Category Archives: Supplies

Bike Tire Stats – Continental vs Bontrager

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I finally pushed my last set of bike tires to the limit ~ 3,388 miles in this case ~ and ended up with a flat tire last week and a brand new pair of tires this week.

Continental and Specialized Bike Tires

Old worn out Continental Ultra Sport and New Specialized Armadillo Tires

The tires that I just replaced were Continental Ultra Sport – 700x25c. I wrote a blog post on these and my previous tires, Bontrager Race Light Hard Case – 700x28c, back in September of 2009. See the New Tires Blog Post Enter Here for the detailed stats on my older tires.

Well I keep detailed information on my bike tires and other equipment so now that the Continental tires have reached their limit (or are well past their limit for other riders) I have all of the details on how these tires compared to my previous tires.

Bike Tire Stats:

  • Bought 6/21/2014 Specialized Armadillo 700x25c $90.00
  • Bought 9/27/2011 New Columbia Ultra Sport 700c25c $48.00 Miles used 3,388 2 yrs 9 mos Cost/mile 0.0141677 Cost/1000 miles $14.17
  • Bought 7/1/2008 New Bontrager Race Light Hard Case 700c28c $80.00 Miles used 4,907 3 yrs 2 mo Cost/mile 0.0163032 Cost/1000 miles $16.30
  • Bought 8/10/2005 Original Tires – 8/10/05-7/1/2008 Miles Used: 3,719 2 yrs 3 mos

So there you have the latest stats on the various tires that I have used on my Trek 1500 over the years.

The Flat Tire Story

Well I was just out on a local ride not far from my house when I got my flat tire but I had checked the weather radar before I left and I did not have a lot of extra time before I saw some storms heading towards me.

Fortunately my daughter was home and was able to come out and save me before the storm hit.I slid my Topeak Bike Bag off along with my GPS Bike Computer then locked my bike so I could go back and get my van to pick it up. My friend called it my “SAG Car” like those team cars that follow around the racers in bike races.

I didn’t have a spare tire or a patch kit with me so I didn’t have a lot of options anyway. In this case it worked out well because if I would have taken the time to fix the flat tire instead of calling my “Sag car” to pick me up I would have gotten soaked. We had a major downpour!

I do believe that it was the extremely worn tires that caused this particular flat so I was actually very lucky that I was not 20, 30 or more miles out like I was on some of my recent longer rides. I do plan on carrying a spare or patches (or both) on my next long ride so I don’t get stranded if this happens then.

Speakin of rides… I did do a couple of new rides recently up in the Chain of Lakes area. Actually, I was on the Chain Of Lakes Trail in Grant Woods and the trail in the Chain of Lakes Park. I have photos but have not had a chance to post them and write the story yet. I hope to get to that soon and I will post an update here too.

Hope you all are enjoying this excellent riding weather!

About-Bicycles Page and Blog Posts on Facebook

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About-Bicycles.com is Goin Social!

Yep, I finally launched the About-Bicycles.com business page on Facebook so for the many of you that have subscribed to this blog you now have another way to get our updates and read these blog posts.

The About-Bicycles Facebook Page.

The About-Bicycles Facebook Page.

Here’s a link to the new About-Bicycles Facebook page. This page is new so we really don’t have much content out there just yet, but there will be soon.

Also, if I did the setup correctly, these blog posts should automatically be posted to the About-Bicycles Facebook page so if you choose to Follow About-Bicycles on Facebook, you can get our blog posts right there in Facebook instead of visiting us here on our website ~ of course, you are always welcome to come out here as often as you like too :-).

I have also setup this blog to be tweeted via our Twitter account About_Bicycles.

So come on out to the  About-Bicycles Facebook page and “Like” us and Follow Us! Let’s get social!

New Bike Tires – Bontrager vs Continental

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As I mentioned in my last post, I just bought and installed new bike tires yesterday and was going to put a little information out here on the latest tire experience.

Before I get into my bike tire installation disaster, let me update you on the brands and misc. stats that I have on the tires that I have had on my Trek 1500 road bike so far.

Keep in mind that I usually put a lot of miles on my bike tires before I change them (they are usually bald or damaged before I change them (I guess I like to get my moneys worth)).

Old Bontrager Race Light with 4,907 miles

I don’t actually remember what brand the original tires were that came on the bike new (I didn’t write it down!) but I do have the dates and miles. The original tires that came on my bike lasted for 2 years and 3 months and made it 3,719 miles.

The next set of tires that I bought for my bike were Bontrager Race Light Hard Case – 700x28c. These tires cost me $80 for the pair (back in July, 2008), lasted for 3 years and 2 months and made it 4,907 miles!

