Bike Month Essentials: Detours Madison Rack Trunk Bag

Detours Madison Rack Bag - bike commuter ready.

May has a lot of bicycle related events, namely Bike to Work Week and today is Bike to Work Day. I'm always up for the next best bag for my commuter bike so the Madison by Detours really caught my eye. One of the repeating features that I like about the Detours line in general are the quick release clips on the bottom of their bags. It makes taking the bag with you a snap (literally).

Detours D2R has the same quick release clips as the Madison.

What this means is a worry-free, secure ride for the rear bag. I always take my D2R bag inside with me because it is so simple to get on and off the bicycle. I have a Blackburn Rack with a center shelf and the clips adjust for a perfect fit. If you are cycling or commuting in an urban area, this is a very important point to consider. Also the D2R rear bag has a bit more travel-ready room and separators for tools, a medical kit, food, and an extra water bottle holder/

The diagonal strap system of the Madison.

Strap One On
The diagonal strap is easy to wear and has a comfy adjustable shoulder pad. The carry straps stow inside the slip pouches during your ride and pop out easily. The Madison therefore looks great both on and off your bicycle!

Madison comes with Blinkie loops on both ends.

Madison Features
One of things I've come to expect from Detours bags is their attention to detail. I really like that the Madison has light loops for your favorite blinkie, (I've got my Portland Design Works DangerZone clipped in), so it is a full on, road ready bicycle bag. So important if you are routinely riding in traffic.

Other Madison Rack Trunk Bag Features Include:
4 Adjustable quick release buckles
Reflective Details
Lots of interior organization & key fob
Exterior slip pockets
Removable, padded shoulder strap
Side compression straps
Rain cover in secret zip pocket under the bag

Rain cover tucks secretly away under the bag

The Detours Madison Rack Trunk Bag would make a great gift for any commuter who uses their bicycle to travel to work or to play. It's quick release straps allow for a quick on and off the rack execution while looking amazingly chic during your ride. Like most Detours bicycle bags, the Madison has a built in rain cover that stows away in a secret pouch under the bag. Genius! Personally, I think the bag itself can take a spritz or two but for a downpour you'd want the extra visibility of their day glow rain cover. Thanks to their clip and stow system, the rain cap is always with the bag. Just the right size, I can tell this is going to become one of my favorite rack trunk bags for Bike Month.

Check out more essential gear and Bike Month bags for your ride at Detours.us

Bike to Work Day

Bike to Work or anywhere else! PHOTO: Crossover Helmet by Nutcase, GLC's Guilden Carry All, Craghopper's Gabriela Dress, Pistil's Straw Hat and OKeefe Scarf, Naya Maeve Sandals.

BIKE MONTH, NYC CITIBIKE-BIKE SHARE LAUNCH: While May is officially Bike Month, this is Bike to Work Week, (May 13th - 17th) with Bike to Work DAY coming on May 17th. More Americans are feeling the pinch of higher gas prices this year which makes getting around by bicycle even more attractive. NYC's plan to launch their city-wide Bike Share Program seems on track and scheduled to fully roll out on May 27th. This is really exciting because it gives people a chance to try getting around by bicycle before perhaps investing in one. Depending on where you live, keeping a bicycle in your apartment just might not be feasible.

So here are a few outfit & accessories ideas to help you along on your own bicycle or if you're using the CitiBike Program to get around.  Keep in mind that no matter which you choose, there is some amount of walking involved in every commute so it's important to make sure your shoes are comfy even off the bicycle.

Bicycle Helmets

Nutcase Crossover fits neatly inside the Guilden Carry-All

As a teen, I road around the city without a bicycle helmet for years. Now I am seldom seen without some sort of head-protection. Helmets have gotten a lot cooler these days and while I'm especially fond of my road bike helmets, they don't quite go with the urban vibe of bicycle commuting. I like the Crossover by Nutcase shown in the lead photo in Fire Engine Red. It's fully vented and has a comfortable chin strap cover with magnetic clasp. 
Once you arrive at your destination, take it with you by stowing it in the Guilden Carry All by Give Love Cycle. It will fit in this bag with room to spare and no one will be the wiser to your arrival by bicycle!

