I've left him in his trailer when we all went into a bar/restaurant. This is the only time I'll break that rule, and it has more to do with social reasons then anything else. I'll still plot to find a friendlier restaurant though.
   
   If I go to a store and I can't take him inside I generally leave him tethered to the trailer. Assuming I can't lock it in a good place I may just lock the rear tire to the bike. Unless there is a place to lock it up in view. I mostly just plan to stop somebody from running off with it in the hour or so that I'll be there.
   
   I'm more comfortable not locking my bike up and leaving it with Max then I am locking it up without Max. Something about a 60 lbs White German Sheppard/Husky mix seems to deter bad people. This technique also works with a running car w/ keys inside. Never had anything stolen from my car, including the car itself. He knows what is "mine". I don't know what he would do if forced to defend my property though, most likely nothing but put on a good show to try to scare off somebody. When I do park the bike I park in a place where I can keep an eye on it. Not for the bike, but for him. Steal my bike I'll be upset, but hurt or steal my dog and I'll be worse.
   
   Edit added link to the baskets

Within your price range you can get folding baskets. I like to use grocery panniers. The latter is more expensive but also lighter weight.

I just recently purchased this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B4ZKZK0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

I am going to just put my backpack in the basket as I really like my current swiss gear backpack.

Get a bike with a rear rack and some kind of panniers like these for hauling groceries. You could also get a more traditional pannier that closes like a backpack, or a “trunk bag” for the rack if you plan to use it for more than just a quick grocery run.

It’s a cheap plastic target crate. Pretty flimsy.

I’m actually looking at getting this instead

Bushwhacker Omaha - Bicycle Grocery Pannier Cycling Rack Basket Bike Rear Bag Rear Accessories - Sold as Pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B4ZKZK0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SaHQDb50MCTFA

I prefer collapsible pannier/baskets, and then I just throw my preferred bag in. Panniers suck off the bike.

I have these, but there are other options...

https://www.amazon.com/Bushwhacker-Omaha-Bicycle-Grocery-Accessories/dp/B00B4ZKZK0/ref=sr_1_9?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1536708897&sr=1-9&keywords=folding+bike+basket

Just get some baskets and a rack on your bike if you don't have one (most bike shops can do this for you). I have these baskets for grocery shopping and they're effing awesome: http://www.amazon.com/Bushwhacker-Omaha-Bicycle-Grocery-Pannier/dp/B00B4ZKZK0

They fold up when not in use and you can keep a reusable bag or two in it