As I've been reading through the various tri mags lately, as well as multiple websites, I've seen a trend to devote lots of "ink space" to useless product reviews (although Dan's bike reviews in Triathlete are always a good read). A hugely popular series, in my humble opinion, would be to do product reviews on some of the second tier products, and actually go out on a limb and recommend 2 of each product. One would be the best overall (the Mercedes) and another would be the best overall value (the Chevy). If you really want to push the envelope, include a 3rd category listing those which are overpriced or of low quality and should not be purchased.
The types of products I have in mind are things like:
- multivitamins
- pedals
- brake pads
- chain lube
- rain gear
- bike tools
- tires, etc.
These are things all of us must buy from time to time, but we usually don't know enough to make good decisions and just take the LBS suggetions. I think a lot of us would value slowtwitch's input on these types of products. Maybe one product every week or two, as I suppose the forum could get busy debating the obscure differences between a "Mercedes" and a "Cadillac" or Ford vs. Chevy. BUT, for 80% of us, Ford and Chevy are equals, and we'd benefit by knowing what other's recommend.
There is no way that things like bike frames, running shoes, or even saddles should be included in this review because the individual needs and fits are too varied to make a recommendation worthwhile.
Does anyone else think this series would be worthwhile? What other items should be included?
The types of products I have in mind are things like:
- multivitamins
- pedals
- brake pads
- chain lube
- rain gear
- bike tools
- tires, etc.
These are things all of us must buy from time to time, but we usually don't know enough to make good decisions and just take the LBS suggetions. I think a lot of us would value slowtwitch's input on these types of products. Maybe one product every week or two, as I suppose the forum could get busy debating the obscure differences between a "Mercedes" and a "Cadillac" or Ford vs. Chevy. BUT, for 80% of us, Ford and Chevy are equals, and we'd benefit by knowing what other's recommend.
There is no way that things like bike frames, running shoes, or even saddles should be included in this review because the individual needs and fits are too varied to make a recommendation worthwhile.
Does anyone else think this series would be worthwhile? What other items should be included?