equipment | In The Spin

Tips for Keeping Feet Warm | Road Bike Rider

January 7, 2013 at 6:00 am (equipment, Technique)

I’ve done more cold-weather riding this winter than usual. That’s ’cause we’ve had lots of people going out. But, yes, it is cold. My feet used to be my biggest issue. I seem to have solved that with booties and wool socks, but I don’t go out when it dips below freezing for long. Fingers are another issue. Some of these tips do help, like starting with warm hands.–corrie

I’ve tried every trick imaginable to keep my feet warm during cold-weather rides — larger shoes with 2 pairs of socks, battery-powered socks, spray antiperspirant to reduce sweating, plastic bags to cut wind. But no luck. My frozen feet are always the limiting factor in winter riding. Any tips? — Judy D.

via Tips for Keeping Feet Warm | Road Bike Rider.

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Bar Mitts a Great Alternative to Thick Gloves

December 22, 2012 at 6:00 am (Commuting, equipment)

Marilyn showed up for a Saturday ride with these ungainly looking bar mits on her handlebars. My hands got cold; for Marilyn, it was her feet. Decide for yourself.–corrie

Bar Mitts a Great Alternative to Thick Gloves

When temperatures drop below freezing, it can take a mighty thick pair of gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm. Thick hand coverings make it difficult to shift and almost impossible to reach and grasp objects in jersey pockets or your gear bag.

via Issue No. 556: What’s on Tap for 2013 | Road Bike Rider.

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Watch This: Certified Versus Non Certified Helmet Impact Testing – Bike Rumor

December 19, 2012 at 6:00 am (equipment, safety)

As a guy who went down and lost a few minutes of memory, you don’t have to sell me on the necessity of a helmet. But there are helmets out there that are old or have never been certified. Does that matter?–Corrie

The non-certified helmet being tested is an extremely popular helmet amongst the skatepark and BMX set. Heck, many of my close friends, riding buddies, and loved ones choose to wear the non-certified Bucky Lasek Classic ProTec helmet shown in the video. Many of my other riding buddies also wear non-certified but retro cool helmets and the bottom line is they aren’t safe.

via Watch This: Certified Versus Non Certified Helmet Impact Testing – Bike Rumor.

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Collapsible Bike Repair Stand – BikeHacks

December 18, 2012 at 6:00 am (equipment, repair)

You don’t have to be a bike mechanic to need a repair stand. The stand makes regular maintenance, cleaning the chain, changing a tire, washing your bike, easier. If you are handy, you can likely make a serviceable repair stand. For the rest of us a couple of hundred bucks is not too much to spend.–Corrie

Repair stands are a common search term on Bike Hacks and we have seen our fair share of sweet DIY submissions. Ideas include bike stands that are:

via Collapsible Bike Repair Stand – BikeHacks.

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Adventure Cycling Association: Winter Tips from a Rain Expert

December 12, 2012 at 6:00 am (Commuting, equipment, safety)

At better than 15inches, we are nearlly 4 inches over our annual rainfall for the LC Valley. I’ve been caught in more wet weather the last two years than in the previous 10–is the drought over?–Corrie

Here in the Pacific Northwest, winter means lots of rain. As a native-born Portlander who has been biking seriously since 1999, I think of myself as a bit of a rain expert. Today I’d like to share my field-tested tips on becoming a happy winter cyclist.

via Adventure Cycling Association: Winter Tips from a Rain Expert.

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Bike Commuter Store: Essential Cycling Gear from Amazon.com

November 30, 2012 at 6:00 am (bike culture, equipment)

I’m accustomed to buying books from Amazon. Recently, I’ve been going to Amazon as my first source for just about anything. Hadn’t given bicycling gear any thought though.–corrie

Bike Commuter Store: Essential Cycling Gear from Amazon.com.

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Best Gifts Under $25 for Bike Riders – Best Gifts for Cyclists

November 25, 2012 at 6:00 am (bike culture, equipment)

Got a cyclist on your Christmas list or perhaps you need some ideas for those with your name on a Christmas list? Here you go–Corrie

PS. Be sure to check out the other links with this story.–CCR

The holidays are here, and that means you are looking for that perfect present for a bike lover. Here are some great gift items all under $25 that will certainly make them merry and bright.

via Best Gifts Under $25 for Bike Riders – Best Gifts for Cyclists.

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Cyclelicious » Bright LED cycling jacket

November 24, 2012 at 6:00 am (equipment, safety)

A bright idea for visibility and it looks like a pretty good jacket, too. I like the pockets.

You’ve all probably seen those safety vetsts with flashing LED lights embedded in them, right? The vests I’ve seen previously have very weak, small lights that are essentially useless.

via Cyclelicious » Bright LED cycling jacket.

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Cyclelicious » A carbon fiber kickstand

November 17, 2012 at 6:00 am (equipment)

Tired of looking a place to lean your bike for a few minutes, for an hour at lunch? Try the kickstand.–Corrie

The “Upstand” is a carbon fiber kickstand for your road bike that you carry in your jersey pocket

via Cyclelicious » A carbon fiber kickstand.

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| Tori’s Tips :: Bike Cleaning 101 – Suds It Up

November 16, 2012 at 6:00 am (equipment, Technique)

Okay, I never soap up my bike like this. Nothing wrong with doing so. I just don’t. More important that the production bike-wash is the frequent wash with lots of attention paid not only to the rims (braking surfaces) but also the chain and the cogs of the rear derailleur.

Go ahead and soap it up now and then. Even use a little furniture polish on that frame. It’ll shine–Corrie