REAL bargains

[Mr. Coffee]

On my Frogg Toggs I need to line the crotch with duct tape or the seam will split.

Given that you can get a full rain suit for less than $30 and they are universally available (at least in the states) I don't complain too much about the poor durability. And I've destroyed my share of $200+ rain pants from Helly Hansen, North Face, and Patagonia over the years and they are remarkably easy to trash.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

Also, you all might want to take a look at Sporthill. They sell high-quality active wear, mostly focused on cross-country skiing, cycling, and running. There stuff is quite reasonably priced, often on sale, and as a bonus they sell clothes for normally shaped people as well as super athletes.

 

[PCeBiker]

I bought a tool bag to strap to my rear rack.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPs6Gjy

 

[PedalUma]

I have used a plumber's bag on some bikes. They fold into themselves to lay flat, so larger items can be bunjeed on top. Use a soldering iron to make holes for zip ties to attach each corner.

 

[PCeBiker]

Yeah that's what I've got but I didn't want a jumbled mess in the bag so I refurbished my dremel tool box as a storage case to put in the tool bag, but I'm sure I'd find the rattling annoying, so I'm starting over. Lol



I'm pretty sure the new tool bag will fit inside the mounted tool bag.

I almost installed my quick links in the handle of the chain tool but then realized that I would need the tool to get them off.

 

[PSm]

After trying many different types of tires, I keep coming back to one specific model as the absolute best trade off between absolute performance and decent puncture resistance.

For roadies, in my experience this provides the greatest “bang for the buck” performance upgrade, and the pricing on these have dropped significantly! Spending big $ to reduce weight of non-rotating part upgrades seem like such a waste of effort, when this makes a more real-life difference.

Together the low rolling resistance of the Continental Grand Prix 5000 tires, lower rotating weight of the tires and good puncture resistance of the 35 gram TPU tubes can’t be beat for the price as a bike upgrade. And the TPU tubes are tiny, and take up so much less room in the bike bag when used as spares. Now ONLY what I use on the e-bike and analog bike

IF you currently have high rolling resistance tires, IMO changing to this tire and tube setup might make you think you have a new bike! YRMV.

 

[fooferdoggie]

my trek dealer had some helmets on clearance for 75.00 and I wanted a lighter helmet then my lumos helmet for the rest of the year riding when its not dark out. but could not afford much. they told me that I could also use the 20.00 off coupon I got in the mail. well they they were limited on what they had left and I said I wanted a light helmet so he gave me this one for 55.00 when we crashed on the tandem they also replaced my wife's helmet for free even though we did not buy it there and it was not their brand.

Trek Velocis Mips Road Bike Helmet - Trek Bikes

Enhance your cycling experience with Trek Velocis Mips Road Bike Helmet. Shop now!

www.trekbikes.com

 

[smorgasbord]

I have used these $20 handlebar grips for a couple of years now:

They combine the ergonomic shape that supports your wrist with horns at the ends as an additional position, handy for climbing or just having a change. They mount easily, have held up well, don't rotate when attached, and come off easily when you want (changing brake lever, etc.). Ergonomic bike grips from name companies are easily twice the price and don't have the horns. The only downside I see is the inability to mount something in the handlebar ends (like a mirror or a WolfTooth bike tool set), but even that can be done by removing the plastic end piece if you wanted.

 

[Bubba zanetti]

I have used these $20 handlebar grips for a couple of years now:
View attachment 151816
They combine the ergonomic shape that supports your wrist with horns at the ends as an additional position, handy for climbing or just having a change. They mount easily, have held up well, don't rotate when attached, and come off easily when you want (changing brake lever, etc.). Ergonomic bike grips from name companies are easily twice the price and don't have the horns. The only downside I see is the inability to mount something in the handlebar ends (like a mirror or a WolfTooth bike tool set), but even that can be done by removing the plastic end piece if you wanted.

Thanks. $15 cdn on Amazon.ca.

 

[Deacon Blues]

Checked the Prunus on Amazon.ca. $55 Canadian! I know the American dollar is worth (a lot) more than the useless Canadian buck, but using a currency converter that $19 should be around $25 Canadian. $55 is a serious rip off.

