Mirrors, tools and other fun stuff

[Craicgirl]

This evening I went out and did 11 miles out on the road with cars (trying to get myself comfortable) and practiced looking back without a mirror. So far so good, only had one near crash and that was due to a squirrel running out in front of me.

I had a handlebar mirror on my last bike (Walmart special) but I found it bounced around a lot and I was constantly having to adjust it. I may try going without one for a bit.

I am definately going to get the multi tool thing however. Is one brand any better then the other or am I safe with buying the $12.95 one from Walmart?

[Grog]

I am definately going to get the multi tool thing however. Is one brand any better then the other or am I safe with buying the $12.95 one from Walmart?

I would avoid the Walmart thing and get a Topeak. They are more expensive but reliable.

I found with cheap tools that often they are not precise. How useful is a hex key that's not quite the right size? Not very useful...

p.s. What you need on a multitool is hex keys, Philip screwdriver, flat screwdriver, ... that's pretty much it. And a few box wrenches if you have a hybrid or mountain bike.

[Craicgirl]

I am going to go to my LBS tomorrow and see if they carry the Topeak.

Also, does anyone know of any sunglasses you can slip over your regular glasses that are a wrap around style (meaning they have sun protection on the sides are well). Unfortunately I am blind as a bat and need to wear my regular glasses to see (can't do the contacts thing) and I have a pair of clip ons but I need something that shields the sun on the sides as well. This question is probably a long shot but I thought if anyone would know, the folks in here would.

[KnottedYet]

Sunglasses - I have a pair of Oakley Minutes that are probably close to 4 or 5 years old. I got them through the eye doc, so my prescription is "built in". I looooooove them. They give great peripheral vision and keep the boogies out of my eyes. It is so much better than the old clip-ons I had to go over my regular glasses. If you can do it, get a pair of biking sunglasses with your prescription. I've heard a lot of folks rave about how much they love their Rudy Projects, too.

Mirrors - I have a Zefal bar-end mirror. Had the same mirror on my last 2 bikes. Unfortunately with my aluminum frame and the wacky stuff I ride over in my commute, it keeps flopping no matter how I try to settle it. I'm starting to notice that it distracts me more than it helps me. I'm planning to get a glasses mounted mirror next.

Tool - Park Tools I-beam is nice, but I sort of wish I'd gotten the Topeak. The I-Beam is a little sloppy.

did you fix your seat?