Commuter upgrades? Can you get spray-on dirt for new bits?
tardington
Posts: 1,379
Thought I might get some fancy bits for winter - what are the things which have the best effect for the bucks I will be spending? Would be hoping to get something that isn't too obvious, as I have to park my bike outside everyday
I have a reasonably crappy hybrid with 700cc wheels, risers bars and v brakes. The wheels are the wider kind!
1) Is it worth getting new wheels? This is where the spray on dirt comes in
2) I see there is about a million kinds of bottom bracket. Mine is 5 years old. A new one?
3) Tell me more about Air-Zound horns. I am starting to dislike pedestrains on the bike path in an unhealthy way
I have a reasonably crappy hybrid with 700cc wheels, risers bars and v brakes. The wheels are the wider kind!
1) Is it worth getting new wheels? This is where the spray on dirt comes in
2) I see there is about a million kinds of bottom bracket. Mine is 5 years old. A new one?
3) Tell me more about Air-Zound horns. I am starting to dislike pedestrains on the bike path in an unhealthy way
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Comments
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For commuting purposes, i only replace hardware (wheels, BB's) when they are worn out and even then i try to see out the winter on the old stuff so the new shiny bits stay that way a bit longer.
I bought my brother-in-law an Airzound for his birthday. Tried it in the office when it arrived and scared people in the next office, it was hilarious! Last time i spoke to him he claimed not to have found the need to use it yet, so i can't report on it in use. My only concern is the level of liability when peds start having heart attacks.
And your contribution to saving the world (see 'wind-up lights' post) can be using a rechargeable air horn!0 -
1) If you're after new wheels, you might want to wait 'til after winter as it's the harshest time on them, esp. with rim brakes.
2) If your BB is a bit crunchy, you may want to change it. But as you said, there a lot of different types. Make sure you get the right one!
3) Airzounds are a bit overkill for pedestrians. If you give one a heart attack they may fall into your path, which is a bit self-defeating.
What do you want out of your bike? Faster? Smoother? Better braking? Lighter?
The best braking upgrade for your money is a pair of Kool Stop salmon brake pads and a clean of your rims.Bike lover and part-time cyclist.0 -
AidanR wrote:1) If you're after new wheels, you might want to wait 'til after winter as it's the harshest time on them, esp. with rim brakes.
2) If your BB is a bit crunchy, you may want to change it. But as you said, there a lot of different types. Make sure you get the right one!
3) Airzounds are a bit overkill for pedestrians. If you give one a heart attack they may fall into your path, which is a bit self-defeating.
What do you want out of your bike? Faster? Smoother? Better braking? Lighter?
The best braking upgrade for your money is a pair of Kool Stop salmon brake pads and a clean of your rims.
1) I don't mind getting new stuff for winter - it's the time when I am most likely to jack cycling in and go for a bus pass!
2) The bottom bracket just seems to be going slower... I just have the feeling it is. :?
3) So I need knobblies, to go over the bodies?
That last one sounds nice! (and cheap I hope)0
