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Tried / Liked 2010

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Old 12-09-10 | 02:40 PM
  #26  
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From: Boulder County, CO
+1 on the Kool Stop salmon pads. Night and day difference over the stock pads on my Shimano R550 canti's.
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Old 12-09-10 | 03:19 PM
  #27  
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Chicagoland

Bikes: Specialized Hardrock

Tried and liked:
Magicshine (even with the battery issues)
Terralux
chain wax
Performance customer service after Topeak minipump failed
Grungebrush
commuting in jeans

Tried and didn't like
Topeak minipump (failed during first flat away from home)


Fortunately the likes outweighed the dislikes.

Last edited by no motor?; 12-10-10 at 07:45 AM.
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Old 12-09-10 | 06:23 PM
  #28  
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Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Queens, New York
Tried and liked:

Most of the stuff that I use and like I discovered in 2009 and before. In 2010 there were few things improved my commute and that I liked a lot:

The Ergon GC3 grips.

Tchibo padded briefs
that allow you to ride comfy wearing regular pants.

Pearl iZUMi Zephrr Cycling Vest, superlight, breathable, perfect for chilly Fall mornings when something like a jacket of fleece top is too much, blocks cold air in the front without overheating overall.

Tried and didn't like:

Brooks B19N saddle, might as well cut a piece of 2x4 for a lot less money.
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Old 12-09-10 | 08:43 PM
  #29  
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Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Bay Area

Bikes: 2012 Stumpjumper FSR Comp...2010 Scott CR1 CF...2007 Novara FS Float2.0...2009 Specialized Hardrock Disc...2009 Schwinn Le Tour GSr

Liked


Magicshine headlight and tail light (minus the battery)
MG P Rocket flashlight 800 Lumen cool white from Shiningbeam
MG X Thrower 800 Flashlight Lumen cool white from Shiningbeam
MG Rocket XP G R5 flashlight from Shiningbeam
Neosport X span 1.5 mm neoprene sock from aamazon
Seirus Therma-Lux Heat Pocket Liner Gloves
Showerpass touring jacket
Recycle beverage bottle for Airzound extra air capacity modification



Tried and disliked

US Divers 3mm neoprene glove
Galeforce Blaster Siren (OK but not as good nor effective as Airzound)
Vetta bar extender
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Old 12-09-10 | 08:57 PM
  #30  
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From: The Village
Tried/Liked:
Contour HD cam
Magicshine taillight
Basil rear basket
Bike Brightz lights
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Old 12-09-10 | 10:07 PM
  #31  
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From: Des Moines

Bikes: 1974 Huffy 3 speed

Tried and liked: dynamo hub with dyno light. No more batteries.
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Old 12-09-10 | 10:20 PM
  #32  
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Items I've liked in 2010...

Canari cycling shorts: My colleagues at the office might not care much for "the bump", but they beat the hell out of the swimming trunks I was using prior to that.

Generic polyester jersey: Ok, it's more like base-layer type deal but it too beats the hell out of the cotton undershirts I was using for my rides.

2010 Specialized Allez Double Steel: I've already given my thoughts on the bike in another thread so I'll keep it short. Steel frame/fork, aluminum everything else, Sora groupset with D/T shifters, and fire-engine red. It's awesome and I love it. In hindsight, I'd have liked to have the bike built more for comfort and less for speed but that desire goes out the window when I hit 25mph on flat land (no wind, at night, properly hydrated).

SKS P35 fenders: The rear was a pain to get on since my Allez has shorter chainstays and virtually no clearance between the front dureilur clamp and the rear tire but I made it work. The silver fenders really bring out a classic look to the bike (which already has a classic retro motif going on anyhow), and they keep me almost completely dry on wet roads. I still need to go the DIY mud-flap route.

Specialized Bar Phat bar tape: It's awesome. Nice cushy gel pads get placed under neath the bar tape on the elbow and top hand positions and inside the drops. Plus, the tape's texture is such that it doesn't lose any grip when wet. The white bar tape that came with the bike from the LBS was perfectly sufficient in comfort-context. However, after a week it started to go from classic white to Chicken McNugget beige. It's been replaced with the black Bar Phat and I'm not looking back.

