Cycling Gear Review/Recommendations

cletus · 01-09-2023 10:19pm #1

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 · 02-09-2023 11:32pm

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 · 03-09-2023 5:54am

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 · 09-09-2023 8:43am

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 · 09-09-2023 1:05pm

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 · 09-09-2023 1:08pm

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

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

cletus · 09-09-2023 4:52pm

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 · 10-09-2023 1:50pm

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 · 13-09-2023 11:06am

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 · 13-09-2023 11:48pm

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 · 14-09-2023 7:10am

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 · 23-09-2023 12:57pm

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 · 23-09-2023 2:43pm

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 · 23-09-2023 6:27pm

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

Is the Velotoze the better option of the two?

G1032 · 23-09-2023 6:41pm

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 · 23-09-2023 6:47pm

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 · 26-09-2023 9:13am

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 · 26-09-2023 9:29am

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 · 26-09-2023 2:09pm

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

G1032 · 27-09-2023 9:15am

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

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

dinneenp · 29-09-2023 2:50pm

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 · 22-10-2023 9:51pm

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 · 23-10-2023 8:33am

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 · 23-10-2023 12:01pm

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 · 23-10-2023 10:14pm

I need to know everything about heated socks

Macy0161 · 24-10-2023 8:53am

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