Thread to tell everyone what bike gear you've just bought !

daniel_b

mrb123 said:

First the fan. Now this.

Well and truly fallen off the wagon.

ah no, not at all, the wagon I committed to, was for items of clothing for me, and I have been severely tempted, but have managed to resist.

First by the Isadore sale, and secondly by the pedal mafia sale.

drhaggis

Replacement heels for my Bontrager Velocis shoes. Sadly in black, rather than the matching electric blue.

A pair of Endura merino socks to replace "ventilated" ones.

And a piece of club kit - a Stolen Goat LS Kiko jersey (M).

I've no experience with SG. I had a small Orkaan sent to test, but it was a pinch too narrow at the shoulders, and way too tight in the sleeves (!!!!). I hope this Kiko one is nice, because if not I'll end up kicking myself for not getting one of the orange Perfettos on the Merlin sale (which I know fit me well).

N0bodyOfTheGoat

After a week or so of turmoil, due to how Covid has left me since late September, I've got some VEL RL 50 carbon wheels arriving in a few days. Plus two latex tubes.

daniel_b

How did those carbon wheels turnout @N0bodyOfTheGoat ?

Had my eye out on ebay for some white wheels, regretted selling some as new Shimano RS30s a few years back now, but I think these Syncros ones will likely be lighter, and critically have no red on them, and also have white hubs.

Bought for my daughters as new Bianchi, which is mostly white, so these should suit it an absolute treat.

Managed to talk the very helpful seller into boxing them up to send, and I reckon £70 delivered is a very good deal - they have covered 300 miles maximum.

veronese68

No purple helmet Danb? If you do maybe a visit to the quacks, sounds painful 😳

N0bodyOfTheGoat

daniel_b said:

How did those carbon wheels turnout @N0bodyOfTheGoat ?

They look nice, very light, but not test ridden them yet. Rather than transfer my old SHIMANO Sm-rt800 Ice-tech rotors over, I'm keeping an eye out for a new set or something similar. Best offer I've seen so far, having missed the Merlin deal (that had no centrelocks?), is ~£46 each from Amazon.

daniel_b

veronese68 said:

No purple helmet Danb? If you do maybe a visit to the quacks, sounds painful 😳

haha, no that has been shelved :-) I did foresee the possibility of purple helmet jokes, so probably for the best!
Going to stick with my black and yellow Scott Centric/cadence helmets

N0bodyOfTheGoat said:

daniel_b said:

How did those carbon wheels turnout @N0bodyOfTheGoat ?

They look nice, very light, but not test ridden them yet. Rather than transfer my old SHIMANO Sm-rt800 Ice-tech rotors over, I'm keeping an eye out for a new set or something similar. Best offer I've seen so far, having missed the Merlin deal (that had no centrelocks?), is ~£46 each from Amazon.

I managed to get some MT900s (Not sure how they differ exactly) for £51 each in 2021.
Merlin have some MT800s in 160 for £40 - and 140s and 180s for less, not sure if they are any good to you?
https://merlincycles.com/shimano-xt-mt800-ice-tec-centrelock-rotor-180696.html
Glad the wheels have turned out well, have to say I didn't realise they were Sigmas own brand, and really like the subtle branding, very classy, and weights look excellent.

In other news, I have just bought a pair of uber lightweight 'J&L' thru axles for £48 delivered - weighing in at 49g the pair.


CRC/Wiggle's Prime brand have some really good lightweight thru axles, and at current prices they could end up costing only £20 a pair, and weighing it at under 60g probably, but they did not have suitable sizes for my bike.
https://wiggle.co.uk/prime-lightweight-road-disc-thru-axle

N0bodyOfTheGoat

Possibly interesting article about TDF teams using the MTB "MT" rotors instead of the road "RT" rotors in '20.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/why-are-teams-using-mountain-bike-disc-rotors-at-the-tour-de-france/

Lots of speculation, to me the most likely ones are more stability in crosswinds and stronger central structure... But what about the aero losses?

daniel_b

Commuting in recently has been a tad chilly, had to concede that my Espresso 3 although up to the job, is not that visible, and also it is sadly just that bit too big in medium, much as I love it

I've tried my perfetto jacket with suitable layering underneath, and due to me feeling the cold, that is also not always enough, but then it is only rated down to 5c I now realise.

