1. Chamois Butt'r
2. Izumi Track Chain
3. Rocket7 shoes
4. skim milk as recovery drink
5. Craft S3 Base Later

I wouldn't remove the "stuff" inside your carbon steerer tube. That plug is not just for headset adjustment, it also reinforces the inside of that fragile steerer tube and prevents the stem from crushing it. Running the inside hollow is a big no-no unless you are using a Time Avant Stiff+ fork. Please consult your fork's owners manual, but Easton, Reynolds, Alpha Q, etc folks would be freaked out to hear there is nothing in your fork where the stem is.

-SD

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https://www.kickstarter.com/...bike-for-the-new-era

Top 5 or top 3...which is it :D. Just kidding.

Never heard of the ring-go-star. I'll agree on the pedals though.

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------------------------------------------------------------
Searching for the bliss of ultimate exertion.

Shimano Dura-Ace 10 Speed.

FSA Compact Cranks.

Shimano Dura-Ace SPD SL pedals.

Visiontech aerobars.

Any Cervelo frame.

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Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com

Actually, the ring go star is an internal reinforcement for the steer tube. So the fork does have the crush barrier.

Schmolke makes something similar, but they have you tighten everything up with the bung, then you replace the bung with their carpet, er, um carbon fibre piece, which acts as the internal reinforcement. I think the Schmolke one is a LOT more expensive than the USE Ring go star.

1) Sweet Wings cranks/BB. Yes, they aren't made anymore, but I still don't think anything out there is lighter, with the exception of the CAT carbon cranks (made by the people who brought you the Cheetah).

2) Bartols system. I wouldn't touch this with a ten foot pole on a road race bike, but in a TT or tri with little shifting, it's bloody brilliant. It fits into the bunnyman philosophy of mechanical simplicity is best.

3) Chris King Nothreadset. The simply best headset ever, and it comes in really cool colours.

4) Anything made by White Industries. Hubs are lovely, their BBs were simple and elegant, and I even know someone who has their headset cup press- damn! What a sublime piece of machine work!!!!

5) Leather hairnet. I used to ride with one of these things, and it did keep your hair out of your face on a long bike ride. Oh, it was supposed to be a helmet?!?

Body Glide
SRAM Masterlink
Hammer Gel
Meguir's Quick Detailer Spray
White Lightning (though I know this will generate responses from detractors)

Probably Body Glide and the Masterlink are the two most bulletproof "it works" answer I can come up with. The other three were just to round out the list to five.

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Elivis needs boats.

great feedback....but can we put what they are beside the names as some things I don't recognise as I'm European.....well, on the US products at least!

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Stephen Perera
Gibraltar, Europe
graphics@gibraltar.gi

Meguir's Quick Detailer Spray
------------------------------------------------------
Hadn't heard of this. I know the Meguir's line what does this do?

Never mind I googled it.

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Jim

**Note above poster works for a retailer selling bikes and related gear*

A helmet.

Thomson Elite seat post - best ever.
Fizik Arione Saddle
FSA Carbon Superlight or Compact cranks
Shimano Pedals
QR Mr. Flitie
Syntace C2 Clips

Bartols system? What is that? I feel kinda dumb for not knowing what that is.....

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Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com

In no particular order:

• Integrated shifters
• Clipless Pedals
• Aerobars
• Quick-release skewers
• High Performance wheels

Hello,

If you google tiso and bartol you should find it. It is a automatic front derailleur system. Basically a special set of front chainrings. They have ramps and pins cut so that when the chainline gets to a certain angle the chain moves from one chainring to the other. You no longer have a front shifter or derailler, or the ability to shift when you want.

Styrrell

PS if you want a guinea pig I'll be the test mule if you supply the parts, of course if it doesn't work I'll feel like an ass ;-)

• Integrated shifters
• Clipless Pedals
• Aerobars
• Quick-release skewers
• High Performance wheels

coming from someone who experieinced its use once, I'd put a helmet on this list.

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Here are my faves....

1) Speedplay pedals and cleats

My knees used to bug me all the time with the Look system. No pain, mind you, but it still always felt constricting. With Speedplays, that sensation is gone. I will never use anything else.

