Cycling Gear Review/Recommendations

cletus

Ok, I wanted to ask people's opinions, real life experience etc of the Zipp Sl-70 XPLR handlebars, but I never really like making individual threads for that sort of thing, so I thought I'd make a general thread where people can ask about various equipment, sort of like the Clothing 101 thread.

Mods, if this doesn't suit, please feel free to change the title to reflect my specific query.

So, if anyone has had the above handlebar, or had another similar one they recommend, please feel free to comment.

dinneenp

Hi

Any recommendations for sunglasses please, to keep ugs from hitting eyes & for afternoon sun. Budget €60ish if I'd get a decent pair for that.

Thanks, Pa

dahat

I’ve been using Tifosi glassses now for sometime, a larger fit similar to Oakley Jawbreakers. LBS in around €80 but online I’m sure can be found cheaper.

cletus

I'm now looking for a recommendation for some bar tape.

I have Fizic Tempo Bondcush 3MM Classic (the leather feel one), which I like. I also have the cork feel version of this tape, which I like less.

I've got Deda Elementi on another bike, which has the advantage of being cheap, but the disadvantage of feeling shït.

Any other tape I should be considering, or people like?

PaulT21

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121088339#Comment_121088339

I recently put on Supacaz Sticky Cush on mine. Nice and grippy, with a premium look and feel. Many choices available via my LBS.

Cost was around €36.00

https://supacaz.com/product-category/bar-tape/?gclid=CjwKCAjwr_CnBhA0EiwAci5siukTdZtISwa-RiNFBoNuoAZhw9YtO4itCgWv3qaNoqwEeS4yrEzEAxoCu2gQAvD_BwE

dahat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121088975#Comment_121088975

My choice of tape last two years, feels really good & wears well.

cletus

Thanks for that, lads.

Actually, while looking at the Supacaz tape, I came across the Fizik Bondcush that I like for £14 (and better again, it was orange😁), so at that price I figured I go with what I know

iwillhtfu

Bar tape - Supacaz or lizard skins, can't really go wrong with either. I see Deda are doing a version of it also.

Glasses on a budget take a look at decathlon. I usually buy a couple of pairs of racing glasses from the chinese sites as I tend to abuse them, lenses getting scratched etc from being tossed about in kit bag or lose them. Hard to beat Oakleys though and their prizm lens is pretty class.

JMcL

I've been using BBB cork tape for a while and like it much better than I'd have expected. It's very good value, has been very durable, and most importantly is very comfortable. I had previously used Cinelli cork tape which is similar comfort wise, but considerably more expensive and found it a bit delicate

eeeee

Bartape Cinelli Cork Gel tape all the way.

I have Supacaz on one bike cos its a cool colour, it's not as nice as the Cinelli stuff.

I have also tried the Zipp Sl bars, I think it was the Sl 70 it 80. I wanted flat top 38's, and in that respect they're nice but they're 38 center to centre and I wanted edge to edge so stuck to the cheapest Deda RHM 01's for that reason. I also like the drop shape on them, I've big hands. The Zipps were nice though. I have them on my turbo bike now.

dahat

Looking for autumn/ winter overshoes to keep out rain for as long as possible.

Have options for super cold days but looking for a less bulky option if one exists.

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058311857/cycling-gear-review-recommendations

First proper SP n with the Zipp bars. Very comfortable. Nice wide flats for when you're not on the hoods.

Shorter reach brought the hoods a little closer to me (one of the other reasons I bought them).

Had no reason to be in the drops, but trying them out, they're a bit shallower, slightly more flare, and are a bit longer that the stock Giant bars they're replacing

G1032

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121107498#Comment_121107498

The Aqua Chrono on Galibier. Had a pair before and they were the next best thing to Velotoze I've used. I do find the new Velotoze 2.0 last a long time.

dahat

Velotoze priced well at €20 ish compared to the Galibier option.

Is the Velotoze the better option of the two?

G1032

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121147529#Comment_121147529

IMO yes. Tighter fit around the calf. The Galibier leak in very heavy rain. The Velotoze 2.0 last very well compared to original version (from which I could only really ever get 4 or 5 uses from). Some people hate the Velotoze but with just a little care they last really well. Talc on the inside before putting them on. Rinse after use. Literally allowing an extra minute to get ready and not walking around in them and they'll last

CantGetNoSleep

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121061901#Comment_121061901

I'd stretch the budget to about 100 if at all possible and get a set of Oakley's with Prizm Road lenses. I was dicking round with all sorts of glasses trying to find a good value pair for years. Then got a set of Oakley's from my wife for Christmas and I've worn them ever since. Lenses, fit everything are just great. I think you can find Oakley Sutro's on sale for just a bit over your initial budget from time to time

Macy0161

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121147577#Comment_121147577

Just once I'd like to not be on the cusp of feckin sizing - anyway, looking at the velotoze as a size 43 size up or down in your opinion?

ednwireland

sunglasses

https://www.siroko.com/p/k3s-photochromic-la-palma-cycling-glasses

only buy them on the sale though.

but I have a couple of pairs.

triggermortis

+1 on the K3s mentioned above. I have a couple of sets and several lenses so plenty of options