Wiggle/CRC have the Alpha Ros 2 at 50% off, so I have taken out their £9.99 free returns thing, and ordered a small and xs to try.
My only concern is that I gather they have changed the cut of their garments to accommodate people with bigger chests and arms, and I am not one of those people.

Their existing cut fits me pretty much as well as anything, including Rapha, Endura, Pedal mafia, Isadore and Ale, so I'll be a little bit disappointed if their apparent wholesale change of the cut of their products is no longer compatible with me, but we'll have to see I guess.

I was also tempted by the slightly more pricey Alpha ultimate insulated - it was quite difficult to figure out what the differences were, but between the Castelli site and the Saddleback site I managed to suss it out.

The insulated is some 30% lighter than the Ros 2, but is not as waterproof OR breathable. It also only came in very muted colours, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but for commuting I wanted something a bit more vibrant.
The ratings for both go down to -5, with the Ros 2 allegedly being ok for up to +10, and the insulated up to +12 (I think I have remembered those correctly)



If either fit properly, I'm intrigued to see if it is as good as all of the reviews seem to say, though I saw a few reviews saying the stitching on the back pockets is questionable, so I will be checking that carefully.
I had a near encounter with the original Alpha jacket around the time they first came out, and when Castelli Cafe still existed in name.
I ordered one in the sale for £99 iirc, but it arrived as a used one, with some marks on the front from a gel I think, or I hope anyway!
It all got sent back and refunded no issues, but as they had no more stock that was the end to my Alpha experience.

*I know technically this is me buying clothing, when I am meant to not be doing so, but I did leave commuting clothing as a caveat if it was required, and this is the case here.

pinno

Funny. I never got on with the Alpha jacket I had but in a moment of madness that could only be described as illogical based on that experience, I bought and Espresso to replace it.
...and that worked out as because I do like the Espresso.
I run cold too and I wear a vest, a HH 'Freeze' and a short sleeved Perfetto underneath the Espresso in v cold weather.

Maybe make use of the multi layered possibility of the Espresso 3 that's too bug for you?

drhaggis

I do think the answer is to wear the perfetto under the espresso, especially if "dry january" is to be observed.

On my side, I've bought non-sexy stuff:

• Rim brake pads (R55c4)
  
• 2x 28mm Hutchinson Fusion All Season --- a punt both with the brand and the width, as I hope but am not 100% sure my commuter will take them (alu rim-braked 2016 Giant Defy)
  
• 25-32 Conti Wide inner tubes, as the ones I have all stop at 25mm
  
• PD-R550 pedals to replace some really worn down pedals
  

parmos

Endura Gilet
Wet Lube
Some new Cleats for new MTB shoes

seanoconn

Decathlon rock rider winter biking bottoms for when rain is forecast and I’m feeling brave. Also cozy for the -4 commute this morning. Decathlon balaclava just to make the spending a nice even number. Pair of gp 5000’s. Endura pro Thermo bib tights (not sure about those yet, pad a little uncomfortable) and an inner tube.

pinno

seanoconn said:

Decathlon rock rider winter biking bottoms for when rain is forecast and I’m feeling brave. Also cozy for the -4 commute this morning. Decathlon balaclava just to make the spending a nice even number. Pair of gp 5000’s. Endura pro Thermo bib tights (not sure about those yet, pad a little uncomfortable) and an inner tube.

Have you got that EGR valve fitted yet?
Actually don't bother: you'll be fitter.

daniel_b

drhaggis said:

I do think the answer is to wear the perfetto under the espresso, especially if "dry january" is to be observed.

Interesting idea - I had not considered that, but will try it, though I wonder if I will feel like this:

seanoconn

pinno said:

seanoconn said:

Decathlon rock rider winter biking bottoms for when rain is forecast and I’m feeling brave. Also cozy for the -4 commute this morning. Decathlon balaclava just to make the spending a nice even number. Pair of gp 5000’s. Endura pro Thermo bib tights (not sure about those yet, pad a little uncomfortable) and an inner tube.

Have you got that EGR valve fitted yet?
Actually don't bother: you'll be fitter.