2) Finish Line chain cleaner

Just slap it on your bike, spin the cranks, and TADAAA! Love it.

3) White Lightning chain cleaning fluid.

To be used with aforementioned cleaner. Cuts through everything to give you a chain that sparkles. Blind the competition with the brilliance of your chain.

4) 8th (7th?) Continent Chocolate Soy Milk (light)

OMG! This sh-- tastes better than regular chocolate milk. I kid you not. Perfect for recovery drink or jsut taking a swig when you walk by the fridge.

5) Profile adjustable (longitudinally) aerobars. (can't remember the model name)

Perfect for penny pinchers like me who refuse to buy an aero bike when I already have a perfectly good road bike. I make them nice and short so I don't get too streched out. Did an IM distance race with them on my road bike with absolutely no back discomfort.

Speedplay zero pedals...

Fizik Airone Saddle...

FSA compact cranks...

Cliff Shots and Lava Gel...

SIDI Shoes

1. GIANT Tempo exercise bike: With a 3 year old child to look after, I can get in my hard rides indoors with this fully-adjustable lifesaver.
2. Sidi Ergo 1 Road shoes: Quite simply the best fitting cycling shoes I've ever used.
3. Cervelo P2K: Simplicity, elegance and speed in one bike.
4. Bib Shorts: Say goodbye to saddle sores and hello comfort.
5. Dura-Ace Pedals: Light, thin, long-lasting cleats, and they don't ever squeek.

~AB~

1. Computrainer;
2. Power Tap;
3. Zipp and/or HED wheels, including disks;
4. The triathlon wetsuit; (gets you on the bike sooner)
5. Clipless pedals.

-Robert

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"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~Anne Frank

"coming from someone who experieinced its use once, I'd put a helmet on this list."

Good point, I'll take a helmet any day.

Speedplay pedals - easy to engage & disengage and gobs of knee-saving float

Any fluid trainer - if you live in a cold climate, nothing works better to make you a stronger rider.

Clif Bars & Shots - potent & yummy

Smith Slider glasses - intechangeable lenses are a god-send when commuting/riding in all weather.

UST mountain bike tires - please let them start mass-marketing UST road versions soon...

• EPO
• Steroids
• Blood Transfusion
• Nandrolone
• Efhedrine (sp?)

Now the things that "it definitely works and are allowed" hehe

• Hypoxic Tent
• S720i
• Bodyboard sleeved shirt (does wonders with cold weather)
• Shimano TR-01 shoes
• De Soto Tri-Shorts

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http://twitter.com/krepster || http://www.pedro-gomes.com || follow all the action on facebook

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Polar HRM.

1. Build a better engine

2. Build a better engine

3. Build a better engine

4. Build a better engine

5. Build a better engine

Anyone tried the elliptical chainrings that Julich used at the Olympic TT? "Osymetric" is the name.

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_________________
Dick

Take everything I say with a grain of salt. I know nothing.

I wouldn't mind riding an archaic bike so long as I can be comfortable, so the big ones for me are...

X. Chamois Butt'r

X. Moleskin

X. Bibs, as opposed to shorts that cut into my waist and upset my stomach

X. Lightweight waterproof gear

X. Ditto the bandana mentioned below

My test for great cycling products is if you don't notice them. As cycling, in terms of physical sensation, is about ignoring pain and irritation and dealing with mechanical failure, if you don't feel it, it's good.

So...on that basis.

1. Dura Ace 10 speed.

2. My Look KX Light Road bike.

3. Santini Gel Twist Bib shorts.

4. T1 SLR Saddle on my Principia tri bike

5. Bandana I wear under my helmet to keep the sweat out of my eyes/glasses.

All things from before 1975
1 Simplex (PX10e) who needs stinking indexing
2 Brooks pro
3 leather bike shoes
4 wool togs ( that is a sick thought but good in this weather)
5 tubbie glue ( any flavor )and tires (it's the smell of life)

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Slowtwitch bitchist place on planet earth

1. Specialized Body Geometry saddles

2. Shimano SPD-SL pedal/shoe system

3. Powertap Pro/SL

4. Assos chamois creme

5. Rotor Cranks (of course!)

Do you mean a thin neoprene shirt? Can you give an example of make and model?

