What gear have you tried out recently and loved?

[ADarkDraconis]

Hey there, guys! I thought we could share some things that we have picked up lately and were impressed with, or maybe were unsure at first but pleasantly surprised at how well they worked out in the end, etc.

I got some new gloves (my mittens just were not very bike friendly, bulky to fit between grips and levers... and kept accidentally dinging the bell ) and I will admit I doubted their abilities when they came in the mail the yesterday. They are Pearl Izumi brand and I got them on clearance, but they just seemed so thin for winter riding I thought no way they'd keep my hands warm! The only other ones my LBS had were big and bulky, I thought they'd be about the same trouble as the mittens.

Tonight I used them for the first time and it was just above freezing, so a good test. I was out riding for about half an hour and my hands were not even chilly, my hands are always cold so this is a big deal! I am quite impressed, they are very flexible and have little grippies on the palms and fingers to keep from sliding, and even reflective bits on the back for noticeable turns. Even going downhill where you think the wind would have some effect they were totally fine! I couldn't even tell I was wearing them.

So what have you tried out lately?

 

[Saluki]

Nothing tried out of late but would be interested in a link to your new gloves, if you have one.

 

[bpsmith]

Silca tools and jersey pockets pouches for me. All very well made, although not cheap. The tools are amazing quality though and will last a lifetime.

Also really rate Vittoria Corsa G+ tyres. Bought some in the Autumn and really pleased with their performance and the looks of the tanwall version.

 

[Milzy]

I thought this thread was about doping or hard drugs.

 

[Tail End Charlie]

Armwarmers. Bought some a while ago and they are so flexible. Have them on when setting off, then when warmed up, take them off. Much better than trying to pull up long sleeves. Can't believe it took me so long to discover them.

 

[Drago]

Uvex helmet. Helmets I can take or leave, and don't always wear them, but the UVEX is cheap, no-nonsense, well designed, well constructed, and fits the topography of my skull very nicely.

 

[DCLane]

Galibier's Tourmalet jacket - I bought one as a last-minute decision before LEL and it was brilliant.

 

[Milkfloat]

I just bought my second Castelli Gabba Jersey. The first is still going strong, but this was a great bargain and a different colour. There is a reason so many people love them.

 

[mjr]

The builders' thermal gloves from toolstation seem pretty great.

Before that, it was probably the switch to a Sturmey Archer X-SRF3 rear hub. The trigger shifter is a thing of permanent delight.

The sculpted cork-look Claude Butler lock-on grips are pretty pretty too. (I needed new grips after removing the infernal twist shifter.)

Oh and ortlieb QL2 clips to fit to a repaired pannier. Best bit of their expensive bags but still usable on others.

 

[raleighnut]

I had some nice 'Moroccan' over Christmas.

 

[Threevok]

AEST standard external headsets - cheap as chips to buy, but as good as any cane creek or FSA I have owned

I've had one on the SS for nearly two years with no drama at all

I was so impressed with the quality that I have purchased one for the Inbred build

 

[ADarkDraconis]

Nothing tried out of late but would be interested in a link to your new gloves, if you have one.

https://m.ebay.com/itm/NWT-20-Pearl...-Unisex-NEW-/183012673978?txnId=1769035790008

This listing only has one left but at the bottom of the page there are other listings for more listers with the same, and other sizes I'm sure if you don't have itsy bitsy hands like I do, haha. Even the smalls are always a bit big on me.

 

[ADarkDraconis]

I thought this thread was about doping or hard drugs.

Bahahahaha, not me! 'Gear' means equipment here in the US. I guess you guys would call it 'kit' but that usually means specifically road racing outfits here. I am not one to partake in mind-altering substances (not really one to wear racing outfits either, but I won't fault those who are more fashionable than I... )

 

[Goggs]

I just bought my first shock pump. I opted for the B'Twin 940 sold by Decathlon. It seems to be pretty good. It's well-built, the gauge seems accurate and the pumping action is smooth. €20 well spent. I also bought a Castro-style cap for €5 which does exactly what it needs to.

 

[ADarkDraconis]

Silca tools and jersey pockets pouches for me. All very well made, although not cheap. The tools are amazing quality though and will last a lifetime.

Also really rate Vittoria Corsa G+ tyres. Bought some in the Autumn and really pleased with their performance and the looks of the tanwall version.

Park Tools master link pliers. I rambled on about these in another thread.

Aaah, I love new tools!!! That is the way to my heart (well, tools and cake...) I was so sad when the little hardware store near my house closed last year, they always had all the random bits and fittings and adapters I needed for a project. Now we just have the big box stores next town over with no help to be found.