Thursday, September 30, 2010

Planet Bike Blaze 2w LED Headlight Top Quality


While this light is nowhere close to the brightness of a true HID system, it is bright enough to stand on its own in urban areas, perhaps even a limestone trail after dusk. The superflash mode is very eye-catching to motorists, which is a very good thing, and you can see the strobe effect several blocks away. I like this light and I will certainly keep it.

Buyer beware, if you have a wireless cycling computer, this light will probably interfere with it when it's on (as another reviewer mentioned). I had mine on superflash mode and pedaling at about 8mph. My computer (Bontrager Trip 4w) was reading 45mph. When I shut the light off, the speedometer went right back to measuring my actual speed. Truth be told, I could do without the computer, as being visible is more important.Get more detail about Planet Bike Blaze 2w LED Headlight.

Pyramid Alloy Bicycle Water Bottle Cage, Bulk This instant


work ok for the recycble sport bottle 0.7L
but i need to use rubber band to hold standard recycble 0.5L water bottle.
right for the price.Get more detail about Pyramid Alloy Bicycle Water Bottle Cage, Bulk.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Diamondback Jr Viper BMX Bike (20-Inch Wheels) Immediately


We just bought this bike for our [...] year old daughter and it's perfect for her. Our daughter was too big for a 16" bike but not yet strong enough to depend on hand brakes. The combination of hand brakes for practice, and coaster brakes for piece of mind is perfect. The bike is well made, and easy to put together. This is probably the lightest bike you can find in this price range.Get more detail about Diamondback Jr Viper BMX Bike (20-Inch Wheels).

Bell Sports 1002489 Adjustable Alloy Kickstand Best Quality


It was very difficult for me to find a kickstand for my daughter's 12 inch bike, so I was happy to find this Bell adjustable height kickstand.

It was easy to install. Unlike my son's kickstand, which installed near the back wheel, this one goes on the frame right behind the pedal.

The height adjusts by pulling the sleeve of the kickstand to the desired length and pinning it with a screw. At the shortest length, the kickstand was too long.

I ended up taking the sleeve off and that worked. I just don't have a rubber cap to go on the end of the kickstand.

The kickstand is very stiff. I hope it loosens with time. Right now, my daughter cannot use it herself. I have to help her.

Still, I'm glad the bike is no longer laying on the ground.
Get more detail about Bell Sports 1002489 Adjustable Alloy Kickstand.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Ergon GP1 Grip Get it now!


I ordered the 95mm For use with Grip Shift and they sent me 132 mm grips that are to long for my bike.

this is what it says on the page
# 95mm
# For use with Grip Shift

and I end getting 132 mm long grips not made for grip shift.
May Be they want me cut the grip down to 95 mm?

Get more detail about Ergon GP1 Grip.

KMC Z410 Bicycle Chain (1-Speed, 1/2 x 1/8-Inch, 112L) Buy Now


Great quality chain, not sure why other people have been complaining about it breaking. Like anything else, if you don't install it right its not going to work right ;)

I've been using this chain for a few months of pretty intense single speed mountain biking, putting way more stress on it than a regular user and haven't had a single issue.

I will mention though that the red coloring is horrible. I could have done a better job with spray paint. The color is not even throughout the length of the chain and the internals of the chain are littered with over spray. Obviously this is a cheap chain and I didn't expect perfection I just thought it was worth mentioning.Get more detail about KMC Z410 Bicycle Chain (1-Speed, 1/2 x 1/8-Inch, 112L).

Monday, September 27, 2010

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Park Tool WTK-1 Essential Tool Kit Right now


Unobtrusive and is carried under the seat. Would have liked the tire-irons to have had a little more space in the kit's interior, but that is not a big deal. This kit works as advertised.Get more detail about Park Tool WTK-1 Essential Tool Kit.

