50 less usual but very helpful road bike components, tools, and accessories
11-24-12, 06:41 PM
#1
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50 less usual but very helpful road bike components, tools, and accessories
In holiday spirit, I compiled a list of a few (50) of my favorite things for road bikes, a significant portion being maintenance/tool oriented. Would love to hear about a few of everyone else's. I posted the list and the reasoning behind each choice on my nascent blog as a public conversation starter. https://danieldube.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/50-less-usual-but-very-helpful-road-bike-components-and-tools/.
It is continually astonishing to me how the cycling industry has developed to meet even the most esoteric needs.The longer I ride (now since 2003, in Montreal, Maine (coast/inland), Middlebury, Santa Fe, Cleveland (Chargin Falls/Hunting Valley), DC), the more refined become my problems, but there always seems to be a solution available. Would love to hear the thoughts of those many who know that better than me.
I'm sure some would also disagree with a few of my selections or reasons. I'm here to learn.
Dan
(Maine)
It is continually astonishing to me how the cycling industry has developed to meet even the most esoteric needs.The longer I ride (now since 2003, in Montreal, Maine (coast/inland), Middlebury, Santa Fe, Cleveland (Chargin Falls/Hunting Valley), DC), the more refined become my problems, but there always seems to be a solution available. Would love to hear the thoughts of those many who know that better than me.
I'm sure some would also disagree with a few of my selections or reasons. I'm here to learn.
Dan
(Maine)
11-24-12, 08:31 PM
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Yeah the link isn't clickable or copyable for some reason. I still managed to get to it but I had to click 'Reply with Quote' and copy it from there. Heres a fixed link: https://danieldube.wordpress.com/2012...nts-and-tools/
Anyway that is an absolutely fantastic article, I wasn't aware of even half of those useful items. Looks like I've got a lot of buying to do.
Anyway that is an absolutely fantastic article, I wasn't aware of even half of those useful items. Looks like I've got a lot of buying to do.
11-24-12, 09:21 PM
#4
Constant tinkerer
It's a good list and I like it, but I have to take issue with #9 as it's simply not true.
I've stuffed tubes meant for 32-38mm tires in 25mm tires no problem. You have to be careful but it works fine and I've never gotten any "bumps." It's common knowledge around here that tubes stretch, and can be used in a wider range of sizes than what it says on the box. I've also used the common 18-23mm tube in tires up to 35mm. But on that end they are stretched thinner and need to be inflated a bit more frequently.
9. Schwalbe tubes. Schwalbe tubes are of a higher-quality rubber than any other, even German Continentals, as evinced by their ability to fit a wider range than any other. The SV 15′s, for example, are the only tube that can fit anywhere from an 18mm to a 28mm tire. Try that with another tube, and a more than annoying bouncing sensation will be felt from the wheel or wheels. The advantage of such quality is not only as one may expect–less leakage, fewer pinch-flats, a strong connection with the valve–but the very practical advantage of being able to carry one size of spare tube for multiple bikes. Many riders own multiple bikes that have tires of differing widths; many riders go out with or encounter other riders with same; and some bikes even have different front and rear widths
11-24-12, 10:42 PM
#5
It's a good list and I like it, but I have to take issue with #9 as it's simply not true.
I've stuffed tubes meant for 32-38mm tires in 25mm tires no problem. You have to be careful but it works fine and I've never gotten any "bumps." It's common knowledge around here that tubes stretch, and can be used in a wider range of sizes than what it says on the box. I've also used the common 18-23mm tube in tires up to 35mm. But on that end they are stretched thinner and need to be inflated a bit more frequently.
I've stuffed tubes meant for 32-38mm tires in 25mm tires no problem. You have to be careful but it works fine and I've never gotten any "bumps." It's common knowledge around here that tubes stretch, and can be used in a wider range of sizes than what it says on the box. I've also used the common 18-23mm tube in tires up to 35mm. But on that end they are stretched thinner and need to be inflated a bit more frequently.
11-25-12, 02:13 AM
#6
Certified Bike Brat
It's a good list and I like it, but I have to take issue with #9 as it's simply not true.
I've stuffed tubes meant for 32-38mm tires in 25mm tires no problem. You have to be careful but it works fine and I've never gotten any "bumps." It's common knowledge around here that tubes stretch, and can be used in a wider range of sizes than what it says on the box. I've also used the common 18-23mm tube in tires up to 35mm. But on that end they are stretched thinner and need to be inflated a bit more frequently.