Seven cycles - just got an Alaris. next one's probably a cross bike, or maybe an Axiom.

Speedplay pedals.

Campagnolo.

Michelin's Pro Race tires. The Conti GP3k comes very close, but I give the (admittedly very slight) edge to the Pro Races.

Sigma Sport computers. simple, well engineered.

I too recently discovered the bliss of drinking 8th Continent Light Soy Chocolate Milk. I don't have much of a sweet tooth, but chocolate milk has been my vice since about the age of 3, and with this stuff, I can drink mass quantities and feel no guilt. Plus, the texture is so smooth and rich, it is definitely better than regular chocolate milk.

Top 5:
=====
Ergopower brake/shift levers
Clipless pedals
ProGold chain lube
Fancy fabrics (N2S, lycra, Fieldsensor, Microspitech, etc)
New lightweight helmets with actual ventilation


Honourable Mention:
===============
"no-tools" chain connector links (SRAM, Wipperman, etc)
Selle Itallia Flite saddle
Aero bars
Cork bar tape

---

<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?

Not really a products - perhaps more service oriented. However you categorize them, THEY WORK.

1. Sitting on the wheel hour after hour, hanging on for dear life, of cyclists way better than you are

2. Forcing yourself up huge mountain climbs that take an hour to get up and leave your legs like jelly wondering how on earth you are ever going to make it home.

Do both on a regular basis and you WILL ride faster!

Fleck

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Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog

1. Assos Bib Shorts & Assos Chamois Cream. Simply the best of both worlds. Stupid expensive, but the comfort for IM training is unmatched.

2. Time VSRX frame: sorry Cervelo, Colnago, everyone else: you are all playing for second place. Again, stupidly expensive, but so far advanced in terms of lightness, technology & comfort that nothing else really comes close. I've ridden everything else, and could ride whatever I want: this isn't even a contest.

3. Oakley glasses: I love Rudy Projects style, but I'm still using a 15+ y.o. pair of M Frames due to the durability, ease & flexibility of lens changes & enduring quality of their products. Their warranty program can't be beat either. A close second, but not for triathlon, are Maui Jim & Serengetti driving glasses---cut glare like nothing else & make our sport sunglasses seem cheap in comparison.

4. Fizik Aliante Carbon rail road saddle: I thought nothing would ever replace my mid-80's era Pearl Izumi flolite saddle until I tried this. Ungodly comfortable & strong enough to handle my NFL size mass.

5. Tie: Vredstein Fortezza tires & Reynolds all-carbon cyclocross wheels (for my size I needed 24+ spokes for training): another oh-my-god experience. Closest feel to tubulars I've ever experienced. Ride changing: total confidence in corners as the Vredsteins are beyond sticky. Impossible to chatter these wheels.

Honorable mentions: Sidi shoes, Giro helmets, Pearl Izumi tops, Shimano gel handlebar tape & Shimano 9spd (the 10spd is trick, but a bit more finicky than the old reliable 9).

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____________
"There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs." John Rogers

In no particular order:



Bicycle

Clipless Pedals/Shoes

Helmet

Shorts/Jerseys

CO2

If were going by when I first started cycling then,

1 Clipless pedals

2 Suspension forks on mtb

3 STI

4 Aerobars

5 Technical food (gel, drinks, bars)



Styrrell

In no particular order of preference:

* Deda 215 non-anatomic shallow drop handlebars. Bars shaped like god and eddy intended.

* Continental tires.

* Sidi shoes

* Dura Ace

* WTB SST saddles ... too bad they haen't been made in years.

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*****
"In case of flood climb to safety"

I polished of a whole jug by myself yesterday. =O

It's worse than heroin. I can't stop myself everytime I walk by the fridge. The worst part is ther's no guilt to stop me.

The Wheel

The Lever

The Pneumatic Tire

The Safety Bicycle (ie, gears and a chain)

The Helmet

...everything else is just details.