Conti Gatorskin Hardshell tires: I got the biggest one I could fit (700x23c) and it's been awesome. Grip is fine, it feels much more substantial than the Specialized Mondo Sport it replaced (which was pwned by a construction screw left out in the bike lane). I wasn't crazy about the $55 my LBS charged (I needed a tire ASAP) but it was worth it and they didn't steer me wrong.

Things I've tried but didn't care for or have hated in 2010...

Zefal rear rack (from wal-mart) and Schwinn panniers (also from wal-mart): The rack is pretty basic and does it's job, however it's not really meant for panniers. There's nothing to keep the panniers from sliding around along the top and no extra bracing to keep cheap panniers from flexing into your spokes. Also, one of the adjustable bars that holds the rack to the seat-stays broke so there's just one left. It's still solid as a rock but the rack also feels heavy. My bike (which isn't particularly light to begin with) feels noticeably lighter without the rack. It's gotta be at least 3lbs by itself. The panniers are a whole other ordeal: The backs aren't nearly stiff enough, the mounting system is a complete joke, and the material is cheap. They're just starting to fall apart and each pannier requires 2 bungee cords to keep them on the rack and out of my rear wheel. However, the rack/pannier system did get all of the crap I haul to and from the office off of my back. I will give it that credit.

Leather dress gloves for the cold: This is mostly my fault but the leather dress gloves I bought for really cheap that I thought would help keep my hands warm during these colder months here in Northern Florida are only helping to make my fingers quite cold. It seems that the leather is sort of a conductor for the cold or something. I'm looking into replacing them.

Balaclava: While I like keeping the wind and cold off of my face and looking like a ninja on my commutes, it feels like I'm suffocating sometimes, I notice my nose running a lot more when I use it, my glasses fog up when I'm at a standstill, and most importantly, it messes up my hair. I can live without the full-head protection and get a different partial face mask. Looking at the Gore windstopper face mask but I can't find any reviews.

Things to try in 2011....

More winter gear: Jeans and a coat over shorts and a base layer isn't cutting it. I need some real gear. C'mon Christmas bonus!

New rack/pannier setup: Axiom Streamliner Road DLX and Axiom Kootenays. I cannot wait to get ride of those damn Schwinn things for good.

Clipless pedals/shoes: Looking at Shimano PD-M770 Deore XT pedals and Louis Garneau Ventilator shoes.

Dynamo lighting: Either go man-bits deep with the Shmidt SON28 hub and edelux light or go cheaper with the Shimano DH-3N72 and B&M Cyo IQ.

Last edited by That Linux Guy; 12-09-10 at 10:25 PM.
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Old 12-10-10 | 02:19 AM
  #33  
My name is Mike, not Cal
 
Joined: Jul 2006
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Tried And Liked:

- Blackburn Flea USB Lights: Lights use rechargeable batteries that power up off your computer's USB drive via a small, included charger. Front and rear lights have 4 very intense LEDs and several flashing modes. Probably not bright enough for a dark commute, but I felt confident that I was being seen on my commute through Manhattan. The Velcro straps that fasten the lights to the bike have little strips of rubber that are supposed to prevent the lights from sliding around, but they rubbed off after a short time; nevertheless, I don't feel that it caused any problems for me. Available with various combinations of USB charger, solar charger, charger that sucks juice from loose batteries, rear, black front, and color front lights.

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Old 12-10-10 | 09:57 AM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by That Linux Guy
Items I've liked in 2010...


Balaclava: While I like keeping the wind and cold off of my face and looking like a ninja on my commutes, it feels like I'm suffocating sometimes, I notice my nose running a lot more when I use it, my glasses fog up when I'm at a standstill, and most importantly, it messes up my hair. I can live without the full-head protection and get a different partial face mask. Looking at the Gore windstopper face mask but I can't find any reviews.
I have a Mountain Hardwear half balaclava (made with Gore windstopper) I like it quite a bit. It still gets moist on the inside from breathing, but it has really made my cold weather commutes bearable. Personally, I find the half balaclava/hat combo to be better for me than a full balaclava.