I've stuffed tubes meant for 32-38mm tires in 25mm tires no problem. You have to be careful but it works fine and I've never gotten any "bumps." It's common knowledge around here that tubes stretch, and can be used in a wider range of sizes than what it says on the box. I've also used the common 18-23mm tube in tires up to 35mm. But on that end they are stretched thinner and need to be inflated a bit more frequently.
The advantage of such quality is not only as one may expect–less leakage, fewer pinch-flats, a strong connection with the valve–but the very practical advantage of being able to carry one size of spare tube for multiple bikes.
You may have been lucky yourself in not having experienced uneven inflation from using a too small tube in a large tire, or pinch flats from using a largeer tube in a smaller tire - but its often the reason I have to change tubes for clients at the shop.
Aside from that - Shwalbe presta tubes come with their own valve adapter that lets you use them in Schrader drilled rims. But they cost more - so most people don't buy them.
11-25-12, 07:39 AM
#7
Senior Member
I was just talking to a bike shop guy about item #3 - Tektro levers. I have them on my old classic steel Davidson and swear by them, especially since I have the Chorus 10 speed levers they copied on my better bike. He thought they were brifters until he saw the downtube shifters. They are surprisingly good feeling levers that are much more comfortable than the old style narrow grips, and provide plenty of braking power. I'd put a pair on my other steel bike but that one is all original Italian/Campy, except for the Modolo Kronos levers. Those Kronos levers suck but look cool. They were the first hidden cable levers I'd ever seen.
11-25-12, 08:01 AM
#8
Too long and didn't read the whole thing.... but I got as far as Lezyne minipumps with hoses. I have both Lezyne and Topeak Race Rocket pumps, and Topeak is the better design and higher quaility IMO.
11-25-12, 08:32 AM
#9
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Very interesting list. Some comments:
1. The BBI chain tools is an unnecessary refinement as a bent spoke or coat hanger wire works just fine.
3. Tektro brake levers are indeed a good copy of Campy brifter shape and work well at very modest cost. I now have them on my Cross Check in V-brake format as they are the levers used by Retroshift's makers and have previously use the short pull version with cantilever brakes.
17, 38. Extra "false links" are indeed useful and good insurance to have on your bike but there is nothing "false" about them. Most of us call them "master links".
18. Mirrors, never leave home without one. However, I could never learn to use a helmet mount mirror and the Miracycle only works on old-style exposed brake levers unless you are willing to drill and tap aero levers and they can't be used on brifters. I've settled on the Third Eye handlebar end mirror on all my bikes. YMMV.
50. What you and Amazon refer to as Parks "Rescue Wrench" is also known as their "Dog Bone" tool and I have one on every bike. Cheap, light, strong and versatile with adequate leverage for the larger hex keys so they are really useful. I once adequately tightened another rider's crank with the 8 mm hex and got him through the ride. Most multi-tools have no where near enough leverage.
BTW, I also saw your posting on the ACA site. Welcome to BikeForums.
1. The BBI chain tools is an unnecessary refinement as a bent spoke or coat hanger wire works just fine.
3. Tektro brake levers are indeed a good copy of Campy brifter shape and work well at very modest cost. I now have them on my Cross Check in V-brake format as they are the levers used by Retroshift's makers and have previously use the short pull version with cantilever brakes.
17, 38. Extra "false links" are indeed useful and good insurance to have on your bike but there is nothing "false" about them. Most of us call them "master links".
18. Mirrors, never leave home without one. However, I could never learn to use a helmet mount mirror and the Miracycle only works on old-style exposed brake levers unless you are willing to drill and tap aero levers and they can't be used on brifters. I've settled on the Third Eye handlebar end mirror on all my bikes. YMMV.
50. What you and Amazon refer to as Parks "Rescue Wrench" is also known as their "Dog Bone" tool and I have one on every bike. Cheap, light, strong and versatile with adequate leverage for the larger hex keys so they are really useful. I once adequately tightened another rider's crank with the 8 mm hex and got him through the ride. Most multi-tools have no where near enough leverage.
BTW, I also saw your posting on the ACA site. Welcome to BikeForums.
11-25-12, 09:54 AM
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"Miracycle only works on old-style exposed brake levers unless you are willing to drill and tap aero levers and they can't be used on brifters."
