Any bike can be a commuter bike. I did it with a 1985 Bianchi road bike; here's every upgrade I've made over the years and why.
Some products in this video were provided marked by ✴. No sponsored placements.
📦 Products (affiliate)
Buying through these links helps support the channel (no extra cost to you)— thank you!
BROWN COLOR SCHEME
👉 Brooks bar tape
👉 Thousand Helmet ✴ https://youtu.be/7lOE65YUgRE
https://alnk.to/fwtgUez (SAVE 10$ off orders of 60$+ auto applied at checkout)
👉 Biking gloves ✴
https://bit.ly/3VZnnNy (SAVE 10$ off orders of 60$+ auto applied at checkout)
👉 Brake cover
🇺🇸 USA & int’l 🌎 https://amzn.to/4uWkU4W
🇨🇦 CAN https://amzn.to/4urCYUU
👉 Leather strap toe cage
👉 Leather U-lock holder
EBIKE HELMET
👉 Unit 1 Aura helmet ✴ https://youtu.be/OPuv6G4_nwI
link.content360.io/unit1aura
👉 Semi clear glasses UV protection
Save 10% code: Jess10
https://www.ravemen.com/products/sunglasses-cg01?ref=boexbkrr
👉 Light transition day/night sunglasses
HANDLEBAR & LIGHTS
👉 Bell
https://bit.ly/3Af2lgW (if you get the Thousand helmet, add it to the order!)
👉 Minimalist phone holder https://youtu.be/ETFF3y5FHE8
Save 15%: GGC15 https://loop.avln.me/c/klGRJQpzFyEB
👉 Lights front ✴ https://youtu.be/MXnOyXcv1kM
Save 10% code: Jess10
https://www.ravemen.com/products/bike-lights-k1800-ai-bike-front-light?ref=boexbkrr
Less lumens: https://ravemen.com/products/k700?ref=boexbkrr
👉 Lights back ✴ https://youtu.be/MXnOyXcv1kM
Save 10% code: Jess10
https://www.ravemen.com/products/bike-lights-nt101?_pos=1&_sid=fd46c1f76&_ss=r&ref=boexbkrr
👉 Kickstand (if you don't have mounting points)
👉 PPF
1 roll covers essentials, 2 rolls to cover everything, I used industry leading PPF XPEL
REAR RACK ACCESSORIES
👉 Rear rack
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3DzhX3H
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3DadEfh
👉 Bike rack P clamp
👉 Pannier bag
👉 ROK straps I got 12-42 X 5/8"
👉 Bike elastic pant leg
👉 Mudguards
narrow https://amzn.to/4fTfHXi
wider https://amzn.to/4bpGaqv
BIKE SAFETY
👉 U-lock
👉 Hexlox
Save 10%: GADGETSGEARCOFFEE10% (min €39) https://hexlox.com?aff=123
similar (ish): https://amzn.to/4mkG8Fd
LAST MINUTE ADDITIONS
👉 Find my bike ✴
Save 10% code: Jess10
https://www.ravemen.com/products/abf01-anti-theft-bike-finder?ref=boexbkrr
👉 Emergency kit
same: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ooydYv1
better pump quality (metal):
👉 Handlebar mirror
tiny (like mine, discreet) https://amzn.to/4umlFny
bigger (more functional) https://amzn.to/4tLz5tl
👉 Reflector sticker
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ooEcVbZ
similar https://amzn.to/41kb4xi
Lists of my favorite products
https://www.amazon.com/shop/gadgetsgearcoffee
https://www.gadgetsgearcoffee.com/blog-home
📸 My camera gear https://amzn.to/4gSS5jw
📈 YT Tools to improve stats & bulk edit https://www.tubebuddy.com/pricing?a=GadgetsGearCoffee
🙌 Support, Connect
🙏 One time tip https://buymeacoffee.com/jessggc — every coffee helps fuel better videos!
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🔗 Other links
color match bike paint https://youtu.be/7mC474SSW4c
how to lock bike https://thebestbikelock.com/how-to-lock-your-bike/
bike thief videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRjG6eYX-0g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGcuc20SqCU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9HrpEJvGh0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLrOsR28VRY&t=98s
🎬 About this video
Any bike can be a commuter bike! I've been riding a 1985 (ish) Bianchi road bike around the city for years, and over time I've added the right accessories and cycling gear to make it genuinely great for daily commuting. I walk through everything on it: the brown leather color scheme, comfort upgrades, lights, rear rack setup, safety gear, and a few last minute additions I didn't expect to love.
🕦 Timestamps
00:00 any bike is a commuter bike
00:15 biking is awesome
01:15 bike history
04:05 upgrades over the years
04:58 leather brown accessories
08:18 comfort upgrades
08:59 handlebar & lights
10:54 kickstand
12:15 rear rack accessories
16:20 mudguards
16:56 bike safety
18:43 last minute additions
⚠️ Disclaimers
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate revenue helps support the channel, future reviews, and product testing.
Based on my personal experience. All opinions are my own. Use your discretion. For entertainment purposes only.