Upgrading your bicycle can significantly enhance your riding experience. Recently, I focused on improving my current 26-inch bike, particularly concerning tires and lighting. It’s interesting how tire availability varies; finding 26×1.95″ tires and tubes is generally easy at places like Walmart, bike shops, and online. However, my older Pinnacle bike, a classic from 1981, uses 27×1 1/4″ rims, a size that’s become quite outdated. Back in the day, 27″ was often seen on more budget-friendly road bikes, while 700c was becoming the standard, as it largely is today.
For nighttime visibility, a basic battery-operated Bell light set from Walmart seemed like a practical solution. Investing in rechargeable AA batteries makes it a bit more eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run. The brightness of the lights appears adequate, though the rubber strap mounting system does raise some concerns about long-term durability – it feels like a potential weak point.
Bell battery-operated bike headlight mounted on handlebars
Seeing the bike with the new lights installed definitely improved its overall look and readiness for evening rides.
Assembled bicycle with new headlight and taillight, ready for riding
Unfortunately, plans to test out these upgrades hit a snag. While attempting to replace the tubes on the Pinnacle with new, thicker ones, re-installing the rear wheel became unexpectedly difficult. During this process, the rear derailleur detached from the frame. Without a local bike shop in town, relying on a part-time repair person, and with winter arriving, fixing the Pinnacle is on hold. My attention is now shifting towards acquiring a Sedona Giant Bike in December, which is something to really look forward to.
Close-up of a detached bicycle derailleur mechanism after an attempted wheel reinstallation
In anticipation of getting the new Sedona giant bike, the next steps involve selecting a helmet for safety and a practical basket. A front-mounted basket is definitely on the list, and ideally, it should be deep enough to securely hold a laptop bag for commutes to classes. Getting ready for a reliable and modern bike like the Sedona giant bike is now the priority.
