Ok, what did you buy???

The BikeForums Team

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- The BikeForums Team
- http://www.bikeforums.net

damnpoor

I recently bought a new Fizik saddle, but it's not showing up till tomorrow. I bought some pants today too, but I doubt you want to see a picture of them.

kster

Last week I purchased the best tail light available:
http://www.dinottelighting.com/DiNotte_Lighting_Ultra_Tail_Light.htm

Now, I'm just afraid I'll blind passing cars. :)

http://www.dinottelighting.com/images/TAIL_3_large.jpg

sj_roadie

kster, when you get that mounted up, do post up a pic of it in action. I'm curious and since winter seems to be approaching fast I need to add a headlight and taillight to my commuter. The above pic is impressive, but would like to see real world pics too...

twocoasttb

I bought a $21 indestructable seatpost to replace my latest failure (a Specialized something-or-other) which gave out coming down Mt. Hamilton last week. I've gone through two Easton EC-90 seatposts this year- the first exploded spectacularly when I was descending out of Foxen Canyon at the Solvang Century (ride over at mile 85); the second stopped maintaining its seat pitch when the plastic teeth got stripped (probably my fault). The Specialized turns out to have a spectacularly bad design and also stopped maintaining its seat pitch. I'd like to get a Thompson; I hear they're both light and indestructable.

spingineer

Wow, cool kster ... I'll have to check it out. Nothing I like better than to shock cars with how brightly lit I am ... you can never have too many lights. When I was double training, I had handlebar blinkies, another one under my saddle bag, a pair that wraps around my ankles, and another one at the back of my helmet. Much better to be seen, than not be seen!

kster

sj_roadie, I can post a pic in a day or two but I'm using this mounting bracket:
http://www.terracycle.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=T&Product_Code=accmt

SesameCrunch

I bought not one, but two, folding bikes last week off Craigslist. I'm a bit of a folding bike nut.

First one is a 2003 Dahon Speed Pro. It's a fast folder, features SRAM Dual Drive hub transmission. Real cool.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/sesamecrunch/speedprott.jpg

The other is a 2006 Merc, it's a clone of the Brompton - best British folder there is. Folds into a suitcase.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/sesamecrunch/Merc1.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/sesamecrunch/merc3.jpg

I'm selling one of my existing folder, just to make room ....

jonathanb715

No pics yet, but I just bought an Acura TSX - 2007, black with tan (ok, they call it parchment) leather interior. The only option is navigation, which I turned down. It's a pretty neat car - the 4 cylinder engine is smooth and makes nice noises, the 6 spd. shifts with typical Honda feel, although I still manage to shift into 4th instead of 6th on a regular basis, and the suspension tuning, while softer than I'm used to, is still firm enough to be capable when I want to play. The engine does have VTEC, and really comes to life above 6,000rpm (my old Alfa felt the same when it came on cam), but that doesn't really help much most of the time. The rest of the time, it is good but not great - but it is good enough.

It also comes fully loaded - leather, bun warmers, mirror de-icers, sunroof, bluetooth speakerphone, XM radio, decent sized wheels and tires (unlike my old Acura Integra, where the first thing I did was call Tire Rack and replace the incredibly undersized wheels and tires). It drives nice, quiet on the highway but with a nice growl when I'm pushing it, rides far better than my old Mazda Protege (which in the end didn't go hummmmm, it went "Boom!") and generally is just a nice car to be in. Not bad at all.

Of course, I then needed a new bike rack - the old Saris Bones didn't fit (believe it or not, the panel gaps are too small between the trunk lid and the fenders to work with the straps). I was torn between a roof rack or a hitch mount. The final cost to carry 2 bikes would be close, since I needed to buy either a hitch or the cross bars - the ease of also carrying skis meant I now have a Yakima roof rack.

An expensive month!

JB

caloso

Recently?

