Bike gadgets and stuff that improves the experience
03-30-24, 12:05 PM
#26
Full Member
Proper bike fit
Cycling-specific clothing: bibs, chamois pads, jersey, jacket, etc
Patch kit, multitool, & frame pump
Clipless pedals & cycling shoes
Water bottle & cage
Speed & cadence sensor
Power meter
GPS computer
Brifters (Shimano Total Integration)
Electronic (wireless) shifting
Smart trainer (Elite Drivo, Saris Hammer 3, etc)
Training and analysis software (WKO, Golden Cheetah, Excel, etc)
Interactive indoor cycling app (Rouvy, Zwift, MyWhoosh, TrainerRoad, etc)
Roof rack and trailer hitch bike rack
Cycling-specific clothing: bibs, chamois pads, jersey, jacket, etc
Patch kit, multitool, & frame pump
Clipless pedals & cycling shoes
Water bottle & cage
Speed & cadence sensor
Power meter
GPS computer
Brifters (Shimano Total Integration)
Electronic (wireless) shifting
Smart trainer (Elite Drivo, Saris Hammer 3, etc)
Training and analysis software (WKO, Golden Cheetah, Excel, etc)
Interactive indoor cycling app (Rouvy, Zwift, MyWhoosh, TrainerRoad, etc)
Roof rack and trailer hitch bike rack
03-30-24, 01:00 PM
#27
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There are probably more bicycle-related patents than any other kind, bikes have been around for a very long time. Most “new” things on bikes are just improved versions of existing technology, you could get a Schwinn Stingray with a disk brake 50 years ago. Rather than finding ways for existing riders to “improve” the experience, it might be better to come up with a program or idea to get more people to experience the experience. There is little point in trying to improve things which few people use.
The pandemic cycling boom was an unnatural occurrence, and by its nature, was doomed to the bust we are witnessing now. The last natural boom was the result of everybody’s favorite cheater winning the Tour de France 7 times. Lance, for all his faults, was worth billions to the sport and industry. There was a similar, though smaller boom when Greg Lemond won his tours.
It’s not likely that we’ll ever get another such figure who puts cycling in the headline news and front pages around the world. But a movie or tv series, well made and well promoted, might motivate people to try out “the experience.”
For many years I have lived in Japan, and people here are enthusiastic cyclists. Of course cycling will be popular in a country where car ownership is expensive, parking scarce, and driving a PITA, but there is more to it than that. There are plenty of kids TV shows featuring characters learning to ride a bike. Then there are the comic books and anime which feature competitive cycling, and more than a few movies and tv shows. There is at least one cycling program playing weekly on Japanese television which features things like races, tours, cycling clubs, and the like. Cycling is part of the culture in Japan, and the popularity of the sport in Japan is why Japanese makers became mainstays in the international cycling industry.
The more people who get into cycling, the bigger the sport/pastime will become, and the bigger and better it gets, the better bikes and products will be produced. The gadgets and stuff are secondary.
The pandemic cycling boom was an unnatural occurrence, and by its nature, was doomed to the bust we are witnessing now. The last natural boom was the result of everybody’s favorite cheater winning the Tour de France 7 times. Lance, for all his faults, was worth billions to the sport and industry. There was a similar, though smaller boom when Greg Lemond won his tours.
It’s not likely that we’ll ever get another such figure who puts cycling in the headline news and front pages around the world. But a movie or tv series, well made and well promoted, might motivate people to try out “the experience.”
For many years I have lived in Japan, and people here are enthusiastic cyclists. Of course cycling will be popular in a country where car ownership is expensive, parking scarce, and driving a PITA, but there is more to it than that. There are plenty of kids TV shows featuring characters learning to ride a bike. Then there are the comic books and anime which feature competitive cycling, and more than a few movies and tv shows. There is at least one cycling program playing weekly on Japanese television which features things like races, tours, cycling clubs, and the like. Cycling is part of the culture in Japan, and the popularity of the sport in Japan is why Japanese makers became mainstays in the international cycling industry.