Lowest Price Mirrycle Incredibell Adjustabell Bicycle Bell


I purchased this bell because the adjustable strap was of interest to me. I received the bell in a timely fashion but two things 1) the bell sound literally goes DINGG and requires extra effort to ring and 2) the adjustable strap was not sturdy enough, and did not secure the bell in place. I wound up purchasing another bell that was easier to ring and you could screw into place to securely fasten it to the bike. This bell does not offer any of these options.Get more detail about Mirrycle Incredibell Adjustabell Bicycle Bell.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Low Price SIGMA TRILED / CUBERIDER Front and Rear Light Set


I purchased this set of bicycle lights for my wife. The front light set is bright and will easily be seen by on coming traffic at night. However, if you plan to use this light for guiding you at night and wanting to see what is on the road, then this is not for you. The fastening system to hold this light on to the handle bar is very flimsy and will not stay in place for long should you have any vibtations or hit a bump while riding.
The rear light is also very bright and great for riding at night. However, when I went to install the light on to the stem of the seat, the band that came with it broke immediately. The band is not very flexible and has minimal elasticity. I e-mailed SIGMA with my problem and they are sending me replacements rubber bands. Hopefully an improved version. Meanwhile, I used a small plastic tie to keep the light attached to the stem of the seat. Hope this helps.
I would not buy the unit again.....Get more detail about SIGMA TRILED / CUBERIDER Front and Rear Light Set.

Save Avenir Excursion QR Handlebar Bag (484 Cubic Inches)


I originally complained about the mounting hardware. Then I found the little bag of shims that had gotten stuck inside a lip in the bag. All is good with the bag now. It is exactly as advertised as far as mounting quality.

If you're looking for a bigger bag, this is probably not the right one for you. I wish now I had gotten an even larger bag. But it is quite capable for most users. Quality is fine, price is fine. Mounts should work on any modern handlebars.Get more detail about Avenir Excursion QR Handlebar Bag (484 Cubic Inches).

Friday, September 24, 2010

Discount Diamondback Viper BMX Bike (20-Inch Wheels)


bought it for his 11yr b-day, was looking for a mongoose, but i found this one. after he took a magnifying glass and looked it over from top to bottom to make sure it was authentic, he took it out for a spin when he cam back the verdict was in loved itGet more detail about Diamondback Viper BMX Bike (20-Inch Wheels).

Cheapest M-Wave Plastic Bicycle Bottle Cage


I uploaded some pics! go check them out ( customer images ) =]

Pros: Adjustable, High quality plastic, Horizontally or vertically, and you can use it as a normal water bottle cage (without using the clamp it came with)

Cons: Heavy (half a pound)Get more detail about M-Wave Plastic Bicycle Bottle Cage.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Cheap Abus Steel-O-Chain 880 Bicycle Lock (7mm x 3.58-Feet)


I bought this chain from Amazon after I lost the key to my old KryptoLok over the winter. Fortunately, after wasting about 2 hours and ruining three perfectly good Bic pens, I got a feel for how to unlock the Kryptonite without the key. Although Kryptonite was kind enough to offer a free exchange for a new lock that wouldn't be Bic-vulnerable, I needed a new lock right away, so I searched Amazon to see which new U-locks had the best reviews. After stumbling upon the earlier 5-star reviews for this chain, I gave up on the U-lock idea and decided to give Abus a try.

The first impression was very good: this chain has a wonderful, solid, "quality" appearance and feel. I seriously feel good inside every time I see my new "bicycle key" on my keychain, in the same way that I would feel good about having the key to a brand-new Mini. But, the key itself isn't the best part: what I really love is that this lock snaps together without needing to use the key at all! My old KryptoLok always made me feel like a complete klutz, because I'm just no good at fumbling around with two pieces of U-lock plus a key when my hands are cold and my pulse is racing after a hard ride. Now, I can drop this chain into my backpack unlocked, and it's always easy to snap together when I park my bike. I still use my old Kryptonite accessory cable to secure my seat and rear wheel, and it works great with the chain.

Very highly recommended!Get more detail about Abus Steel-O-Chain 880 Bicycle Lock (7mm x 3.58-Feet).