I don’t think that I ever had a flat with these tires. There is writing on the tires that says “Triple Puncture Protection” and I guess it was legit!

The reason that I just changed these tires is because they were basically falling apart (some of the rubber was comming off and you could see the material underneath!) and I am planning a fairly long bike trip up to the 400 Trail in Wisconsin next week.

FYI: If you are wondering how I know all this specific information, it’s because I am kind of a data junkie in some ways (like with my bike stuff). I have kept my bike mileage records and stats since about 1997 (now in a spreadsheet) and I have the receipts for all of my bike parts and accessories which are also now in a spreadsheet. (I think that I included some of my bike computer stats on our Bike Computers page too). Damaged Bontrager Bike Tire

OK, back to the new tires. When I went to my LBS (Mike’s Bike Shop, in Palatine), I looked at a few different brands and The Continental Ultra Sport– 700x25c were quite a bit cheaper than the other brands that I looked at and the guys in the bike shop told me that they had better experiences with Continental tires than with Bontrager (so they kind of talked me into them).

So I bought the Continental Ultra Sport Tires for $48 a pair and went home to put them on my bike. I hate changing tires but I managed to get the front tire on pretty fast and easy (that was a relief). Then I moved on to the back tire.

I got the old one off with no problem and got a good start on installing the new tire. This is where the disaster begins. I must have spent 30 to 45 minutes trying to get this tire on the rim and my hands and thumbs were so sore I thought that I might be doing permanent damage! I even resorted to trying some dull tools (like they say not to) to try to get the tire on. Still no luck.

So out of total frustration, I took the partially installed tire back to the bike shop to see if these experienced bike mechanics had some tricks or better tools to get difficult tires on with.

Well, they told me that they do not use tools to install the new tires (it’s just done by hand) but some are just way more difficult than others. I have changed many tires over the years and have always been able to get the job done (until now).

The other thing that they mentioned was the the combination of Bontrager rims (which I have on my Trek) and Continental tires can be a very difficult combination. Now they tell me! (don’t get me wrong about Mike’s Bike Shop because I have gone there for years and they have always been really helpful).

Well, the guy at the LBS struggled quite a bit but he was more experienced than I was and was able to get the new tire installed after a while but it was not easy for him either.

Well, I can’t give you the stats on the Continental Tires yet, of course, but I’m sure I’ll keep my records and spreadsheets and might be able to blog about how long they lasted when I finally get around to a new set (if I still have the same bike).

As I was writing this blog post, I just discovered that we do not have a “Bike Tires (or tubes)” page on this site. I am going to have to change that. I do know that there is a good selection of tires and tubes online at Performance Bike and I have some good links there from our Bike Accessories and Equipment page.

 

Bike Computers/Speedometers and GT Bikes 15% Off through 8/17/2011

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As I was updating all of the Bike Prices on this website for today, I noticed that Performance Bike has a sale going on where they are taking 15% off of all “Outlet” items through Wednesday, 8/17.

This sale is actually for 15% off of the lowest sale price listed and works out pretty well for the items that are on sale at Performance, including bikes.

I found that ALL of the GT bikes (Road, Mountain and Hybrid) on this website quality for the 15% off at Performance. So if you have been looking for a GT Bike, this is a good time to check out what they have on sale at Performace.  See any of the GT Bikes listed here.

There are quite a few other items that qualify for the 15% off sale at Performance including Bike Computers/Speedometers so if you are looking for a new (or first) Bike Computer  (or any other bike accessory) check out the Performance Sale that is going on now through Wednesday.

Best Gifts for Bike Riders (Cyclists)

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OK, since it’s officially the Christmas shopping season now, I just have to write something on gifts for cyclists. If your searching for an excellent gift for someone  that is a fairly serious bike rider (or serious cyclist), here’s a few suggestions.

For a fairly low cost gift, I would consider Bike Electronics like a Bike Computer (i.e. a bike speedometer, odometer (and more!)). Most serious riders already have one of these but some do not. Bike Computers are pretty easy to install and there are huge selections online to choose from.

Although, many cyclists may already have a bike computer, many have not sprung for a Bike GPS Unit! These are going to be more expensive than a cycle computer but they are really the ultimate in bike electronics.

Another great gift that most cyclists use are Bike Bags.  There is also a great selection of bike bags online and just about any style and price range that you are interested in.

For the cyclist that is really into getting a great workout or training I would consider either a Bike Trainer, which is a bike stand that you use for your regular outdoor bike or an Indoor Cycle (exercise bike).

And for something that is just a fun gift for a bike rider, check out the Monkey Bike Light and Down Low Glow bike Lights! These things are a blast and are not the kind of thing that a lot of bikers go out an buy for themselves so it would be a very unique gift. Not only are these lights a lot of fun but they are really a good safety item too.