Last edited by MK313; 12-10-10 at 09:57 AM. Reason: punctuation
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Old 12-10-10 | 10:09 AM
  #35  
nashcommguy
 
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: nashville, tn

Bikes: Commuters: Fuji Delray road, Fuji Discovery mtb...Touring: Softride Traveler...Road: C-dale SR300

Originally Posted by gerv
Tried and liked: dynamo hub with dyno light. No more batteries.
How does this compare to a 10w halogen? I interchange 3 NR TR 2.0. At some point all the batteries are going to have to be replaced. Not unhappy w/t system, but have been thinking of investing in a dyno hub. Does it include a taillight as an option?

Oh, and more on point I got my wife a Shimano 6 sp 'Mega-range' freewheel-34x14, PC-870 chain, Shimano Tourney Mega-range Deraileur, Cygo-Lite 2x6 12w double HL and a gel seat. Needless to say she loves the gel seat. The whole drivetrain is amazingly smooth.
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Old 12-10-10 | 10:14 AM
  #36  
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From: Boulder County, CO
Originally Posted by nashcommguy
How does this compare to a 10w halogen? I interchange 3 NR TR 2.0. At some point all the batteries are going to have to be replaced. Not unhappy w/t system, but have been thinking of investing in a dyno hub. Does it include a taillight as an option?

Oh, and more on point I got my wife a Shimano 6 sp 'Mega-range' freewheel-34x14, PC-870 chain, Shimano Tourney Mega-range Deraileur, Cygo-Lite 2x6 12w double HL and a gel seat. Needless to say she loves the gel seat. The whole drivetrain is amazingly smooth.
I can't speak to that particular comparison, but the better headlamps do a really good job of focusing the light where it should be. For on-road use, I'm very pleased with my IQ Cyo R. Unlike many of the flashlight-type lights, it doesn't spill light all over the place. For riding dirt trails (aka, singletrack), I'd still pick my Amoeba setup, but for commuting to/from work on pavement, I really like a good dyno-powered unit like the IQ Cyo.
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Old 12-10-10 | 11:11 AM
  #37  
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From: south Puget Sound
I'm working on a pair of these gloves that I got cheap on ebay:

https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=X0057



My general experience w/ bike gloves for our clammy PNW winters is that they all suck. Last year I was pretty happy with a beat up pair of bike gloves w/ smartwool liners. Double-layered it right into spring, I guess I got pretty soft.

Anyway, these Gore gloves are as bulky as that setup (gloves + liners), and there is a built-in liner that is prone to everting when I pull my hands out (which makes it harder to put my hands back in, harder yet if my hands are at all wet).

But boy do they keep my hands warm.
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Old 12-10-10 | 11:12 AM
  #38  
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From: south Puget Sound
I am a raging fan of Showers Pass/eVent now, too. Wow. Spent a lot of time sucking it up and getting wet from outside/inside/both, no more.
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Old 12-10-10 | 12:04 PM
  #39  
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genec
 
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From: West Coast

Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2

Cool thread. Can't say I have tried and liked anything new for quite some time... I just keep using the same old stuff. The stuff that works, I just buy more. (most of my stuff is just plain old)

I agree the thread should be sticky... but on a year to year basis. At least some folks are out there trying new stuff... so this ends up being a "consumer reports" kinda thing for the latest gear.

Brave on "early adopters."
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Old 12-10-10 | 12:07 PM
  #40  
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From: south Puget Sound
Originally Posted by genec
Cool thread. Can't say I have tried and liked anything new for quite some time... I just keep using the same old stuff. The stuff that works, I just buy more. (most of my stuff is just plain old)
Yeah I keep trying stuff until I get to something that works and stick w/ that. Can't say I'm there yet w/ respect to gloves (or helmets).
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Old 12-10-10 | 02:00 PM
  #41  
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From: Milwaukee
Likes:

-Merino Wool base layer (minus 33). Awesome stuff. Keeps me nice and comfy and just will not smell no matter how hard I try
-Pearl Izumi Barrier Elite convertible pants
-Garage sale work stand for $25

Dislikes:
-Just about every pair of gloves that I have. Nothing seems to work that well for me. I've got a couple hundred dollars invested in all sorts of gloves, liners, and shells. Not quite satisfied with anything.
-Oregon Scientific atc2k helmet cam. It works OK, but I think that I just would like something better.
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Old 12-10-10 | 02:29 PM
  #42  
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From: Washington, DC
Cygolite Expilion 250 mounted on my helmet.