Buying Sunlite Bicycle Tube 12 1/2 x 2 1/4 Schrader Valve


I purchased 2 of these tubes. The valves on both tubes leaked and kept going flat. Plus a regular bike pump wouldn't fit the valve. Not worth your money.Get more detail about Sunlite Bicycle Tube 12 1/2 x 2 1/4 Schrader Valve.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Buy Pryme 8 BMX Bicycle / Skateboard Helmet


I bought this helmet a year ago. I was in the market for a skate-style helmet for my bicycle, which I ride to work, purely for aesthetic reasons. I ordered the orange XL model from Niagara Cycle Works via Amazon Marketplace, and I have no complaints on cost, shipping, or service.

Just a note of caution - I am a pretty big dude (6' 2" and heavy), and I guess I have an exceptionally large/tall noggin. The helmet does fit, but it barely seems to cover my head; instead, it just kind of sits on top of my head. I'm not terribly worried that it is doing a bad job protecting my head, but it looks a little ridiculous.

For people who don't have a gargantuan coconut like me, I'm sure this helmet looks totally fine. Still, if I had the choice to purchase again, I would probably order something else that is a little more proportional to my body/head size.Get more detail about Pryme 8 BMX Bicycle / Skateboard Helmet.

Purchase Topeak QR Beam Rack MTX Bicycle Rack


This is my third seat post rack. Overall, when combined with a Topeak bag, it's the best. I can't speak to longevity as I have only had the rack for one month. I bought one for me and one for my wife. Both fit our bikes perfectly, because of the availability of three different shapes (E, A, or V types). The real plus is when you combine this rack with a Topeak bag that just slides on and locks into place.

This rack is rated for 20 pounds. As the rack is relatively light, I would not challenge this limitation. If you need to carry a ton, there are heavier racks out there - I own one. But if you don't need a steel girder for your luggage, this lighter weight is nice. It's enough for my needs.

Some reviews state that the rack wanders from side to side. In my experience, that would only happen if you did not secure it tight enough, or overloaded it. That being said, I wish it bolted to the seat-post to reduce the opportunity for theft. That is the primary reason for not giving it five stars. But overall, it's a great rack and rack system.Get more detail about Topeak QR Beam Rack MTX Bicycle Rack.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Order Giro Skyla Sport Bike Helmet


I've never worn a helmet in my life, but this seems to be a very good one. I chose it based on the well-known manufacturer and price. they usually make high-end helmets of superior quality, so I bought the one I could afford. It works well, alittle hard to fit at first, you have to play with it until it fits just right. but I feel much safer now and don't worry about a head injury if I fall off. I think everyone should wear a helmet just to be safe.Get more detail about Giro Skyla Sport Bike Helmet.

Where To Buy Schwinn Girl Bicycle Training Wheels


Total trash and unsafe. Did no even come close to fitting my daughter's 12 inch Malibu bike. The wheels sat a good 2 inches off the ground. The instructions are horrible and the materials are of the cheapest possible quality. The wheels are just rock-hard plastic, and the bolt heads strip like butter. Do yourself a favor and read all of the reviews before purchasing. I wish I had.Get more detail about Schwinn Girl Bicycle Training Wheels.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Shop For Kent Compact 16 Aluminum Folding Bike (16-Inch Wheels)


Excellent folding bike. I would recommend to anyone that is on the move and do not have much room for storage. Light weight enough to handle with ease, so that your back don't brake while folding and carrying it. Smooth ride given by a very comfortable big seat. It is a bike that you will buy for a child or for an adult of any age. In my case I bought it for my mom and she is loving it. The bike arrived as promised safe and sound. I would recommended this bike for anyone.
You can't get any better for the cheap price...Get more detail about Kent Compact 16 Aluminum Folding Bike (16-Inch Wheels).

