REAL bargains

[Gionnirocket]

Thanks @PSm for that.
I have a pair installed on my bike now.

And thanks @PedalUma for mentioning heat shrink tubing with glue.
I've got lots of shrink tube but it doesn't have glue and it's only 2:1 shrink ratio.
I found this on AliExpress,..

View attachment 150470

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtDgLem

It's big enough to fit over a connector then shrink down to the wire coming from it, then it seals it with glue.


View attachment 150471

I keep a stock of both as the glue type can be hassle if it's something that you might want to take apart in the future.

 

[PCeBiker]

I keep a stock of both as the glue type can be hassle if it's something that you might want to take apart in the future.

I did experiment a little bit and did manage to remove a test piece but it was a chore.
A sharp knife and lots of patience.(and Band-Aids. )

 

[PedalUma]

4:1 heat shrink

I get the stuff in 50 ft. rolls. And in colors. Here is a bike with red wires.

 

[Gionnirocket]

I get the stuff in 50 ft. rolls. And in colors. Here is a bike with red wires.

One instance that doesn't need the glue

 

[PCeBiker]

Okay, got the 3M clear vinyl stuff, and it’s works fine

A little late here, but just to clarify,..

Helicopter tape is literally used to protect the blades of a helicopter from dust and debris.
It's polyurethane and is as tough as it comes (and expensive).

Vinyl and a plastic tape is much softer and some of the cheap stuff can be cut into with your fingernail.

The helicopter tape has really strong glue as well that doesn't turn to powder over time like Dollar Store packing tape.

 

[Gionnirocket]

A little late here, but just to clarify,..

Helicopter tape is literally used to protect the blades of a helicopter from dust and debris.
It's polyurethane and is as tough as it comes (and expensive).

Vinyl and a plastic tape is much softer and some of the cheap stuff can be cut into with your fingernail.

The helicopter tape has really strong glue as well that doesn't turn to powder over time like Dollar Store packing tape.

Ohhhh now that make sense. I put some on my bike but I still couldn't get it to fly

 

[PCeBiker]

I bought a mini air pump to help with my fear of getting a flat.
Not too much money and lots of them sold.

Then I bought a CO2 inflator which was a reasonable price and it works great. No leaks and it didn't freeze my hand.

The CO2 cartridges were kinda expensive but I figured 10 self recuses at $2.50 each isn't bad.

I thought I'd test it out and used it to re-inflate my tire after adding Flat Out to the tube. (26"X4.00" fat tire)
I was quite surprised to find that an entire cylinder was only enough to swell my tire up.
I couldn't even get a pressure reading with my pressure gage.

It may take my entire box of 10 cylinders to inflate a single tire.
So that's no bargain at all.

I'm sure others will have better luck with a smaller volume tire, but I just wanted to let people know.

 

[SC00CHB00CH]

I got a snappin' turtle from the pond last week. He makes a good pet , free to boot.
hemp
I leave my ebic unlocked around the house , people see him and are lyke nop uh huh , hemp
free security no wat I'm sayin'?

 

[fooferdoggie]

that crappy C02 inflator is not so great when it unscrews the valve or falls apart. they unscrewed my valve more times then not and then fell apart. tossed the second one and bought a much better design.

 

[PCeBiker]

that crappy C02 inflator is not so great when it unscrews the valve or falls apart. they unscrewed my valve more times then not and then fell apart. tossed the second one and bought a much better design.

That part was fine, and I've got Schrader valves so I shouldn't be unscrewing a valve.
It's got a good feel to it and doesn't feel junky.

It's still useless to me unless I fill a propane cylinder for a barbeque with CO2 and strap it to my rack. Lol

The little hand pump is useless too.
It would take me seven days and nights to pump up a tire.

 

[fooferdoggie]

That part was fine, and I've got Schrader valves so I shouldn't be unscrewing a valve.
It's got a good feel to it and doesn't feel junky.

