Comments on: Tried and liked in 2007 http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/ Tips, Hints, Reviews and Safety for Bike Commuters Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:08:08 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 By: Adam Hicks http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/comment-page-1/#comment-82578 Adam Hicks Tue, 13 May 2008 17:07:18 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/#comment-82578 I know I'm a bit late to this, but I have to toot horns where tooting is deserved. Glad this is being kept positive, because there's plenty I could complain about. I liked: Brooks B17 Champion Standard, but even more I LOVE my Brooks B17 Imperial! When they come out for purchase, buy one. Thomson Seatpost. It really is just better. Cane Creek Drop V-Levers. I love drops, but I also love V-Brakes. These have comfy hoods, great ergo levers, great actuation all in a good looking design. I got mine for the price of the Tektros, so I opted for the upgrade ;) Singlespeed. There is nothing better for winter commuting than a clean, easy to maintain drivetrain. Fizik bar gel and tape. Mixed reviews from websites on this stuff, many people prefer Cinelli. I put it on and feel like I'm in a comfy Cadillac now. It completely took care of all problems I was having. I'm looking forward to trying the Seattle Sports Rain Panniers mentioned here...those and maybe a handlebar bag will be my next endeavours. Also, hopefully some Schwalbe tires. I know I’m a bit late to this, but I have to toot horns where tooting is deserved. Glad this is being kept positive, because there’s plenty I could complain about.

I liked:

Brooks B17 Champion Standard, but even more I LOVE my Brooks B17 Imperial! When they come out for purchase, buy one.

Thomson Seatpost. It really is just better.

Cane Creek Drop V-Levers. I love drops, but I also love V-Brakes. These have comfy hoods, great ergo levers, great actuation all in a good looking design. I got mine for the price of the Tektros, so I opted for the upgrade ;)

Singlespeed. There is nothing better for winter commuting than a clean, easy to maintain drivetrain.

Fizik bar gel and tape. Mixed reviews from websites on this stuff, many people prefer Cinelli. I put it on and feel like I’m in a comfy Cadillac now. It completely took care of all problems I was having.

I’m looking forward to trying the Seattle Sports Rain Panniers mentioned here…those and maybe a handlebar bag will be my next endeavours. Also, hopefully some Schwalbe tires.

]]> By: Mike Myers http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/comment-page-1/#comment-69635 Mike Myers Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:16:30 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/#comment-69635 I made a couple of purchases in 2007. My Surly Pacer frameset. I got one of the new ones in "Silver Bullet". Very nice. The Pacer is probably the least-mentioned Surly road frame, but I like it very much. It's reminiscent of a nice road frame from the 70s, except it's not lugged. Fender and rack mounts, but fenders are a bit tricky with 700x28s. Rides great. DiNotte lighting. I owned a DiNotte 5W Ultralight(first generation) and traded it in to DiNotte for a 200L and a taillight(140L) and a minimal amount of cash. The 200L is a lot brighter than the 5W, but the taillight was a revelation. It is as bright as everyone says. Worth the money and battery hassle, IMHO. After that I bought a DiNotte 600L--direct from DiNotte b/c Nashbar didn't have their act together. Wow. Having a light that bright spoils you. I run it on high whenever I use it, because I'm not out for extended periods of night riding. It's a revelation. Highly recommended, and DiNotte is a fantastic company with which to do business. I made a couple of purchases in 2007.

My Surly Pacer frameset. I got one of the new ones in “Silver Bullet”. Very nice. The Pacer is probably the least-mentioned Surly road frame, but I like it very much. It’s reminiscent of a nice road frame from the 70s, except it’s not lugged. Fender and rack mounts, but fenders are a bit tricky with 700x28s. Rides great.

DiNotte lighting. I owned a DiNotte 5W Ultralight(first generation) and traded it in to DiNotte for a 200L and a taillight(140L) and a minimal amount of cash. The 200L is a lot brighter than the 5W, but the taillight was a revelation. It is as bright as everyone says. Worth the money and battery hassle, IMHO. After that I bought a DiNotte 600L–direct from DiNotte b/c Nashbar didn’t have their act together. Wow. Having a light that bright spoils you. I run it on high whenever I use it, because I’m not out for extended periods of night riding. It’s a revelation. Highly recommended, and DiNotte is a fantastic company with which to do business.

]]> By: Heather http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/comment-page-1/#comment-67685 Heather Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:14:44 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/#comment-67685 I bought a Dahon Curve SL folding bike. I love it. I haven't put that many miles on it yet. But it is good for getting from the ship I am on to a bus stop. I bought a Dahon Curve SL folding bike. I love it. I haven’t put that many miles on it yet. But it is good for getting from the ship I am on to a bus stop.

]]> By: Machinetwelve http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/comment-page-1/#comment-67470 Machinetwelve Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:50:39 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/#comment-67470 A few things... Commuting to work by bike. Singlespeed/Fixed Gear. Mountain Biking in the Rockies. A few things…

Commuting to work by bike.

Singlespeed/Fixed Gear.

Mountain Biking in the Rockies.