Well, there you have it. There are really a ton of other gifts for cyclists but I’ve tried to at least get some good ideas out there for gifts in various price ranges. I know I would sure like to have some of the items here (that I don’t already have).

Performance Bike Sale This Weekend (10% off)

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I was just checking the bike product and bike sales pages on this site and discovered that Performance Bike has a really good sale going on right now and through Sunday 6/13.

Sorry that I am just now getting to this notification. I’m not sure how long the sale has been on but it is ending after this weekend.

The prices that I have posted on the bikes for sale on this site (through Performance Bike) DO NOT include the 10% off and the prices at Performance Bike do not show the 10% off until you add the bike to your shopping basket.

So if you are in the market for bike accessories or even bikes that can be purchased online (Fuji, GT,  Schwinn, etc.) this would be a good time to check the prices at Performance Bike.

New Combination Cable Bike Lock

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When I purchased my new Topeak bike bag a week or so ago, I also picked up a simple, combination cable bike lock.

Cable Bike Lock

Simple Combination Cable Bike Lock

As I mentioned in the bike security section of the Bicycle Locks page on this site, cable locks are not all that secure by themselves and are not nearly as good as a heavy duty U-Lock style bike lock.

So why get this kind of minimum security bike lock? Well, the answer is quite simple. I rarely leave my bike in a high risk area or unattended for any length of time and I just like the convenience of a simple light weight cable lock.

Generally, the only times that I need the lock is for a quick run into a store or maybe a restaurant and I usually leave my bike pretty much in site also.

So this kind of lock will work for my own particular needs but if you are looking for higher security please check in the the U-Locks on the Bicycle Locks page. I also have some other blog posts on the subject is you want to search the blog for “locks”.

Comments? Talk amongst yourselves… (or here…)

Topeak RX Trunk Bag – with Fold-Out Panniers

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I have made my bike bag decision and I am sticking with the Topeak RX Trunk Bag DXP (with the fold-out panniers) that I purchased at REI yesterday. 

I like the size and I love the Topeak QuickTrack™ system to attach and remove the bag.

Topeak RX Trunk Bag Expanded

I was a little undecided about whether or not I wanted to stick with the more compact Topeak “RX” Trunk bag or if I wanted to move up to the larger Topeak “MTX”  bike bag.

For my purposes, I am sticking with the smaller (“RX”) version. I like to keep my bike bag permanently on my bike and for 95% of my riding, I only carry a few items with me. The other 5% of the time I bring some extra things for longer trips (a camera and camcorder, some tools, lunch and maybe a light jacket) and I believe that the RX Trunk bag, with the fold-out panniers should be able to handle this.

Actually, I was not really interested in the fold out panniers until I started to look into them and checked them out in the store. You lose most of the space in the 2 side compartments but with the extra space that you get when you fold out the panniers (or side pockets), I think that it is well worth it.

For those who prefer more space (for touring, longer trips, commuting, etc.), I would recommend the larger Topeak Trunk Bags (the “MTX” is a pretty good size trunk bag that has the fold out pannier option) and/or full size panniers.

If you are not familiar with the Topeak QuickTrack™ system, it is a patented mounting system that allows you to quickly and easily attach and detach the bike bag from the bike rack.

Topeak RX Trunk Bag Closed/Compacted

By lining up the rail on the bottom of the bag with the rail in the bike rack you slide the bag onto the rack until it clicks into place. To remove the bag you just press the yellow clip. It really does work quite well. No more messing around with Velcro straps.

Note: You do have to have a Topeak QuickTrack bike rack if you are going to use a Topeak bike bag but the racks are no more expensive than other brands and can also be used with bike bags from other manufacturers.

Since this bag is brand new, I don’t have any first hand experiences with it yet, but I know I will, in time, and I’ll be sure to update the about-bicycles blog or website pages with my experiences.

I am pretty particular about bike bags and I have learned quite a bit in the process of searching for this one so I have updated the Bike Bags Page on this site with the latest information.

OK, so I am a little partial to Topeak now and I have also favored REI a little too, but having preferences and making honest and helpful (hopefully) recommendations are part of what this site is about. 🙂

I’m sure I will have more on this topic soon, but that’s it for now.

Bike Bag Decisions and In-Decisions

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I am in the process of updating my bike bag and it has been quite a process due to the bike that I ride and my own in-decisions on which bag I want.

For many years I have just used a handlebar bag attached to the back of my seat. I don’t have a lot of space on my handlebars and it fits behind the seat and allows me to carry at least a small number of items that I need.