The more people who get into cycling, the bigger the sport/pastime will become, and the bigger and better it gets, the better bikes and products will be produced. The gadgets and stuff are secondary.
On a positive note, there is a lot of development that goes into <18 local MTB racing. There are quite a few high school teams as well as some youth development teams and the youth classes are often the only classes with a deep field. Even if those kids don't stick to racing, hopefully they can at least be part of some sort of resurgence in cycling.
03-30-24, 01:25 PM
#28
ignominious poltroon
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Valve-stems that are color-coordinated with my hubs.
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03-30-24, 03:38 PM
#29
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Last edited by Yan; 03-30-24 at 03:41 PM.
03-30-24, 05:35 PM
#30
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I have 2 TRK Gel (mediums) and one TRK Gel (wide) on a more upright bike. For my latest build I'm trying a Well (gel-less) model. Jury's still out. Would try a VT30 Gel next...
03-30-24, 08:35 PM
#31
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Tire quality & option.
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03-30-24, 09:18 PM
#32
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Garmin Varia
don't knock it if you ain't tried it
/markp
don't knock it if you ain't tried it
/markp
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03-30-24, 09:27 PM
#33
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Let me suggest helmet lights. They make you much more visible to traffic, especially to people who are waiting on cross streets.
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03-30-24, 10:50 PM
#34
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03-31-24, 05:09 AM
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03-31-24, 06:36 AM
#36
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Sadly, they appear to be sold out at the moment:
One of the caps doubles as a spoke nipple wrench, the other as a valve extractor.
One of the caps doubles as a spoke nipple wrench, the other as a valve extractor.
03-31-24, 08:24 AM
#37
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Gadgets, eh ? Lemme see now. The only actual gadgets I have are the little CatEye computer thingies on each of the bikes. Started using those sometime in the '80s.
Pretty well took care of my gadget lust.
I did see some barend tassels at Target the other day that looked way zoot. Tempting.
Pretty well took care of my gadget lust.
I did see some barend tassels at Target the other day that looked way zoot. Tempting.
Last edited by Steel Charlie; 03-31-24 at 08:28 AM.
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03-31-24, 02:16 PM
#38
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Things that keep me alive!
- Hi Viz clothing including socks that catch attention
- Big helmet mounted mirror - EVT Safe Zone
- Varia Radar
- Bright flashing lights everywhere including on the helmet. Yeah I cheat and have both red and white facing the rear.
I pass many riders wearing all black, like they are going to a funeral - perhaps they are.
- Hi Viz clothing including socks that catch attention
- Big helmet mounted mirror - EVT Safe Zone
- Varia Radar
- Bright flashing lights everywhere including on the helmet. Yeah I cheat and have both red and white facing the rear.
I pass many riders wearing all black, like they are going to a funeral - perhaps they are.
04-01-24, 08:17 AM
#39
Senior Member
The usual suspects: GPS (I use a Garmin Edge Explore 2 and a Bryton Rider 750), Varia Radar, Power Meter (I use a Sigeyi AXO on my road bike and a Magene P505 on my gravel/commuter bike), Magene armband HRM
Not specifically bike related, but still primarily used for cycling: Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conducting headphones.
Not specifically bike related, but still primarily used for cycling: Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conducting headphones.
04-02-24, 10:05 AM
#40
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Good shoes that actually fit. I'm an outlier in that I have really wide feet...I went for years sizing up shoes that were too narrow for a proper length. I finally discovered Lake shoes, with their wide sizing, and it's been a game changer.
Kind of a simple one, but storage on the bike. Yes, it may look Freddly, but I like having a decent saddle bag on my road/gravel bikes. Enough of a bag to carry a multi-tool, spare TPU tube, 2 different options for tubeless tire repair, and enough room leftover for my keys and some arm-warmers. Even more ghastly, I carry a mini pump on a mount adjacent to one of the bottle cages. I know some people that take "the rules" pretty seriously, but carrying tools, a mini-pump, and enough gels for a 6 hour ride, gets old when they're all in your jersey pockets.
