What are your cycling best and worst recomendations?

Since spring is here or almost here, I thought it would be a good idea to share what cycling related clothing, shoes, lights, saddles, etc that have enhanced your cycling experience and have been well worth the $$, and then there are those items that look great, cost a lot, but don't quite function as advertised.

I'll start.
For me, hands down best purchase has been any of the PI amfib line. I have the lobster gloves awesome for cold weather riding. PI amfib drop tail bibs well worth the money, great for cold/raining weather kept me warm and dry all winter. PI amfib shoes covers kept the toes nice and warm/dry. The one thing I have purchased for the bike that I didn't think was worth the money was a camelback podium water bottle (LBS price $18 +tax), its ok to use in cooler weather but useless in the summer. In the summer I usually fill mine with ice then add a bit of water but after an hour or so out on the bike you end up drinking warmish water (yuck!)I need to find a water bottle that fits in the water bottle cage, is insulated, and holds at least 16 oz H2O.

Looking for good summer bibs, any suggestions?

I have the podium ice bottle. I fill it with water and then freeze it. It's my daily water bottle at work and the water is still cold at the end of the day. My classroom temp ranges from 72 - 78 and the bottle sits on my desk

There is a stainless steel insulated version. My husband did a test with the stainless steel and a couple of other bottles to see how they all compared. You can read about it here.

Veronica

I was thinking the SS was the way to go, thanks so much for the info:)

BEST REC: Keep trying saddles until you find one that works for you.
WORST REC: "This is a comfortable saddle!"


Second worst recommendation: "You (i.e. malkin) should be the tandem captain because you are a more experienced (and opinionated) cyclist.
Second best recommendation: The stronger and heavier person should captain the tandem.

Even better recommendation: Fuel, refuel, hydrate, and rehydrate!

Even better Bestest Recommendation: Go Ride Your Bike!

http://www.velofred.com/klickfix-con...aul-p-453.html

This bag fits on the seatpost of my very, very small framed bike. Finally I can go for long rides and have a place to put all my stuff, from food to discarded warm clothing.

http://www.velofred.com/images/bags/...s/0217sf01.png

My bad buy was the mini seat post bag, which would fit on the same klickfix adapter. The bag hangs too low and rubs my rear tire. Otherwise, it is a really nice bag. Unfortunately, I tossed the receipt and tags and can't return it. Maybe I can find a different bike to put it on.

I also don't like the podium bottle much. It is kind of hard to get it out of my bottle holders. But, I might get used to it.

I love my Giro Aeon hi viz helmet. It is bright. It fits perfect. It is light and well vented. http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodGO_2030473.html

http://gg1.teamestrogen.com/ri/300/3...0476-HYLBK.jpg

Generally, I have been buying and wearing more high visibility clothing after wintering in Florida where the drivers are frightening. I have some high viz screaming yellow jersey's from TE, a high viz jacket, a vest, and a blaze orange jersey. TE has one of the best collections of high viz stuff anywhere.

My favorite things that I use the most are
(1) my Cannondale jacket with removable sleeves. What I like best about it is that the sleeves attach with magnets, and it is SO easy to take them off and put back on compared to zippers. They also come off as one unit and could even be worn as a bolero. The remaining vest has lots of pockets which come in handy. I'm not sure Cannonale still makes it.
(2) my Terry bolero. Perfect for cool mornings and packs away to almost nothing.
(3) Falcon Safety Aquablast air horn for dog deterent
(4) a bento box that attaches to my top tube. Very handy.

LOL at Velominati.

Best and worst was probably my road bike. I think we've all heard enough about that. But...I learned my lesson, and it sort of created a monster, regardless of how it fits. :D

Beyond that...
Best: Most of my Pearl Izumi gear. The things that gets the most use are the shorts (the In-R-Cool Elite shorts) and gloves (Gel-Vent), of course, but I love my safety orange convertible barrier jacket. I've had one chance to use the Am-fib tights during a very slushy cross bike ride, and I liked how they performed. Also, my Polar bottles. I need to get 20oz ones for the cross bike because the 24oz ones don't fit!
HUGE Topeak seat bags, for both bikes.
My CX bike.
The stash of Specialized Jetts that I am amassing...