 

[Deacon Blues]

Thanks. $15 cdn on Amazon.ca.

Can you give me a link? I just checked and the price came up as $55 Can.

 

[PedalUma]

Prune-Us?

 

[PSm]

Been trying different small frame bags for holding food, gels and other stuff, and this one is a RB that has worked out well for me. Only $10.99, and designed so that it can be strapped above OR below the top tube

https://www.amazon.com/MATTISAM-Resistant-Triangle-Handlebar-Accessories/dp/B09YY99WT5

 

[smorgasbord]

I have used these $20 handlebar grips for a couple of years now:
View attachment 151816
They combine the ergonomic shape that supports your wrist with horns at the ends as an additional position, handy for climbing or just having a change. They mount easily, have held up well, don't rotate when attached, and come off easily when you want (changing brake lever, etc.). Ergonomic bike grips from name companies are easily twice the price and don't have the horns. The only downside I see is the inability to mount something in the handlebar ends (like a mirror or a WolfTooth bike tool set), but even that can be done by removing the plastic end piece if you wanted.

Just found these on Amazon, which appear to be the same thing, different brand name and slightly cheaper!

 

[PCeBiker]

Just found these on Amazon, which appear to be the same thing, different brand name and slightly cheaper!

Those are nice because you can adjust the angle of the horn relative to the angle of the palm, but I didn't think that the horn looked very comfortable to wrap my hands around, so I went with the solid rubber version.

 

[Dmac]

I bought these lights a few weeks ago. Right now they are $23 CDN on Amazon, but I got them on sale and with a coupon for $15. I think they are great. You mount them with a strap but to charge them you just twist them off so you don’t have to take the straps on and off. They have numerous brightness levels and flashing. I put them on my bike and have them flash when I’m riding on busy country roads so they are in addition to my bike’s built in non-flashing lights. They are USB C and come with a cable that charges both at once. They last a really long time. I’ve ridden for 1 hour or more rides at least 10 times and haven’t charged more than once and they probably didn’t even need it. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0BC89C2C7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[smorgasbord]

Those are nice because you can adjust the angle of the horn relative to the angle of the palm, but I didn't think that the horn looked very comfortable to wrap my hands around, so I went with the solid rubber version.

The horn angle adjustment was important to me. Getting the grip flat spot right is really important to prevent wrist issues and I didn't want to have to sacrifice horn angle for that. I don't usually ride on the horns and I don't ride in cold weather where the metal being cold would be an issue (and I always wear gloves), but it's good we have choices!

 

[PCeBiker]

The horn angle adjustment was important to me.

They make great handlebar stands too,..

Then you don't have to spend $45 on these,.. (or carry them with you)

 

[PedalUma]

I don't like it when a heavy bike comes in and there is all kinds of crap on the bar including stuff like mirrors so you can't just flip it to do something simple, such as adjust the limit screws. And it seems that always, the heavier the bike, the more crap on the handlebar. The bargain way to flip over a bike without turning the display and other items is to use the 4" thick Styrofoam blocks that motors ship with on the grips. I got a bargain today. I offered to make a house call to help a woman with her saddle. The square bolt attachment assembly was in seven pieces. I fixed it all up and she then gave me a bike. She purchased it new in 2014, rode it once and it got a flat, so it has been sitting for nine years. I will upgrade the touch points, convert it to electric and rent it. I rented four electric bikes today.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

I don't like it when a heavy bike comes in and there is all kinds of crap on the bar including stuff like mirrors so you can't just flip it to do something simple, such as adjust the limit screws. And it seems that always, the heavier the bike, the more crap on the handlebar. The bargain way to flip over a bike without turning the display and other items is to use the 4" thick Styrofoam blocks that motors ship with on the grips. I got a bargain today. I offered to make a house call to help a woman with her saddle. The square bolt attachment assembly was in seven pieces. I fixed it all up and she then gave me a bike. She purchased it new in 2014, rode it once and it got a flat, so it has been sitting for nine years. I will upgrade the touch points, convert it to electric and rent it. I rented four electric bikes today.

Pretty please, show us photos of some of your current creations. We have slightly different functional tastes, but I love your styling.