Some new shoes:

http://bikemart.com/images/library/site/spec_crbnprordshoe_04_p.jpg

And some new bars:

http://www.ritcheylogic.com/web/Ritchey~Logic/Ritchey~Site/assets/Products/Road/Bars/WCS~Classic~Road~Bar/009WCSclassic02Large2.jpg

Siu Blue Wind

jonathanb715

My very first pair of clipless shoes (yesss---thoseareclipless/platformpedalsthere), a couple of those insulated bottles that everyone is now telling me are bogus and some Pearl Izumi gloves that I found out will be falling apart soon according to everyone who has them.

*sigh*

The insulated bottles are bogus?!! And no one told me? I've been using mine for the last few months, and they're great. They will keep stuff colder longer than non-insulated ones. Not like a thermos, but put some ice in the water and it will still be cold 2 hours later, even on a hot day. That's all I need.

JB

Siu Blue Wind

hammern_frank

I got a wedgie:eek:..I dug deep and found $16 to splurge on this luxury item this morning. The description on the website says you can carry two tubes plus other essentials. One tube seems to be more accurate.

jonathanb715

Really?? Are yours the Polar kind? I haven't tried them yet but my friend was saying they don't keep it cold THAT long and on another thread everyone was bashing them!

Thank you, you are giving me hope. :) I really didn't want to think I wasted my money. :o

Yup, mine are the polar ones. I've used them on some brutal days, too - we were doing Mt. Diablo repeats on the day it hit 108 in the shade at the junction ranger station, and it was pushing 100 on the day we did Mt. Hamilton and Sierra Road. It really is nice to grab your bottle and get a swig of something cold (or at least cool) when it's that hot.

JB

Siu Blue Wind

Great, Jonathan! I feel better now! I'll be taking the bike to Tahoe in a couple of days and plan on being ready for it. :D

mtnwalker

Really?? Are yours the Polar kind? I haven't tried them yet but my friend was saying they don't keep it cold THAT long and on another thread everyone was bashing them!

Thank you, you are giving me hope. :) I really didn't want to think I wasted my money. :o

Yup, those polar bottles are great. Here's what I do with mine to keep it cold longer. I fill up the bottles a quarter of water. I then place that bottle in the freezer angled on its side the night before any ride. Fill it up with water the next day and you are good to go with a cold drink for at least 2 hours. For the really hot days, 90 and above, I fill it a third of the way and the ice lasts for the same duration.

Siu Blue Wind

Good idea, mtnwalker! I'm gonna try that. Thanks :)

alainp

I too can vouch for the polar bottles. Well worth the extra dough over the noninsulated bottles.

jonathanb715

By the way, the polar bottles will stand up just fine to being washed in the dishwasher - just turn off the heated drying cycle.

JB

alainp

Got a Thompson seatpost for the road bike based on a bunch of suggestions.
Liked it so much I got one for the mtb too.
http://alainp.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p314022670-3.jpg http://alainp.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p72902576-3.jpg

Siu Blue Wind

alainp

Alain, please excuse my naivete but what is the big fuss over Thomson? I mean, is there that much of a difference between that and a Ritchey or Salsa? Not a sarcastic trolling question here. I honestly want to learn please.

I just like how rigid they feel. I had a Bontrager carbon on the roadie which felt too flexible. The carbon FSA on the mtb seemed week, especially when it creaked a lot. Very annoying :mad:. Haven't tried any other seatposts but the Thomsons are pretty cheap (both on ebay-one new one used) compared to some of the other ones out there. Plus, I like the look... clean and simple and, although I'm not a weight weanie, they're very light :).

Siu Blue Wind

Oh I see. Thank you! I have never tried a Thomson so I really cannot compare. Maybe one day I will though. And as for carbon posts, they scare me. :eek:

alainp

And as for carbon posts, they scare me. :eek:

I haven't done the research yet but I have read some references to carbon going KABOOM!!! Don't know where that came from but I'd like to see some video footage myself :rolleyes:.

BlastRadius

I've had Thomson's in the past but needed to change to a post with setback.
I like their stiffness and lightness but while the two-bolt clamp allowed awesome adjustment tuning, changing the saddle fore-aft would be a pain since loosening the bolts changed the tilt as well. The first generation American Classic design allowed fore-aft to be adjusted without altering the tilt adjustment. I'm not too sure the latest ones do, not to mention they're now charging $120 instead of $40.

