The Gear in Review

[Jason B]

Being new to this site and the commuting thing I have attempted to equip myself with a variety of commuting related items in attempt to stay the course. Some of the things I purchased worked like a charm, some were equally cursed in an opposite direction. From my lurking of this site it appears others have also made a few purchases this year. I don’t know if it is too bold for a newbie to start a post like this, but before the clock strikes twelve, let’s list our hit and miss gear for 2012.
I’ll start
HIT
Banjo Brother Commuting Backpack: I know, I look like a poser wearing it, but damn it, that thing works like a charm. I can put my pet elephant in that thing, which is important for I don’t have the commuting to work down to a science yet, so I still pack my full make-up kit and hair dryer. It costs considerably less than a Mission or a Chrome, running less than $100. It is durable as heck, waterproof,reflective and makes you look 10 years younger…ok, maybe not. It is also extremely comfortable for riding. Only con is the phone pocket is too small for a modern phone, but than again, I ain’t no bike messenger, so I can live with leaving it in my pocket next to my Viagra.
http://www.banjobrothers.com/products/cycling-backpacks/commuter-backpack-large/

MISS
Princeton Tec Push Bike Light: I know I am going to get some flack, but this one was an fail for me. I did a ride in NYC but forgot my light. I picked the Push up in a shop near the race. It lasted for about two weeks before it started blinking out. I tried everything, switching batteries, bulbs and a little tinkering, and still nothing. I couldn’t return it for it was a hasty purchase, with receipt tossed and store name forgotten. I did a little research and it appears it is a somewhat regular problem. Fortunately, my Lezyne is still kicking.
http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-gear/princeton-tec-push-bike-light/

Nes pas?

Topic

[americancyclo]

@GB 112765 wrote:

A little over 2 yrs ago I bought the Nashbar 105. It’s really only 105 in the bifters, and possibly the cassette, cranks were FSA and breaks are Tektro. At under a thousand dollars shipped the price was reasonable. After 2 yes and 8k miles here’s what I’ve replaced:

Wheels: These were bad wheels to begin with. After riding for a year and replacing 3 spokes I sent them back and got a replacement set. Those were bad wheels as well and I replaced them after 6 months with a set that I bought.

Which Nashbar bike? and how much did it cost after you replaced the wheels? (if you don’t mind my asking)

[GB]

@americancyclo 112770 wrote:

Which Nashbar bike? and how much did it cost after you replaced the wheels? (if you don’t mind my asking)

The bike is: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_554943_-1

It’s on sale now for $700, which is about what I paid, plus $90(?) for shipping.

The wheels were hand built by one of our most venerated members, so not sure how that factors into the price but I paid $330 parts, and 18ish beers for labor.

[vvill]

Two pairs of Chrome shoes that I’ve owned for a bit more than two years (so not current model year)… 7/10?
– MIDWAY PRO BLACK
– LOWER SOUTHSIDE PRO GREY

+ Look decent, seem durable enough. Warm shoes good for winter.
+/- Soles are chunky. Insoles are thick, comfy and squishy, so a fair bit of stack height. If you run flat pedals probably won’t matter. The only thing that bothers me with the chunkiness is the heel cup feels too big.
– Heavy shoes! Sole patterns tend to pick up small pebbles.

Size wise, I’d say true to fit but a little narrow for me (E width). I swapped out insoles though so they’re actually a little big for me in normal socks; good for winter woolies though.

I also bought their crew socks (wool) which I really like. Maybe a bit coarser/itchier than other brands but they are 100% merino. I like the R/L specific fit.

[Author]

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