I was riding my (e)bike the other day and as I was coming down the bike lane to a right turn but there was a car in my blind spot so I had to reach the end of the lane instead.

We both come to a stop, the car in red is waiting for the incoming left turn traffic and I checked to see if there was room and I pulled up slightly and turned onto the sidewalk. That’s when the car in red laid it on the horn and honked at me. As soon as I got onto the sidewalk I paused momentarily, looked at their car then down at the space in front of their car and the space between me and the traffic and felt there was more than enough clearance.

Was I in the wrong? I was already planning a right turn but I couldn’t get into the lane safely and in my analysis I think the red car just honked out of surprise.

So I have a large 29er MTB I'm using as a commuter. Aside from road tires it's a modern day geometry MTB. But I'm planning to make it comfortable. My basic plan was....

1. 8-9.5 inch wide comfort seat with elastomer shocks built in.

2. budget suspension stem with spring options

3. Suspension seat post like Treks pavement suspension post

4. 2-3 Inch rise handlebars with 25-30 degree sweep. A handlebar that brings the grips closer to me. So my reach is closer. Not the ones that have the forward sweep leaving the grip reach the same as before just at a different angle.

5. Wide Flat pedals - My factory pedals are like 3.25 to 3.5 inches squared

That's pretty much is on the comfort side of things. I'm new to bikes so everything is a first for me outside of my teens that was 30 years ago.

Im riding a basic 3x7 trekking bike in winter but salt obliterated it. It got so rusty there were multiple holes and whole bike had paint peeling. Drivetrain and all cables rusted. And I was cleaning it from the salt every week.

So my questions are

Should I change to hydraulic disc brakes?

Replace cheap 3x7 for 1x7? I don't use the front derailleur anyways.

Are handlebar mittens any good?

Should I install full chain guard to prevent chain from rusting?

Will aluminum frame handle rust better?

What do y'all think of customizing department store bikes?

Both of these bikes were given to me by coworkers out of sympathy for my vehicle being broke down. I find I still ride them to work(RT 7mi) and errands(16mi) over driving my car. Both are 12 year old Walmart bikes.

Here are mine

)The Black one is a 2014 Genesis Hightide

)The Blue one is a 2014 Schwinn Fifth Avenue

Both of them I've swapped the bars on and changed the seats. I'm a tall guy 6'6' and found that to be mandatory for ergonomics. I've never ridden a larger frame size or a bicycle that truly fits me and my height out of the box. So I just modify them to work. I've been learning so much. Like how the derailleur works and cable management. It's been really fun and rewarding to take what I feel to be an already durable and enjoyable bike and make it more personal. It's a shame I'm experiencing this as an almost 30yr old adult vs a kid, but at least I got money now.

I purchased an ortlieb quick rack, not thinking (clearly) about the components. I can’t figure out or find a rack that I could attach to the frame? Is this even a thing. I live in a rainy city, so having waterproof panniers would be ideal. Any help would be greatly appreciated!