Showing posts with label the bicycle shop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the bicycle shop. Show all posts

Monday, November 3, 2014

Wheel Master Rear Bicycle Wheel with Coaster Brake, 26 x 1 3/8 36H Reviews

Wheel Master Rear Bicycle Wheel with Coaster Brake, 26 x 1 3/8 36H, Steel, Bolt On, Silver
Customer Ratings: 3.5 stars
List Price: $49.37
Sale Price: $26.33
Today's Bonus: 47% Off
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I've had this Wheel Master coaster hub wheel for about 1 year. The other day, for the first time, I accidentally dropped off a 4" curb. The result was a broken spoke. I weigh 165 lbs, and with the original 1977 Schwinn S-6 wheel, I've dropped off curbs many times without a problem.

The mechanic at my local bike shop sold me a stainless steel spoke and mentioned that Wheel Master spokes are notorious for breaking. Of course, replacing an occasional spoke isn't such a big deal, if you know what you're doing, but even then it is highly aggravating.

On the plus side, this wheel trued up okay with the new spoke. This wheel spins a bit truer than the original wheel, and is noticeably lighter. The weight difference can be felt, particularly when climbing a hill.

Update one week later: I broke another spoke!! This time, I don't even know how or when. The spokes on this wheel are not as tightly laced from the factory as those on the original Schwinn front wheel (S-6). Perhaps that's why these spokes seem to break so easily. I run a coaster break bike for low maintenance and dependability. This wheel certainly defeats those objectives.

2nd update, three weeks after previous update: Two weeks ago, I was pumping up the tire (to 65 lbs). "Tink" went yet another spoke. "Groan!" Needless to say, something was not right with this wheel. So, this time, when I replaced the spoke, I loosened all the spokes a quarter turn and re-trued the wheel. It's been running fine since then (2 weeks). But, with looser spokes all around, my confidence level is dropping.

I later asked a professional wheel builder, on line, about my wheel problem. He believes these wheels are breaking spokes because the spokes are too small diameter for the hub holes. They are in fact a bit smaller diameter than the replacement spokes I'm using (14 guage). I can tell by rolling them together on a tabletop with my index finger pressing down on them.

According to the wheel builder, the loose fit at the hub hole creates extra stress at the spoke elbow. Indeed, all three broken spokes broke at the elbow. Thinner spokes (and rims) means less tension can be applied to the spokes. That, along with extra stress at the hub, results in significantly lowered wheel strength. Knowing this, I intend to ride this wheel very gently until I can find an original Schwinn replacement.

It seems to me that by recklessly cheapening their product, Wheel Master is subjecting users to much aggravation and increased danger of wheel collapse. Would you want to trust your life to such a wheel? Thank you Amazon for making this review possible.

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I ordered these wheels for my bike, and they are superior to the stock wheels, they are heavy duty, much stronger than the originals..

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Looked all over for this replacement rear wheel for a 40 year old coaster brake bike. Found this, ordered it and it fit perfectly. Good quality at a decent price.

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For schwinns replacement wheels are hard to find. Even though they are not exactly the same they are great replacement.

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The wheel was marked 26 x 1 3/8 but is was definitely not, nor was it 27" or 700 cm. I believe it was one of those odd Schwinn sizes, even the folks at the bike shop were stumped by it.

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Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Buy Bell Sports 7015889 Bike Chain Mender Rivet Tool Bicycle, Chains

Bell Chain Repair Kit
Customer Ratings: 2.5 stars
List Price: $17.99
Sale Price: $5.86
Today's Bonus: 67% Off
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Only buy this product if you can't find any other Chain Tools. After one use the tool was bending and when using it a second time one of the metal walls broke off and then the needle broke. Don't expect to use this more than twice. Find something else.

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I bought this because it was cheap, and I got what I paid for. The pin will not line up with the rivet, and the metal bends easily. After changing just one chain, the tool was bent entirely out of shape. Don't waste your money on this product.

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An absolute piece of garbage. As many other reviews have stated, it breaks the first time you attempt to use it. I was dumbfounded by the cheapness of the construction. I've seen some cheap stuff from Bell before but this is truly remarkable. Calling this a chain repair tool is tantamount to false advertising in my opinion. The extra 6 dollars you will save on this vs a better brand will NOT be worth the raw fingers, sweat, swearing, and ultimately broken and unfinished project you will have in store for you if you order this.

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I did not purchase this tool from Amazon, I purchased it from a local store. I removed one link from a chain and two of the metal teeth on the tool snapped off. I think they used some kind of powdered metal instead of solid steel. If you want a tool you can use again I suggest a different brand...

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Although I have never used a chain rivet extractor before, I do not believe that the guides should be so frail. After popping the first rivet on the chain, the inside guide as bent, rendering the tool useless... Knowing I had nothing to lose, I tried to straighten out the guide and it broke off.