 "Deda 215 non-anatomic shallow drop handlebars. Bars shaped like god and eddy intended."

Great if you can find them. This is the bar that half the pro peleton uses( Lance included), but's next to impossible to find at retail anywhere! I gave up earlier this year and went with the Ritchy BioMax II's Easier to find, similar in shape and 1/2 the price of the Deda's.

Strange, that most road bikes come with deep drop bars, but many pros use the shallow drops. Why is that? My gut would think that the shollow drop bars would be better on most retail bikes because by and large they are going to rec riders who would find more comfort with the shallower drop. I guess the pros know - comfort is king!

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Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog

Shimano Biopace chainrings- just a smooth ride.

Sampson Cranks- lovely to look at and never, ever crack.

Oakley sunglasses- never crack and have to be sent back for warranty.

1st generation Cycle-ops Fluid Trainers- you couldn't make them things leak.

The original Spynergy Rev X's- can you say bulletproof?

Honorable mention: Those neon green profile aerobars- made in the '80;s and yet I still see them things pop up every now and then on stylish and technoligically advanced bicycles.

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---------------

"Remember: a bicycle is an elegant and efficient tool designed for seeking out and defeating people who aren't as good as you."

--BikeSnobNYC

Those were the best. First one I had lasted about 6 months before I realised all the fluid had leaked away. Second one about 3 months. (Strangely leaked fluid seemed to vanish magically and not get all over the floor - never did work that out.) Third time they decided to cut their costs and send a new resistance unit (rather than the whole frame as well). Went to the shop to pick it up. The sales assistant opened up the box - we took one look and saw that the box was already wet with leaked fluid, before the unit had even been used! That was when I gave up. At least the importer warrantied it for full price.

1. Helmet

2. Cheap Sunglasses

3. Clipless Pedals

4. STI

5. Brake hood mirror

I tired some 8th Continent Soy milk for the 1st time today. I got some chocolate and vanilla... I wasn't thrilled with either, but mix 'em together... yummy.

1. My yaqui carbo tri bike

2. assos shorts

3. louis garneau cycling gloves

4. bag balm

5. spinervals cycling tapes and a trainer for the northeast winter

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____________________________________________________
Check out my IMLP Janus Charity Challenge Page
https://www.kintera.org/...&supid=247145789
Raising Funds for Myeloma Research in Honor of my Mom

I was going to mention the same thing, but it does depend on the brand. I have talked to most of the companies you mention and a couple see no problem using the Ring-Go-Star, whereas others advice against it. So consult with the fork manufacturer before you find your stem separated from your fork (as this really impedes steering).

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Gerard Vroomen
3T.bike
OPEN cycle

[reply] "Deda 215 non-anatomic shallow drop handlebars. Bars shaped like god and eddy intended."

Great if you can find them. This is the bar that half the pro peleton uses( Lance included), but's next to impossible to find at retail anywhere! I gave up earlier this year and went with the Ritchy BioMax II's Easier to find, similar in shape and 1/2 the price of the Deda's. [/reply]

That's funny... Just today I walked into my LBS and said to the owner "I'm not really fond of these anatomic bars... do you have anything with a traditional curve? Maybe some 215's with the Italian [shallow] drop?" He walks me over to the bar rack, pulls out a set of 215's with the Italian drop, and says "Like these?".

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<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?

Wow, 49 replies and the subject still said "definately."

-Zip-loc baggies for placing my change and cell phone in my jersey pocket
-Crank Brothers tire lever
-Windstopper jersey and booties
-Zoot vest (plus, just the right warmth, nice cut, has handy pockets)

1) Shimano SPD/SL pedals. These things are awesome. The cleat doesn't last me too long since I WALK WAY TOO MUCH, but they work so well otherwise.

2) Native Polarized sunglasses - They are so clear AND have an amazing warranty which they stand behind. I sent mine back and now have a wonderful brand new pair (minus 20 bucks but WELL worth it)

3) Selle San Marco Azoto Tri gel - this seat worked wonders for me.

