Black on black is now in lights

Sun rise is now about 6.30 am and sun set is about 6.20 pm, so guess what - you need lights on your bike if you plan to ride with the group at 6.00 in the morning. There is quite a choice, ranging from the $30-$40 simple led front lights, to those running over $200 (and up to $600!!!!).

The cheap front lights are fine if you just want people to see you from the front, and for slow 'I must get home soon' riding, but if you want to see what is on the road when doing 30 km/hr or more, you need more expensive and stronger lights.

There are some very good flashing back lights for about $30, so check out bikes on the morning ride and ask. If a car is going be a problem, it is the one that is coming from behind, so ditch that old generation flashing light and buy a good high intensity LED flasher.

And who is it that rides a black bike with no lights and wears black cycle clothing? Mr Stealth!
[UPDATE: I've been warned that the lights are now on, but there will be special noise baffles to mask the approach and whooshing noise at it goes past!]

Don't let your partner see you looking at this!

Do you drool over bike seats - never mind, you are not alone!

Have a look at these

Online cycling shopping

There are some things you really need to buy from a bricks and mortar shop (or whatever they are made of), but there are some very good deals online for those of you prepared to buy online.

The ones used by local riders include:

• Chain Reaction Cycles (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/). Very good range, but not always in stock. Very useful rating from buyer feedback. Based in the UK. Prices of most things are very competitive landed in Australia.
•  Wiggles (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/). Good range, good feedback rating system. Based in the UK. Prices of most things are very competitive landed in Australia.
• Cell Bikes (http://www.cellbikes.com.au/). Range is a bit limited. Feedback is very limited on most items. Based in Australia. Their discounts and low price specials are very good value. Their Cell Bike brand bike clothing is as cheap as you will get anywhere. I have bought a few tops ($20-24) and bib-knicks ($39?) from them recently, and they are quite good.
• SBS Cycling Central Shop (http://cyclingcentralshop.com.au/index.html). Has a wonderful range of retro and other design cycling gear (especially the tops). Quality is good. Prices are high. There is no feedback rating. Based in Australia.

If you know of others, post them here or leave comments below. Also, we could start posting our own reviews of gear here, and any secondhand bike bits for sale locally.