GLC's Guilden Carry-All attaches to your rear rack. Fits the new CitiBike Baskets too!

Bicycle Baskets
I've always been of the opinion that messenger bags are for well, bike messengers! That's because they are notorious for shifting during your ride. If your commute requires you carry in more equipment or supplies, consider a basket. I've found market & shopping trips to be a lot easier with a rear wire basket.  That way you can place all of your gear in a removable basket.  Since it's in the rear, no worries about squirrely steering up front. This Basil Cosa rear basket clamps securely onto my rear rack and the fold-in handles lock down in place. This is my farmer's market basket as it holds a LOT of produce!

Cosa Rear Basket by Basil NL

Bicycle Panniers
Another option for urban commuting and the downtown ride would be to use bicycle panniers that hang from your bicycle rack.  These are usually easy to put on and take off.  You can choose a variety of colors like these bright orange ones from Detours (Fremonster Flap in Poppy) which will give you extra visibility in traffic or go with something more subtle. 

Detours Fremoster Flap Panniers-totes clip on and off quickly.

Bicycle Clothing

Craghopper's NosiLife Gabriela Dress

Of course we want to ride with something that's going to be comfortable! The CitiBike has a nice step through so us ladies can wear skirts and dresses to work if we wish. Just keep in mind that being on a bicycle means being exposed to the elements. Sun, wind, insects are all just waiting for you on your ride. 

That's why I was so pleased to discover Craghopper's NosiLife Collection, specifically their Gabriella Dress which offers a UPF of 45 and mosquito repellent properties. You can dress the Gabriela up or down but it is an office ready piece that you can ride in comfortably due to the stretch jersey fabric.

Padded Shorts
You might want to add something like Pedal Panties, (Bicycle Lingerie) or a Terry Mesh Liner underneath for a little extra padding but the CitiBike seats are known to be quite cushy and wide.


Bicycle Shoes
Yes, they make pumps with SPD plates built into them! You really don't need that for a simple bike commute though. I like the Naya Maeve Leather Sandals because they are very comfortable and look great once you arrive at your destination.  The soles have a rubbery grip that keeps you from slipping.  These really are comfortable despite the heel height and you'll find them to be perfect as they require very little break-in time.

Naya Maeve Leather Sandals in Oxford Brown

Prepare for a Rainy Day
The weather can change in a second, especially during summer months. Your bike commute gear should include some type of rain wear that will cover you on the bicycle. This is where a bicycle with fenders is going to be your very best friend! That or a rear rack with a center shelf like my Blackburn. As for a raincoat, I like ExOfficio's Rain Logic Trench Coat.  Downtown chic styling but super lightweight.  Roll it up and pack it into its hood when you don't need it.  Has a bit of stretch and zip pits, it is completely waterproof and covers your whole outfit. One of the best raincoats I own.

ExOfficio's Rain Logic Trench rolls into its own hood!

Bike Month: CitiBike and GLC's Guilden Carry All

Right: GLC's Guilden Carry All designed for the Capitol Bike Share Program in Washington D.C.

Spring 2013 NYC Bike Share Program: One of the pure joys I have as a fitness author and blog editor is the opportunity to meet some real movers and shakers. I'm talking about people who walk the walk (or ride the ride) and are making a difference with innovative designs and ideas. Two intrepid entrepreneurs who fit this description are two former college roommates, Debra Zusin and Mariana R. Chambers of Give Love Cycle. They've designed both the small and large Guilden Carry All with cyclists like us in mind.