]]> By: Noah http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/comment-page-1/#comment-67308 Noah Mon, 31 Dec 2007 17:17:14 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/#comment-67308 Where to begin!? In the interest of not rambling on and on, I'll post 2 reviews of my favorite products picked up in 2007: DiNotte 200L (AA) headlight. Just. Plain. Awesome. http://kc-bike.blogspot.com/2007/11/product-review-dinotte-200l-led.html Genuine Innovations UltraFlate CO2 was a life-saver a few times http://kc-bike.blogspot.com/2007/05/product-review-genuine-innovations.html All in all, though, I have a bunch of stuff I've tried and liked, and a few things I wish I wouldn't have gotten. Where to begin!? In the interest of not rambling on and on, I’ll post 2 reviews of my favorite products picked up in 2007:

DiNotte 200L (AA) headlight. Just. Plain. Awesome.
http://kc-bike.blogspot.com/2007/11/product-review-dinotte-200l-led.html

Genuine Innovations UltraFlate CO2 was a life-saver a few times
http://kc-bike.blogspot.com/2007/05/product-review-genuine-innovations.html

All in all, though, I have a bunch of stuff I’ve tried and liked, and a few things I wish I wouldn’t have gotten.

]]> By: kaz kougar http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/comment-page-1/#comment-67300 kaz kougar Mon, 31 Dec 2007 16:37:27 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/#comment-67300 I have a new addition that I just tried and liked yesterday, The Schwinn 17-Function Bike Computer. This device does everything I need it to, Speed, Trip, Odometer, Average speed, Max Speed, Temp, Time and a scan function. You can pick up at Target, Fred Meyer or any such stores (I'm not going to mention that other place, if you want to shop there then that's on you) for nearly a fraction of the price of what you would pay at a bike shop. Don't get me wrong, I"m all about supporting my LBS and I buy just about everything from several LBS's, I just can't justify paying too much for an electronic component that I'm exposing to the elements, using and abusing every day. I have a new addition that I just tried and liked yesterday, The Schwinn 17-Function Bike Computer. This device does everything I need it to, Speed, Trip, Odometer, Average speed, Max Speed, Temp, Time and a scan function. You can pick up at Target, Fred Meyer or any such stores (I’m not going to mention that other place, if you want to shop there then that’s on you) for nearly a fraction of the price of what you would pay at a bike shop. Don’t get me wrong, I”m all about supporting my LBS and I buy just about everything from several LBS’s, I just can’t justify paying too much for an electronic component that I’m exposing to the elements, using and abusing every day.

]]> By: db http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/comment-page-1/#comment-67292 db Mon, 31 Dec 2007 15:00:16 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/#comment-67292 1. Vittoria makes some skinnier XC and "city" tires, and the Randonneurs have been great for me. I can ride my road bike year-round now, thanks to those. They have reflective sidewalls to help my dark-morning commutes. 2. Pearl Izumi AmFib lobster claw gloves. Best glove for under 30-degrees F that I've ever owned. 3. A Cateye EL510 and rechargeable AA batteries. I switched from a NiteRider "Classic" that had a dying rechargeable water-bottle-type battery. Not only was it way cheaper, but the light is more than good enough for commutes on city streets. 4. Serfas Aileron glasses. Just got these and I already love them. Four interchangeable lenses for any riding condition, and no bottom rim to obstruct my view when I'm looking over my shoulder at the traffic coming up behind me. 5. Planet Bike Freddy Fenders. Put these on my converted MTB, and they keep me very dry when the streets are wet. 1. Vittoria makes some skinnier XC and “city” tires, and the Randonneurs have been great for me. I can ride my road bike year-round now, thanks to those. They have reflective sidewalls to help my dark-morning commutes.

2. Pearl Izumi AmFib lobster claw gloves. Best glove for under 30-degrees F that I’ve ever owned.

3. A Cateye EL510 and rechargeable AA batteries. I switched from a NiteRider “Classic” that had a dying rechargeable water-bottle-type battery. Not only was it way cheaper, but the light is more than good enough for commutes on city streets.

4. Serfas Aileron glasses. Just got these and I already love them. Four interchangeable lenses for any riding condition, and no bottom rim to obstruct my view when I’m looking over my shoulder at the traffic coming up behind me.

5. Planet Bike Freddy Fenders. Put these on my converted MTB, and they keep me very dry when the streets are wet.

]]> By: xSmurf http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/comment-page-1/#comment-67289 xSmurf Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:39:42 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/#comment-67289 I have to agree about the CX Pro. I though these would be really small for the winter and yet they work pretty good. Still not sure if I should have bought studded tires instead. I have to agree about the CX Pro. I though these would be really small for the winter and yet they work pretty good. Still not sure if I should have bought studded tires instead.

]]> By: danielo http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/comment-page-1/#comment-67250 danielo Mon, 31 Dec 2007 05:52:53 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/#comment-67250 Things I tried in 2007: (1) Armadillo tires -- brilliant! (2) Studded ice tires -- outstanding! (3) Symbiot Sportback backpack -- lovely! Things I tried in 2007:
(1) Armadillo tires — brilliant!
(2) Studded ice tires — outstanding!
(3) Symbiot Sportback backpack — lovely!

]]> By: Tim http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/comment-page-1/#comment-67243 Tim Mon, 31 Dec 2007 03:13:36 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/12/28/tried-and-liked-in-2007/#comment-67243 Tried and liked the Dynamic Crosstown 7 driveshaft bike for commuting. I'm very much a fan after 1600km in the last couple of months. Tried and liked the Dynamic Crosstown 7 driveshaft bike for commuting. I’m very much a fan after 1600km in the last couple of months.

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