Once again, Thanks Vik!!

Last post sharing that name was just before buying my Volae. No I didn't buy another bike from Vik but he hooked me up with some great accessories.

I was still looking for a hauling solution for my commutes. Often I need to take a change of clothes and lunch with me, not to mention to minimum maintenance requirements. I tried several different setups, but wasn't quite happy with them and knew I wasn't done experimenting.

I posted on BROL, and Vik saw my post and came to the rescue. He gave me a great deal on a Hostel Shoppe Euro seat bag he wasn't using, and then started thowing in extras! Lake SPD sandals, Volae T-bar light mount, Volae kickstand adaptor with kickstand do-hicky and a even a kick-stand for it. Vik, I truly appreciate you generosity. Many thanks!

The great thing I've found with the Euro seat bag is that is simply slides over the hard-shell seat and slide off again. Every other option I've tried was not easily removed from the bike so I ended up having to unload everything from the bike, and then clumsily climb the stairs to my office hoping my underwear didn't fall down. This bag has a handle on the top and simply grab it, and off you go. Great option for if you have to leave the bike locked up and run in for a few groceries. I must say I really like this bag.

The T-bar light mount works really well also. Now in the mornings I do need to use a headlight to be seen, but even to see. This works the same as a threaded headset stem, but it mounts in the derailleur tube up front keeping the head light out of your field of view. Very nice.

I need to pick up some SPD cleats and install them on the sandals. Many bents riders it seems are big on the sandals, and why not? When it's 30 C outside, it sure would be nice to put some tan lines on and keep as cool as possible. Can't wait to give them a try.

The above picture gives you an idea of the lighting I'm now running in the back. I seemed like only a few days ago when I didn't need any lights on my bike. The Planet Bike super-flash is amazing! it's got a .5 watt strobe that is very effective. The two others were on clearance from a sporting goods shop that was going out of business. Up front on the handle bars I've got a planet bike front LED headlight. Not much of a headlight, but it has a blinky mode which is all I use it for. Seems to be pretty good. The headlight I'm back to using is one that my wife bought me for Christmas 2 years ago and it's a very well made light. It's a 15, 12 and 9 watt light with varying battery life per light setting you choose. 15 watts will give about 1.5-2hours. 9 watts I've had last as long as 5 hours of use. The smart charge battery is nice because you don't have to worry about over charging. I've used this light in -37C once for 45 minutes and it's flawless. I can't say enough good about this light. The batter pack slides into a bottle holder, or can simply Velcro to the bike.

All in all I think this bike is getting dialed for where I want it to be. I'll be installing the fenders again shortly and probably switch back to the wider continental tires, but for now I'm enjoying the 'performance' setup.