Pee-Wee Herman. Mean Miss Gulch in “The Wizard of Oz.” Andy Stitzer in “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.” Yeah, there have been plenty of off-beat characters in movies who biked as their main mode of transportation.
Now gas prices are high, and riding around on four wheels can be quite expensive. But using a bike to go everywhere doesn’t have to be the dorky experience portrayed in the movies. Especially since there are plenty of cool products just for cyclists.
Pack up your stuff
Commuting on a bike is a challenge. You have to dodge traffic, avoid stinking up the office and find a way to safely cycle with your stuff. The Outtawhack Daypack from Timbuk2Bags is designed for cyclists lugging a laptop. Made with a nylon exterior, the bag can hold an Apple MacBook 17-inch Pro and smaller laptops. Inside, there’s a compartment for papers and a padded area to protect the laptop. There’s also an under-flap organizer to quickly corral keys, cell phone or Mp3 player. Available in three color options; $110, timbuk2.com.
Say bye to dirt
Dirt on a bike can easily wipe onto clothes. Not a problem if you’re wearing workout shorts. Bit of a bummer if you biked to work or a restaurant. Keep bikes clean with Pedro’s Bike Lust Cleaner. This silicone-based product cleans and protects chrome and painted areas from the elements. Also works on tires. 12-ounce spray bottle is $10 at pedros. com or Johnny Sprockets, 3001 N. Broadway, and 1052 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
In your basket
The bike basket can be very convenient and very uncool. The Carrie Bicycle Basket from Design House Stockholm is a stylized way to add a basket to your bike. Made with plastic, the design is meant to resemble Swedish crochet tablecloths. The basket is 17 inches long, 11 inches tall and 9 inches wide. Bike basket holder and hooks included. $59 in green, white or black. Available at SO Stockholm Objects, 39 S. Washington St., Hinsdale, or stockholm objects.com.
Take a seat
Kid bike seats come in cool colors, but there are few fun options for adults. The Hawaii Seat Full Cover from Electra Bike is for adults who want something different. This black seat is printed with white hibiscus flowers. It has a wide platform and coil springs for comfort and measures 10 by 10 inches. $39.99 at REI stores.
For the dogs
Some dogs are happy to sit in a basket and cruise around town on your handlebars. Others are happy to run alongside your bike. Then, there are those who need a luxurious lift. The Sport Wagon is a portable dog house on wheels that is designed to be pulled by bikes. It has four zip doors, a sunroof and large, claw-proof windows. Holds up to 165 pounds of spoiled puppy; basic kit includes wagon, bike towing bar and bike connection. Starts at $460 at Dog-a-Holics, 904 W. Armitage Ave., and 3608 N. Southport Ave., or dog-a-holics. com.