Worst:
Cheap Performance shorts. Their re-vamped higher-end ones are actually pretty good (not Pearl-good, but still), but the lower end ones...not so much.
Wired computers with cadence.
A Serfas wireless bike computer. There were some things I liked about it (easy to read, for one), but it was very easy to accidentally reset and it was very prone to interference. I replaced it with a Cateye and I am happy.

I got the Terry bolero light. They also make one that is heavier weight with a more fleecy lining. TE carries that one as well as some boleros by other manufacturers. The bolero light ran small and pulled across my upper back when I wore it. I wear a size small in every top I have, but I had to send the small/med bolero back and get a Large/XL size, which fits with plenty of room under it for even a long sleeved jersey for an extra layer.

https://www.performancebike.com/revi...ero-Light.html

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Grits

My favorite things that I use the most are
(1) my Cannondale jacket with removable sleeves. What I like best about it is that the sleeves attach with magnets, and it is SO easy to take them off and put back on compared to zippers. They also come off as one unit and could even be worn as a bolero. The remaining vest has lots of pockets which come in handy. I'm not sure Cannonale still makes it.

---

(I have one for sale if anyone's interested....PM me. It's size medium and white with blue and black trim.)

Bests: Luna, France, Italy, Bike Friday
Worsts: Brooks saddles, worn out shorts that become, uh, revealing.

Someone once told me the only suspension a road bike has is the tires. I've also read that the most performance you can get for the money is in tires.
So my #1 recommendation is to get the best tires you possibly can and run them at the pressure appropriate for your size.

Bike helmet with a visor: I like more sunshade in addition to my sunglasses. I don't pay attention to helmets in the store that don't have a visor.
Lobster gloves: Best for winter cycling and if you get paranoid when you have Reynauld's syndrome in your hands, like I do.
Schwable Marathon Plus tires: Very sturdy, strong. Less prone to flats.
Cycling skort (or a running skort for shorter rides): Great especially if you bike in Europe, where you want to blend in a bit more with locals, rather than look overly-spandaxed.
Fun bike bell. Yea, I got me a little bell ringer: he's a construction guy wearing a brass helmet: ding-ding! I'm a kid all over again. Yea, I got this little guy, on my commuter bike.

Worst recommendation/advice: "High visibility (clothing, accessories, gear, trim, etc) will make you safe."
No clothing - or color - has such magical properties. Unless it's a full body air bag or something. But that would be sort of awkward on a bike.
Color can help (no guarantees tho) make you visible, but that is a far different animal than "safe."

Best recommendation/advice: Assume that idiot in the car doesn't see you.
Corollary: Ride like you are invisible.
Ride defensively and ride safely.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 7rider

Worst recommendation/advice: "High visibility (clothing, accessories, gear, trim, etc) will make you safe."
No clothing - or color - has such magical properties. Unless it's a full body air bag or something. But that would be sort of awkward on a bike.
Color can help (no guarantees tho) make you visible, but that is a far different animal than "safe."

Best recommendation/advice: Assume that idiot in the car doesn't see you.
Corollary: Ride like you are invisible.
Ride defensively and ride safely.

---

3X on these sentiments- I have half seriously told my bike friends that I am getting an orange flag like my Grandma put on her bike.....

Worst Recommendation: Garmin 800. Extremely difficult to use and expensive and, supposedly, you have to pay extra for the Garmin maps; but it is the only GPS map device that is small for biking with long battery life that I know of. I am not a computer genius, but both my husband and I have trouble downloading and seeing bike routes and getting turn-by-turn directions.

Best Recommendation: biking gloves are a must. The gloves help prevent skinning your hands when you fall, preventing hand sunburns, used to wipe your "snot", prevents branches from scratching you up, etc. I throw my gloves/albuterol inhaler into my helmet and hang the helmet on my bike, so that I will forget neither my helmet nor my gloves.

You can't really assume that every driver can't see you. Life doesn't work that way. If we assume we are invisible we would stop at every intersection when there is oncoming traffic that might decide to turn. We wouldn't ride slower than traffic because someone might right hook us. We would never take the lane. We have to ride defensively and be as visible as we can be, but nevertheless we do make some assumptions about being seen. As a practical matter, we have to.