Kind of a simple one, but storage on the bike. Yes, it may look Freddly, but I like having a decent saddle bag on my road/gravel bikes. Enough of a bag to carry a multi-tool, spare TPU tube, 2 different options for tubeless tire repair, and enough room leftover for my keys and some arm-warmers. Even more ghastly, I carry a mini pump on a mount adjacent to one of the bottle cages. I know some people that take "the rules" pretty seriously, but carrying tools, a mini-pump, and enough gels for a 6 hour ride, gets old when they're all in your jersey pockets.
Carry the same but stick pump, arm warmers, keys in jersey pocket.
Luckily we will never be seen together or I would have to shield my eyes to your Freditude.
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04-02-24, 10:16 AM
#41
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Since bikes no longer come with them, pedals.
Makes riding up hills easier.
John
Makes riding up hills easier.
John
04-02-24, 10:38 AM
#42
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On a positive note, there is a lot of development that goes into <18 local MTB racing. There are quite a few high school teams as well as some youth development teams and the youth classes are often the only classes with a deep field. Even if those kids don't stick to racing, hopefully they can at least be part of some sort of resurgence in cycling.
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04-02-24, 11:03 AM
#43
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Exactly what I was going to post. I've heard some way, "What good is it? What are you going to do, head for the ditch?", but it's not so you can avoid being run over from behind. It's so you know when it's safe to leave the bike lane to pass a slower rider, or for when you need to cross traffic lanes, like for a left turn or getting past freeway on ramps. It's not a substitute for looking over your shoulder. It's a supplement to it.
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04-02-24, 04:34 PM
#44
Senior Member
what's the function of the down hooked nose? Does it do anything or is it a branding style thing. And which model do you ride?
My experience with the SMPs is that the distance between the lowest part of the depression to the highest point just before the beak is critical to fit. If that measurement is longer than the rider is, the rider won't be comfortable. The first SMP I tried was the TRK, and it's compatible with my undercarriage - no perineal numbness. I tried a fancier model, but it was too long. I kept sliding back into the depression, which prohibited me from using the beak right and led to perineal numbness.
From the company website:
EAGLE BEAK TIP
- greater comfort in low position
- maximum freedom to shift the body forward towards the tip of the saddle
- no genital compression
04-02-24, 04:41 PM
#45
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One earbud playing favorite tunes or podcasts on long rides - helps my solo experience.
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04-02-24, 04:58 PM
#46
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they make a lil convex mirror that attaches to the inside (lower/left) of your sunglasses. Just enough vision to see if a car is coming or you lost your friend.
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04-03-24, 12:05 PM
#47
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Probably the "gadget" that has made cycling more enjoyable for me, but would only apply to those who wear glasses when riding, is an eyeglass strap, so I'm not reaching up and pushing them back up my nose. Cheapest gadget I use but sure has made a difference!
04-03-24, 11:49 PM
#48
Newbie
04-04-24, 12:35 AM
#49
Senior Member
The "problem" with noseless saddles however is that they don't have a nose. It's not an issue for some but others prefer a saddle to have a nose since it can be used to stabilize the bike during descents and can be useful in other situations as well. If you want to ride on the 'rivet', It's hard to do with a noseless saddle since the 'rivet' position doesn't exist. The SMP allows for that to an extent but it's not a great experience (then again, when is riding on the rivet a great experience?).
Personally I like the nose of the SMP's. I've tried other noseless saddles and I really notice when the nose is not there. It's not a deal breaker but the bike just feels sorta off especially in more challenging handling situations.
These days I use SMP Pros and have them on all my bikes. They're good enough that I can almost use them without chamois. And by that I mean I only need chamois for longer rides.
04-04-24, 07:19 AM
#50
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Having seen a horrible commuter "car doored" - bike lanes, and a serious crash looking back, Bike Peddlers - Take A Look Mirror.