Questions tagged [product-rec]

If your question fits this tag, it's probably considered Off Topic for bicycles.SE. Questions that ask to compare two brands or pricings will end up being closed. Try and word your question as generic rather than specific.

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28 votes
6 answers
12k views

What bike+equipment for a long daily urban commute?

In the (distant) past I commuted 6 km (more than half an hour) each way, on a cheap bike with big knobbly tyres. Soon I'll have a new commute: 18 km each way, daily. That's much further than I've ...
ChrisW's user avatar
  • 12k
33 votes
6 answers
6k views

What makes a good entry level road bike?

I've been riding a mountain bike for years, but I prefer to go longer distances on paved ground, so I think a road bike would be better. When I ask what is a good bike, I don't need brands or models - ...
xdumaine's user avatar
  • 433
56 votes
13 answers
38k views

What type of tires can prevent goatheads?

We have a lot of goatheads1 in our area, and they have a tendency to do something like this to bike tires: Unfortunately, I ride a road bike (specifically a Kona Dew), so I have much smaller, thinner ...
Jared Harley's user avatar
  • 2,131
10 votes
4 answers
2k views

Picking a bike for a cyclist new to riding on the road?

I've gone a few years without riding at all, and I'm getting back into cycling to improve my fitness. I've typically ridden light mountain bike trails in the past. I want buy a new/second-hand road ...
Bendihossan's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
432 views

Advice on buying a new bike

I am looking to buy a new brand new bike but I'm not experienced at all with bike specs and quality and things to look out for etc. I have previously only had second hand really basic bicycles in my ...
Andy's user avatar
  • 43
4 votes
2 answers
2k views

Bike recommendation for daily commute

I am a 6ft, 172 pound being. Just moved to boston and now that the weather is better, I am looking for a bike which I can use for my daily office commute (around 3ish mile one way). I am willing to ...
rk.'s user avatar
  • 141
47 votes
18 answers
65k views

Toddler bike seat vs. bike trailer?

Our 2.2 year old toddler seems very interested in a random, abandoned bike seat we found, so we're considering some method of letting him ride with us. But I am not sure whether to get ... A bike ...
Eggs McLaren's user avatar
22 votes
11 answers
15k views

SPD shoes that look like normal shoes

We all know that SPD shoes can be worn off the bike (that is why they were designed), however there are not many SPD shoes that you would want to wear off-bike. There are even fewer (if any) SPD shoes ...
ʍǝɥʇɐɯ's user avatar
  • 17.2k
21 votes
7 answers
16k views

What is the biggest component difference between a cheap road bike and an expensive road bike?

I am shopping around for road bikes now, and I wanted to know what components to look for. I am not talking about the frame, carbon or otherwise, I mean types of shifters, brakes, cranks, rims, etc.
Chris Belsole's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
5k views

How to select an inexpensive road bike for a heavier rider?

I want to start riding a bike from home to work so I need to buy a bike. I don't want to spend a lot on the bike and also I'm not interested in bikes that Target and Walmart sells. I want something ...
Mohsen's user avatar
  • 353
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

purchasing a bike

I live in Queens, NYC. I am thinking of buying a bike for casual ride probably during weekends and sometime for commuting to the city. Can anyone recommend which and what type of bike should I buy ...
Prajwal Tuladhar's user avatar
35 votes
7 answers
10k views

What clothing is best for wet weather/cycling in the rain?

I tried wearing a raincoat to keep out the rain, but find I get hot and sweaty inside. So my question is, what clothing do you find works best for you when cycling in wet weather? Thanks.
Scott Langham's user avatar
15 votes
10 answers
4k views

Sunglasses for commuting?

I've recently started commuting via bike to work (6.5mi each way), and am looking for advice on gear... specifically sunglasses (which I find useful to prevent dust in eyes and to help block the ample ...
r00fus's user avatar
  • 301
9 votes
6 answers
3k views

Hybrid or Road Bike?

I was given a Raleigh Venture comfort bike as a gift a few months ago, and took to riding very well. I am overweight, but dropping quickly. I started at 275 and sit around 250 now after two months of ...
Scott Lewis's user avatar
27 votes
7 answers
5k views

Recommendation for panniers used off the bike a lot

I'm looking for panniers. I mostly just potter around town, and am not planning any cycle touring so my main criteria is that the panniers should be easy to carry around off the bike. Built in ...
Hamish Downer's user avatar
24 votes
9 answers
4k views

What are some alternatives to fruitlessly ringing my bell at a motorist?

I doubt that motor-vehicle drivers can hear the "ding" sound that a bicycle bell makes. What are some better alternatives?
unforgettableidSupportsMonica's user avatar
20 votes
15 answers
4k views

iPhone 4 bike mount recommendations

Can anyone recommend a good bike mount for the iPhone 4? There seem to be a lot of reviews for the old models. Update: I'm mounting this on a Trek 1.5 Triple with Bontrager SSR VR bars. Update: I'...
Scott Cowan's user avatar
17 votes
4 answers
8k views

What should I look for in a "trailer bike"/"tag-along" bike for a child?