This little light is extremely bright, weighs very little, and has just the right beamwidth and throw to compliment my handlebar mounted light. Having a light on my helmet makes a huge difference . . . I can see much better going around corners and throw a little light (or a lot if necessary) onto a driver's face to get their attention. The adjustable helmet mount allows me to aim the light down so as not to blind oncoming riders, and then aim up higher when there is no oncoming traffic. It has transformed my night riding.
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Old 12-10-10 | 07:22 PM
  #43  
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Maine

Bikes: Kona fire mountain/xtracycle,Univega landrover fs,Nishiki custom sport Ross professional super gran tour Schwinn Mesa (future Xtracycle donor bike)

Lumotec IQ Fly with standlight and Dymotec6 dynamo, recent acquisition, So far I am pleased with it. I know that there is no way that it is putting out anywhere near as much light as the Magicshine. The light that it does put out is a lot more focused than the light from the Magicshine.

I also am very happy with my Winkku turn signals/mirrors/marker lights.
I love my J & G rain jacket.

The jury is still out regarding my Bike Brightz, they don't seem to like cold weather. They also aren't as bright as the Down Low Glow that they are replacing.
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Old 12-10-10 | 08:02 PM
  #44  
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From: Kitchener, ON
Liked:

-2006 Allez Expert (bought used this year), aka "The Mistress". My commutified CX bike looks, feels, and weighs like a tank in comparison (but still gets the bulk of commuting duties, as i *hate* riding with a backpack).

-Marathon Winter tires (great on ice, so-so on snow, but the routes I take get plowed pretty frequently).

-Axiom shoe covers. Keep the feet dry in the wet, and they're warm enough that I'm considering putting clipless pedals on the winter bike.

-Shimano internal-cam QR skewers to replace the stock external-cam units on the CX bike. Nice to have a front QR that actually *stays* closed and doesn't work loose (and yes, I do know how to use a QR properly).

2011 gear acquisition list:

-New bib shorts, before the old ones get me arrested.

-Upgrade CX bike disk brakes from BB5 to BB7 (or at least try a different disk design hopefully less prone to generating massive squealing when wet)

-New battery pack and charger for MagicShine headlight (but no rush, since the ones I have work perfectly, as they've done for over a year now)

-Larger, waterproof panniers--as much as I've loved my Axiom Appalachians, after four years of hard use, they're starting to look like I've loved them to death.
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Old 12-13-10 | 04:43 PM
  #45  
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*bump*

Tried / Sorta-Liked

Squirt chain lube. Worked pretty well for on-road commuting. Chain wasn't greasy, shifted well, and actually fared OK in mild rain. But when the temps dropped to freezing or below, the chain became noticeably stiffer and shifting suffered. Not entirely unexpected, but something to consider if you're riding in sub-freezing conditions. Surprisingly, Squirt worked better on my commuter than it did on my MTB.
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Old 12-13-10 | 06:59 PM
  #46  
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From: Base of the Rocky Mountains, Canada. Wonderous things!

Bikes: 2010 Cannondale Hooligan 3

Originally Posted by MileHighMark
I'd like to hear more about the Supernova front light. I'm currently running a B&M Lumotec IQ Cyo R, and it's a pretty decent light. I tried the IQ Cyo N, and although it's supposed to be brighter (or at least, more concentrated), I didn't like it. The Supernova looks really nice, and I've considered getting one (or a Schmidt Edelux), but I'm not sure if it'd be compatible with my Shimano DH-3N80 hub. I'd also need a mount that's compatible with low-profile canti's (see below).

The Supernova lights are of nicer construction - not that the Lumotec lights aren't nice, but the Supernova lights are luxury. They're a little brighter, but the Iq Cyo offers a very competitive brightness considering the lower price as well. Supernovas are more of an investment light. They're designed to be upgradeable, and Supernova offers a service to bring them up to date as lighting tech improves.

They will work with a Shimano dynamo. I'm using mine with a Shimano DH-3Dsomething or other. (Edit: DH-3D72 apparently.)

