Parcels and Packages Wrapped up with String

A little ahead of Christmas, today I became the owner of my two most favourite bicycling accessories, so far!  The first to arrive was the  Michaux Shadow Bag Genius! I never imagined it would be this good. Great size, really easy to wear and it is even big enough (just) to include my mini iPad. As with all handbags I overfill them but once I've sorted that out it's going to be absolutely perfect.

The fact that it can be worn satchel-style, or as a traditional handbag or as a saddle bag is outstanding. Really neat and it's definitely going on my top 10 Christmas present list.

The second fabulous thing that happened today was the fitting of the dynamo hub and lights on the Brommie.  I am sure I read recently "what is your number one recommendation for cycling" and mine (providing a proper bike fit has taken place) is the dynamo hub and lights. A total fit-and-forget scenario. No more faffing about recharging USB lights or checking AAAs and AAs supplies or wondering whether you have lights or not. All you have to do is pedal! 

                                                        www.brompton.com 

Worryingly, lights seems to be less of a priority to quite a lot of cyclists for some reason. So much so that one London borough has started a Be a Light Angel campaign to encourage cyclists to have lights. To me, lights aren't just for night time and I'd hate to have to leave somewhere just because I didn't have lights. 

With my Michaux bag in place I headed to Fitzrovia Bicycles  so they could fit the new wheel. I chose the  Brompton own bundle  - Son28 hub with the Cyo front light both of which are on my road bike and the Brompton one on the back.
 

 Whilst it was being fitted Fitzrovia Bicycles lent me their demo Brompton. I popped into Velorution in Great Portland Street who have recently been awarded Brooks Retailer award. They always stock interesting and unusual items. I have my eye on the Toucana Urbano range of jackets! 

I then popped up to Islington via Great Percy Street. Good grief that's steep. It's like a wall!! Gave me a bit of a shock!!

Back to Fitzrovia Cycles, ironically just as the sun was going down and once the lights were fitted I headed home through Hyde Park. What a difference it was to be able to see the road surface. Up until now I have had lights to be seen by but now I can see with them too! 

In Christmas spirit, Fitzrovia are offering 20% discounts on servicing and they also have an interesting selection of road bikes in their Christmas sale which is worth directing Santa towards! 

 
From the moment I left the shop I knew I had done the right thing - goodness knows why I hadn't done this when I first bought the Brommie. 

I understand Velorution have a bicycle related item heading their way which apparently will be a great little Christmas present - I will be looking out for that! Any excuse to go to Velorution...!