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Razor iMod Scooter


This is a cool ride for your preteens. My daughter saved up her babysitting money and I added a bit more for her X-mas present. She loves it. Unfortunately for bad weather she hasn't had enough time to ride it but as soon as weather permits she will be off riding. Good size too. She is tall and can fit in it just fine. Totally recommend it for your kids. Only down fall is that it is pricey but if your kids can save up for it why not. We are only kids for a while.
Get more detail about Razor iMod Scooter.

Triple Eight High Impact 8 Ball Protective Gear Review


The Triple Eight Saver Series protective gear is worth every penny. Very well constructed and a real bargin.Get more detail about Triple Eight High Impact 8 Ball Protective Gear.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Shimano 2010 105 SPD-SL Road Bicycle Pedals Top Quality


Your not going to get more pedal at this price point. Easy-in, easy-out (tension is easily adjustable if they feel too stiff or too loose) and pretty light. My only gripe is I had difficulty mounting the cleats, but that was more a problem with the shoes than the cleats themselves. It would be nice if they came with a few different length screws...Otherwise, a great pedal!Get more detail about Shimano 2010 105 SPD-SL Road Bicycle Pedals.

Planet Bike Aries Cycling Gloves This instant


Got these in the mail today and went riding right away. These have a VERY snug fit for my small hands (skinny fingers for a guy). I ordered the small size and its a tight fit putting on a removing these gloves. For regular sized hands or larger, follow everyone elses advice and go a size larger than you think you need.

I commute to work on a daily basis so these provide enough cushioning and extra grip for those trips. The materials seem nicely stitched together and I prefer this kind of full coverage glove as opposed to the gloves that expose more of the top of your hands near the velcro.
I figure with use these gloves may stretch out a little, which would be fine. Right now, these gloves fit me really nicely and fit the bill.Get more detail about Planet Bike Aries Cycling Gloves.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Yakima Super Joe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack Immediately


This rack is solid and mounts on my Civic sedan easily. If I wanted to, I could mount the rack without opening the trunk. As far as trunk racks go, it's as good as any which means it has some inherent problems: Straps need to be tightened and loosened to put the rack on an tak it off; Bikes are packed together so pedals engage spokes; universal bike mounts are acceptable, but not a perfect fit. When a bike rack manufacturer fixes any of those problems they'll get 5 stars. I use this rack to haul 2 mountain bikes about 10 miles on a weekly basis. I am totally satisfied with my purchase.Get more detail about Yakima Super Joe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack.

Allen Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver) Best Quality


I had been looking for a 4 bike trailer mounted hitch for several weeks. I looked at lots of reviews and just happened to be in Pep Boys one day where this was on sale for $99. Wow, $99 for a 4 bike hitch when Thule and Yakima ones are going for hundreds more? What's not to like? Well, there's a reason it's $99 and not $200+. Mounting it is fine, getting bikes on is great however the real problems occur when you try to lower the bike hitch so you can open your rear door with your bikes on it.......It's very heavy and it takes two people to lift if down and back up. This is not the infuriating part though. While one of you is straining and holding up the four bikes with the rack the other person has to bend and twist their body around the bikes to fit this tiny linch pin into a hole. The fun part is it does not fit well and no matter how many ways we tried it did not go in all the way. After much frustration we took all of the bikes off the mount and still could not get the darn pin in without banging it through forcefully. The slightest movement up or down knocked it out of alignment.....to make a long story short we returned it to Pep Boys and bought the Thule bike rack mount which also has a linch pin but also fits much better and rubber guides to help you line up the parts. So now 4 bikes go on on off no problemo.Get more detail about Allen Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver).

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Hollywood Racks F1B The Original 3-Bike Trunk Mount Rack Get it now!


