Another thing to remember is that dynamos add resistance when riding. The best are hub dynamos built into the front wheel.

So, I am all set now.
I've installed the Trek rack which can be released very quickly by unfastening a little bit just one screw. I just need to get a net for it. The saddle bag takes a bit of a space but it fits everything I need: tire patching kit, tire levels, a small multi-tool, keys and my cellphone. It was also possible to put the reflector on it.
The only thing that bothers me is that I was forced to install the back light under the rack, which means it can only be seen from a distance as the rack hides it from above. Unfortunately it doesn't fit well on the saddle back the way the reflector does. It would be great if the light would fit the back of the rack. Maybe it needs some special adapter or clamp.

Ari, fix the light to the saddle bag.

Ari, fix the light to the saddle bag.
I've tried it and it doesn't fit. Even removing the "quick release plate" and trying a few combinations it still doesn't work.
The other thing is that if I load the rack, the light will be obscured and I prefer it to be the reflector than the led light.
The best thing is to fit a light at the back of the rack and I am investigating any options. Trek makes this tail light that seems to insert inside the tube of the rack: http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=1531&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C15%2C478%2C480&iProductID=1531&bShopOnline=1 .If only I knew about it before I had ordered the rack! Maybe I will be able to find it around here...

There are lights on the market that have a 'clip-on' fixing, for putting on jackets and shirts, they will also fix to bags etc. Maybe you could try to find one of those?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/c/Cycle/7/Lights_-_Rear/

There are lights on the market that have a 'clip-on' fixing, for putting on jackets and shirts, they will also fix to bags etc. Maybe you could try to find one of those?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/c/Cycle/7/Lights_-_Rear/

I've though of securing with some padding a plastic tube that fits inside the metallic post of the rack and clip the light on. But, then I decided that I am better of getting that tube light because if I am to remove the rack, I would lose the back light with it. So, it will be better in the end to clip one tail light on the saddle post and another on the rack and have both ready. One for when I am riding without the rack and another for when I have the rack loaded.

Ari,
The Trek light you linked to is made to fit in end of a handle bar. It may work in the big tube that supports the rack, but I'm guessing the tube may be too big. Also, those sorts of lights are not very bright.
For mounting your tail light at the end of the rack, try a small tubing clamp from a hardware store or plumbing supply, something like one of these, though in metal with a rubber collar, ideally. http://www.smallparts.com/Nylon-Cable-Clamp-Center-Screw/dp/B0015HMZUU?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_r=097JSKP98YA30AZWT7C4&pf_rd_p=413178501&pf_rd_i=0&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_m=AIUBT5HP6PMAF&pf_rd_t=301
Mount the light to the new clamp with the screw that fastens it to its mounting.

Well, that was quick!
I was very lucky to find the correct diameter of a aluminum tube at my father's workshop, plus I had enough padding material left over to fit both the tube inside the rack and the light on it. I just need to cut it with the dremel and spray paint it black and I am set for now!

EDIT:
It just got better. In my quest to find a black spray paint, I happened upon this plastic tube which is the same diameter! Not only that, but because it must have been from a stick-in-your-garden lantern, it comes with a spear point that can be attached and removed! So, now I can arm the back of my bike if need to. :)

Arrived this morning. Went out for a quick 10 miles. Already more comfortable than my old Selle saddle.

Arrived this morning. Went out for a quick 10 miles. Already more comortable than my old Selle saddle.
Very nice! Is that from the "aged" series? Interesting that you mention that its already more comfortable after just a quick ride. My saddle is Selle too (SLX). Ideal is the representative of the company in Greece so they must fit Selle saddles in all their bikes.

... it comes with a spear point that can be attached and removed! So, now I can arm the back of my bike if need to. :)

AND WE NEED TO NOW!! Send the bike-spear to California ASAP!

News:
Cyclist in California Fends Off a Cougar (http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE2DE103DF935A15750C0A9639582 60)

Mountain Lion Attack!! (http://www.webmountainbike.com/mounlionat.html)

Mountain Lion Attacks from 1991 to 2000 (http://www.cougarinfo.org/attacks2.htm)

Apologies for making light a tragic situation, but it was the first thing I thought of when I saw your lethal bike rack. I not sure it would work since the victims were stalked but if the attacks came from behind and the pointy end is facing rear-ward...

You know Iwagoshi, the thought of adding a spring and a trigger did cross my mind... although I can't say how well it would go against hungry leaping cats! Maybe against vampires? It would be hard to impale someone with a plastic spike though. It would be great if you wanted to cause a traffic accident and a pile-up...

Disclaimer: If a crazy bastard goes and makes something inspired from my descriptions, I bare no responsibility. Its harmless joking. Until someone pokes an eye out. So, don't sue me.

It does though make me think of what kind of accessories the bike of James Bond would have... Throwing oil from the rack, rockets at front, laser beams in the lights and an ejection saddle where the saddle bag carries the parachute...