G1032

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121157877#Comment_121157877

I wear size 45 Shimano. I bought size L Aquachrono and they fit well.

dinneenp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121157933#Comment_121157933

Thanks for the recommendation. Siroko went OTT on ads recently (for jerseys) and heard v mixed reviews about them. Dug a bit and some said the K2s weren't great but the K3s are much better. Will pick a pair up.

cletus

Looking for a recommendation for winter socks. I know Galibier do some, but (knowing it may not be possible), I'm looking for socks that are not too thick, as I may not have the space in my shoe. So experienced thoughts are welcome

JMcL

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121272405#Comment_121272405

The Galibier ones aren't super thick. My wide feet mean my shoes have less leeway than I'd like as well, but I got on ok with them. They're also so comfy and toasty I found myself wearing them off the bike last winter as well

Macy0161

Galibier Fire Feet are probably the best single layer. They're about the same as Planet X "Thickie" I have if that's any help as a reference. With tights/ leg wamers, I'd quite often use ski socks (Lidl/ Aldi).

I got heated socks last year, and find them great with my poor circulation (heated gloves to start, turn on the socks coffee stop to home - my hands are cold starting off, but it's a few hours in until my feet go!).

eeeee

I need to know everything about heated socks

Macy0161

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121276417#Comment_121276417

Charge battery, turn on, toasty (or in my case normal temp) feet. The biggest issue is sourcing the cheaper ones that will deliver to ireland with a battery, but Amazon eventually came up. More expensive options are motorbike and ski sites.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09CKSN31M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121277151#Comment_121277151

This product is subject to specific safety warnings

Warning:Do not use during thunderstorms.

🤔🤔🤔

dinneenp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121276417#Comment_121276417

😆 me too.

ARX

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121276417#Comment_121276417

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5_ccmHk_TY

...

Seth Brundle

A clubmate had some disposable hand warmers last week which were kind of like the items below from SportsDirect (he got his from a camping shop)...

https://ie.sportsdirect.com/gelert-instant-hand-warmers-400048#colcode=40004890

https://ie.sportsdirect.com/gelert-gel-handwarmers-400047#colcode=40004790

They do something similar for feet...

https://ie.sportsdirect.com/gelert-instant-toe-warmers-400049#colcode=40004990

https://ie.sportsdirect.com/gelert-instant-foot-warmers-400051#colcode=40005190

triggermortis

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121277499#Comment_121277499

I got some foot warmer pads in Decathlon last year - box of 10 pairs for 10 euro. They help a lot as long as they don't get wet

eeeee

Hmmm I was very excited about heated socks until the weather warning, boo.

Not keen on the disposable ones.

I guess I'll keep going with the thermal socks and overshoes 😭

Seth Brundle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121278937#Comment_121278937

Just checking, in cold weather, do you wear shoe covers to help protect your feet from the cold air (even when it is dry)?

CramCycle

Double socks and shoe covers. There are days the cold still gets too you but it does the job for the most part. I am looking at winter shoes though, it's always the wet feet that get me in the end.

joey100

I have found the spatz brilliant for keeping feet warm. I have the legalz (the shorter version) and the longer fleece lined version, both are brilliant. Like all overshoes they will let in water eventually, but I pair them with the same socks I wear in the summer and they are perfect. They are expensive but if you look after them they will last, my pair are about 3 winters old now and in good condition. Customer service very good too, a mates pair where peeling off the top layer of neoprene, got onto them and they sent him out a brand new pair within a week.

beggars_bush

some lads swear by clingfilm over the shoes before putting on overshoes.

put your foot in a ziplock bag before putting into the shoe

its often the little vents on the bottom of shoes that let in the water

Macy0161

I've used them in the wet, under bib's/ waterproof socks. My personal opinion is that more chance of the batteries packing up that risking injury myself but ymmv...

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121281047#Comment_121281047

I think is is a very much depends - n=1 as it's my circulation all that stuff (including winter boots) doesn't ultimately make that much difference to me. And believe me, I have gone through enough options that I could've brought expensive battery options!

JMcL

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121281047#Comment_121281047

Anybody got any thoughts on winter boots for wide feet? I have a divil of a time getting shoes that don't pinch without having to size way up leading to toe overlap. I'm wearing Northwave Rebels at the minute which are fine with thin socks, but are just that bit uncomfortable with winter socks - I certainly wouldn't get away with double socks

eeeee

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121279091#Comment_121279091

Always.

They go on in October and stay on until May-ish depending on how warm/ cold it is

devonp

any recommendations for waterproof gloves ?, dont have to be thermal as I have some very good liners which i can fit under larger than needed w/p outers (not marigolds mind 😁)

Would Gore be best ??

ARX

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121283811#Comment_121283811

You might consider these: GripGrab Waterproof Knitted Thermal Cycling Gloves - Mantel

I've only worn them once and that was on a 100 km summer spin where I got caught in a torrential thunderstorm half way through. When I got home my hands were slightly damp, but I don't know whether that was rain or sweat. But my hands were comfortable the whole time.

devonp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121285760#Comment_121285760

yes saw something similar from ShowersPass , might go with the GG as i have other stuff from them ..and you cant go wrong with even more HiViz...