General Bike Thread (Desiderata, Questions, Pics)

I bought a pair of these at home depot:
http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Wo...atalogId=10053

They come in basic black or whatever too (but my team colors are orange).

I saw them in the discount bin and was going to buy them just for the orange factor but realized these are basically bike gloves. They seem to be made for guys who handle the big tools...like operating a jackhammer who cares more about grip/sweat/padding than protection. They are basically this without the knuckle plastic pieces. Padded in the palm, breathable in the back, reflective strip, terrycloth snot/sweat wipe...

They don't seem like great work gloves (the breathable back wouldn't give much protection like a leather glove) but they are some good cheap bike gloves.

Originally Posted by about11oclock

Click to expand...

Dear Bike thread collected wisdom, Greeting from the runners! I bike commute in New York City, and wonder if someone can suggest some full-fingered gloves for everyday use. I will be beating the **** out of them and would like something that can take it. I would like to spend as little as possible for the desired effect (really tough gloves), but will spend what it takes to get what I want. I would also like my hands protected in the event of a crash, and hopefully, the gloves themselves could survive the crash and remain usable. Many thanks.
I used these throughout the NYC winter, for both running and biking. http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/66559?feat=506510-GN3 honestly the only reason I bought them was all those $10 Gift coupons LL bean gave out during the holiday season that you could stack. So it was basically free. So I tried them out. They are basically cross country ski gloves (but listed as bike gloves in LL Bean) so there's no padding but excellent grip. I use them a lot even in 50ºF weather because they are flexible and light. During the hellish winter we had I used them with glove liners as well. After using them for the season I would actually say I think they are worth the near $50. Because they provide such excellent grip for the bike and braking and are protective too. They are very flexible and soft also. They have been my gloves for going out, driving, anything in the cold because you still can do things like take keys out your pocket and unlock a car/door with them still on. They are still in excellent shape too. I've used them when I tool on my bike when I need grip and have gotten them super grimy and greasy and would just throw them in the wash and even dryer too. I wash them once a week with Minimal shrinkage noted. You can get them cheaper than $50 other than LL bean, but you know that great LL bean return policy (no question's asked).

wait are you looking for just some gloves to ride in or for gloves to keep you warm?

If you want to stay warm, craft makes some nice stuff (from the light stuff like Lawrence posted up to things like lobster mitts)

Originally Posted by about11oclock

Click to expand...

Dear Bike thread collected wisdom,

Greeting from the runners! I bike commute in New York City, and wonder if someone can suggest some full-fingered gloves for everyday use. I will be beating the **** out of them and would like something that can take it. I would like to spend as little as possible for the desired effect (really tough gloves), but will spend what it takes to get what I want. I would also like my hands protected in the event of a crash, and hopefully, the gloves themselves could survive the crash and remain usable.

Many thanks.

Yes, like otc I can't tell if the op is looking for general-use full-finger gloves or for winter-use full-finger gloves.

I have listed some winter gloves here below, but these 4 stores also have a good selection of summer weight full-finger gloves. MTB f-f gloves are tougher than road gloves.

Craft are good.

Bicycling Hub always has good quality/good prices.
These Exte-Ondo gloves are excellent and on sale ($30.00 in black or black/blue).


These Pearl Izumi gloves from Excel Sports are also very good and tough ($40.00).


A bunch on sale from Colorado Cyclist and Competitive Cyclist.

These are all good gloves.

here is my race bike

lulz 808s

Originally Posted by poorman

Click to expand...

Is it generally cheaper to assemble your own bike than buying one?

Being a student cost is an issue! haha. I do view this as an investment though considering the amount of money I'm spending on gas. :/

So is it possible to find a nice bike for about <$300? or even cheaper that I could build up?

I'm about 5'8".

Thanks...

(now jumps to page 1)

Unless you're willing to wait ages, it's almost NEVER cheaper to build a bike than buy one out right. If you hit garage sales and CL you may be able to find a decent bike for <$300.

Originally Posted by otc

Click to expand...

wait are you looking for just some gloves to ride in or for gloves to keep you warm?

If you want to stay warm, craft makes some nice stuff (from the light stuff like Lawrence posted up to things like lobster mitts)

I actually have PI Lobster gloves for winter, they were a life saver, though next winter I might go for some winter-full finger gloves.

I am looking for everyday use full-fingers. Thanks much for the links!

The hand of Grant Petersen in that Bridgestone spec.

Originally Posted by about11oclock

Click to expand...

I actually have PI Lobster gloves for winter, they were a life saver, though next winter I might go for some winter-full finger gloves.

I am looking for everyday use full-fingers. Thanks much for the links!
Then your best selection for summer f-f gloves might be here.
Some are winter gloves, though, since the gloves on CC are listed short-finger/full-finger and not winter/summer.

Originally Posted by CHenry

Click to expand...

The hand of Grant Petersen in that Bridgestone spec.

Sure, since he basically designed/spec'd them all.

Anyone have experience with velo-orange parts? Been slowly trading up components on my old Fuji road bike (used as commuter/round-town bike) and considering one of their house-label cranks

I have VO fenders and a bell. Not exactly what you're looking for. I have yet to install the fenders and might as well sell them. The bell's great!



b

Originally Posted by shoreman1782

Click to expand...

Anyone have experience with velo-orange parts? Been slowly trading up components on my old Fuji road bike (used as commuter/round-town bike) and considering one of their house-label cranks

I like their parts that I have seen...and I am sure the house label cranks look great

I am just not sure they are worth it unless there is a very specific look you are going for (vintage look fluted cranks and stuff). A nice sugino crankset would cost less (even from VO)

I picked up a SRAM crankset with GXP (external bottom bracket design) on ebay for ~80 New. The retail packaging for the GXP cranks includes the bottom bracket which makes it $30 or so cheaper than buying some bare square taper cranks.

I think I got the S300 but there are a few more models available now. I went with a single ring but there was also a model with double--alternatively you could look at the apex cranks which are basically the same thing but say apex on the side (in fact I think the Rival cranks look identical to my S300).

Thanks for the input. The bike is from the early 80s, so not quite the period VO generally goes for. It's a local company though and I like what they do.

I'll probably end up going to this bike shop nearby--owner is nuts and has hundreds of used bikes of every vintage. They seem to overvalue their stuff but I can be pretty sure I'll get something that fits and is decent. I'm not well-versed enough in parts changes over the years to be certain anything I buy off ebay (i.e., not returnable) will work.

here is my baby. it's my everything