After having problems installing the bracket for the Master bike lock so that the lock can actually slide into place for storage, I returned it. I looked through the other bike locks that they had, and chose a Kryptonite bike lock. It has a keyed lock instead of a combination lock, mean I will have to carry a key with me. I am wondering if I should have maybe gotten a bike lock with a heavier cable. Kryptonite on their website lists the type of cable I got as “Perfect for Quick Release Component and Accessory Lock-Up!” It looks like the prefered type lock is the U-Lock. The problem I have with a U-Lock, is it maybe be more difficult to find something to lock the bike to. Also, I would have to remove the front wheel every time, so I could lock it up also. Of course how often am I going to be locking it up. Maybe I should have both a U-Lock, and a cable.
It is getting darker earlier and earlier. Pretty soon it will be dark when I get to work, and dark when I leave. It would be nice to at least have the option of riding a little at night.
I looked at a bunch of lights. Two brands seem to stand out: Cateye and Planet Bike. I debated about going with a bright light (xenon), or a long lasting light (LED). I seriously considered the Cateye HL-EL500. I love the idea of having a light that will last many hours. But I was concerned that the 1000 candlepower of light output might not be enough. And it sounded like the light was a focuses beam that might make navigation difficult. A reviewer for that light suggested the Planet Bike 5000X. The Planet Bike light has two levels of output, either 3000 or 5000 candlepower. The batteries will last 3-4 hours on the 3000 setting, or 1.5-2 hours on the higher setting. But I think with the higher light output, I might be more comfortable riding on some trails. I was on the fence between the two units, but finally swung me was that the Planet Bike 5000X was about half the price of the Cateye HL-EL500. So I ordered the Planet Bike light. I will need to remember to bring some extra batteries, or get a small LED light as a back up.
I have been debating whether to buy a new bike computer, or use my old Cateye Micro CC-6000. The Cateye Micro CC-6000 is probably around 15 years old, maybe more. I was looking around and saw that new bike computers seem to be a lot cheaper than when I bought the Cateye Micro. I don’t remember what I paid for it, but I seem to remember that it wasn’t cheap. Many of the new bike computers also seem to be wireless. That would be cool. Of course, the wireless models are more expensive. A wireless model might be better for my mountain bike. But then I already own the Cateye Micro. I will probably just hookup the Cateye Micro for the time being. Since it has been sitting around in a box for at least 13 years, the battery is probably dead. Maybe at lunch, I will pick up a new battery for it just in case. Then tonight, I can work on getting the unit installed on my bike. If it doesn’t work, I can always buy a new wireless model.