From the beginning, I was impressed. From the quality of the actual item, to after I installed it (which was amazingly easy), to using it for the first, second, third, etc. time. My wife and I had grown tired of biking in the same side of town for a while and decided it was time to take it to the conveniently near foothills. So, logically, we needed a bike rack for our car. Here's how it stacks up:

PROS:

Easy to install
Tough build
Holds bikes securely with up to three straps
Padded to prevent scratches (to car or bike)

CONS:

None

BOTTOM LINE: I would recommend this product to anyone with a car (like a sedan or coupe style) who wants to be able to throw a couple bikes on the back and go for a ride somewhere distant. If you have a trailer hitch, you should stick with those styles as they are easier to setup and take down a lot easier.

I just leave mine on my car with the straps and slack secured inside the trunk so you'd have to cut the straps to steal it.Get more detail about Hollywood Racks F1B The Original 3-Bike Trunk Mount Rack.

Kryptonite Keeper 12 Standard Bicycle U-Lock with Bracket Bicycle U-Lock (4-Inch x 8-Inch) Buy Now


Pros: Lightweight. Large enough for two bikes. Decent bracket.
Con: I often have to fight to get the lock open.Get more detail about Kryptonite Keeper 12 Standard Bicycle U-Lock with Bracket Bicycle U-Lock (4-Inch x 8-Inch).

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

OnGuard Terrier Combo 4 5061 Combination Cable Lock Order Now


This looked like a well built product, but the combination was too easy (at first, seemed too difficult) to reset, and resulted in me inadvertently changing the combination rendering the lock unusable. I tried giving it another chance and tried to find the combination (only 9999 total shouldn't take too long, right?) but gave up and returned it.

The cable seemed well built and the directions were clear enough, but the reset mechanism was so simplistic it was too easy to trigger accidentally. I feared this would happen out on the road, so back it goes.
Get more detail about OnGuard Terrier Combo 4 5061 Combination Cable Lock.

M-Wave Bicycle Security Flag Decide Now


The plastic piece connecting the two part was broken on arrival. Didn't bother to return/get another one of this while that part would brake during use anyways. Get another safety flag, this one is just poorly designed.Get more detail about M-Wave Bicycle Security Flag.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Cateye CC-VL810 Velo 8-Function Bicycle Computer Right now


I was very happy with a Cateye computer that I used back in the 90s. When I started biking again recently I couldn't find my old computer so I bought a Velo 8 as a replacement.
It works well, providing all the basics at a reasonable price.
Two small negatives about it
1. The cable is only long enough to reach the front wheel. This means you won't be able to use it on an indoor trainer. There's an extension cable available from Cateye, but then you're spending another $10.
2. The twist ties, when cut, present sharp edges that hurt when brushed against. My Cateye in the 90s used a screw, which was a better experience, but probably cost Cateye 5 cents more.Get more detail about Cateye CC-VL810 Velo 8-Function Bicycle Computer.

Lowest Price Schwinn Lakeshore Cruiser Bike Pacific Women's 26-Inch


I love my new bike! I was worried about the assembly but it was actually quite simple to put together. All I needed to assemble were the handlebars, front tire, seat and the pedals. The gears were already in place so I didn't have to worry about that. Which saved me a headache because I wouldn't know what to do in that situation! You don't need many tools either. Just a set of allen wrenchs, phillps screw driver and a monkey wrench. Its worth the money which I think is a great price for an awesome product. I am so pleased with my purchase!!!!Get more detail about Schwinn Lakeshore Cruiser Bike Pacific Women's 26-Inch.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Low Price Electra Bicycle Bell (Hawaii)


I love my bicycle bell. I drove my family crazy with it on our vacation in Key West. It was hilarious, at least I thought it was. lolGet more detail about Electra Bicycle Bell (Hawaii).

Save Avid Disc Brake Bleed Kit


The Avid Disc Brake Bleed kit worked perfectly. It comes with instructions and a Avid Disc Brake Web site that you can go to watch a video on how to bleed these brakes. As for the kit itself, it worked without fail and all the attachment a plus. Very complete kit. AAAA++++Get more detail about Avid Disc Brake Bleed Kit.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Discount Axiom 27.85-Litre Seymour Pannier Set


After the theft of my beloved bicycle, I finally was able to buy another one and am trying to buy similar accessories that suit my riding needs.

