The guys at Banjo Brothers are churning out new product every few months it seems.  The latest creation is what they call a "Waterproof Trunk" bag.  This massive bag has been able to hold extra clothes and my lunch with room to give, plus because it mounts under your saddle you don't need any racks installed to carry most of your gear. Details from the company #01033 Waterproof Saddle trunk MSRP : $44.99 400 cubic inches (12.5" J x 7"H x 4.75D) Waterproof w/ replaceable liner Outer pocket for quick access to keys/money Web loop for lashing gear like jackety Interior Aluminum Strut stiff HDPE hull and 4 point strapping Some finer details This bag will require some seat post sticking out for the two velcro loops to secure well. ...

On the Surly Long Haul Trucker message boards, a fellow brought up that the internally geared Alfine group from Shimano is coming out with an 11-speed version. From the fellow, Vik's, blog :

Shimano has shaken up their internal geared hub lineup with a new 11 speed Alfine hub.  I’m super stoked to see the gear range gap close with the Rohloff.  I’ve really enjoyed the Alfine in my Pugsley and the Nexus 8 hubs in my Bike Fridays.  They shift great, are reasonably priced and offer a really low maintenance drivetrain for your bike. The one downside is their gear range was too narrow for some riders.  With the new 11 speed Alfine

A reader wrote in asking questions about lights, read his question and then my personal answer.  From there, I turn the table to you all, what do you think he could do to avoid cars pulling out? Q: I wanted to get your input on lights/ being seen. Most of my morning commute is in the dark and in a bike lane. I have, on several occasions, almost been hit by cars pulling out from a side street despite the fact that I have a 270 lumen headlight shining in their direction. What else can I do to get their attention? Should I just accept the fact that they aren't going to pay attention and wait for the to pull out. A: #1 a solid and a blinking light ...

Commute By Bike, and Bike Shop Girl is now syndicated at Versus.com to help lead the cycling community with commuting tips, stories and how to.  Much like we do on Commute By Bike already but to a bigger community!  I will be writing for Versus on commuter needs as well as showing highlights from events such as the upcoming National Handmade Bicycle Show. Please go over to Versus.com, create a login and join my community! Also, make sure to keep up with the blog over there but I hope to have some sort of widget on the sidebar of Commute By Bike to keep you up to date with what's going on over there. Go on already...

If you aren't signed up for the League of American Bicyclist email list, you should sign up now.   Incase you don't, here are some things that peaked my interest from the latest newsletter The State of the Union speech has been given, the budget has been introduced, and now Congress and our state legislatures are getting into the groove for 2010. Check out the list below for a sampling of the action - and if your state isn't shown yet, find your statewide groupand keep an eye out for action alerts. Meanwhile, the early registration deadline for the National Bike Summit is fast approaching - this Thursday, February 4! Sign up today for reduced rates. Sincerely, Andy Clarke League President Senate Job News Senate Democratic leaders ...

The snow is melting outside which will leave me for a wet commute to work into the morning.  Here are the basic ways I keep dry during the rainy season. Fenders - Full coverage fenders are best but even a race style fender that clips on and off quickly will keep the mud off your back and a good amount of water out of your shoes. Plastic garbage or freezer bags - I'll reuse either a plastic grocery bag or a gallon freezer Ziplock bag over my socks, prior to putting my feet into my shoes.  Make sure the bags are tall enough to be pulled up under your pants.  If wearing spandex with knee warmers I'll put another pair of tall ...