5 Essentials for Living Car Free!
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- Опубліковано 24 бер 2024
- We are back to being car free in Spain. Here are some essential bits of gear helping make it possible.
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It's so easy to live and thrive car free in Europe, especially in the Netherlands where I moved to. I havent driven in almost a full year and I'm so much happier.
Been car-free for life and may always be. I have a few additions!
1. BASKET. A Wald basket or similar is an amazing way to add versatility to your bike. If you ever unexpectedly need to carry some shopping or whatever, just throw it in there. Then you can go basketpacking on the weekend. A cargo net zip tied on or a couple of bungees wrapped around it are a vital addition.
2. RAIN GEAR. Invest in some decent rain gear, or at the very least just make sure you keep some on the bike at all times. You never know when you might get caught out.
3. MIRROR. It took me a long time to try this out, but I really enjoy having a mirror for maneuvering in traffic. I prefer a bar mounted one because I don't like having a bunch of stuff on my head, but will concede that helmet mounted ones are probably better in function. This might not be for everyone and probably isn't necessary if you have a good network of bike paths, but I've never been that fortunate!
4. TYRES. Consider your options. City riding can often mean riding through glass or other debris. You'll also be clocking up a lot of miles and tyres wear. I love the classic Schwalbe Marathon Plus or Plus Tour because although they're heavy and not exactly "cool" these days - they last forever and I've never had a puncture in all my years of commuting with them. Tubeless is a great option obviously, but for your commuter bike you might want to keep it simple unless it's your only bike and you use it for leisure rides, bikepacking, trail riding etc...
5. PHONE MOUNT. A Quad Lock mount is vital for me. Sometimes I need directions and having G-Maps or the like right on your bars is much better than holding your phone.
Great video subject. There are a couple of "commuter-based" channels out there, but it's good to hear your take!
Love my Mirrycle.
Investing in proper rain gear is such a huge boost to wet weather riding. If looking for casual but good weather proof pants, I highly recommend the Canadian company DU/ER and their all weather line of jeans. Best jeans I've ever owned that can double as cycling wear... stretch, reinforced gusset, reflective branding, triple stitching.
I just returned from a 3 week holiday in Italy. After using trains and walking everywhere I found acclimating to driving a car very strange and my biggest adjustment to being home. It was easy to adjust to walking for a coffee, groceries or a meal and the human interactions were a bonus.
Car free in Tokyo. Must admit it is easier than having a car. Huge bike parks outside supermarkets, train stations etc. Fantastic train and bus system. Most car drivers are pretty considerate. Plenty of bike shops and, with some care, quite easy to own a decent bike without fear of thieves.
Keeping "honest people honester"... love it.
Never had a driving license, so this is the only way to live I know. More than anything, a car-free life requires comfortable shoes and choosing your neighborhood with some care. I found backpack panniers to be cumbersome, so I went for the Arkel Metropolitan pannier / messenger bag, and I'm very happy with it.
I only spent a couple of weeks in Spain thirty years ago, but had no problem getting around using public transport and walking. Better than I can say for any place I’ve been in the States.
I’m currently sitting in an apartment on the 3rd floor in Barcelona. We brought our Brompton bicycles and keep noticing how perfect they are here. Very easy to fold and carry upstairs to hiding them under our table while eating.
I think Bromptons are the perfect commuting bike... Don't own one but as a student of mobility I think it's literally the best way to get around in Barcelona
They are best way to get around period :) although in barcelona I think one should lower the gearing
I forgot to mention that it was watching this channel about 14 years ago that got us to purchase our Bromptons and travel.
As a legally blind guy from Portugal who CAN'T drive, this is really helpful! Thanks a bunch! Have a great stay in the Iberian Peninsula!
Not in any way judging but how safe is cycling if your blindness prevents driving? I'm aware there are lots of types and degrees of blindness but interested. Thanks
Yezzz. Stimes they r cycling on pedestrian lanes and use dirty words if u do not jump aside. Forbidden, they do not care. If u r hurt/killed they r fleeing. @@zmuzzy101
@@zmuzzy101 no judgement taken! The difficulties I have regarding cycling is long distance vision and some side vision dificulties in high traffic, so, effectively, sinse I'm no adept of reaching speeds above 30km/h in rurar roads and ride pretty calmly in urban scenarios, I'm fine ahah
@@vascomanata Very cool. Thanks for explaining!
