Hiển thị các bài đăng có nhãn Cleaning Products. Hiển thị tất cả bài đăng
Hiển thị các bài đăng có nhãn Cleaning Products. Hiển thị tất cả bài đăng

Chủ Nhật, 14 tháng 12, 2014

Gift Ideas for the Cyclist on Your List

The holidays are almost here and many of you have a cyclist to shop for.  I have compiled a list of  gift ideas for products that I use and enjoy.  There is something here for just about any type of rider and budget.

Fix It Sticks
($36)

The new Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition is the ultimate compact multi-tool a cyclist wants with them for repairs or adjustments during a ride.  Its small size fits easily into a seat pack or jersey pocket and comes with 8 bits (2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, Phillips #2, Torx 25) to handle most jobs.  Steel construction gives Fix It Sticks 40 ft/lbs of torque and the "T" configuaration provides plenty of leverage.  Available from Fix It Sticks and select bike shops.

CatEye Strada Smart
($80/$140)

New this year is the CatEye Strada Smart which brings together a cycling computer and Bluetooth accessories (Speed/Cadence, Heartrate and Power) with your smartphone.  Works both in Mirror Mode and Sensor Direct Mode. 


Data summary from the CatEye Cycling app can be uploaded to Strava, CatEye Atlas and Training Peaks.  App works with iPhone 4S (IOS 6.1) or later and Android devices with Android 4.4/Bluetooth 4.0.  Available in Strada Smart and Strada Smart Package from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

CamelBak Podium Bottles
($9-$25)

The CamelBak Podium line of water bottles has been a favorite of cyclists because of their innovative design and high flow spill-proof Jet Valve.  They come in a variety of models that include the Podium, Podium Chill and Podium Ice in sizes from 21 to 25 oz. depending on the model.  Chill and Ice models are designed to keep your water cold longer in warm temperatures or slow down freezing in the wintertime.  Available from Camelbak, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Banjo Brother Frame Pack
($33/$35)

The Banjo Brother Frame Pack is a favorite of commuters and gravel grinders alike for its convenient 2-pocket storage with easy access.  It comes in two sizes, small (70 cubic inches) and medium (102 cubic inches) that fit sloping frames down to 15".  Keeps snacks, spare tubes, keys and wallet close at hand and the medium pack is large enough to accommodate a 2L (70 oz) hydration bladder.  Available from Banjo Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

SKS Airchecker
($25)

The SKS Airchecker is handy little digital tire pressure gauge that works with both Presta and Shrader valves.  It has a swivel head to make seeing the large digital readout easy at any angle and switches from Bar to PSI with the touch of a button.  Accurate readouts for low pressure fatbike tires to high pressure road bike tires with measurements up to 144 psi are what makes this a versatile multi-bike gauge.  The compact size fits in a seat bag without taking up too much space leaving room for other things like a tube and tire levers.  Available from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Finish Line Super Bike Wash
($9-$13)

Cleaning your bike and keeping it looking new is easy with Finish Line Super Bike Wash.  This safe for all surfaces, non-toxic and biodegradable product can be used two ways to remove dirt and grime with little or no scrubbing.  Spray it on and wipe it off or hose it off allowing you to clean your bike inside or outside.  Available in 1 Liter ready to use spray bottle, 1 Liter refill and 16 oz. concentrate at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Quad Lock Bike Kit
($70)

The Quad Lock Bike Kit is a lightweight and strong bike mount system for your smarthphone.  For those that like to use their smarthphone with ride tracking apps or for navigation, this kit is the way to go.  The Bike Mount attaches easily to the stem or bar with rubber O-rings or zip ties for a secure fit.  The dual action locking mechanism allows quick attachment or removal of the phone from the bike.  Quad Lock has models for Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5, iPhone 4/4S, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5/5S, and iPhone 6.  Available from Quad Lock and Amazon.com.

DeFeet Woolie Boolie Socks
($13-$25)

For the cold weather cyclist, any one of the DeFeet Woolie Boolie socks would be a great addition to their cycling apparel.  Made from American Merino Wool, Nylon and Lycra, this sock line is warm, comfortable, doesn't bunch up and is not itchy.  They come in heights from 1" to knee high in men's and women's sizes.  Available from DeFeet, fine bike shops and Amazon.com.
  