These Pannier Set are the best in my opinion. They attach well - they can be used separately or together - they are ample room and a choice of compartment.

They are reasonably priced and good looking.

Win Win Win!!!

Thanks for such a great product!Get more detail about Axiom 27.85-Litre Seymour Pannier Set.

Cheapest Ergo The Seat Ultimate" Lycra Gel, 01000-9, Black


I was not sure about the seat when I first saw it, but I ordered it to try, I put it on my bike and loved it, now AI am buying another for my wife. It is Great!Get more detail about Ergo The Seat Ultimate" Lycra Gel, 01000-9, Black.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Cheap Park Tool Socket and Bit Set


I just received this in the mail. While I haven't used it yet, I wanted to point something out for other people - it does *not* come with a case, which tools socket sets usually do.

The way you see it - with the bits just sitting there open - is the way it is. So if you're thinking you'll throw it in your backpack or something, be aware that all the bits will fall out everywhere.

I'm not saying it's deceptive - it didn't *say* it would come with a case. But I had thought it would, so I wanted to let other people know.

P.S. In my case I was ordering this so I could change seats but set them up like my bike fitter did. At the same time, I needed to buy an electronic level. I purchased a Husky 9" Electronic Level for $40 from Home Depot, Model #THD9403 Store SKU #934631. It came with a fabric case that zippered up for the level - but what do I need a case a level for?? But - the case fits *exactly* around the Park Tool Socket and Bit set, almost like it was designed for it. With it zippered, I can throw it around and it's tight enough that the bits even stay in their place in plastic holder they came in - no rattling, no loose bits when I open it up. Just an fyi in case this might be helpful for someone doing the same thing.Get more detail about Park Tool Socket and Bit Set.

Buying Thule Roadway 4 Bike Hitch Carrier


I got this for my 2009 highlander which didn't have a hitch at first. This rack fits 3 bikes without too much effort. I guess you can fit 4, but you have do a little work to get them on.Get more detail about Thule Roadway 4 Bike Hitch Carrier.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Buy Crank Brothers Candy SL Bicycle Pedal


These were my first move to cleats from platform pedals and i really like them. Easy to use both in and out. The Candy has more size the Egg Beaters, which is useful when unclipped at intersections and getting going before clipping back in. I like these a lot and am recommending them to friends thinking about moving to SPD pedals from platforms.Get more detail about Crank Brothers Candy SL Bicycle Pedal.

Purchase Sunlite Cloud Nine Gel Bicycle Seat Cover, for Cruiser or Exercise Bikes


I find I can use this on both my exersize bike and my road bike. Shipping was also very fast. Thanks, DanGet more detail about Sunlite Cloud Nine Gel Bicycle Seat Cover, for Cruiser or Exercise Bikes.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Order Topeak Pocket Shock DXG Bike Pump


What can i saw, it's tiny and it works. The screw tip is kind of a pain, but it's typical with shock pumps.Get more detail about Topeak Pocket Shock DXG Bike Pump.

Where To Buy Avenir Metro III Panniers (2, 165 Cubic Inches Total)


I bought these panniers with high hopes. The size was right and the look, in pictures, is nice. But I recommend against them for the reasons below.

The fit of these is extremely poor, especially on the cheap rack also sold on Amazon. These slide around everywhere. The bungee cords are too short to connect to anything, even adjusted to their lowest setting.

The top compartment is a floppy, loose mess, as others have noted. The fabric has no stiffness, and is pulled down by the side bags. Off the bike, there is no way to carry this except the rack loop, which I was afraid would tear off.

I was extremely disappointed in this product and returned it. I have since purchased a trunk bag with zip-out panniers which works much better for my commute to college, and holds nearly as much. Mine is very similar to the Topeak EXP bag sold on Amazon.Get more detail about Avenir Metro III Panniers (2, 165 Cubic Inches Total).