This year I had decided to finally get a rack and trunk bag setup which I had been looking into for quite some time now (although I will be updating this page very soon, see Bicycle Bags on this site for some good information and online resources for bike bags)

My own particular needs are primarily to have a fairly compact bag to carry some essential items on everyday rides but also be capable of handling larger loads for longer trips (or even utility rides to the store, etc. for small to medium sized items).

I had decided on a trunk and rack system, but the bike that I ride is a racing bike (Trek 1500) and therefore is not designed for luggage racks. 🙁 My bike does not have the threaded holes in the frame that allow you to easily attach a bike rack.

After talking to a guy at my local bike shop, I found out that I can attach a bike rack to the back of my (racing style) bike by using rubber coated clamps. It’s not the ultimate setup but I’ve tried it (2 times now (more on that later)) and it does work! One hint for a better fit and to avoid scratching the frame is to cut up an old inner tube and use it between the clamp and the frame.

OK, so yesterday I finally bought a frame (Bike Planet brand) and a very nice trunk bag (Cannondale Bobby Cargo Bag ($65)). This is a very nice trunk bag with a good amount of space, multiple compartments, a bungee cord on the top, a water resistant zipper and Velcro straps to attach to the rack.

I also looked at Topeak Bags but I didn’t really like the idea that you had to have a Topeak rack (with their “Quick Track” system) in order to use one of their bags (they do not have any other way to attach to the frame (like with Velcro)). So I didn’t go with Topeak.

After installing the frame on my bike and enjoying my new purchase, I started having second thoughts about the Topeak Quick Track setup. In addition to the convenience of the Quick Track system, I had found that there are a lot of really well designed Topeak bags out there and I had a lot more choices if I used their rack.

It turned out that the Topeak rack was no more expensive than other racks but allowed me to use Topeak Quick Track bags or any other bags whereas if you get another kind of rack you can use pretty much any other bag except for Topeak bags.

So I changed my mind and decided to go with the Topeak rack. This meant uninstalling and returning my first rack and buying and installing the Topeak rack. 🙁 This was quite a job for me due to the limitations of my racking bike (described above). So much for changing my mind!

Well, I’m going to have to wrap this up, but the story isn’t really quite over yet so I will be doing some more updates in the next few days.

Anyway, I found that there was a GREAT selection of Topeak bags out there once I got the Topeak rack. I ended up returning my original Cannondale bag and going to REI and getting a Topeak RX Trunk Bag DXP which I really like.

This trunk bag has fold out panniers in the side compartments. I wasn’t sure if I wanted that at first, but I am sold on it now!

My only concern now is if the Topeak RX Trunk Bag DXP is the size that I really want. Keep in mind that this is a pretty compact bag and not made for very large loads. It does expand and allow you to carry quite a bit of stuff but the “MTX” version of this bag is much bigger and only about 1 lb heavier so right now I am still undecided as to whether to stick with my 2nd purchase or trade up for the larger version.

Well, I am set on the Topeak rack and bags so now my final decision comes down to which size to get (or stick with).

More very soon…

I am not a Bike Thief!

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But I could have been… OK, here’s the story: I bought a cheap bike for my son to use at college this year and locked it to the bike rack in front of his dorm when we dropped him off last fall. He ended up getting a skateboard and never even used the bike. He also lost the combination to the lock!

The bike was left out all year and we just went to pick him up from school yesterday. We still didn’t have the combination so I brought a hack saw, some sheet metal cutters and other tools with me in case I had a problem with the lock.

I didn’t want to waste a lot of time getting permission to cut the lock so I thought that I would just give it a try and if campus security came by, well, I’d just have to explain and beg for mercy (it’s the “easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission” theory).

So I put the tools in an inconspicuous, flowery shopping bag and went up to the bike rack (no ski mask to hide my face or anything!) I whipped out my hack saw and got ready for the heist. It took 10 to 15 seconds to saw through the cable lock! It was so easy. I had just done some research for my bike locks page and was reading about how easy it is to cut through cable locks. Well, I just proved it. I’ve read about it but it really sinks in more when you have actually done it and see how easy it is.

Bike lock easily cut with old rusty hack saw

Bike lock easily cut with old rusty hack saw

Even though I was in front of a dorm on a crowded campus in broad daylight. Ten seconds to cut through a bike lock did not drawn any attention. In this case it was our bike anyway but that event highlighted how easy it is to steal a bike if I really were a bike thief.

This lock was pretty thin and cheap but if I can cut through it in 10 seconds then 20 seconds for a thicker cable is still not really a problem.

So, if you have a cable lock, it’s almost useless against someone who really wants the bike.  A high quality U-lock is much better. See the bike locks page for the latest bike security and bike lock updates.