Car free life! Great lane! I really hope this video does well and we get more car free life content. I would watch you grocery shop! Thanks for the awesome videos and THE BEST stickers!
My mate had that second ( zip-tie-like? ) lock you showed. We were post ride in the pub when he realised he'd left his key for it in his car. My multitool took 30 seconds to get into it. Please keep the lovely videos coming. Any channel that celebrates " Party Pace " is pretty good in my book.
I lobe hub dynamo setup on the "dutch bike" equipped with shimano internal Hub Gear. (It is a Belgian bike in fact)
I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets existential doubt when I have a rack on a bike that I know I'm not going to use for at least the next few rides 😆
I'm in love with my BROMPTON. It is the most genius bicycle ever made in terms of absolute utility.... And it has insanely fun ride dynamic. I use it for recreational rides because of how "zippy" it feels.
I'd figure that if your bike got stolen, you'd make a new bike build video and an another video about the first bike being stolen, another video on shopping and visiting bike shops and community coops, and another on the review of the build. Can't you see that your bike is holding you back? 😄
Wow - I was just in a bike shop two days ago and came across the Ortlieb backpack pannier. I took it out of its bag, but was confused by the concept and how it worked. After watching your video and seeing your demonstration of it, it looks like an ingenious design. How timely! I think I will go back to the shop and get it.
Fenix BC05R V2.0 is a USB-type C rechargeable bicycle rear light!
Great advice, thanks! I love this Spain content and am really happy for you two making the move there!
I find fenders/mudguards to be another essential for me given the climate where I live.
I've come to prefer chain locks over U locks. Similar resistance to cutting, but the chain is more floppity, so more difficult for an angle grinder. And they're easier to carry.
The best bike lights as well as cycling helmets with built-in lights is Lumos. I have their helmet for 5 years now and it still works great. I have ridden almost 10 thousand miles in that time so I would say the helmet led lights, on the helmet, have well over a thousand hours of running time. They have front lights, rear lights, and turn signals. The lights are small, bright, and charge using usb-c connections.
Hey Russ, for USB-C taillights, me and my partner have been digging the FENIX BC05R V2.0. Great battery life, bright, and have gone through a few downpours+muddy trails without any issues so far.
+1 - got mine "free" with purchase of front light!
That Ortlieb combo, rack plus the Vario bag… really cool! Thanks for the pointer!
Thank you for the informative video. Lots of good options on transportation products. Thank you for answering my question.
The VarioPS is awesome, it is unfortunate it is hard to get but 100% worth it.
Unrelated to this video, but it looks like the silca gravelero mini pump has been redesigned and the cap was changed to the same one as the tattico. Your review of the tattico was what made me buy one before.
ooo that vario looks perfect! great suggestion. I've got a convertible pannier/backpack but not near as nice and easy to use as that system. I know what my next bike item purchase is. As always fantastic and informative content. Thanks!
Crane bells any day! The sound is... 🤌 Very elegant. We recently bought one for my wife's Larkspur 2. Fits the bike's aesthetics perfectly.
That ortileb pack is sweet. I was trying to track down a discontinued chrome version that was similar
stoked to try the backpack/pannier out! I've used the Ortlieb back roller + carrying system that they have...but this looks much more practical.
Highly recommend the Knog Blinder Link with a rack mount. It has been an awesome rear light with USB C charging. You can even pick up a saddle mount and it magnetically attaches to both mounts for easy swaps. Or even slide the light onto your backpack.
Ah dude, I didn't realize that you had moved to Spain! I'm jealous of all the potential rides you have in your future. Check out the excellent Via Verde route starting in Jaen sometime. I went from there and rode all the way to the coast (Cadiz) and then back inland to Sevilla back in 2019. It was an awesome route.
been running an Abus 470 myself for years. Locking next to a better bike with a cheaper lock always helps too.
Really into that ortlieb bag!
Loving my quick rack and already considering their smart bag.
