This usually starts out as a discussion thread on either the i-BOB or Rivendell Owners' Bunch lists, but I thought I'd compile my list here for now. I'll probably forget something but this should cover most of it.
1. Neoprene gloves. I bought a pair of these earlier this fall to test, and after three rides in cold weather I have to say they leave me feeling a little cold. The material covering the neoprene layer is soft and the stitching is flat enough to avoid undue irritation on my palms, and the gloves have good wind-blocking properties. But after about five miles in 40-degree temperatures my hands began to get noticeably clammy. As long as I kept moving it was tolerable; but as soon as I stopped for a restroom and took off the gloves my hands felt quite cold and the gloves felt, well, wet. Not a great feeling. By ten miles or more the clamminess was uncomfortable. Halfway through my last test ride with them, I gave up and switched back to my ragg-wool gloves (which I had brought along on a hunch that I'd need them at some point). While the wool doesn't block the wind as well, my hands still stayed reasonably warm and didn't get clammy.
2. Bicycle computers (the electronic battery kind). Last year I began playing around with these because I'd gotten one for free. It certainly made randonneuring a little easier, as I could more accurately follow the cue sheet and also gauge my average speed. But Portland's rainy climate tends to do a number on these things, and in both cases the computers leaked or the batteries shorted out within four to five months of installation (that's with fresh batteries, mind you). On two of my three bikes I've reverted back to the old-school mechanical cyclometers made by Huret (hard to find but still out there, on ebay and sometimes in a shop's back room; I tend to buy quantities and rob parts as needed). The All-Rounder still has a computer on it, a different model from the other two and so far it's still working. I may live with it another year and see how it goes; but I admit tat I really like the Huret cyclometers for their reliability AND sustainability.
3. Soma double-gated toeclips. The sizing's a little off -- I have to use the L/XL size with my flat pedals and I wear a womens' 9.5 -- but the overall fit and comfort is excellent. They seem very durable and are comfortable enough to wear with either street shoes or cycling shoes.
4. ZYM electrolyte tablets. Drop a tablet into a full water bottle, shake gently untl the tablet dissolves, and drink. On my longest rides, when water alone hasn't been enough, ZYM has really made a difference in my ability to remain comfortable on my bike and NOT bonk. And it tastes a million times better than Gatorade (too heavy and sweet) or Hammer (just flat-out disgusting). This is a "lemon-lime" flavor I can tolerate at mile 35 and again at mile 60, and that's saying something. It's also sugar-free. (http://www.gozym.com/)
5. Schwalbe "Marathon" tires. I had hoarded the last pair of Continental Top Touring 2000's and finally wore one of them out on The Rivvy this summer. I swapped in a Schwalbe Marathon (700 x 32) for the rear and find it a more than adequate successor to the Continental. At +/- 35.00 retail it's also a LOT cheaper than the Top Touring would be if Conti still made it (it was discontinued two years ago because of rising production and import costs). If Schwalbe ever makes this tire in 26 x 1.25 (as yet, they don't) I'll probably toss them on my All-Rounder too. The "Marathon Plus" offers a little more flat resistance but costs 8 to 10 bucks and in my case isn't really necessary. The regular "Marathon" already offers excellent flat resistance by itself. A well-riding, durable tire for commuting and touring.
6. Swrve knickers. These were admittedly a treat, a sample pair that came in and didn't fit anyone else, so I bought them and boy are they delicious to wear. These are really a fall-winter knicker, with a wool-blend fabric that is soft and warm but still breathable. They look smart on or off the bike, and the sewing construction is simply some of the best I've seen in a cycling garment. They also offer a reasonable sizing range, with mens' waist sizes up to 38. They're not super-cheap at over 100 bucks a pair retail but they're definitely more affordable than, say Rapha. And they're US-made, always a nice thing. (http://swrvecycling.com/)
7. Shaun Deller winter cap. Made one at a time here in Portland, the winter caps are sewn from panels of recycled wool sweaters. Mine fits nicely under a helmet (unlike similar fare from other mass-produced models) and wicks the sweat away quite well. The only problem is that Shaun has lately been very busy with other projects, meaning his cap production has gone way down and for now these babies are harder to get. Available every now and then at several Portland bike shops and at his Web sit online. (http://www.shaundeller.com/)
8. Kucharik toeclip covers. I had been looking for a successor to the Beezer toeclips covers of 12-13 years ago for several years. I just got these in for the shop and they rock! They fit perfectly over toeclips and straps, and the heavy nylon fabric really helps cut the wind. Sadly, I was advised that these might be the last pairs John Kucharik will have on hand (either because of limited demand or because they're time-consuming to make). I think discontinuing these is a mistake. Perhaps a letter-writing campaign is in order. There are perhaps twenty pairs left at Citybikes in Portland, but if you think they should be continued contact Kucharik directly and wheedle or beg. (http://www.kucharikclothing.com/)
The truth is that I didn't really get a lot of new things this year. Most of what I've been running for years seems to be as good as ever and perhaps that's a testament to my ability to figure out what's sensible and just stick with it in spite of the latest new thing to come along. (Campy's making 11-speed cassettes and I still run a five-speed freewheel on my All-Rounder. Seriously.) So perhaps we're seeing either a resurgence of "new-retro" bike stuff, or perhaps the beginning of the end of sensible innovation in bicycle parts and accessories. (Yeah, I know, that statement could get my head handed to me on a plate, especially from the carbon-fiber crowd. But I stand by it, based on my shop experience and my own personal preferences.)
