REAL bargains

[Jeremy McCreary]

"You get what you pay for" is statistically true, but we've all had inexpensive stuff that turned out to work well and last. Starting this thread to collect these exceptions in the cycling realm. Let's call them "real bargains" or RBs for short.

To be clear, a cheap pair of cycling gloves that falls apart after 10 rides is not an RB. Hence, not interested in the inexpensive pair you just bought till you have a personal track record with it.

Might help to think at least qualitatively in terms of marginal value (MV) = (extra benefit) / (extra cost). Sometimes brand-name stuff carries a negligible or even negative MV.

Ground Rules
Let's keep the info here useful, evidence-based, and at least semi-rational:
1. True RBs only -- don't care about the junk
2. NO hearsay or hopeful thinking — just proven RBs from your own personal experience.
3. As a corollary to #2, NO sweeping brand-name generalizations — just specific items.
o NO complete bikes, just mods and accessories.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[fooferdoggie]

man don't see a lot of bike stuff on bargain prices. got my gore-tex jacket for 75.00 off but that was more timing. its been well worth the money though it works fantastic compared to most of the gore-tex I have owned.

Outdoor Research Foray II GORE-TEX Jacket - Men's | REI Co-op

Made with GORE-TEX PACLITE® technology, this men's Outdoor Research Foray II GORE-TEX jacket is a light, breathable and weather-ready layer for rainy treks and wanderings.

www.rei.com

 

[PSm]

These bullhorn bar ends have been great for me, to allow multiple hand positions when climbing and to prevent numbness especially during 4-6 hour rides. Only $14.99 !! Has lasted me 6000+ miles and 1.5 years so far.
https://www.amazon.com/Yizhet-Handlebar-Ergonomic-Mountain-Non-Slip/dp/B08MTGXDKV

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

These bullhorn bar ends have been great for me, to allow multiple hand positions when climbing and to prevent numbness especially during 4-6 hour rides. Only $14.99 !! Has lasted me 6000+ miles and 1.5 years so far.
https://www.amazon.com/Yizhet-Handlebar-Ergonomic-Mountain-Non-Slip/dp/B08MTGXDKV

Exactly the kind of gear I was hoping for!

Wish I had some RBs to post. At only 5 months into my return to cycling (after a 25-year hiatus), I have several potential candidates, but none with enough of a personal track record to share quite yet.

 

[fooferdoggie]

I did get a good deal on eBay. for two tires the new ones Changed over to. they are about 75.00 each and I got two for 100 on eBay with free shipping. so I tied for the other ties I changed to on the tandem nope they were more then amazon.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

I did get a good deal on eBay. for two tires the new ones Changed over to. they are about 75.00 each and I got two for 100 on eBay with free shipping. so I tied for the other ties I changed to on the tandem nope they were more then amazon.

How have those less expensive tires worked out?

 

[Prairie Dog]

Like Foofer, I don’t come across many bargain bin deals but I have to say that my DMR Deathgrips were a decent buy for under $20 US.

https://www.bike24.com/p2271086.html

Also from Bike24, were the Evo Ice Spiker Pro Tires (folding) which is what I currently ride on during the winter and purchased for approx $68 Cdn. They normally retail here for $180 Cdn/tire.

https://www.bike24.com/p2101387.html

 

[fooferdoggie]

How have those less expensive tires worked out?

they are the same. I just found them at a great deal. you're not going to find cheap tubeless tires. but I saved 50.00 then I saw one even cheaper someone tested and did not like. but I had already bought two. the tires are backup since I only have a few hundred on the new ones. but I always have to have at least one spare on hand. two in this case since they are not sold locally.

 

[Djangodog]

Helicopter Tape. It’s fairly inexpensive, nearly invisible, lasts a long time and protects your paint. It’s a cheap investment.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

they are the same. I just found them at a great deal. you're not going to find cheap tubeless tires. but I saved 50.00 then I saw one even cheaper someone tested and did not like. but I had already bought two. the tires are backup since I only have a few hundred on the new ones. but I always have to have at least one spare on hand. two in this case since they are not sold locally.

Sorry, maybe I shouldn't have used the word "bargain". Looking for inexpensive but viable alternatives to the high-end stuff, not discounted items that normally cost much more.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Helicopter Tape. It’s fairly inexpensive, nearly invisible, lasts a long time and protects your paint. It’s a cheap investment.

Thanks! Might be just the thing to protect the paint on my chainstay.

 

[PSm]

Before I got a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt v2 GPS, I used this inexpensive one for several years and probably 10k or 15k miles, and it worked out great. Speed, cadence, heart rate, and even can upload my route to Strava. A deal for $40.

https://www.amazon.com/XOSS-Computer-Bluetooth-Speedometer-Waterproof/dp/B07V2Z7LZ3

 

[Djangodog]

Thanks! Might be just the thing to protect the paint on my chainstay.

I use the Lizard Skins neoprene chain stay protector, (I consider it a bargain as well). It protects more than jus the paint and it’s removable.

Lizardskins Product

Lizardskins Product

www.lizardskins.com

I use the helicopter tape for wear spots.

Thank you for starting this thread Jeremy. I hope that we can stay on topic.

 

[PSm]

Helicopter Tape. It’s fairly inexpensive, nearly invisible, lasts a long time and protects your paint. It’s a cheap investment.

Any recommended source for helicopter tape? Finding it fairly expensive.

 

[chunk]

o NO complete bikes, just mods and accessories.

My cheap internet bike, 2 years now and no problems other than a couple of flat tires. I learned to watch where I ride now.
I'm so naughty, after you said no complete bikes in your rules.

 

[PSm]

Here’s another RB: got one, liked so much, just got another. $14. Perfect for those oversized down tubes or other locations, to add another water bottle cage

https://www.amazon.com/SKS-Germany-11313-Anywhere-Bicycle-Attachment/dp/B00ZFHW1MI

 

[Djangodog]

Any recommended source for helicopter tape? Finding it fairly expensive.

helicopter tape sheet - Google Search

I buy it this way and cut the shapes that I need.

 

[6zfshdb]

I assume this thread also applies to products that aren't specifically designed for bike use but can be repurposed.

I carry my bikes in the open bed of a pickup truck and the handlebar accessories take a beating on the highway from wind, rain & airborne debris. Over the years, I've tried various handlebar protectors, some cheap and some not so much. None have lasted more than a few trips before the wind tears them up.

A few years back, I came across these arm protector sleeves

Amazon.com

At $11/pair, they are the least expensive protectors I've tried that actually stand the test of time. After 5 years and over 5000 miles, they show no signs of deterioration.

They are made of weatherproof nylon & PVC and the elastic openings allow them to be installed quickly and easily.

 

[Deacon Blues]

@Jeremy McCreary, thanks for starting this thread.

@PSm, Thanks for the link. I think I'll try one.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

I assume this thread also applies to products that aren't specifically designed for bike use but can be repurposed.

Absolutely! You definitely hit the "inexpensive but durable and effective" mark here.

There's something very satisfying about repurposing things like you did here -- especially when it's something I already own.