That Tossa de Mar ride is a nice one by the coast
So indexed light brightness? Ever try friction brightness? 😊
I use a Burley Flatbed and a Coho XC. The Coho is kind of a unnecessary treat. It does bad with too much weight, but it is amazing for throwing bulky items in and not having to worry about the trailer being wider than the bike. Does nicely on bumpy ground. The Flatbed is for carrying heavy and long stuff, like furniture and the weekly grocery run.
Love the Quickrack, it's a game changer.
Have you seen the Carla Cargo? It's 3 wheeled, so there is functionally 0 tongue weight transmitted to the bike, and it has "automatic surge brakes" that are dynamo powered or something? Pretty wild! But definitely wider than the bike.
@@KoroWerks looks amazing. I don't have the space, but this could definitely solve some problems (Bike transport for example)
@@1esk192 I just found out it's Open Source as well!
The Carla Cargo is great but also PHENOMENALLY EXPENSIVE!
It's around 5k in the basic ordinary non self propelled electric motor version. They are really just for businesses that want to be seen to be greenwashing. Or the few that actually will really use them to their potential.
There are much much cheaper similar alternatives out there. Alibaba has a pretty cool in between option with a 1.2 metre floor length trailer for about 300 bucks. It does weigh in at about 28kg if I remember correctly with a load capacity of up to 150kg but after I get my first e-bike, it may be next on my list.
@@tconnolly9820 "Seem to be green washing" how does that 5+k compare to a cargo van or other delivery vehicle?
And again, it's open source. If you own, or know someone with a welder, this design, perhaps using a tricycle or kids bike for the steerer and front wheel, is absolutely viable to make on your own.
Carla Cargo is a concept, as well as a product. They made instructions for you to build your own.
I'm not anti Alibaba, save money where you can, but it might actually be cheaper/easier/faster/better to get a cheap portable welding kit, some square wall tubing, and chop up an old kids bike or 3.
Are the Alibaba trailers 3 wheeled? I've only seen wike style "aluminum ladder" trailers, or full on tuktuk style micro trucks.
Moon Helix Max 250 Rear - USB-C. The mount looks suspect, but in my experience is very secure. The option to have different strips both constant and flashing simultaneously is perfect for UK riding.
I got the Cerberus for the usb-c charging.
Love their rear lights.
knog blinder with saddle mount is may favorite usb c tail light
Luv your shirt Russ❤
For rear lights I use Knog lights, they have the USB stick integrated in the design, so no need for cables, just plug the light directly to the usb port. I recommend the Knog Cobber, you can also customize the light patterns with a proprietary Knog software.
@3:12 that’s mini-usb 👍🏻
Russ, Fenix has USB C bike lights. I've been using the rear light for 4 years. Very happy with it.
I've been using the original ortlieb backpack adapter much the same way never really take it off, just flip it to the other side for riding. This new version is a bit more aero. Also using open roll top + stuffable side flap, you could probably fit 60 litres of stuff. Gotta check it out.
Yes! Long live the Gino! :-)
Magicshine's rear lights are some of the only ones I can find that use USB-C
I thought this would be more like different types of luggage, for how you carry groceries, or how you get to work without arriving soaking wet if it rains... A lock, a light and a bell are pretty mandatory in any city anyway, they're not really anything to do with using a bike to be 'car free' or you could include bicycle pumps as well in that list 🙂
same here !
IMHO, the first essential to living car-free is having a city bike.
These city bikes come with all the essentials to go car-free.
And I mean a European city bike, not what Americans
think is a city bike, like Generalized Sirrus, Trek FX,
Cannondale Quick.
(All those bikes have no fenders, no racks, no lights, no bikestand,
no bell, no lock like AXA defender).
For Europeans, a citybike is a bike like the Gazelle Esprit, or
Cortina U4 Transport.(Google it).
These European citybikes come equipped with everything you need so you
can do shopping, ride to you work, or just get around town.
These bikes are cheap to get secondhand (€100), and are super reliable.
I would never use my $3500 gravel bike in a city like Girona for shopping.
Your bike will get stole at some point.
If you really want to know how to live car-free, look at people in countries
such as Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands, where they have been doing this
for ages, and have really figured out what kind of bike you need for this.
From what I have seen in my bike travels in Europe, in France and Spain they are not there yet.