Actually Mirrycle makes a mirror for Shimano brifters: https://www.mirrycle.com/road_mirror.php
Actually Mirrycle makes a mirror for Shimano brifters: https://www.mirrycle.com/road_mirror.php
11-25-12, 10:10 AM
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Actually Mirrycle makes a mirror for Shimano brifters: https://www.mirrycle.com/road_mirror.php
Edit: I looked more closely at my set of 9-speed 105 STI levers and they have the "open space" under the "lever clip" that Miracycle specifically says won't let their mirror work. Too bad.
Last edited by HillRider; 11-25-12 at 10:16 AM.
11-25-12, 08:22 PM
#12
Certified Bike Brat
OK - have to admit I'm curious about No 28, Park Tool Handlebar Holder - HBH-2. Mostly cause I've never used one. I've usually used an elastic band looped around the valve stem on the front wheel, over the frame and again around the valve stem. Occasionally a tie-wrap in about the same location. The packing from new bikes a good source for either so they're easily available.
What are the thoughts of those who have actually used the HBH-2? Or maybe both methods?
What are the thoughts of those who have actually used the HBH-2? Or maybe both methods?
11-25-12, 09:22 PM
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OK - have to admit I'm curious about No 28, Park Tool Handlebar Holder - HBH-2. Mostly cause I've never used one. I've usually used an elastic band looped around the valve stem on the front wheel, over the frame and again around the valve stem. Occasionally a tie-wrap in about the same location. The packing from new bikes a good source for either so they're easily available.
What are the thoughts of those who have actually used the HBH-2? Or maybe both methods?
What are the thoughts of those who have actually used the HBH-2? Or maybe both methods?
Trek also sold a handlebar holder that is two lengths of small diameter (~1/2") steel tubing, one telescoped into the other, with a pinch clamp at the interface so you can adjust the overall length and then lock it in place. There is a rubber cord at each end, one goes around the seatpost and the other around one side of the handlebar, thus immobilizing it. One came with my "Wrench Force" repair stand and it also works very well.
11-26-12, 06:41 AM
#16
Trek also sold a handlebar holder that is two lengths of small diameter (~1/2") steel tubing, one telescoped into the other, with a pinch clamp at the interface so you can adjust the overall length and then lock it in place. There is a rubber cord at each end, one goes around the seatpost and the other around one side of the handlebar, thus immobilizing it. One came with my "Wrench Force" repair stand and it also works very well.
11-26-12, 07:07 AM
#17
Senior member
OK - have to admit I'm curious about No 28, Park Tool Handlebar Holder - HBH-2. Mostly cause I've never used one. I've usually used an elastic band looped around the valve stem on the front wheel, over the frame and again around the valve stem. Occasionally a tie-wrap in about the same location. The packing from new bikes a good source for either so they're easily available.
What are the thoughts of those who have actually used the HBH-2? Or maybe both methods?
What are the thoughts of those who have actually used the HBH-2? Or maybe both methods?
11-26-12, 08:13 AM
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Note to rogerstg: The Trek bar holder accompanied my "Wrench Force" repair stand that actually is an Ultimate (now Feedback Sports) stand private labeled for Trek so perhaps it is an Ultimate/Feedback design.
12-16-12, 05:33 AM
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Hello FastJake,
I have used undersized tubes (Avenir 25mm for a 28mm), inflated properly, and while I could ride it, there was a bumping sensation. Now it is possible that the tired had inflated in a slightly unequal manner, as can very occasionally happen when the tire fails to seat evenly or there are irregularities in the tube. My examination did not reveal this, but I was by the car, not in the shop. I will rewrite #9 to state that the SV 15's are the only tubes I know of that are labeled and intended to fit 18mm-28mm.
Thank you for the comment.
Dan
I have used undersized tubes (Avenir 25mm for a 28mm), inflated properly, and while I could ride it, there was a bumping sensation. Now it is possible that the tired had inflated in a slightly unequal manner, as can very occasionally happen when the tire fails to seat evenly or there are irregularities in the tube. My examination did not reveal this, but I was by the car, not in the shop. I will rewrite #9 to state that the SV 15's are the only tubes I know of that are labeled and intended to fit 18mm-28mm.
Thank you for the comment.
Dan
12-16-12, 05:38 AM
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Thanks Doug. I've also heard of people buying metal at Home Depot and bending it, but then one would have to rubber coat it. Personally, I'd rather spend twenty dollars. Your option promises good results with little fuss. Just RSS'd your blog.
Dan
Dan
12-16-12, 05:47 AM
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Thanks a bunch Gearslinger and all commenters. Have been updating slowly per suggestions, and will continue to make additions and emendations. Glad it was useful, and really glad to learn some new ideas.
Dan
Dan