Mirrors.
I've read more than one article suggesting handle mirrors and they did seem important on my first rides in the traffic. Turning to look back before I make a move felt dangerous. But no one seems to have them on their bikes.
What do you think?

Ari, I run a handle bar mirror, wouldn't be without one.

As I ride a motorcycle most of the time I'm used to having a mirror on the bar, so having one on the bicycle feels exactly the same.

Having one does enable you to check out easily just what that thundering noise is as it gets closer to your rear end without having to turn around and veer off course a bit.

Mick.

Ari, I have mirrors on both my cycles, I would not be without them.

On the Montague folder I have a small wide angle column mounted mirror which looks back between my legs, and on the Dawes I have fold out mirrors (http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/product.aspx?&id=5412) built into the bar ends.

Yeah, I think I should install atleast one mirror myself.
Andy, those are funky things! You have both on the handles and the column one.
I imagine the latter is not enough by itself?

The column one is plenty to see whats coming up behind.

I guess I should attach one at the left side...

Should a bicyclist use a rear-view mirror? (http://www.bikexprt.com/bicycle/mirror.htm)

I do not use a mirror. When I'm in traffic I always assume there's a car on my left. If I need to make a left turn I let the traffic pass, listen, spot check over the shoulder then move over. My main concern is what's in front of me, watching for the car door to open, the car backing out of a drive way, the ipodestrian that decides to walk out in front of you.

Terry

Ha, another controversial item regarding bicycling safety!
I've noticed some discomforts:
1) My hand grip (holding the handles, the inside of my palm is tense, especially when also griping the brakes)
2) Very, very slight discomfort on my knees (I think I've got the correct height on my seat)
3) My ass-bones hurt a bit while sitting on the bike.
Are they due to the fact that I just started cycling and am not used to it yet or do I have to change something?
I have only had the bike for a week and have been on daily very short rides.

It is most likely because you are not yet used to cycling. You are using muscles in a way your body is not used to.

It is most likely because you are not yet used to cycling. You are using muscles in a way your body is not used to.
Ok then. Do the vertical grips help at all, or are they for long rides only?
I sure hope my ass stops hurting like it was gang raped by a herd of elephants, any time soon.

After 30 years of cycling, I finally got a mirror (end-of-handlebar type). Glad I did. It adds to my awareness of what is going around me.

I also always ride with well-padded biking gloves -- protects the nerves running between my index fingers and thumbs. Otherwise, I get unpleasent sensations in the thumbs. Also they have protected my hands when I have hit the pavement.

Knees -- I did injury to my knees on my 6-month bike tour in NZ...I was unuse to riding with that much weight (total weight of me, bike and gear was about 150 kilos) and I was pushing too hard in too high of a gear. After a rest, the knees did better after taking 7 or so kilos off the bike and keeping my revs higher by using lower gears.

Even after 6 months (and about 4000km) of riding, my butt still hurt if I did more than 100 kms in a day. Your legs, lungs and butt will get broken in!

An old bike joke --

A Native American sees his first bike-riding white guy..."White Man lazy. Sits down to walk."

Vaughn

Ok then. Do the vertical grips help at all, or are they for long rides only?
I sure hope my ass stops hurting like it was gang raped by a herd of elephants, any time soon.

Where does it hurt? (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/pain.html)

Proper Bike Fit Can Prevent Pain and Injury (http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/sport/a/bikefit.htm)

I hope these links help.

Ok then. Do the vertical grips help at all, or are they for long rides only?
I sure hope my ass stops hurting like it was gang raped by a herd of elephants, any time soon.

Take this doctors advice: http://www.apug.org/forums/661092-post1275.html

You're butt will stop hurting... eventually. The good news is that the more you ride the quicker that will happen. I go through this every spring after I've been off the bike for 2 or 3 months. As Andy said, a lot of it comes from using your muscles in new ways. Also the bike saddle doesn't support you in the same way a chair does, nor should it. But your butt is going to hurt until it gets used to the new presure points.

Your knees should not hurt. If the bike shop didn't do any fitting with you, the best thing would be to go back, explain the situation, and get their advice on possibly adjusting things.

Note the link Iwagoshi posted says that knee pain can result from the seat too low or too high. Also, the photo on that page shows a cyclist who is using a cleated shoe. Pedaling with the ball of your foot over the axle is the proper and ideal position, but not necesarily easy to maintain if you aren't used to it, and aren't using cleated shoes or toe clips. If you pedal with your foot centered on the pedal, your saddle should probably be somewhat lower than guides say that assume you are pedaling with the ball of your foot. Though I'd wager that if your seat height is off, it's too low rather than too high.

Regarding your hands, it sounds like you're tensing up, try relaxing your grip some. I can't comment much on the bar ends, since I use racing-style drop bars. They aren't specifically for long or short rides.

Barry