No, are you offering? I’ll pay you £300 to fit it for me.

pinno

seanoconn said:

pinno said:

seanoconn said:

Decathlon rock rider winter biking bottoms for when rain is forecast and I’m feeling brave. Also cozy for the -4 commute this morning. Decathlon balaclava just to make the spending a nice even number. Pair of gp 5000’s. Endura pro Thermo bib tights (not sure about those yet, pad a little uncomfortable) and an inner tube.

Have you got that EGR valve fitted yet?
Actually don't bother: you'll be fitter.

No, are you offering? I’ll pay you £300 to fit it for me.

I've heard that it's a bit tricky to get to.

seanoconn

pinno said:

seanoconn said:

pinno said:

seanoconn said:

Decathlon rock rider winter biking bottoms for when rain is forecast and I’m feeling brave. Also cozy for the -4 commute this morning. Decathlon balaclava just to make the spending a nice even number. Pair of gp 5000’s. Endura pro Thermo bib tights (not sure about those yet, pad a little uncomfortable) and an inner tube.

Have you got that EGR valve fitted yet?
Actually don't bother: you'll be fitter.

No, are you offering? I’ll pay you £300 to fit it for me.

I've heard that it's a bit tricky to get to.

Is that a yes? I’ll give you money towards your train fare.

pinno

seanoconn said:

pinno said:

seanoconn said:

pinno said:

seanoconn said:

Decathlon rock rider winter biking bottoms for when rain is forecast and I’m feeling brave. Also cozy for the -4 commute this morning. Decathlon balaclava just to make the spending a nice even number. Pair of gp 5000’s. Endura pro Thermo bib tights (not sure about those yet, pad a little uncomfortable) and an inner tube.

Have you got that EGR valve fitted yet?
Actually don't bother: you'll be fitter.

No, are you offering? I’ll pay you £300 to fit it for me.

I've heard that it's a bit tricky to get to.

Is that a yes? I’ll give you money towards your train fare.

Can't you meet me half way in say... in a car park in Kendal?
Bring food, beer and naked women.

seanoconn

pinno said:

seanoconn said:

pinno said:

seanoconn said:

pinno said:

seanoconn said:

Decathlon rock rider winter biking bottoms for when rain is forecast and I’m feeling brave. Also cozy for the -4 commute this morning. Decathlon balaclava just to make the spending a nice even number. Pair of gp 5000’s. Endura pro Thermo bib tights (not sure about those yet, pad a little uncomfortable) and an inner tube.

Have you got that EGR valve fitted yet?
Actually don't bother: you'll be fitter.

No, are you offering? I’ll pay you £300 to fit it for me.

I've heard that it's a bit tricky to get to.

Is that a yes? I’ll give you money towards your train fare.

Can't you meet me half way in say... in a car park in Kendal?
Bring food, beer and naked women.

Found a garage to do it for £320 so naked ladies I’m afraid.

daniel_b

seanoconn said:

pinno said:

seanoconn said:

pinno said:

seanoconn said:

pinno said:

seanoconn said:

Decathlon rock rider winter biking bottoms for when rain is forecast and I’m feeling brave. Also cozy for the -4 commute this morning. Decathlon balaclava just to make the spending a nice even number. Pair of gp 5000’s. Endura pro Thermo bib tights (not sure about those yet, pad a little uncomfortable) and an inner tube.

Have you got that EGR valve fitted yet?
Actually don't bother: you'll be fitter.

No, are you offering? I’ll pay you £300 to fit it for me.

I've heard that it's a bit tricky to get to.

Is that a yes? I’ll give you money towards your train fare.

Can't you meet me half way in say... in a car park in Kendal?
Bring food, beer and naked women.

Found a garage to do it for £320 so naked ladies I’m afraid.

Sounds like an affirmative to me.

pinno

seanoconn said:

pinno said:

seanoconn said:

pinno said:

seanoconn said:

pinno said:

seanoconn said:

Decathlon rock rider winter biking bottoms for when rain is forecast and I’m feeling brave. Also cozy for the -4 commute this morning. Decathlon balaclava just to make the spending a nice even number. Pair of gp 5000’s. Endura pro Thermo bib tights (not sure about those yet, pad a little uncomfortable) and an inner tube.

Have you got that EGR valve fitted yet?
Actually don't bother: you'll be fitter.

No, are you offering? I’ll pay you £300 to fit it for me.

I've heard that it's a bit tricky to get to.

Is that a yes? I’ll give you money towards your train fare.