BlastRadius

I just ordered a 3-rail Cetma rack. Should be useful for transporting lots of stuff.
http://www.cetmaracks.com
http://www.cetmaracks.com/7.jpg

Siu Blue Wind

I haven't done the research yet but I have read some references to carbon going KABOOM!!! Don't know where that came from but I'd like to see some video footage myself :rolleyes:.

On another biking forum (you didn't see me type that) there were pics of cracked - and I mean CRACKED/SPLIT posts that were damaged from over tightening. Hoo boy that was enough to convince me! I can just imagine it suddenly folding in and surrendering it's load. :eek:

alainp

So, one would be riding along then, SNAP http://mail.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/tsmileys2/11.gif, impalement beyond belief? Oh my!!! http://mail.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/tsmileys2/26.gif

BigSean

So, one would be riding along then, SNAP http://mail.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/tsmileys2/11.gif, impalement beyond belief? Oh my!!! http://mail.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/tsmileys2/26.gif

Carbon is plenty reliable. Just like any other bike, you need to be aware of torque specs when tightening bolts.

alainp

Yup. Makes me wonder what people are using to tighten their seatpost clamps. There's no way I can over tighten mine with the 1.5" minitool I've been using (actually, I do use a torque wrench and tighten them to spec). Maybe they got inch*lbs confused with ft*lbs and were off by a factor of 12 http://mail.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/tsmileys2/04.gif.

SaiKaiTai

What have I bought? Oh, goodness, I've been stocking up.
Some Cannondale Monaco shorts, Pearl Izumi Ultra Attack shorts, some knit gloves, a couple of Grateful Dead jerseys, a GoreWear jersey, a few spare tubes and -the biggie- a Brooks B-17N. And some other stuff, too

jinws

let's see. needed a new helmet. red/white/black Bell sweep R.

got a red/black arrogant ******* jersey to go with it. and topped it off with a pair of Assos FI 13 S2 bibs. I may be slow, but I am comfortable as hell.

cantdrv55

I bought a 10 speed chain and had it installed the day before Napa. Bad decision as it came off 4X during the ride.

Gee3

Bought some Sidi Genius 5 (non-carbon ones) shoes! I like the fact that you can change out the heal pad. I'd still be riding my Specialized ones but the heal pad is wearing thin and it's not replaceable.

BTW Siu... I really liked the Polar water bottles. I did the freezing thing as well. And if it keeps water cool for a long period of time in TX then I'd say it should work fine in Cali heat! Although I lost the cap so I need to buy a new one, or two! :(

BlastRadius

I bought a 10 speed chain and had it installed the day before Napa. Bad decision as it came off 4X during the ride.

That shouldn't happen. Is the chain the same length? Do you have a 10speed drivetrain?
Was the old chain and cassette really worn? If so, the chain and cassette should be changed at the same time.

UmneyDurak

Two Conti GT4000. Now my tires match, the horror! Also sun glasses with interchangeable lenses. Will see how long they will last. Hammer bibs. Those thing rock! They cost 45 bucks, have the same padding as those ultra 105 dollar bibs from velowear. Heck I suspect they are same bibs just with Hammer logo and less then half the price.
Oh this is a few weeks old purchase, but I bought a Langster for commuting. :)
Next I need to buy a tubular tire for my rear wheel, and a tape. I used to glue them on, but I think I will give the tufo extreme tape a try.
I also want to get new shoes, some sidi with carbon soles, but my current sidis just refuse to wear out. Which is kind of a good/bad thing. he he.

tt1106

edge 205.
http://www.gps4fun.com/images/gar_edge205.jpg

jinws

that reminds me, I picked up a Edge 305 with HR.

anyway, so you guys are saying the Polar water bottles do work? I need something to keep the Accelerade cool on those long rides, it taste soo nasty when warm.

cantdrv55

That shouldn't happen. Is the chain the same length? Do you have a 10speed drivetrain?
Was the old chain and cassette really worn? If so, the chain and cassette should be changed at the same time.The cassette is brand new, the chain had only 600 miles on it but the LBS says it's 75% worn, so I had it replaced. I do have a 10 speed drivetrain and, here on BF, there's talk about how 10 speed chains don't last very long.

jonathanb715

The cassette is brand new, the chain had only 600 miles on it but the LBS says it's 75% worn, so I had it replaced. I do have a 10 speed drivetrain and, here on BF, there's talk about how 10 speed chains don't last very long.

