WhyFi

The learning curve can be a pain in the ass, but it gets easier and I think that it's ultimately worth it. Definitely look for a sealant that more appropriate for road pressures, though - I've never used Stan's, but what I've heard from road users hasn't been great. Orange Seal has worked well for me - try that or some other sealant with particulate.

evan326

I've already got some ultegra wheels, and some conti and stans sealant. I was experimenting with sealant in the tubes, something I saw on gcn. I may try it even though they're 23s, thanks!

canklecat

Slime for tubes works.

I replaced my tires over three weeks ago -- 700x25 Continental Ultra Sport 2's. Ultra tight fit. Needed tire levers to mount them and nicked the new Bontrager tube on the front. Just a slow leak and I was too frustrated to redo it -- my hands were sore and numb from the ordeal (I've since bought a Kool Stop tire bead jack to ease the process).

I added the last 2 ounces of Slime for tubes I had in the toolbox. Took awhile to finish sealing. I spun the tires every few minutes to distribute the stuff. Had to re-inflate the tube a couple of times. But by the next day it was ready to ride.

Since then it's needed only normal top-up inflation between rides, same as the rear tire with new tube that wasn't nicked.

Six rides, more than 250 miles. Still doing okay.

I'm carrying the Kool Stop tire bead jack just in case I need to patch or replace that tube on the road. Eventually I'll replace that tube before it actually fails. Might do that this week since we're looking at a weeklong non-stop bout of freezing rain.

I've used Slime for tubes in both hybrids for a year. So far, so good. No idea whether it's working because I haven't had any flats. Maybe it's working so well I didn't notice any minor punctures. But those hybrids both have puncture resistant tires anyway.

The one quirk I've noticed with Slime for tubes is that it's not a substitute for a proper patch, if you do patch tubes (I do). It doesn't harden on contact with air. It's more like a mucus plug. If that congealed plug breaks loose it'll take awhile to seal again. It seems to seal better under higher pressure in tubes, which is the opposite of what many folks want from a tubeless setup. So they're aren't really comparable.

maartendc

That looks like a sweet deal. Any experience using this model?

Although I just got a good phone mount for my bike.. so this might be obsolete.

Esthetic

This is a better deal than than Garmin, full color GPS , great UI, and with Ant+ support for heart/cadence/speed sensors.

Magellan/ Mio Cyclo 315 $69.99

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Magellan-Cy...IAAOSw5cNYi5E7

himespau 

Do either of those come with maps preloaded? I find it annoying in this day and age that I can buy a GPS for my care with lifetime free updates of maps, but still have to buy SD cards with maps for my much more expensive cycling GPS and then do it again every few years if they need an update (though to be honest, the roads I ride don't change often enough for me to be that worried about updates).

Esthetic

I've had it since Nov., it was actually around $56 then. Yes, its preloaded with US maps. And no cards needed, has internal storage.

However, the caveat is that to update it to newer 2017 map revisions you need to hook it up to a Windows 7 PC, and do it from Mio's website.

Its a Mio Cyclo GPS, that had Magellan branding only for the US market. Mio still supports it with firmware and map updates.

For the cost of some basic name brand speedometers you are getting a pretty feature rich GPS, with simple UI and nice sized touch screen. It has some neat 'map a ride for me' features based on time or mileage ( giving you 3 options based on elevation from your location)...and your choice of road surface...or even mixed terrain! Sickbiker on youtube has tested this feature on Mio models with this software and he gets off the beaten path on his Mtb... its pretty neat, works really well.

maartendc

I think the Garmin comes with maps as well, although they seem to be on an SD card, not internal memory.

Not sure about map updates for any of these, but I agree, all of these units should come with lifetime updates. My parent's Garmin car GPS does.

In this day and age, with every smartphone being a GPS, they really need to provide better service for maps etc. if they want to compete. Besides battery life, I cannot think of a reason I wouldn't just use my smartphone as a GPS unit for my bike. Perhaps if you really want to hook up the HR monitor, cadence, power meter, etc.. But these cheaper units don't do all that.

Esthetic

That's why i see no value in bike GPS costing hundreds. Still carry my phone running Strava, i just want the real time info in front of me and the GPS for when i ride solo and want to venture out knowing i have a path home.

memebag

I used Strava on my phone for several years. Long rides would kill the battery, and then I'd lose the end of my ride and have no way to call people or get directions. The Garmins also provide turn by turn directions, support ANT, record temperature and have more accurate elevation measurements.

There's a site that will package up any maps you want for the Garmins for free.

WhyFi

Diamondback is closing out the 2017 Century 4 Carbon (cf, naturally, full 105, hydro disc) for $1575. Available in 52cm, 54cm, 56cm. "Corporate" account necessary (if you really need help finding a code to set up an account, I can track one down for you).

thenewjs

If your a vet the red is $1,279.99 on promotive. Sizes are 52 54 56 58 60

kevlar_heart 

This looks interesting. Trying to find out if it automatically uploads to Strava, and whether additional sensors/mounts available for multiple bikes.

Esthetic

This is the barebones model as far as connectivity. You want the cyclo 505 , has Bluetooth and also adds power meter support. Pretty sure it can be found in the $110 range.

kevlar_heart 

OK thanks. I like the layout. If it's going to approach USD 200, I'll probably move to the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt. I have a Cateye Strada Triple. Gives me all the ride data I need, but no GPS.

himespau 

That would be good to know.

memebag

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/05/...705800810.html

himespau 

Cool thanks. I bought a year or 2 old copy of garmin's city navigator 5-6 years ago for not too much money, but if I get another GPS or want an update, I'll keep this in mind.

Akil1931

Just got my 2018 Kestrel 105 Talon X and am now looking for small add-ons (bottle cages, saddle bags, etc...)

Any recommendations (specifically for the cages)

Jakedatc

Love Elite Custom Race cages.. plastic, simple, cheap and hold solid even on my cx/gravel

aplcr0331

Other than matching some aesthetic you’re going for. Elite cages are the only correct answer when questions about cages come up.

dvm2018

This is great. Do you have a URL that you can share? Thank you!

David

WhyFi

For groupsets at Merlin? Sure - https://www.merlincycles.com/road-bi...?brand=shimano

maartendc

I have always liked my Topeak Wedge small or medium saddle bags. Have used them for a couple of years now, very durable and hold everything you need: 2 spare tubes, a multitool, some money. They have a reflective band for safety, and you can clip a rear light to them. They clip and unclip from your saddle in 2 seconds, with the clip system that you bolt to the seat rails. Topeak makes great products in general.

https://www.topeak.com/global/en/pro...ick-wedge-pack

himespau 

Just had mine arrive last night. IT was a pain finding a USB 2.0 port and then it took a little time messing with the mio version of the software because apparently magellan no longer updates the software or firmware but Mio does. Looks cool.