It's still useless to me unless I fill a propane cylinder for a barbeque with CO2 and strap it to my rack. Lol

The little hand pump is useless too.
It would take me seven days and nights to pump up a tire.

I found it also leaked a lot. the guy works so much better the knob does not freeze it does not leak. I had trouble telling it was working as there was no escaping gas.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003M2PNGY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[indianajo]

My lezyne pump was $54, https://www.modernbike.com/lezyne-tech-drive-hp-pump-120psi-black-sm-170mm
has been under water in the bag and didn't rust. 3 years old now.
that is the small 170 mm long Mine is the medium 200 mm long, pumps faster. Looks as if these people have it. https://www.biketiresdirect.com/product/lezyne-pressure-drive-hand-pump Never used this vendor.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Finally have an RB to share:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07RGCWVL2?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

At $20, these riding gloves are much cheaper than some of the alternatives, but they're holding up well after 3 months of daily use. Bought them for their high visibilty, light weight, and palm padding for falls. Good construction and fit, feel great, good wind protection, perfect weight for our winter temperatures (usually 55-65°F).

 

[PedalUma]

This is my third pair of these gloves from O'Riley Auto Parts. They feature high viz with reflective finger tips and wrists. They have palm pads and adjustable Velcro. The finger tips can work touch screens. They protect from the wind yet still breathe. I toss them in the wash every two weeks. What is weird is that about every six-months they vanish, so I need shell out $20 for a new pair.

 

[PedalUma]

This jacket weighs about 1.5 Oz. It is a windproof rain jacket with vents at the armpits and across the back. If you use a high-viz vest it will show through. The fabric is textured so it drapes and does not cling. The sleeves are extra long and it has a crack spackle flap to protect your bum. I have had one for three-years and use it almost daily. It is very nice over lightweight wool to keep out the cold, wind, and rain. It looks si-fi. There is also elastic at the cuffs and a pocket at the rear. The sizing is 'athletic' meaning they run slim. And they are on sale.

Rain Jacket

Andare's Rain Jacket keeps you dry and out of the wind. The underarm and back panel venting help keep your temperature regulated.The rear hem is extended to help keep your backside dry.

mikesbikes.com

 

[SC00CHB00CH]

I Swear by these grips. No more numb hands , they're cheap to replace as well. They absorb so much of the vibrations from rough roads. Just have a spray mister of bottled water on hand to slide them on your bars. Mine were pretty easy to get on. I don't need gloves with these in the summer/spring.

I've had high end leather grips , custom made grips from Etsy, Brompton grips, Brooks grips ,etc.

The Wolf Tooth grips are amazing and pretty cheap. $20-26 US I like this version , get the round fat paw version. These aren't those foam grips they're silicone and have a better feel. They're confidence boosting for sure when I put them on my bike.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DWRGBCS

 

[Mr. Coffee]

Speaking of gloves, weightlifter's gloves are inexpensive and a good replacement for cycling gloves.

Somebody mentioned Frogg Toggs. I am a fan as well. They are about 1/7 or 1/8 the price of regular goretex raingear and perform as well in terms of keeping rain out and ventilation. The downside is that they are shapeless, ugly, not very durable, and often lack features like pockets. But they will keep you dry.

 

[PCeBiker]

Finally have an RB to share:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07RGCWVL2?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

At $20, these riding gloves are much cheaper than some of the alternatives,..

I checked out those gloves and they want $11 shipping to Canada so I bought these for $20 on AliExpress,..

https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0fH2yO

I need thin gloves so that I can fit my thumb between the throttle and shifter lever.

 

[Dave Rocks]

Another fan of the Frogg Toggs brand. Biking, Fishing, Camping.
Good value.

 

[PedalUma]

Frogg Toggs

On my Frogg Toggs I need to line the crotch with duct tape or the seam will split. A little ventilation in that area is nice by it is not so great to show up to work with that area soaking. You also need an ankle band and a change of socks & shoes.