Nice flashlight mount
I've been looking into adapting my bike for night commuting (I get out of class at 10pm and don't really like having to waste money on bus fare
). So far I've got the flashlight (well, a Fenix Flashlight mount and my regular flashlight =P) and... that's all I could think of until I stumbled upon this thread =P now these items are in the soon-to-buy list:
-Rear light (to replace reflector)
-Tire ring reflecting thingies... =P
I'm also looking for a rear rack and a basket. I know you mentioned you'll do without those now and just carry a backpack but I have to say I strongly advice against that if you are going to commute. I commute 5 miles from my home to my college and I carry my stuff on a backpack (only a couple notebooks, a binder, my nook, and about 10 lb of supplies) and it leads to some really annoying (although not unbearable... yet) lower back pains after 20 minutes of riding. I'll be purchasing a rear rack + wire baskets to carry my load from now on. I saw this other bike with them, and they folded into a really compact position when unused and did not look clunky at all.
The Wald 520 Rear Twin Bicycle Carrier Basket looks big enough to fit my backpack and it's only just over $30 on amazon so I'll be getting that one.
None of my equipment is reflective, I have a regular bell helmet and black gloves and usually ride in street clothes (bike clothes will come when I can afford them
), but I think with the two lights and the reflective tires I should be visible plenty. What do you think?