Scosche boomBOTTLE
($130)

The Scosche boomBOTTLE is a rugged IPX4 Splashproof/Weatherproof Bluetooth connectivity speaker designed to fit in a water bottle cage or cupholder.  Skip the earbuds and enjoy listening to podcasts or music while riding and still be able to hear approaching vehicles or passing cyclists.  With a 10 hour battery life and rich loud sound this speaker will keep you entertained on those long rides.  Available in a variety of colors from Scosche, Amazon.com and other online retailers.

Park Tool Chain Checker
($30)

Chain stretch can cause sloppy shifting, uneven drivetrain wear and premature cassette replacement.  Know your chain's percentage of stretch and replace it before it has a chance to do damage with the Park Tool CC-2 Chain Checker.  It is 10 and 11 speed compatible and has readings from 0 to 1 % of stretch.  For most chains replacement should be done at or before .75% of stretch.  This simple tool is easy to use and will take the guess work out of when to replace that worn chain.  Available from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Gift Cards From Your Local Bike Shop

http://penncycle.com/product/penn-cycle-fitness-penn-cycle-fitness-gift-card-5948.htm

Don't know what to get the cyclist on your list?  Gift cards from your local bike shop are always appreciated.  They can be used for tune-ups and overhauls, component and part upgrades, accessories, apparel, unexpected repairs (crash) or toward a new bike purchase.  Gift cards are available in a variety of denominations and are always the perfect size.

Thứ Ba, 12 tháng 8, 2014

Product Review: Finish Line Super Bike Wash


I don't particularly enjoy cleaning my bikes and would often ride until they were really dirty before taking the time to get the dirt and grime off.  I ride a lot of gravel roads and singletrack mtb trails that will get a bike pretty dusty in between cleanings.  Until I started using Super Bike Wash from Finish Line, I would dread getting out the brushes, rags and soapy water bucket to wash my bikes.  Now it's quick and easy to get 'em clean and I don't mind washing them anymore.


I recently took a day trip up to Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area to ride the red dirt singletrack on the fatbike.  After several hours of riding the trails of this former mining pit area, the bike was completely covered in rusty dust.


I have used this product in the past for gravel dust and dirt, but this would be the ultimate test for Super Bike Wash.  I wanted to see if it required little or no scrubbing to remove the iron red dirt without leaving a rusty residue behind.  Super Bike Wash is designed to lift dirt and grime instead of dissolving it by simply spraying it on, letting it sit for a couple minutes and either wiping or rinsing it off.  


Not only was the frame dirty, but the wheels, tires and components had Cuyuna red dirt in every little nook and cranny.  This is one chore I don't like to spend a lot of time on so if Super Bike Wash could lift this stuff with minimal scrubbing, I'd be a happy biker.


Following the instructions for using with water, I sprayed it on liberally and let it do its work before rinsing it off with the hose.  It worked well, but did require a little light scrubbing or agitation with my hand on some areas, especially the sidewalls of the tires.  It definitely was a time saver, most of the rusty dirt just rinsed right off.  I was impressed by how it loosened the dust on the wheels, crankset, chainrings and front/rear derailleurs without having to use a brush.



After a short time, the bike was showroom clean and ready for another adventure that would likely get it good and dirty all over again.  Super Bike Wash can be sprayed on dirty areas and wiped off with a towel for a quick touch up to keep a bike looking clean.  I was happy with how Super Bike Wash performed, it removed most of the dirt without scrubbing and didn't leave a rusty residue behind when rinsed saving me time and elbow grease.  Because Super Bike Wash is so quick and easy to use, I don't go as long between cleanings as I did before.


Super Bike Wash is completely safe for all bike surfaces, even carbon fiber and is biodegradable making it safe for the environment.  It comes in a 1 Liter Spray Bottle, I Liter Refill (w/o sprayer), 1 Gallon Jug and a 16 oz. concentrate that makes 4 Liters.  Available at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Disclosure:  Finish Line provided the review sample for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review.