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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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 ...
- 12.2k
33
votes
6
answers
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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 - ...
- 433
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votes
13
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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 ...
- 2,141
10
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4
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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 ...
- 277
4
votes
2
answers
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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 ...
- 43
4
votes
2
answers
2k
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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 ...
- 141
47
votes
18
answers
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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 ...
- 525
22
votes
11
answers
15k
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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 ...
- 17.2k
22
votes
7
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17k
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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.
- 2,425
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3
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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 ...
- 353
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2
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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 ...
- 149
35
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7
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10k
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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.
- 2,821
15
votes
10
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4k
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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 ...
- 301
9
votes
6
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3k
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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 ...
- 93
27
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7
answers
5k
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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 ...
- 381
24
votes
9
answers
4k
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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?
20
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15
answers
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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'...
- 333
17
votes
4
answers
8k
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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. ...
- 6,273
16
votes
11
answers
8k
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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
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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 ...
- 291
11
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7
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2k
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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 ...
- 1,444
8
votes
6
answers
8k
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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, ...
- 21.9k
8
votes
6
answers
585
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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! :-)...
- 501
5
votes
4
answers
4k
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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 ...
- 71
4
votes
1
answer
3k
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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 ...
- 651
2
votes
6
answers
8k
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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.
- 105
2
votes
2
answers
2k
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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-...
- 3,495
32
votes
12
answers
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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 ...
- 2,821
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, ...
- 29.9k
15
votes
9
answers
34k
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 ...
- 12.2k
14
votes
2
answers
409
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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, ...
- 2,373
12
votes
5
answers
11k
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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 ...
- 737
12
votes
5
answers
1k
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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 ...
- 223
12
votes
5
answers
1k
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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,...
- 221
11
votes
4
answers
4k
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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 ...
- 2,708
10
votes
10
answers
1k
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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 ...
- 12.2k
10
votes
5
answers
13k
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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 ...
- 655
10
votes
3
answers
499
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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 ...
- 361
9
votes
5
answers
10k
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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:
...
- 191
8
votes
2
answers
628
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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 ...
- 197
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4
answers
1k
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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 ...
- 4,530
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votes
5
answers
771
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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 ...
- 469
7
votes
1
answer
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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 ...
user313
6
votes
3
answers
2k
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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 ...
- 2,076
6
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7
answers
2k
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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 ...
- 18.1k
6
votes
2
answers
284
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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 ...
- 655
6
votes
3
answers
4k
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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?
- 936
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votes
7
answers
9k
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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 ...
- 9,166
5
votes
3
answers
4k
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Questions to ask before buying a bike?
I have thought about few questions to ask to the shop keeper before buying a bike.
But would like to know from you experts, a complete set of questions like warranty period? Number of free services ...
- 772
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votes
4
answers
1k
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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 ...
- 13.9k