Bicycle Bits! - What’s your latest acquisition?

Posted by: naim_nymph on 01 November 2013

With so many forum folk with an interest in cycling it would be fun and informative if we shared our thoughts of cycling products recently purchased, frames, wheels, bike parts, accessories, clothing, shoes, helmets, puncture outfits - anything you like to do with your bicycle and bicycling.

 

 

To start the show… i’ve just changed my pair of 700x23mm tyres from Continental 4 season which have lasted three times longer than the recommended 3 years and not once ever punctured. Considering my usual ride is country lanes with farm yards and bits of countryside ever-present on the bumpy [Paris-Roubaix?] type tarmac it is a good test for any tyre.

 

The new tyres i just fitted are brand new Continental 4 season of the same size again - Why change when you have a good thing?

The 4 season is a very light weight folding tyre, puncture resistance built in, and fantastic road grip in the wet. They are expensive but they do last longer and imo are safer than most cheaper types so perhaps the value for money is actually very good in the long run.

 

I can’t recommend them highly enough!

Posted on: 11 May 2014 by George J

Looking at those leads, I immediately realise that there is one fault in the Carlton. The BB is too low for powering round bends on a serious lean! I have always managed to graze pedals on the road when turning right at road junctions - we drive on the left in the UK - and so sometimes a very quick decision is necessary about whether to go or stop, but that is my only complaint. Not helped my 175 mm crank-arms, of course, but apparent even with the original170 mm arms.

 

I no longer turn right, but get off and cross on foot!

 

I'll look at the other considerations at length, but it fascinates me that the Carlton is so predictable and easy. I need to know exactly what to ask for if I ever get a bespoke frame made!

 

ATB from George

Posted on: 12 May 2014 by winkyincanada

 

Just ordered some new wheels for the "beater" bike (BMc Pro Machine with Campy Record 10 speed). Fulcrum Racing 5 CX. Fairly high performance but built for durability in rain and mud. Perfect for the Vancouver winters. A bit heavy at 1700+ grams.