Guilden Carry All on my Nishiki (Blackburn Rear Rack)

This May, the NYC Bike Share (CitiBike) Program has finally launched after several stalls, projected starts and then delays. As someone who often travels into NYC for business and pleasure, I was quite excited about this program since the Bike Path is often my main transportation route around the city. 
Previously, I would bring my own alloy folding bicycle on the train. Problem is, carrying it up the stairs from the train platform (sometimes the escalator is not working) at Penn Station is a bit much, especially during rush hour.

Riding our Green Zone Foldy downtown at Chelsea Piers, NYC.

As for carry on luggage you can see in the photo above, the standard issue Trek Trunk most cyclists use. I'm not knocking this bag but it is not very comfortable (or stylish) to carry even though it comes with a shoulder strap. Taking it on and off the bicycle is also a bit of a pain. The Guilden Carry All secures easily by means of built in strap clips and loops. So two things which are made for each other can solve my NYC transportation issues: CitiBike + GLC's Guilden Carry All.

GLC's Guilden Carry All with reflective piping, is made to fit CitiBike Baskets

I really think this is a much better solution to getting around the city but it's made that much easier when you have the right "luggage" on board. The small Guilden Carry All was made to fit the CitiBike, bike share bicycles' front basket with ease. The reflective piping all around gives you extra visibility when the sun goes down. So it's a win-win situation. Roomy enough to accommodate your helmet, extra clothing and other items. One of my pet peeves is when people tell me they drove to the gym to take a spinning class. I'm thinking "Wow, what a waste!"  All of that gas, energy and time. How about just getting some exercise and fresh air while doing your errands or commuting to work? A bag like this would be a great gift for someone who has signed up for a bike share program or is thinking about commuting by bicycle. Really this bag fits on any rear rack or Dutchy style handle bars.

I'm hoping that the bike share program expands to many other cities but right now I am LOVING this bag on my own bicycle.  While it is ready for the CitiBike transfer, it also looks amazing on your arm. Now when I head into the city, my Guilden Carry All is ready for the trip!

GLC's Guilden Small Carry All in Bone

Sunlite QRS Commuter XP Trunk Bag + Panniers

Sunlite QRS Commuter XP Trunk Bag on a Green Zone Folding Bike

National Bike to Work Month is in May but for some of us, it is a year round celebration... well sort of.  When our bicycle is set up properly and we have everything we need on board, it can be wonderful.  In other words when you have a plan, you can relax and know that your commute is pretty much covered from minor equipment repairs and rainy weather to medical emergencies.

So to make sure you can stick with the program for a week or even a month trial of bicycle commuting, consider upgrading your bike bags now.  There will be quite a few warm days that you can try out your new setup before hitting the road in earnest.  I was looking for a more structured rear trunk to replace the old Trek Bag I currently use.  I saw Sunlite Bags at a local bike shop and was really impressed with the aerodynamic lines and compact design.  I like neat bike bags with a bit of shape, not the "sausages" you see on the touring bikes headed for the Appalachians.  We plan on doing that later just not with a folding bike!

Sunlite Commuter Bag with Panniers down

Sunlite QRS Commuter XP Trunk Bag


This trunk offers the sleekness of a hardshelled case with the option of expanding the side pouches by lowering them down into panniers.  These side panniers are large enough for an extra change of clothes, food. drinks, etc.  There is even a plastic hook at the bottom of the bag to anchor it to your rack for extra stability.

As these panniers are smaller than the yellow AngleTech TechWind Panniers (photographed for size comparison), you don't have the problem with kicking during your pedal strokes.  The main compartment of the trunk itself is also expandable with a Bungee cord tie down strap on top.  An easy to access zip pouch in the rear gives you a place for money, keys, tissues or anything else you want to have handy.  This rear accessory pocket also has a light strap so you can clip on a blinky (pictured is our cool Portland Design Works Danger Zone Tail Light).
  