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Shop For SKS X-Tra Dry Rear Bicycle Fender (Black)


This fender does an amazing job. I have had one on my mountain bike for the past 3 years. I have never had water or mud make that nice dirt line up my back. It is easily adjustable and fits any bike (hard-tail or shock-absorbed). I acquired the one on my bike for free, but when my wife decided she needed one for hers, I had no hesitation purchasing the same model. The one thing that I don't like about the fender is the ease of removal. If you have to lock your bike up in a public place, someone can just walk by and take it. Although the designers of the product did do a good job of disguising the latch, so a casual passerby won't notice it, but someone who knows what it is can take it in less than 3 seconds.Get more detail about SKS X-Tra Dry Rear Bicycle Fender (Black).

Yakima DoubleDown 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack


Received item promptly. Was well packed and as described. Not enough use yet to say more.Get more detail about Yakima DoubleDown 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Park Tool TM-1 Spoke Tension Meter Review


Super product, was very useful in building wheels. Well made precision tool and comes with a spoke guage and tension chart. With it you can get consistent spoke tension. Would be better if it came with a plastic storage case since they recommend you keep it in the box when not using it to protect it from damage. Highly recommend it.Get more detail about Park Tool TM-1 Spoke Tension Meter.

Swagman 3 Bike Stand Top Quality


It was easy to put together and fits all three of my kids bikes so they're not piled in a heap on the garage floor. What's not to like about that?Get more detail about Swagman 3 Bike Stand.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Topeak Turbo Morph Bike Pump with Gauge This instant


This is the best pump you can take on the road period. You can pump up to 120psi and higher with this little guy. It has a reversible head for either Presta or Shrader valves and a pressure gauge. They improved the handle, the action seems smoother and the new rotary gauge is nice. Don't listen to people who say the little fold-away foot tab is useless - it works just fine. I had the older Road Morph for several years and it still works well, nothing broke. I needed another pump since I have several bikes and I sometimes would forget the pump when taking a different bike for a ride.Get more detail about Topeak Turbo Morph Bike Pump with Gauge.

20 ounce Filter Water Bottle Immediately


I believe this bottle is perfect for the job. I work at a construction compound as Project Manager for multiple projects so unfortunately I spend the day literally strapped down to my desk reviewing pay apps, arguing with contractors and answering design questions. We have this one really pathetic water tank that is always malfunctioning and I often find myself having to run to the grocery store to buy bottled water. Oh yeah dont let me get started with the nasty looking water spout. Ugh!!!! Some people think it's okay to stick the spout into their water bottles when refilling. Anyway, I remember once having a bottle similar to this through brita. I have to say that I find this bottle much better. I prefer the straw and also I find that the water dispenses pretty easily. For each bottle your given a filter that can work for 3-6 months depending on how much water you drink. Also you get a spare. The best part is refilling. The top comes off giving you plenty of fill room and the filter doesnt take up alot of space in the bottle. This is really a great product. Also you can monitor the water level as you drink. Nothing worse then getting stuck in a 4 hr meeting with boss and his counterparts and you go to drink some water only to realize at the last minute IT's EMPTY?!?!?

There is only one design flaw but I understand what it is there for. At the top of the bottle next to the drinking straw there is a small air spout. The spout is basically to maintain the bottle's shape as you suck water out of it. As soon as you finish drinking the spout takes air in so the bottle will reinflate. The only problem is when the bottle is full and you tilt or squeeze it while drinking, the spout will leak water. But just a little. Nothing to freak out about.

Overall the product is great. I went over board when I bought two bottles for just myself. They way I drink water it will probably last me for 2 years because I only use them at work! All the same it is quit comforting to know that I'll have water covered when I go to work. In a construction compound in the hot and sticky south with alot of field personel, water is almost more valuable than money!Get more detail about 20 ounce Filter Water Bottle.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Shimano CN-HG50 6/7/8-Speed Chain, Black Best Quality


There really isn't any one place to get all the information you need for this job, so here it is. Replacing a chain is easy and it's like riding a new bike. Very smooth pedaling. Highly recommended. It's a 15 minute job.