Regarding that Abus lock, nice stuff, but it is much faster and convenient
to install a ring-lock like Axa Defender or Abus Amparo 495, which is always attached to your bikeframe.
And if you ride a cheap second-hand citybike no one wants to steal, you do not have to spent
$100 on locks.
I often find the title of a path less pedaled video to not be as accurate as it could, or more like the content leaves you wishing for more.
That doesn't take away from the already good content.
Moon does a series of rear lights with USB C and brake sensing, cool little bonus to warn people behind you that you're slowing down
Magshine makes nice usb-c light
I've been using the Lezyne Strip Drive Pro 400+ Rear Light. it has super long run times at super bright flashing levels and it's USB-C.
German discounter LIDL (stores in many EU countries) sells excellent usb-c rechargeable lights for somewhere around €15 for a set. Just need to wait for the 'cycling week'.
We have Lidl in many parts of the US. I'm fortunate enough to be able to walk to the one in my neighborhood. This week appears to be our cycling sale. I was able to get a decent mini pump and a surprisingly sturdy bike maintenance rack all for less than 27 US dollars. Even if neither last for a particularly long time, I'm certain I will have gotten value from it. No lights unfortunately.
Appreciate, Russ, for sharing your insights! I am also looking for a bike lights with USB-C charging option; one brand that brought my attention is Ravemen, did not test it, but it seems to be a decent quality products. Considering to try it myself. Maybe, you will find this worth to take a look at! Cheers!
I've bought a pannier few years back, and to my surprise stopped using it after a while. Backpack was just more convenient, versatile and simpler to use. Now I recommend panniers only to people who are on the "sweaty" side 😉
I also use the combo of the Orlieb Quick Rack and the Abus lock. I'm curious about more details on the Ortlieb bag, as I also have the panier-bag problem but I was very unsure whether the cover of this Ortlieb bag would be to inconvenient.
Forget which rear light but think
Zach mentioned in one of his videos a few months ago that he finally found a rear with usb-c. Since he was getting annoyed by the lack of update.
I've been using the Olight BS 100 as a rear light. It's nice and small, and has USB-C charging. My only issue is it "cheats" a bit by turning on very bright and then dimming after 20 minutes to save power. But even once it dims to low power mode it seems bright enough.
I have a Knog Blinder saddle latigh that uses usb-c and its great
I have the bookman light, I really like it but I wish they made the analogue knob turn the light on. Having to press and hold the button to turn on kind of bummed me out. On the plus side the knob makes is quick and easy to dim the light and not blind oncoming cyclists and crank up and flash those cyclists with 1000 lumen blinking lights on a bike way.
Can you do a video on the best bag basket or rack system that works best for on and off the bike. As in easy to take off and put on the bike. Plus ease of use on and off
If no one else has shared yet, the Niterider VMAX+ 150 uses USB C for charging.
I use a NiteRider Vmax+ rear light that charges via USB-C. Not sure how widely they are distributed. It replaced that exact same light you have, its battery had done one too many brevets.
The pannier backpack looks cool, but I wonder how much value the giant flippy panel actually adds? Like couldn't they just have added some more reasonable strap management to keep that from flapping around in the breeze and then just eliminated the conversion step you have to do every time you switch from pannier mode to backpack mode and back?
The flap gathers everything in rather than the potential of strap management failing or be misused and have something go in the wheel.
Does anybody know if/ where you can find extra attachment point kits for the quickrack? I would really like to be able to move it from bike to bike and not have to buy multiple racks. Can't seem to find it anywhere but it seems like it would be an obvious benefit to have these available.
How are you finding Europe for buying bicycle related stuff vs. USA?
I'd like to know what helmet-mount mirror you guys prefer to use. I've sworn by a glass-mount Take-A-Look but the clip ends up distorting my sunglass arm a bit - otherwise i love my mirror - so stable and easy to adjust. I won't ride without it.
I use a Knog Blinder Link Rear Light, that attaches to the back of a rearrack. It is usb-c charge and can be detached in a split second by hand when needed. it is up to 100 lumens, så very bright, even for riding in daylight. You can also attach it to a sadle.
I have this light and really like it. The only thing that concerns me is that the mechanism that the light slides in and out of has a fair bit of flex. I'm worried that it might not be too strong, but I guess time will tell! Other than that, it's a great light. The form factor is amazing and I'm not sure why more companies haven't already done something similar!