Can't you meet me half way in say... in a car park in Kendal?
Bring food, beer and naked women.

Found a garage to do it for £320 so naked ladies I’m afraid.

That's still steep. I bet you it's no more difficult than a Renault 5 starter motor.

me-109

Can't find the 'Bargains' thread, so noting here (since I've bagged a set) SRAM shifters going cheap at Planet X. Rival22 or Force22 mech shifters at £100 a pair. Sold singly so if you're wanting 1x then even cheaper, something like £30 for the left lever instead of £50.

N0bodyOfTheGoat

me-109 said:

Can't find the 'Bargains' thread

Strangely moved to "bikeradar team" section a few years ago. https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/12670609/thread-to-tell-everyone-what-bargains-youve-spotted#latest

me-109

N0bodyOfTheGoat said:

me-109 said:

Can't find the 'Bargains' thread

Strangely moved to "bikeradar team" section a few years ago. https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/12670609/thread-to-tell-everyone-what-bargains-youve-spotted#latest

No wonder I couldn't find it even by going down forum sections individually. Normally I just scroll through the collective new/updated' list.

de_sisti

I have just bought the Feedback Sports Mechanic Work Stand for £117 from ProBikeKit.





The Minoura RS-4000 that I have had for over 20 years is finally showing its age, as the
clamp that holds the frame is harder to close and the QR clamps have lost their bite.
It cost me £100, so I've had my money's worth out of it.

[Edit: The picture I posted above makes it look quite small when folded down in comparison to when it has been extended. It measures about 44 inches when folded]

N0bodyOfTheGoat

Decided to buy a pair of https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-xt-mt800-ice-tec-centrelock-rotor-180696.html mid Feb for the yet to be set up, nevermind ridden VEL 50 RL wheels I bought around Black Friday.

Annoyingly, I traded in some loyalty points for a £5 voucher on a £75+ basket to buy the above, only to be told computer says no! Maybe because I had dropped to "silver" loyalty?

Consequently I've had that voucher code to use, not knowing how long the expiry on it is and in fairness, there were plenty of relatively good prices at Merlin at mo, plus Topcashback bit better than normal. Eventually decided on mostly consumeables I'll need sometime soon anyway...

https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-105-cs-r7000-cassette-11-speed-117086.html 11-32 for £38 couldn't be refused, even though I love the climbing range of 11-34, when it's ~£17 cheaper (already wondering if I should have got two)

https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-hg400-9-speed-mtb-cassette-48272.html replacement 12-36 for my commuter hybrid that has been of turbo duties all winter, was almost tempted by the HG200 11-36 at wiggle/crc for £13 each instead

https://www.merlincycles.com/kmc-x9-9-speed-chain-134174.html for commuter, as I seem to have accidentally ordered ~5 spares for road bike over last few years

https://www.merlincycles.com/zefal-air-profil-micro-mini-road-pump-94443.html I've been using a ~22+ year old Toys'R'Us mini for years, worried it might eventually die, hoping I don't regret getting a Topeak or Lezyne

drhaggis

Bought a Bell XR Spherical lid, on white, to replace an old and now cracked Spesh Echelon.

Here's hoping that the shape is good, or else I'm paying return fees. An acceptable risk, seeing it's a good £60 cheaper than on the only shop that might have it in Edinburgh.

I must admit I was sorely tempted by a Poc Ventral Air. Which is £90 pretty much everywhere, provided you like purple

EDIT: Helmet's arrived. Looks nice, the magnetic buckle is a nice touch, and the rubbery "glass feet" fit Oakley Jawbreakers. Shape's definitely ovoid, likely more than Giro. My M-sized version is about 22 cm long, 16 cm wide inside the shell (very quick measurements, so no claims w.r.t. accuracy). Fit's good, but not quite as good as the non-mips Spesh. Will almost certainly keep it.

bmxboy10

An SE Big Flyer 29er BMX from Wiggle for £180. My new pub bike.

I am 50 next year in case you were wondering

daniel_b

bmxboy10 said:

An SE Big Flyer 29er BMX from Wiggle for £180. My new pub bike.

I am 50 next year in case you were wondering

Don't forget pictures - and I hope you went through TCB!

I didn't even know a 29er BMX was a thing

There's quite the variety of colours - what did you go for?!