Unfortunately, none of their mounts that I am aware of will play very nicely with that cantilever set up you have. It isn't recommended to use them on mounts not intended for Supernova, as they are heavier light units and may fatigue / break the light mount! The multimount from Supernova is skeletal and a cantilever wire can go through it if the harness is below the mount, but your cantilever's cable harness is practically right at the bolt head, making it tricky. A handlebar mount is also available if needed, but i'd prefer fork crown mounting.

Personally, I wouldn't much worry about it for now. The Iq Cyo is a nice enough light that a Supernova / Schmidt Edelux might be an improvement, but not an incredible massive improvement. I'd personally give the Cyo a few years to age and possibly jump in on one of those premium types once the gap has grown again.

Last edited by Abneycat; 12-14-10 at 04:09 PM.
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Old 12-13-10 | 08:41 PM
  #47  
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Bikes: fixed gear recumbent trike

Originally Posted by HardyWeinberg
I'm working on a pair of these gloves that I got cheap on ebay:

https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=X0057



My general experience w/ bike gloves for our clammy PNW winters is that they all suck. Last year I was pretty happy with a beat up pair of bike gloves w/ smartwool liners. Double-layered it right into spring, I guess I got pretty soft.

Anyway, these Gore gloves are as bulky as that setup (gloves + liners), and there is a built-in liner that is prone to everting when I pull my hands out (which makes it harder to put my hands back in, harder yet if my hands are at all wet).

But boy do they keep my hands warm.

had those for one minute, hated em (for the pulling of the hand out problem)
returned them to REI post haste!
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crabon/campy/rapha/roadie-bro.

next step is recumbent.




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Old 12-13-10 | 09:53 PM
  #48  
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: NE OK

Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke

As this was the first year I actually did any commuting, a lot of my gear I already had, but never really used.

Tried and Liked:

- Banjo Brothers mess bag. Wouldn't use it for school, but for my clothes and lunch, it works for my multi-modal commute.
- Banjo Brothers Large Backpack. I bought this back in '08 to keep my school books and laptop dry. Didn't actually use it on the bike until this year. It's weird, but I believe it actually becomes more comfortable as the amount of weight it is carrying increases.
- Wool socks. Love this stuff so much, I asked Santa for some sweaters and basically anything made from this miracle fabric.

Didn't Like:

- Denim anything. Accept for the pair of fleece lined ones I have.
- Avenir XL rack. Contributed to heel strike issues.
- Knog Valore twin saddlebag panniers. Actually, nothing wrong with them per se. But when used in conjunction with the above mentioned rack on a bike with shortish chain stays, and wasn't the most ideal for the bike/bus thing... I traded for that mess bag.

On the 'Gotta Get' list for '11:

- Nashbar Trekking bars
- PDW Radbot 1000 and Danger Zone.
- Better lighting up front. Hopefully a dyno set up.
- A hitch rack for the Suburban. So I'm not tearing up its interior or snagging my bike's cables loading/unloading.
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Old 12-13-10 | 11:52 PM
  #49  
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Riverside, CA

Bikes: Lynskey R230 DA DI2 ENVE 3.4 SES, 6KU Fixie, Cheap Aluminum Slapstick Trainer only bike

Ortlieb Office Bag
Supernova E3 Light
2 most critical thing that made my commute enjoyable.
Erghh... and merino wool socks. (Smartwool Phd stuff and some REI stuff)
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Old 12-14-10 | 01:19 PM
  #50  
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 84
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From: SW Ohio
Likes
Sam Hillborne with Noodle bars and barend shifters, as a commuter
VO aluminum fender
Tektro CR720 Cantis and A200 levers
700cx35 Michelin City tires (3000 mi combined on these and 26x1.85's and no punctures)
Axiom Streamliner DLX Rear Rack (except for fiddly and bulky seat stay attachement hardware)
Romisen RC-N3 II NW Cree XP-G R4 LED flashlight as headlight (just the right amount of light to see on unlit country roads with ~3 h life with 2 AA's)
Wind vest with 2 layers of wool instead of jacket for temps above 32F

Did not like
VO Model 3 Saddle (excellent quality but did not fit me as well as B17, IT'S FOR SALE)
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