The new girl's new gear

The Viva bike had an obstacle from day one - no cargo capacity - no rack. Tying and looping my handbag & totes onto the handlebars was my immediate solution. Though dangerous. Don't try this at home, OK?


I hoofed around my work neighborhood and my home neighborhood only to be extremely disappointed that everyone only had black metal racks. There were a couple gray, painted metal racks but nothing to match the shiny chrome metal that's all over this bike.

One explanation I was given is that the shops stock black racks to cater to delivery boys.

I hated to order the things I wanted online, because you need to give your local bike shop business, so I got Ben at  Kickstand Bicycles to order them for me.

He ordered the rack I felt was best for this bike - the Wald Sports rear rack. About $20.
Cheap, simple, made in USA - Matches the viva's sexy chrome surfaces. 

Here we are on Tuesday morning's commute.


He also added the Wald 585 rear grocery basket. I'm not in love with the grocery basket but it's a temporary and cost-effective solution ($15) Note: The bungee is strung through the purse handle. 


I need some sweet new saddle bags for this bike.
I also may try to do this recipe to sew my own since my sewing machine is out lately.


I also ponied up about $4 for the most polite-sounding bicycle bell I've met - The Royal Ring Bell.

Also a lovely shiny metal with a stationery striker which helps when you're wearing gloves.

I got these new items Monday night and I was very happy to see the shop so busy. The weather was great but they also had busy foot traffic outside. They're not far from the UN.


It was also really cute to see that they play Pee Wee's Big Adventure on loop in their window.

They know what's up!