My daughter is growing fast, and will soon be too big for the child seat that is on the back of my bike. She is not yet ready to ride on the road, so I am thinking of purchasing a "tag-along" bike. ...
Anthony K's user avatar
  • 6,233
16 votes
11 answers
8k views

Recommended budget waterproof jacket

I'm a bit baffled by the large choice of cycling waterproof jackets. Could someone recommend me a good budget waterproof jacket? A bit more information: I mostly ride off road About £70 (approx 112 ...
15 votes
2 answers
1k views

What to look for in a Beginner Unicycle

Motivation: I'm a casual cyclist (I ride around 4 miles per day, to school and work and back) but I wanted to get into unicycling to casually cycle through parks and the like; nothing too extreme, but ...
james's user avatar
  • 291
11 votes
7 answers
2k views

Recommendations for inconspicuous helmet-mounted video camera

I'm looking for recommendations for a good, water-proof (or at least weather-resistant) video camera that meets the needs of recording general commuting rides. Some desirable attributes are: Several ...
orome's user avatar
  • 1,444
8 votes
6 answers
583 views

Headlight recommendation

What is a good headlight for my bike? Requirements: Swappable between bikes Good for bumpy roads/situations such as gravel or dirt Long lasting battery Far reaching range of light LED of course! :-)...
studiohack's user avatar
8 votes
6 answers
8k views

Recommendations for clipless pedals that can be used with regular shoes

Does anybody have recommendations for clipless pedals that can be used with regular shoes? I only have 1 bike, but I use it enough that I think clipless pedals would offer a nice advantage. However, ...
Kibbee's user avatar
  • 21.7k
5 votes
4 answers
4k views

Dia Compe Brakes for 1991 Bridgestone RB-T

I have a 1991 Bridgestone RB-T. This bike has passed through many hands so much of the stock parts are gone. The original Dia Compe XCE brake arms have been replaced by Dimension canti arms. My ...
user2201's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
3k views

Shimano 105 early- to mid-1990s SLR groupset on eBay worth it for 70s SuperCycle rebuild?

Is the below groupset a good value for this frame? I picked up a vintage SuperCycle Medalist frame (I'm guessing 1970s) and am looking to make a comfortable but capable bike for commuting and ...
fideli's user avatar
  • 651
2 votes
6 answers
8k views

Bike Polish for Carbon Frames

I'm looking for a recommendation for a good bike polish for carbon clear coat frames. Something the fills in minor hair line surface scratches and leaves a nice shine.
BikeRide134's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
2k views

Modern gumwall light touring tires?

Are there any modern road/light touring tires which look like the gumwall tires of yesteryear? In particular, I'm looking for all-weather road tires with serious puncture resistance, i.e. a more-or-...
errantlinguist's user avatar
31 votes
12 answers
22k views

For a long (25mile each way) commute, what kind of bike should I look at?

I'd really like to be able to commute to work. It's a long way though - 25 miles away. Too far for every day, but maybe I can cycle it once or twice a week. I tried it on my old mountain bike a ...
Scott Langham's user avatar
18 votes
9 answers
6k views

What is the best bicycle lock on the market?

What is the best bicycle lock on the market, defined by: Best security Easiest usability when securing your bike Easiest method of transport Lightest without other compromises Edit: In addition, ...
zenbike's user avatar
  • 30k
15 votes
9 answers
33k views

How to prevent my chain from breaking?

After my chain has broken what should I know about buying and maintaining a new chain (apart from lubing it and replacing when it 'stretches')? Do you keep a spare chain, or a spare link? I have a ...
ChrisW's user avatar
  • 12k
14 votes
2 answers
405 views

Unicycle recommendation [duplicate]

I know that this is a 'bi'cycle forum, but I'm going to chance it and ask for unicycle buying advice. What should I look for when buying a unicycle? I probably will do some leisure riding with it, ...
milesmeow's user avatar
  • 2,363
12 votes
5 answers
1k views

Secure Storage for Running Errands

I use my bike to run errands on the weekends - stopping for soap and shampoo at the drug-store, a loaf a bread at the grocery store, stopping for lunch, etc. The issue is I have to haul my previous ...
eBeth's user avatar
  • 223
12 votes
5 answers
11k views

Recommendation for panniers to carry a laptop for daily commute That's available in the UK

I've seen this question about Panniers, but as far as I can tell, the Arkel Panniers aren't available in the UK. Does anyone have any recommendations for a good laptop holding pannier that converts ...
Omar Kooheji's user avatar
12 votes
5 answers
1k views

Luggage rack attachments for laptops?