@@VeloObscura I very much agree, but mine is still holding up fine. I really liken the idea of a quality rearlight that attaches to the rearrack.
I blame you, I fell in love with Soma Fab just in a week.
Check out AGU undyed bags and cycling clothes. They are supposed to be good in the brutally hot sun in Spain.
Hi Russ quick question, have you ever ridden a bike with a frame coupler system that allows the frame to be broken in two for easier packing when travelling, if so how was it?. Just looking at how viable it would be to have pair retro fitted to a modern steel frame I have. I just silver brazed some downtube shifter mounts and have indexed 11 speed dura ace shifters and they are flawless, if I could also get the couplers mounted (would ideally do this myself) that setup would be the perfect travel bike for ass end of nowhere trips...
A bike hack I've loved using in Barcelona is buying a super shitty bike that no one wants to steal... I bought one for 20 bucks off of wallapop and I leave it everywhere without a lock... Hasn't been stolen in 4 months 🕺🏽
Love your channel. What glasses are you wearing?
In have Bontrager lights with micro USB charging, I ALWAYS have the cable the wrong way when charging, you would think with chance I would have it right 50% of the time 😅
Hello Russ, you use that stick to let the bike stands, what kind of stick is it?
What is that light attached to your Rivendell fork?
Are they Paul motolight brakes?? Happy with them?
The 6th essential is having a friend or a family member who has a car and you can bum a ride from on a regular basis.
A note on the company Abus. The philosophy of the company is rooted in the christian beliefs of the family owning the business. Unfortunately these beliefs include the idea, that the women in the family should not be included in the ownership/management of the business and going as far as making only the sons in the family inherit shares of company. There's only German press coverage on the topic (as far as I can tell), but there is a small note in the on the English Wikipedia page on Abus with a link to a German newspaper.
And, this make the locks unsafe?
Probably... If you’re an atheist, your bike will be stolen. 😅😁😆
@@carlosfiretablet267 I believe the comment was on the beliefs of the owners. Some people consider the seller when they buy things.
Did you know that traditionally farms were handed down to the sons? Does that mean we should stop eating?
@flippoh You should ask the women of this family on how they feel not being “involved”with business.
Your say you oil paint-how do you carry it back since it takes WEEKS to dry?
Homemade panel carriers.
@@PathLessPedaledTV aha!
what is that light on the fork Russ?
Do y'all still have Bromptons?
Who cares about all this bike stuff? What matters is the rad coat you're wearing @5:26!
The granit lock doubles up as a really nice weapon.
I bought that rack online from Germany but , it doesn't fit on my Salsa Fargo . $$
Cygolite released some new stuff, I think it's all USB c
I live in a great part of New Jersey where people don’t ride bikes or exercise, so no need to take my bike
+1 on the old usb on the cygolite... so annoying
Bicycle Smart Auto Brake Sensing Light IPx6 Waterproof LED Charging Cycling Taillight Bike Rear Light Accessories Q5 (Ali express, About £10, saddle mount and USBC)
Spain is in a mess with regards this subject. I live in the north they are panic building pedestrian walkways along the side of existing roads that are not safe. The terrain is the biggest problem here for cyclists. In the north it is very hilly if not mountainous. Great for leisure cycling but not good for commuting.
I try to walk a lot
Pedestrians dont hear me when i ring my bell. They all wear headsets
You need a louder bell! Not all bells are created equal.
My car is my life. My bike is my wife.
Those Combiflex TravelGuard style locks are a joke, you are only very slightly more protected than an unlocked bike, use the U-lock and park near more expensive bikes for the bike thieves to angle grind the lock off of.
Like I said, we only use those when we're traveling and not in the city. We're not lugging a u lock touring in the countryside.
Abus is open in 6.2 seconds.. there are better options..
: )
Do you take your bikes on public transport?
Thieves like quick release too, ask me how I know.
How do you know?
@@outtatrex I lost a nice mud guard, a headlight and a helmet on my bar's.
I miss the mudguard the most, it was a nice mudguard.
You should use the word carfree with a non American and see what they say.
Olight uses a usb-c for the rear light. Charges extremely fast.