Galibier Courchavel storm jacket followed by Vittoria 30mm road tyres, both are helping me to get back into cycling.
Cant think of anything I've bought this year beyond maintenance essentials. But in that, I've bought two new tools (Superstar pedal socket and a grip wrench) which have allowed servicing of pedals and seatpost to revive my ageing 2015 Canyon Spectral, along with replacement shock bushings. Combined with fitting a mud hugger, I'd still give my product of the year to either the Spectral or my Soul mk5 - I've been through the thought process of a new bike and come out asking "why?" because they both keep making me smile too much to want to replace them for bigger wheels / 1deg head angle / wider dropouts etc Maybe I'm missing out on something but doesn't feel like it.
Retirement bike - Enigma Edge gravel bike with scribe carbon wheels, some hope bits (purple) and Shimano Mechanical. Unfortunately it has rained incessantly since I bought it - planning a continental escapade via ferry from Hull in May 26. Want to get to the Black gate..
I’ve been loving my YT Decoy MX that I got in the spring sales. It’s rekindled my love for riding and I get out on it 3-5 days a week.
I almost forgot.
Definitely product of the year for me - Tyre Monkey
Pretty blown away at how good those DB8’s are for a £50 brakeset. I know that’s not the most interesting of posts but I tend not to rush out and buy the latest tech.
In no particular order
- Exposure Boost-R reakt rear light - so , so , good and braking function is just brilliant
- Apidura high vis vest - weighs nothing, doesn't flap around and will go over whatever you are wearing. Makes me feel much more seen at night.
- Spurcycle multitool - it's just purdy.
- Specialized Vado 2 SL - just about my perfect commuting bike. It handles well, and although I moaned about it being heavier than the V1, the larger battery is actually what I need.
BOOST-R 3 REAKT & PELOTON – Exposure Lights
https://www.apidura.com/shop/packable-visibility-vest
TPU tubes. Followed by my Thumpa nano pump. Then followed by my Ortlieb Quick rack. It's turned three bikes to commuting duties.
Now if Garmin would hurry up and update their Varia RTL to USB-C, it would be a shoe-in next year,
Reserve Fillmore valves.
Such a simple design and more reliable than normal presta valve cores.
As a late adopter of almost everything and sceptical of bicycling equipment that requires charging, I’m particularly pleased with this device that is a more sensible price than some of the earlier versions. It’s the TRUFLO electric mini pump, small and light with a crisp colour display, flexible hose (if required) and an accurate pre-set gauge. A small LED light is also included. Whilst I will still carry my excellent Lezyne fat bike pump I will use the electric pump for mid-ride road sections and when my aged arms are tired!
I have inflated my 26” x 4.8” Jumbo Jims from 0 to 6psi six times this morning with no loss of battery power, it’s absolutely amazing and at less than £50 well worth the money!
Available from Madison dealers countrywide..
A late shout but Santa got me a gorewear trail kpr hybrid long sleeve 1/2-zip from Sportpursuit. Only one ride so far but I can't see any flaws so far. Kept me at the ideal temperature last night, it was about 3°C, with just a thin base layer. Pulled the zip down on the climbs, pulled it back up for the descents. Simples. Doesn't look like a roadie top but doesn't flap around either. I'm not sure it'll be a year round top for me but hopefully it'll be good from September to May. I might buy another at the sale price.
1) MTB Win-Wing (as mentioned previously) definitely keeps all the crap off my arse, and is a much better design than mudhuggers, etc al.
2) Hand Guards - I've got the Sendhits, but the CB ones look good. No more gorse in my knuckles...praise the lord!