So, while out riding my bike, I really dislike having a backpack on. I have a trek luggage rack on my bicycle and would love to find something that could attach to it, capable of holding a 17" laptop,...
gnarf's user avatar
  • 221
11 votes
4 answers
4k views

How much speed can I buy

I am currently riding an entry level carbon road bike (Fuji Gran Fondo 2.5, compact 50/34 crankset, 105 group, 12/30 10 speed, Oval 327 wheels, but I suspect the details are not important-you have all ...
Ross Millikan's user avatar
10 votes
3 answers
496 views

Things to consider when choosing a recumbent

Google's Sergey Brin asked for recommendations on buying a recumbent. What factors should he consider when evaluating alternatives? I'm thinking of getting a recumbent road bike even though +Dylan ...
Don Kirkby's user avatar
10 votes
5 answers
13k views

Good Quality Road Platform Pedals?

I am trying to find good quality but not exorbitantly expensive platform pedals for a road bike. I tried Shimano SPD, but ended up concluding that for me it was more of a deathtrap. I did end up ...
haziz's user avatar
  • 645
10 votes
10 answers
1k views

Prescription eye glasses and shoulder checks

I've never had prescription glasses but might like some. My left eye doesn't focus easily (I ride on the right side of the road, in Canada). If I look over my left shoulder, I can see behind me only ...
ChrisW's user avatar
  • 12k
9 votes
5 answers
10k views

Where should I mount a mirror?

What do you recommend as an optimal point and orientation for mounting a rear-view mirror? I'm open to handlebar-, glasses-, or helmet-mounted. Some of the considerations, as I understand it, are: ...
Isaac Moses's user avatar
8 votes
2 answers
627 views

Rec for bike backpack with side zipper into main compartment

I got a used SAG Life Air Force 1 backpack from a friend, after deciding that a messenger bag was just too heavy when it was full for my one shoulder to bear. I primarily use the bag for urban ...
cashnwho's user avatar
  • 197
8 votes
4 answers
1k views

What is the best floor pump?

I'm looking for a pump at home to use with my high pressure (100-120 psi) road bike tires. My bike has presta valves, but I would like to be able to use it on Schrader valves, should I get a bike ...
Drew Stephens's user avatar
8 votes
5 answers
768 views

Flying with your bike

I am going away on a cycling holiday to the Alps and need to take my bike on the plane with me. Has anyone had experience taking bikes on planes and how did you protect your bike? Can anyone ...
danny's user avatar
  • 459
7 votes
1 answer
2k views

Bottom bracket repair stand experience

Does anyone have direct experience with the ParkTool Team Race Stand or other brands/models of bottom bracket repair stands? If so, do you like it and why? A good answer for me will include the ...
user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
4k views

Looking for orange tyres

I'm looking for a pair of folding, orange training tires, size should be 700x23C. I'd like to have only an orange stripe, not the whole tire. Can you recommend some model?
Simone's user avatar
  • 936
6 votes
3 answers
2k views

Day-trip bike for hefty 40-year-old woman?

I have an Electra Townie 7d, and I'm quite fond of her (sorry, I do anthropomorphize my bike) as a commuter and farmer's-market hauler, but I'd like a more efficient bike for afternoon-trips (say, 50 ...
D.Salo's user avatar
  • 2,076
6 votes
7 answers
2k views

What brands of repair stands are sturdy?

I'm considering getting a repair stand, used if I can find one. Aside from the obvious (Park Tool stands), which ones are well-made? I'd like to try and snag a good one on an eBay auction if I can for ...
Goodbye Stack Exchange's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
280 views

What should I consider when buying a saddle?

My current saddle is starting to show its age and isn't as comfortable as I'd like on longer rides. I am considering buying a new one. Obviously saddles differ in price and weight, but what other ...
NickG's user avatar
  • 655
5 votes
4 answers
1k views

How to choose protective cycling gloves?

Yesterday I failed to make a turn and rode into a thorny bush, which cut my hands. I have often feared similar situations. For example, when descending, I often need to take a difficult line, in ...
Vorac's user avatar
  • 13.7k
5 votes
7 answers
9k views

Do mudguards/fenders help? If so, what are the best for a fixie commuter?

I ride an SE Lager fixed. I'm riding on sealed paths and roads pretty much all of my commute. On wet days my bike picks up a lot of water and also a lot of sandy/silty residue. It coats the frame and ...
Mac's user avatar
  • 9,126
5 votes
4 answers
15k views

Should I get a performance bike or an endurance bike for 180 km rides?

I want to do the 180 km of cycling in general, that is the 2nd leg of Ironman. I don't have a bicycle, as of now. I am planning to buy a road bike (not the one used for triathlon). People ask me to ...
Freakyuser's user avatar