First, count the number of sprockets on the back wheel. Sprockets are the gears. For me it was 7.

That's the number you need to order. This is a 6/7/8 chain, so it will work if you have 6, 7 or 8 sprockets.

You'll need a chain tool for about $12. I got the IceToolz Chain Tool 7-10 Speed Shimano HG/IG/UG chain tool, but note that the 7-9 size costs about half as much. Your chain tool should also have a number that matches any number on the chain (not the number of sprockets). My tool says 7-10, so with 7 as one of the sizes of the chain I'm good to go. Note that even if you have 6 sprockets, because this chain *could* fit 7, the 7-9 or 7-10 tool will work for a 6/7/8 chain. It would not work for a 5/6 chain because 5 and 6 are not within the 7-9 or 7-10 range of the tools.

A chain tool lets you break links and put links on. There is no such thing as a master link: you just use the links that are on the chain to connect to one another. One reviewer said he used a missing link - you DON'T need a missing link or other kind of master link. The only thing a missing link will do is it will let you put the chain on without a tool, but putting the chain on with the tool is easy if you use the trick I describe below, so I'd skip the link and just buy the tool. If your chain is broke, you can use the missing link if you really want to otherwise, you'll need the tool to pull the chain off, so you can use it to connect the chain without a missing link. Connecting the chain is trivial.

You might also want disposable gloves. The new chain is greasy.

Shift to the smallest diameter sprocket, front and back. Note where the chain goes: it's usually over the top derailer sprocket and then under the bottom one.

Now, here's the difference between a 15 minute easy job and a half hour of problems: pull the rear derailer all the way forward and use a wire or cable tie to tie it to the bike frame.

The chain links are connected by pins. Pick any one on the old chain and use the tool to push it through. Pull the chain off.

Hold the old chain up to the new one with the top ends matched and find the link on the new one that matches the last link on the old one. Be careful: a very old chain will have stretched a bit, and so you may have to match the links halfway down the chain so that you get the same *number of links*, not the same *length* chain of a stretched chain.

Hold what should be the last link of the new chain with your fingers and set down the old chain. Push the lower pin on the link you are holding completely out of the new chain. The lower pin is the one that connects the link you are holding with the next one, the first one you don't need.

String the end of the new chain through the sprocket and derailer, starting with the end that has no pin. The other end has the pin sticking out of it so that you can push it right back in to link it, but with that pin sticking out, you can't thread that side through, so use the side with no pin to thread it through the derailers. If you can, you want the pin sticking out on the other end to be facing away from the bike, but it's not fatal if it's not. Note that the chain will be threaded *through* the bike frame: you can only string it through before you connect it: you can't connect it and then get it on the bike somehow. The two ends of the chain should be hanging down.

Match up the links and place them together. If they won't go together, separate the open end a bit with your fingers, and then slide the open end over the midpoint of the link on the other end, then pull it back to the proper position so that the ends line up.

Use the chain tool to push the pin sticking out back in fully. The two end links should swing somewhat freely (though not as much as the others): you may have to push the pin in a little more or push it out from the other side. Now work the link up and down and side to side to get it to swing a bit more freely.

Undo the wire or cable tie you used to hold the derailer forward against the bike frame.

Get a chain lubricant and lube the chain. The grease on the chain will last a few miles: it's primarily a rust inhibitor. I use Tri Flow oil, but I'm not a super serious biker. More serious bikers will want something pricier.

Ride about a mile to let the oil work its way in to the nooks and crannies of your chain, then take a paper towel or rag and wipe the excess oil off. This will keep the road dirt from attaching to the oil, gunking up the chain and grinding it down.

The "new bike feel" really comes from having a new chain (it's very smooth to pedal) and a fully adjusted set of brakes with new pads. I changed the pads, and adjusted my brakes, and a used bike I bought with a rusted chain really felt like new.
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