I'm a pretty big guy (between 190 and 200 pounds), and have been doing a lot of climbing. Even so, my chains have been lasting over 2,000 miles (ok, except for the one that imploded on the Death Ride and took out the RD - it looks like that one had a weak link). 600 miles just isn't acceptable - that's like 3 weeks with the riding I've been doing.

Something else is going on there - chains just shouldn't wear out that fast. Do you cross chain a lot? Another tip is to ease off the pressure on the pedals as you shift - just for a second. The shift will happen more quickly and smoothly (especially if you're going for an easier gear while climbing), and reduce the shock to your chain.

Finally, I bought an inexpensive chain stretch guage http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=18243&subcategory_ID=4204
which lets me decide when to replace the chain. It won't tell you it's x% stretched, but it does tell you when it is time to replace it.

JB

twocoasttb

Oh, I also got a Park Tool bike stand for doing basic maintenance. I got tired of making derailleur adjustments with the bike in a trainer on the floor.

cantdrv55

Thanks for the tip on the chain gauge, I'm definitely going to buy one.

I'm a big guy as well, just not tall (5'8" and 215lb). I don't let off the pedals when I shift and that is exactly what the mechanic told me I should start doing to increase the life of my drivetrain parts. He did say a worn chain at 600 miles is abnormal.

Siu Blue Wind

Oh, I also got a Park Tool bike stand for doing basic maintenance. I got tired of making derailleur adjustments with the bike in a trainer on the floor.

Ooooooooooo which one??? :)

jonathanb715

OK, I finally got around to taking a pic of the new car with bike rack and bike: http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee39/jonathanb715/DSCN0416.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee39/jonathanb715/DSCN0415.jpg

JB

twocoasttb

which one???

This one:

http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=23&item=PCS%2D10

Pretty basic, but it's stable and easy to put away...

Siu Blue Wind

Thanks for the linky. I need to get a stand one day.

uspspro

Heh you guys are gonna hate me ;)

Well I bought a nice 2007 Black/raw Al (silver) CAAD 8 a couple of months ago, and it has sat in my room up until last week.

In the past couple weeks I have bought:

- 2007 Campagnolo Chorus Groupo, but with Cantaur UT Compact Cranks and FD for aesthetic reasons (and saved $250), and Mavic SSC brakes (for better braking, and aesthetics ;) ).

- Custom Wheels (not here yet): 30mm Niobium Rims (Black with mach. braking surface), White Industries hubs (polished silver), Sapim CX-Rays (silver w/ silver nipples). Triplet laced rears (24 spoke, 16 - 3x drive side, 8 - 1x non-drive side), 20h 1x fronts.

- Deda Newton Anatomic in Dark Metal Polish and black Fizik bar tape to continue the black/polished metal scheme

- Michelin Pro Race 2s in black (black/dark gray)

- Cateye CD300DW (again black/silver everywhere ;) )

- Look Keo Carbons

- Thomson X-2 Stem

- King SS Bottle Cages (x2) (polished raw metal)

- Plus all other assorted little things needed when building a new bike :)

PS - I also got a tail light for my CAAD 4, since it is now my rain/commuter bike.

cantdrv55

OK, I guess I am the cheapskate of the group.

jonathanb715

OK, I guess I am the cheapskate of the group.

I think I may be in the cheapskates group too - my old car was a 8 year old Mazda Protege, and I still have a turntable 'cause I didn't want to replace all my albums when CD's came out.

When I do buy something new, I try to do it right so I don't have to buy it again next year.

JB