4) SIDI shoes - Man I love these things. I'm almost afraid to get any other kind. Other brands just don't fit me as well.

5) SLOWTITCH forums. I can't believe no one has said this one. I get SO MUCH STINKIN INFO FROM HERE. Not ot mention the fun conversation. Cheers to everyone here.

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*****************************************

berndog
How did we all get sucked into this crazy sport anyway?!!

I just got a pair of Defeet Kneekins on clearance. Cheaper then other knee warmer but superoir in design and fit.

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customerjon @gmail.com is where information happens.

Which shop Khai? Address please? I feel a post Christmas spending spree coming on!

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"How bad can it be?" - SimpleS

Campione Cycles
1778 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
V6J 1V6
Canada

Order Line: 1-888-545-BIKE [888-545-2453] (Canada and US)
Phone: (604) 874-BIKE [874-2453]
Monday through Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm

http://www.campionecycles.com/site/home.html

---

<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?

Thanks Khai, will I see you at the Fat Ass 50 on New Years?

---

"How bad can it be?" - SimpleS

I'm afraid I won't be running that day. I've not actually run since that foot injury I got in September, and while it's healed, 50k would be suicide at this point in time. PowerGyoza is still up for the challenge, I think, as is Marco in BC.

Will you be bringing a bike?

---

<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?

Sorry to hear that, I will ask around at the start of fellow ST'ers, I understand that there are 60 signed up so far. Tell them to look out for a 5'8" bald white guy with an English accent, company with a local knowledge would be very good as my gf will be back do the road, she ain't fast but she doesn't dnf!

No bike this time although I will be contacting the velodrome at Burnaby for a schedule. I know there is the Friday morning Masters session but maybe we could meet up?

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"How bad can it be?" - SimpleS

I think Marco has done the race several times before, so he should be able to give you a low-down on the course. (or I might be thinking of TonyG - best to search "fatass 50" here and check)

I'm definitely up for a little 'drome time! PG will be in as well, and we might be able to drag SimpleS out too, if his coach lets him. ;)

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<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?

That sounds excellent, I will be arriving Christmas DAy and leaving on the 7th so e mail me with a time and date and I WILL be there. Am also going 'boarding one day is Grouse Mountain good for a day's fun? I think Whistler will be a bit too far for me to get back in time for when the missus gets back!

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"How bad can it be?" - SimpleS

Looks like we have a 3-day window...

=======================================
Burnaby Velodrome Schedules

December 2004

SCHEDULE: TRACK CLOSED DECEMBER 24 to JANUARY 3 - Dec 1/04 The Harry Jerome Sport Centre will be CLOSED December 24 to January 3 during the holiday period. There will be no riding on Friday December 24th. The track will be back for the 2005 calendar year starting January 4th, 2004.
=======================================

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<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?

Count me in for sure. I will make any of those days, we have us a Slowtwitch chaingang buzzing those boards. It's a good job SuperDave is East Coast or we would get badly burnt!

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"How bad can it be?" - SimpleS

1) Chamois cream

2) Azoto saddle (Notice a trend yet?)

3) Gels in general

4) Sports drinks in general

5) Oakley M frames

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TriDork

"Happiness is a myth. All you can hope for is to get laid once in a while, drunk once in a while and to eat chocolate every day"

1- Slime tire liners. NEVER worry about a flat putting you on the pavement at high speed, and never worry about getting dropped because you had to stop and change a tire. Five flats in over 20,000 miles...

2- RotorCranks - just very cool

3- Shimano pedals - like Looks, but don't squeak and the rubber tips make them walkable

4- Selle San Marco Aspide (and Azoto) tri saddles. Change your angle from 82-73 just by sliding up on the rivet or back on the tail. Great for TTs or centuries

5- Slowtwitch - maybe that should be #1

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Cousin Elwood - Team Over-the-hill Racing
Brought to you by the good folks at Metamucil and Geritol...

You are lucky. I phoned around to a number of shops - no one had any. Some said they would order some and and call me back. Never heard from anyone! Called the Canadian distributor, they said to call a retailer!!

So I gave up and moved onto something else.

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Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog