What cycle product has surprised you?

[BurningLegs]

I used a new chain lubricant on my chain this evening - it's from the Muc-Off brand and I was really taken aback to find that it has a fruity fragrance! Specifically, I would say that it smells like grapefruit.

I didn't make the connection at first and looked around to see if something else was making the room smell fruity, but I rubbed the chain with my fingers and yep, definitely the lube. I was so surprised I rushed into the lounge, shoved the bottle of chain oil under my partner's nose to see what she thought and she just looked at me like I had lost my mind!

Anyone else been surprised by other products?

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

A pair of cheap unbranded brake levers.

The lever flexed, the bit that holds the cable nipple popped out and - no brakes

A definite surprise. My pants nearly had a surprise too!

 

[Drago]

Charge Spoon. Surprised how uncomfortable I found it after all the sycophancy I'd read about them.

 

[CanucksTraveller]

I was surprised to find that Fenwick's degreaser smelled exactly like Turkish delight.

My last saddle purchase off the internet surprised me too. It wasn't as comfortable as I'd imagined.

(I'm joking of course. I wouldn't ride a Trek)

 

[welsh dragon]

My brooks saddle and the old saying that harder is better. Be quiet all you smutmeisters out there. I had a gel saddle cover on my old saddle thinking that softer would be better and i was in agony. I finally bought a brooks B67S, and my god, it was heaven. I had no idea, that a harder saddle could be better.

Not to everyomes liking though. As someone else said not long ago, you either have a Brooks bum, or you don't. I clearly do.

 

[Bazzer]

My Buff. a) So versatile. b) For such a thin piece of material, when cold, it does a great job of keeping my head/neck/face warm.

 

[ianrauk]

My Buff. a) So versatile. b) For such a thin piece of material, when cold, it does a great job of keeping my head/neck/face warm.

Never cycle without one what ever the weather.

 

[Sharky]

Tyres when they come in contact with black ice.


Ooch

 

[CanucksTraveller]

My brooks saddle and the old saying that harder is better.

Not to everyomes liking though. As someone else said not long ago, you either have a Brooks bum, or you don't. I clearly do.

Funny isn't it, I hated my B17 for years while it remained ebony hard, and then once I'd found a product that softened it I grew to love it. It's so comfy now... Takes all sorts.

 

[KnackeredBike]

I bought a pair of cycle gloves from Poundland, I don't know what animal paws they were designed for but I think it has been extinct a while.

 

[Jason]

A gilet was a revelation to me. I feel the cold quickly,yet this thingy kept me warm. Who knew!

 

[mjr]

Rubber grip pedals. Worth the extra.

 

[Tail End Charlie]

Arm warmers. Never really saw the point till I tried a pair and they are great to take the nip out of an early morning ride, then if it warms up you take them off and they take up no space.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

The Shimano brifters that came with my commuter bike. I've never given them any maintenance, or oiled them, and they're still working flawlessly after roughly 110,000km.

 

[cyberknight]

Electric shifting