The bag itself is made of water resistant 660 denier polyester with large, highly reflective 3-H trim all around. The zippers are self sealing so if you get caught in the rain as I have with this bag, the contents will stay dry.  Some of my other trunks, (Detours D2R Trunk Bag) and panniers come with rain covers which would most likely fit this rear trunk but I think you would be fine without one.  Best of all is when the Panniers are not needed, they stow away but if you need extra space, you have it.  So many times I've said, "I just need a few things from Target" only to roll out with a shopping cart full of stuff.  Having expandable cargo space like this increases the usability of your bike, making you more likely to take it for short errands and shopping trips.

This particular Sunlite Commuter Bag model (#97087) has the QRS or Quick Release System which is a clip on bicycle luggage set up.  The QRS spring elements in the bottom of the bag allow you to clip it on and off the rack and carry it with the strap which is included.  So you will need to purchase a QRS carrier compatible with this system to utilize it fully.  The bottom of the trunk itself is hard-cased which is good to protect your belongings, but personally would have liked a slightly softer, more rubbery material so the bag would be more secure and quieter on the rack BUT this might not be the case if I used the matching QRS carrier. To remedy this, I placed a chamois mitt between the carrier and the bag so now it rides snug and quietly.   (Note: I don't have the QRS Carrier/Rack System for this bag.  I added elastic straps to the bag and am using the original rear rack that came with the Green Zone Folding Bike).


Pack Your Bags!  I've dumped out my rear trunk so you can see what's in mine.

Commuting or just tooling around?  I take along:

Montane Lite-Speed Jacket breathable, water and wind resistant, (packs neatly into a hacky-sack like ball with carabiner).  A change of clothes, top & pants is a good idea too.

Adventure SOL Medical / Survival Kit has everything for medical emergencies, gear repair and being comfortable until help arrives.  Cable ties, duct tape, aspirin, bandages, a fire starter.  The works!

Extra tissues and handkerchiefs.  I store and separate them in zip lock bags.

Mission Skincare SPF 15 Lip Balmer.

Insulated Klean Kanteen in a PDW Bar-ista holder.

CatEye Tora Outdoor Light allows you to see and be seen if you have to do repairs or walk your bike.

Extra food and water.  We like Insulated Klean Kanteens for keeping food and drinks HOT for up to 6 hours.  If you break down or bonk, warm up with that hot coffee you've got in your Portland Design Works Bar-ista cup holder.  (See Hot Food & Drinks to Go)


The main thing is to be prepared for common things like flats but also not so common events like injuries and fatigue.  Always have a charged cell with you and put ID inside your helmet.  You can start bike commuting by doing your local errands in good weather.  This will give you confidence while easing you into the raging bike commuter you want to be by May. 

So what are some bike comfort essentials you can't leave home without?  Coffee, snacks, Jack Daniels (oh wait)?

Fall Bike Commuter Essentials

Jackson Long Coat by Carve Designs is fully lined & made of 100% boiled wool.  Eye wear by Rudy Project.

Walk it.  Bike it. Love it! Get into it with XTreme XTraining's Fall Bike Commuter Essentials.  Here's our music video take on how to choose the proper gear and dress stylishly for cooler temps. Our motto is to get dressed once in the morning, put on your hiking shoes and or hop on your bike and be ready for anything the day brings.  Dressing in layers also assures extra warmth & comfort.  We chose these specific wool pieces because they allow for athletic movement and wicking of moisture.  New to XTreme XTraining this season is Ahnu Footwear with their Monte Vista Hiking Boots featured in Terry Bicycle's Fall 2011 Catalog. We are also excited about Carve Designs of California's "west coast represent" (now put your hands up), with key pieces for walking and/or cycling.  Of course we adore our rugged and beautiful COSA by Basil Baskets from the Netherlands. Check out CatEye's NEW INOU GPS Video Camera that overlays your bike commute videos and still photos over a Google Map to share with other commuters via social networks.  It can also record road incidents and conditions to report or avoid for safer traveling. Consider fall your second spring and get out there!  Song: Time to Roll

INOU GPS Video Cam by CatEye

 







Actual footage shot with the CatEye INOU GPS Video Cam with handlebar mount!