reviews of equipment used in end to end
scruffyduncan
Posts: 246
I've just completed an end to end ride over ten days, taking the 'scenic' (hilly route) The weather and the roads were not great and it gave various bits of equipment a good test. This is how a selection of products performed:
Continental ultra gator skins. 10/10
Both of us used these tyres. We did not have a single puncture. The weather was wet and the lanes were often muddy, we even had a couple of short stretches on unpaved roads. They are also decently grippy and not too heavy.
Planet X model B wheelset 8/10
I was slightly concerned about using these wheels as they aren't really designed for touring. I was only carrying minimal luggage, so I went with them. They have more flex than other wheels I've used (race lites and hanbuilts) but this was welcome for comfort. Despite taking knocks over rough roads the front stayed completely true and the rear ended out maybe a mm out of true. The rims started to show some wear after days of wet, dirty roads. For £100 they were a great buy.
DHB earnley waterproof 8/10
Kept the water out even in the heaviest showers. The vents allowed decent air circulation and the material had some breathability. The mesh inner kept things more comfortable inside. Not a superlight, hi tech jacket, but it does a very competent job for the money
Carradice Pendle saddlebag 9/10
Big enough for the basics of light touring. The side pockets allow you to carry tools and other stuff you want to keep separate from the main compartment. Using the bagman attachment the bag stayed steady and was a great way to carry loads on a racing bike. On one day when we had several hours of very heavy rain the bag kept things almost totally dry. A couple of items were slightly damp though, a result of constant spray from below. The bag could also do with a handle to make it easier to carry when off the bike. I was very happy with this bag.
dhb earnley bibshorts 6/10
these are fine for most riding, but the chomois is a bit thin and the quality is suspect. Both of us had issues with stitching becoming undone. I had a hard racing saddle for the trip and needed something more robust. I'll be treating myself to some more expensive shorts
Montane featherlite Gilet 8/10
an ultra lightweight gilet that is windproof and fine for light summer shower protection. Packs down to nothing. It was ideal for my purposes on this ride, but it could do with more venting in the back if I was using it to keep the wid off on higher intensity rides. The sizing is a bit on the large side.
Specialized BG pro road shoes 9/10
Comfy and very stiff. Plenty of room for wide feet and good ventilation. I've had these a while and they stand up to punishment well.
Alexa and Nike short sleeved tops. 10/10
I,ve had both these tops for 7 years and I still chose them to take on a long trip like this. Need I say more?
Selle Italia Maxflite saddle 7/10
Not that light and very hard. I've used this for long day rides with no problems, but for a multi day effort I regretted not fixing my rolls san marco, which is infinitely more comfy.
Topeak compact handlebar bag 8/10
Doesn't hold a great deal, but is handy to keep bits and pieces in and to take off and use as a bum bag. Fits securely on the bars and can be used easily with shimano gear cables. Make sure you get the waterproof cover on quick when it rains as the bag itself has no waterproofing.
Hope these are of assistance to somebody!!
Continental ultra gator skins. 10/10
Both of us used these tyres. We did not have a single puncture. The weather was wet and the lanes were often muddy, we even had a couple of short stretches on unpaved roads. They are also decently grippy and not too heavy.
Planet X model B wheelset 8/10
I was slightly concerned about using these wheels as they aren't really designed for touring. I was only carrying minimal luggage, so I went with them. They have more flex than other wheels I've used (race lites and hanbuilts) but this was welcome for comfort. Despite taking knocks over rough roads the front stayed completely true and the rear ended out maybe a mm out of true. The rims started to show some wear after days of wet, dirty roads. For £100 they were a great buy.
DHB earnley waterproof 8/10
Kept the water out even in the heaviest showers. The vents allowed decent air circulation and the material had some breathability. The mesh inner kept things more comfortable inside. Not a superlight, hi tech jacket, but it does a very competent job for the money
Carradice Pendle saddlebag 9/10
Big enough for the basics of light touring. The side pockets allow you to carry tools and other stuff you want to keep separate from the main compartment. Using the bagman attachment the bag stayed steady and was a great way to carry loads on a racing bike. On one day when we had several hours of very heavy rain the bag kept things almost totally dry. A couple of items were slightly damp though, a result of constant spray from below. The bag could also do with a handle to make it easier to carry when off the bike. I was very happy with this bag.
dhb earnley bibshorts 6/10
these are fine for most riding, but the chomois is a bit thin and the quality is suspect. Both of us had issues with stitching becoming undone. I had a hard racing saddle for the trip and needed something more robust. I'll be treating myself to some more expensive shorts
Montane featherlite Gilet 8/10
an ultra lightweight gilet that is windproof and fine for light summer shower protection. Packs down to nothing. It was ideal for my purposes on this ride, but it could do with more venting in the back if I was using it to keep the wid off on higher intensity rides. The sizing is a bit on the large side.
Specialized BG pro road shoes 9/10
Comfy and very stiff. Plenty of room for wide feet and good ventilation. I've had these a while and they stand up to punishment well.
Alexa and Nike short sleeved tops. 10/10
I,ve had both these tops for 7 years and I still chose them to take on a long trip like this. Need I say more?
Selle Italia Maxflite saddle 7/10
Not that light and very hard. I've used this for long day rides with no problems, but for a multi day effort I regretted not fixing my rolls san marco, which is infinitely more comfy.
Topeak compact handlebar bag 8/10
Doesn't hold a great deal, but is handy to keep bits and pieces in and to take off and use as a bum bag. Fits securely on the bars and can be used easily with shimano gear cables. Make sure you get the waterproof cover on quick when it rains as the bag itself has no waterproofing.
Hope these are of assistance to somebody!!
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