What did you try and like? Or not? Discuss.
1. Neoprene gloves. I bought a pair of these earlier this fall to test, and after three rides in cold weather I have to say they leave me feeling a little cold. The material covering the neoprene layer is soft and the stitching is flat enough to avoid undue irritation on my palms, and the gloves have good wind-blocking properties. But after about five miles in 40-degree temperatures my hands began to get noticeably clammy. As long as I kept moving it was tolerable; but as soon as I stopped for a restroom and took off the gloves my hands felt quite cold and the gloves felt, well, wet. Not a great feeling. By ten miles or more the clamminess was uncomfortable. Halfway through my last test ride with them, I gave up and switched back to my ragg-wool gloves (which I had brought along on a hunch that I'd need them at some point). While the wool doesn't block the wind as well, my hands still stayed reasonably warm and didn't get clammy.
2. Bicycle computers (the electronic battery kind). Last year I began playing around with these because I'd gotten one for free. It certainly made randonneuring a little easier, as I could more accurately follow the cue sheet and also gauge my average speed. But Portland's rainy climate tends to do a number on these things, and in both cases the computers leaked or the batteries shorted out within four to five months of installation (that's with fresh batteries, mind you). On two of my three bikes I've reverted back to the old-school mechanical cyclometers made by Huret (hard to find but still out there, on ebay and sometimes in a shop's back room; I tend to buy quantities and rob parts as needed). The All-Rounder still has a computer on it, a different model from the other two and so far it's still working. I may live with it another year and see how it goes; but I admit tat I really like the Huret cyclometers for their reliability AND sustainability.
3. Soma double-gated toeclips. The sizing's a little off -- I have to use the L/XL size with my flat pedals and I wear a womens' 9.5 -- but the overall fit and comfort is excellent. They seem very durable and are comfortable enough to wear with either street shoes or cycling shoes.
4. ZYM electrolyte tablets. Drop a tablet into a full water bottle, shake gently untl the tablet dissolves, and drink. On my longest rides, when water alone hasn't been enough, ZYM has really made a difference in my ability to remain comfortable on my bike and NOT bonk. And it tastes a million times better than Gatorade (too heavy and sweet) or Hammer (just flat-out disgusting). This is a "lemon-lime" flavor I can tolerate at mile 35 and again at mile 60, and that's saying something. It's also sugar-free. (http://www.gozym.com/)
5. Schwalbe "Marathon" tires. I had hoarded the last pair of Continental Top Touring 2000's and finally wore one of them out on The Rivvy this summer. I swapped in a Schwalbe Marathon (700 x 32) for the rear and find it a more than adequate successor to the Continental. At +/- 35.00 retail it's also a LOT cheaper than the Top Touring would be if Conti still made it (it was discontinued two years ago because of rising production and import costs). If Schwalbe ever makes this tire in 26 x 1.25 (as yet, they don't) I'll probably toss them on my All-Rounder too. The "Marathon Plus" offers a little more flat resistance but costs 8 to 10 bucks and in my case isn't really necessary. The regular "Marathon" already offers excellent flat resistance by itself. A well-riding, durable tire for commuting and touring.
6. Swrve knickers. These were admittedly a treat, a sample pair that came in and didn't fit anyone else, so I bought them and boy are they delicious to wear. These are really a fall-winter knicker, with a wool-blend fabric that is soft and warm but still breathable. They look smart on or off the bike, and the sewing construction is simply some of the best I've seen in a cycling garment. They also offer a reasonable sizing range, with mens' waist sizes up to 38. They're not super-cheap at over 100 bucks a pair retail but they're definitely more affordable than, say Rapha. And they're US-made, always a nice thing. (http://swrvecycling.com/)
7. Shaun Deller winter cap. Made one at a time here in Portland, the winter caps are sewn from panels of recycled wool sweaters. Mine fits nicely under a helmet (unlike similar fare from other mass-produced models) and wicks the sweat away quite well. The only problem is that Shaun has lately been very busy with other projects, meaning his cap production has gone way down and for now these babies are harder to get. Available every now and then at several Portland bike shops and at his Web sit online. (http://www.shaundeller.com/)
8. Kucharik toeclip covers. I had been looking for a successor to the Beezer toeclips covers of 12-13 years ago for several years. I just got these in for the shop and they rock! They fit perfectly over toeclips and straps, and the heavy nylon fabric really helps cut the wind. Sadly, I was advised that these might be the last pairs John Kucharik will have on hand (either because of limited demand or because they're time-consuming to make). I think discontinuing these is a mistake. Perhaps a letter-writing campaign is in order. There are perhaps twenty pairs left at Citybikes in Portland, but if you think they should be continued contact Kucharik directly and wheedle or beg. (http://www.kucharikclothing.com/)
The truth is that I didn't really get a lot of new things this year. Most of what I've been running for years seems to be as good as ever and perhaps that's a testament to my ability to figure out what's sensible and just stick with it in spite of the latest new thing to come along. (Campy's making 11-speed cassettes and I still run a five-speed freewheel on my All-Rounder. Seriously.) So perhaps we're seeing either a resurgence of "new-retro" bike stuff, or perhaps the beginning of the end of sensible innovation in bicycle parts and accessories. (Yeah, I know, that statement could get my head handed to me on a plate, especially from the carbon-fiber crowd. But I stand by it, based on my shop experience and my own personal preferences.)
What did you try and like? Or not? Discuss.