Fifty Plus (50+) - A few gear questions...

I've slowly been upgrading my '84 Trek 400 to suit me. A few questions about some gear I'll be buying this week (probably ordering online)...

1) Is there a "best" place to buy a Brooks B17 saddle?

2) What's the "best" wireless computer in the $50-$100 range?

3) I want to get some wider drop handlebars than the 41cm bars I'm using now. Suggestions?

4) I want to get a good wrap to go on those new bars. Suggestions?

TIA,

Gary

1. No

2. You cannot go wrong with Cateye products

3. Decide what width you do want and put "??cm drop handlebar" in the Google search bar.

4 Velo Orange

Wider handle bars and the shop should be able to assist in choosing width. There is a formula based on shoulder width that works for most and as such my two main rides have 42 cm bars. But one thing I like about my old bike- that I still occasionally ride- is the comfort of the bars on the body. That has 44cm wide bars and that width does add to the comfort on a ride. Not that the 42s are uncomfortable but the 44s feel better for me.

Time to upgrade the bars on the bikes again

Both my wife and I use Cateye Micro wireless computers. They have been very good, in all kinds of conditions, rain, snow fog. The only problem I've had is being too dumb to realise that the blinking icon is telling me the battery needs to be replaced.
I would never go back to a wired computer, but the down side to a wireless is that it needs two batteries.

+1 - Cateye

For the Brooks saddle try using "thefind" and narrow the search by choosing the model you want. Sometimes Chain Reaction has great deals on Brooks if you can get a discount code or free shipping.

I modernized a Trek 400 last year using a modern drivetrain;

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/2010bikepictures015.jpg

I installed a new B17 I found on eBay for $60. I used Salsa handlebar tape to complement the tan saddle;

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/2010bikepictures019.jpg

See: http://salsacycles.com/components/category/grips_bar_tape/

I love Bontrager gel tape. You can pull it really tight and it won't break or move. It also wears forever.
http://bontrager.com/model/00075

Barrett,

Gorgeous bike! A couple of questions...

1) Did you use the Salsa leather or the "Gel cork" tape?

2) Is it difficult to install bar-end shifters from the downtube shifters I've got now?

Thanks,

Gary

Hi Gary,

That is the Salsa "gel cork". Installing bar end shifters was very easy. You will need to install these: http://cgi.ebay.com/Shimano-Dura-Ace-STI-Downtube-Cable-Stops-Adjusters-NEW-/400218235020?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d2edda08c

1) Is there a "best" place to buy a Brooks B17 saddle? What's a Brooks saddle? I have Specialized Phenom on my bikes.

2) What's the "best" wireless computer in the $50-$100 range? Planet Bike Protege 9.0 Wireless (http://ecom1.planetbike.com/8003.html).

3) I want to get some wider drop handlebars than the 41cm bars I'm using now. Suggestions? Easton EA50. I put these on my Specialized. Can't beat $15. :thumb:

4) I want to get a good wrap to go on those new bars. Suggestions? Anything the feels good and is the right color.

Barrett,

This afternoon I installed a Brooks B17 (honey), Salsa brown handlebar tape and a new Cateye wireless computer on the 400. Did a 18 mile ride and my buttocks are already thanking me! That Avocet feels like a piece of concrete in comparison. Got a chance to check out the Cateye by measuring from one mile marker to the next - it registered 9.49 miles (my ride today) at the 1st and 10.49 at the 2nd - PERFECT!

Thanks for the tip on the Salsa handlebar tape. Nice stuff!

Gary

Glad U like it, enjoy!

Re the B-17. If you're certain you want one, Tandems East has them at a very good price. If you want to try it out first, check out:
http://www.wallbike.com/

They'll let you return it after a certain period if you don't like it.