Not at all satisfied with this product. Easier to go buy a new chain and less time consuming than waiting for this product to arrive.

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Monday, September 22, 2014

Review of Dimension Toe Clips & Straps

Dimension Black Toe Clip and Strap Set, Large/XL
Customer Ratings: 4.5 stars
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Title pretty much says it all. I ordered five different sets of straps and clips lol but ended up keeping this one. I also ordered the Origin 8 chrome quad gate clips, the Dimension -I thinkplastic half clips, NJ5 MKS copy single gate clips and Hold Fast Foot Retention System FRS.

I like this Dimension set the best because they are the lightest and fit my size 8.5 feet very well. Even though I have small feet, I ordered the large size and it fits great. I run them with two black staps each and it's super comfy. The set comes with Wellgo nylon straps. I had a extra set of black nylon straps that came stock with my bike. Having loops for the second strap would be better but I found it's not essential. Finally, this set is by far the cheapest option. Oh they also look great with my all white frame which I didn't expect.

In terms of the other straps: In my opinion, the Origin 8's were too fancy and will get scratched up easily. The Hold Fasts were super duper sweet but they were heavier and didn't fit the look of my bike (more track/classic than freestyle, risers, etc.) and they also hung lower from the pedal and touched the ground when the pedal was down. If I were going for a freestyle look, I would definitely keep the Hold Fasts. Hold Fasts are also considerably more expensive at $60. The single gate metal clips were too small (I ordered the medium) and the half clips didn't cover enough of my foot not enough retention.

I would recommend this if you're looking for light, low cost, comfy, good looking clips and straps.

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Very easy install and the perfect alternative to clipless pedals. Definitely felt a difference while using these toe straps. only downside is that one screw wants to slip through the plastic, but that I should be able to add a washer to fix that. Easy to strap on or off while riding. Satisfied with this product.

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put these straps on shimano replacement pedals for spin bikes and they work perfect. easy to put on, easy to tighten and they they keep consistent tension without coming loose around the foot.

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They fit good, had to modifiy the mount a bit due to my jacked up peddals, but other than that worked great. This is definately for the beginner cyclist but works well for a weekend warrior like me.

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Fast shipping, great price, and true to the product description. Very little use in them so far but I am excited to use them throughout this season.

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Saturday, April 19, 2014

Review of Primo Gray 24 x 1-3/8 Track Tire, for Wheelchair # C-763 V

Primo Gray 24 x 1-3/8 Track Tire, for Wheelchair # C-763 V
Customer Ratings: 3 stars
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I have tried many brands of wheel chair tires over the years. These are not the worst I've ever bought but they are far from the best. Not worth the cost. Spend a little more and get a far better tire.

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Thursday, February 27, 2014

Review of Velo Orange Mod 3 Tour Saddle 175x285mm Brown

Velo Orange Mod 3 Tour Saddle 175x285mm Brown
Customer Ratings: 5 stars
List Price: $90.00
Sale Price: $77.00
Today's Bonus: 14% Off
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I've been a big fan of Velo Orange's blogs but have never purchased any of their gear. I bought this seat in the spring of 2011 for my touring bike (not my every day town'y bike) and so far it's been exceptional and I would suggest others consider purchasing it. The quality and feel is that of a Brooks however it offers a longer seat rail for even longer horizontal adjustments. Granted once you set your saddle you probably won't need to make many horizontal adjustments however for taller riders (I'm 6'1) this might be a better seat with more options. I've put about 250 miles on it so far and am now getting to the point were it's starting to break in. I purchased Neatsfoot oil and did an initial 30 minute dunk and have done one subsequent wipe down since. All in all the seat is comfortable, well constructed and is breaking in as I expected.

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The Brooks B-17 that I've had on one of my bikes is a great saddle. The Velo Orange Mod 3 looks similar but, in my opinion, it's an improvement on the venerable B-17. Personally, I like the textured surface better than the smooth one my Brooks. I also feel the leather is a slight bit stiffer, and I like the longer rails. Another nice feature is that one tighten the sides of the saddle when they begin to flair. Sure, one only needs to punch some holes and get some leather straps, but it's nice that the makers of the Velo Orange Mod 3 saddle thought of these improvements. As much as I like by B-17, I know my next one, if the time ever comes, will be a Model 3. This is one great saddle.

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Just to confirm some of the other reviews here, the seat looks very sharp, and seems very nicely made. The leather is heavy duty, and does seem thicker than my Brooks B-17. There are two "features" that it has that do not exist on the Brooks. The first is a plastic lining underneath the seat, and the second is a strap that connects the two edges about where the seat flares out. I'm not sure what effect either of these will have; I'll just have to see over time. I am really curious as to how long it will take to break this beast in, but initially, the seat looks like an improvement of the legendary Brooks B-17 (currently my favorite seat ever).

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