I never go out anymore without high visibility clothing and flashing lights but I know it doesn't make me safe. Maybe it makes me safer though.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by goldfinch

You can't really assume that every driver can't see you. Life doesn't work that way. If we assume we are invisible we would stop at every intersection when there is oncoming traffic that might decide to turn. We wouldn't ride slower than traffic because someone might right hook us. We would never take the lane. We have to ride defensively and be as visible as we can be, but nevertheless we do make some assumptions about being seen. As a practical matter, we have to.

I never go out anymore without high visibility clothing and flashing lights but I know it doesn't make me safe. Maybe it makes me safer though.

---

No, I disagree.

Riding as if you're invisible (except to that 10% of motorists who do see you and are trying to kill you on purpose) doesn't mean stopping indefinitely until there's no traffic whatsoever on the road.

It means being prepared to swerve or brake hard if I need to, and having the skills to do so.

It means having complete situational awareness at all times, looking far up the road and using my peripheral vision and my mirror to identify potential hazards, what I call "seeing with my whole eyes." Not being distracted by music, phone calls, my training computer, or even deep conversations with other riders.

It means choosing a lane position based not only on motorists' *ability* to see me if they're so inclined, but also for the availability of escape routes if I need one; the ability to ride predictably i.e. not having to swerve to avoid grates, holes or debris; and the availability of traction (absence of traction-robbing paint, oil, sand, gravel or water) in case I do have to use those swerving/braking skills.

I'm all about hi-viz clothing too, but I'm realistic about what it does. It gives a heads up to the ones who would've seen me and done the right thing anyway - does them the courtesy of helping them see me earlier.

But mostly, I call it "exhibit A." I don't want my family to have to go through what I see in the news all the time, that a dead or injured cyclist is excoriated by news media, the public, and even the prosecutors and cops who should be enforcing the law against the motorist, because they were wearing the wrong clothes. They will find a way to make it my fault regardless, that's what they do, but that's one less thing they'll be able to use.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TigerMom

both my husband and I have trouble downloading and seeing bike routes and getting turn-by-turn directions.

---

Where are you downloading the routes from? There's a problem with MapMyRide, has been for a few years now, and their lack of interest in fixing it makes me think they want everyone to subscribe and use their phone app, which makes sense - being able to download for free from there sucked revenue out of their stream.

Try RideWithGPS.com (subscription options also available, but their free maps work). I don't have the 800, I have the older 705, but I know plenty of people with 800s who don't have the trouble you're describing.


(Or - maybe I misunderstood your post - did you install some free maps? That might be your problem. I know there are free options available, but I bought Garmin's maps for ease of use as well as respecting the license.)

I also use the 800 with ridewithgps. No problems here either. I use free maps found online which don't violate the license :-)

And I'm one of those odd ones who is anti gloves. I can't find a pair that doesn't give me a problem in one way or another.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by thekarens

I also use the 800 with ridewithgps. No problems here either. I use free maps found online which don't violate the license :-)

And I'm one of those odd ones who is anti gloves. I can't find a pair that doesn't give me a problem in one way or another.

---

You are not alone, my second son never wears gloves, and he rides road,trail,downhill and dirt jumps......and yes he has lost palm skin a few times! I guess some folks just don't find them comfortable....

[QUOTE=goldfinch;673171]http://www.velofred.com/klickfix-con...aul-p-453.html

This bag fits on the seatpost of my very, very small framed bike. Finally I can go for long rides and have a place to put all my stuff, from food to discarded warm clothing.

http://www.velofred.com/images/bags/...s/0217sf01.png

My bad buy was the mini seat post bag, which would fit on the same klickfix adapter. The bag hangs too low and rubs my rear tire. Otherwise, it is a really nice bag. Unfortunately, I tossed the receipt and tags and can't return it. Maybe I can find a different bike to put it on.

That's an awesome bike rack!, I have been looking for something like that. Thanks for the post, I'm going to get me one:)
I liked the helmet too. I tend to pick clothing that practically glow there so bright, just incase I encounter the odd dolt out there behind the wheel.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tealtreak

You are not alone, my second son never wears gloves, and he rides road,trail,downhill and dirt jumps......and yes he has lost palm skin a few times! I guess some folks just don't find them comfortable....

---

Well to be candid, I wear full fingered gloves when I mtb. I guess it's the difference in position. I just haven't found a pair that doesn't bother me in one way or another when I road ride.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by OakLeaf

No, I disagree.

Riding as if you're invisible (except to that 10% of motorists who do see you and are trying to kill you on purpose) doesn't mean stopping indefinitely until there's no traffic whatsoever on the road.

It means being prepared to swerve or brake hard if I need to, and having the skills to do so.

It means having complete situational awareness at all times, looking far up the road and using my peripheral vision and my mirror to identify potential hazards, what I call "seeing with my whole eyes." Not being distracted by music, phone calls, my training computer, or even deep conversations with other riders.

It means choosing a lane position based not only on motorists' *ability* to see me if they're so inclined, but also for the availability of escape routes if I need one; the ability to ride predictably i.e. not having to swerve to avoid grates, holes or debris; and the availability of traction (absence of traction-robbing paint, oil, sand, gravel or water) in case I do have to use those swerving/braking skills.

I'm all about hi-viz clothing too, but I'm realistic about what it does. It gives a heads up to the ones who would've seen me and done the right thing anyway - does them the courtesy of helping them see me earlier.

But mostly, I call it "exhibit A." I don't want my family to have to go through what I see in the news all the time, that a dead or injured cyclist is excoriated by news media, the public, and even the prosecutors and cops who should be enforcing the law against the motorist, because they were wearing the wrong clothes. They will find a way to make it my fault regardless, that's what they do, but that's one less thing they'll be able to use.

---

As a practical matter we don't disagree on the importance of defensive riding skills.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by thekarens

Well to be candid, I wear full fingered gloves when I mtb. I guess it's the difference in position. I just haven't found a pair that doesn't bother me in one way or another when I road ride.

---

Is it the padding or thickness? I wear weight lifting gloves for the road, they are thinner/lighter but just enough (:

I can't stand ANY padding in gloves. I wear one style now, made by Botranger. They are 40.00, never go on sale, but worth it. You also can't buy them at any discount sites.
Padding puts my hands in spasms of pain.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tealtreak

Is it the padding or thickness? I wear weight lifting gloves for the road, they are thinner/lighter but just enough (:

---

Padding. My mtb gloves have zero padding and I love them, but I don't like full fingered gloves for road riding. I tried the performance ones, but they still have a little padding and don't fit right. I need to find those Bontrager ones to try :-)

PS I have weight lifting gloves and have tried those as well.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by thekarens

I also use the 800 with ridewithgps. No problems here either. I use free maps found online which don't violate the license :-)

---

I will try to use the ridewithgps.com instead of mapmyride. Unfortunately, most of the routes that we are interested in is on mapmyride. We have problems downloading routes already done by other people on to our Garmin's. You would think that you could just export the GPX files on to the Garmin and then, voila, it's there. But nope, it's a hit a miss situation (although it does seem to work a little more often through Garmin's free Basecamp software).

Also, supposedly, the Garmin 800 gives turn-by-turn directions as you bike/drive once the route has been downloaded to the Garmin, but nope. The Garmin 800 does give turn-by-turn directions if you plug in an address.

Usually when I rave about "best", it has to do with a particular piece of equipment that saved my butt under particular conditions. For instance, tubular CX tires are friggen' magical when you're taking a sharp fast turn on gravel. It's seriously like velcro, not a single hint of slipping or wobbling. However, I cannot recommend putting tubulars on, say, a commute bike, unless you're good at gluing quickly under duress on the shoulder of a busy street. :)

I've found OMG IT'S COLD redemption from Rapha's merino neck gator, Specialized's Deflect gloves (especially when I was skiing and that was all I had, heh), and Defeet's Wool-E-Ator socks.

Now that it's finally getting warm, my "bests" are a little more generic: the new Specialized Purist bottles, Sidi Dominator 5 shoes, and the giant green tin of Bag Balm.

If there's been one thing that rubbed me the wrong way, literally, it was Castelli's super-short bike shorts that went under their magical riding dress. The shorts were the perfect length to complement the dress (and I have stories of my husband finally riding behind me on the singletrack), but a few hours of pedaling rendered the inside of my thighs raw like hamburger. Ouchie.

-- gnat!

Best:
Continental 4 season tires

Worst:
Sunscreen that runs into your eyes. Ouch.