My homemade bicycle widgetry

Folks,

A long while back I asked for ideas about handlebar-mounted maps, and a
short while back I asked about a non-crappy mirror. Neither of these
queries resulted in any commercial products that seemed to be what I
wanted, meaning that I had an excuse to make the widgetry myself.

I made a map holder and a rear-view mirror mount and would like to share
them with the group. Pics are available at:

http://reidster.net/pics/2004-09-05/

Comments and questions welcome.

Reid

On Sun, 05 Sep 2004 12:59:16 -0500, Reid Priedhorsky
wrote:

Folks,

A long while back I asked for ideas about handlebar-mounted maps, and a
short while back I asked about a non-crappy mirror. Neither of these
queries resulted in any commercial products that seemed to be what I
wanted, meaning that I had an excuse to make the widgetry myself.

I made a map holder and a rear-view mirror mount and would like to share
them with the group. Pics are available at:

http://reidster.net/pics/2004-09-05/

Comments and questions welcome.

Reid

Hi Reid,

I can only say that whenever I have tried mirrors that are attached to
the bike, once underway they present only a vibrating buzz of
confusion.

Attached to my helmet, they work well...

All the best,

--
Kenneth

If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS."

On Sun, 05 Sep 2004 12:59:16 -0500, Reid Priedhorsky
wrote:

Folks,

A long while back I asked for ideas about handlebar-mounted maps, and a
short while back I asked about a non-crappy mirror. Neither of these
queries resulted in any commercial products that seemed to be what I
wanted, meaning that I had an excuse to make the widgetry myself.

I made a map holder and a rear-view mirror mount and would like to share
them with the group. Pics are available at:

http://reidster.net/pics/2004-09-05/

Comments and questions welcome.

Reid

Hi Reid,

I can only say that whenever I have tried mirrors that are attached to
the bike, once underway they present only a vibrating buzz of
confusion.

Attached to my helmet, they work well...

All the best,

--
Kenneth

If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS."

"Reid Priedhorsky" wrote in message

Comments and questions welcome.

I can't imagine why you would want to strap a clipboard on to your bike.
Can't you just keep the map in your pocket, and when you wanted to refer to
it, just take it out and look at it? Seems like overkill to me.

Plus, honestly, it doesn't do much for the appearance of your bike, if that
means anything at all to you. And don't you think it will have an adverse
impact from an aerodynamic standpoint?

Dave

"Reid Priedhorsky" wrote in message

Comments and questions welcome.

I can't imagine why you would want to strap a clipboard on to your bike.
Can't you just keep the map in your pocket, and when you wanted to refer to
it, just take it out and look at it? Seems like overkill to me.

Plus, honestly, it doesn't do much for the appearance of your bike, if that
means anything at all to you. And don't you think it will have an adverse
impact from an aerodynamic standpoint?

Dave

Obviously your mirror works for you, or you wouldn't have posted it. If
helmet or spectacle mirrors work better for some other riders, then that's
what they should use. For those who prefer bar-mounted mirrors, as I do, I
am happy to see a workmanlike solution, and AI am glad you offered it.

In relation to the map board, I think I would have trouble reading a map
while trying to ride, and I agree that a pocket seems adequate. Another
solution occurs to me, as well: How about a transparent map-holder, with
the map properly folded inside it, held to the front of your jersey with
Velchro? Pull it off--read it--stick it back. If you can read it while
riding, so much the better.

Obviously your mirror works for you, or you wouldn't have posted it. If
helmet or spectacle mirrors work better for some other riders, then that's
what they should use. For those who prefer bar-mounted mirrors, as I do, I
am happy to see a workmanlike solution, and AI am glad you offered it.

In relation to the map board, I think I would have trouble reading a map
while trying to ride, and I agree that a pocket seems adequate. Another
solution occurs to me, as well: How about a transparent map-holder, with
the map properly folded inside it, held to the front of your jersey with
Velchro? Pull it off--read it--stick it back. If you can read it while
riding, so much the better.

On Sun, 05 Sep 2004 12:59:16 -0500, Reid Priedhorsky
wrote:

Folks,

A long while back I asked for ideas about handlebar-mounted maps, and a
short while back I asked about a non-crappy mirror. Neither of these
queries resulted in any commercial products that seemed to be what I
wanted, meaning that I had an excuse to make the widgetry myself.

I made a map holder and a rear-view mirror mount and would like to share
them with the group. Pics are available at:

http://reidster.net/pics/2004-09-05/

Comments and questions welcome.

Reid

What is the glue holding the aluminum bar to the clipboard?
Personally, I'd reinforce that with bolts. Vibrations can be nasty on
any glue on a bike, and having the clipboard fall into the wheel could
be distracting at the least.

On Sun, 05 Sep 2004 12:59:16 -0500, Reid Priedhorsky
wrote:

Folks,

A long while back I asked for ideas about handlebar-mounted maps, and a
short while back I asked about a non-crappy mirror. Neither of these
queries resulted in any commercial products that seemed to be what I
wanted, meaning that I had an excuse to make the widgetry myself.

I made a map holder and a rear-view mirror mount and would like to share
them with the group. Pics are available at:

http://reidster.net/pics/2004-09-05/

Comments and questions welcome.

Reid

What is the glue holding the aluminum bar to the clipboard?
Personally, I'd reinforce that with bolts. Vibrations can be nasty on
any glue on a bike, and having the clipboard fall into the wheel could
be distracting at the least.

Raoul Duke wrote:
I can't imagine why you would want to strap a clipboard on to your bike.
Can't you just keep the map in your pocket, and when you wanted to refer to
it, just take it out and look at it? Seems like overkill to me.

I love my BarMap ( http://www.cycoactive.com/bike/bmh.html ). When
following a cue sheet for a route I really like knowing what is coming
up and not having to stop to check. Despite using graduated bifocals I
find I can read a cue sheet while riding.

Pam