The following sections list some of the products that have been reviewed by members of this site. If you have a review you would like to submit, send an your review and contact information to gro.cteselcycibmaet|nimda#gro.cteselcycibmaet|nimda.
Note: Views and opinions expressed are purely the view of the author and not representative of the opinions of this site or its owners.
Submitted Reviews
- Speedplay Zero Pedals by Jim R.
- Delphi 5.0 Cyclocomputer by Jim R.
- Easton EA90 SLX Wheelset by Joe S.
- Trek Equinox TTX 9.5 Time Trial Bicycle by Gregory O.
Speedplay Zero Clipless Pedals Review
Submitted by Jim R.
Website: Speedplay Zeros
Out of fairness, let me start off by noting that my experience with clipless pedals is limited to the Shimano 505s that came with my bike and the speedplay zeros I am currently using. Although I would like to try the Shimano SPD-SL, Look and Time pedals, I have not done so (at least not yet). So, the comparisons I make are between the 505s and the Speedplay Zeros.
The first thing I noticed when I started using the Zeros was that I felt like I was more securely attached to the bike. I do not mean to infer by the preceding statement that it was any harder to unclip (although clipping in was a bit harder) but rather that especially on the “up stroke” (i.e. when pulling up on pedal) I felt less movement between the cleat and pedal. The result was at least a feeling that I was able to go ever so slightly faster with the Zeros.
One of the really nice things (and yet problematic at the same time) about the Zero pedal system is the degree to which the pedal can be adjusted. Not only can the cleat be moved forward and backward but the degree to which the pedal can be moved side to side I believe to be superior to other pedal systems available today. The problematic aspect of that flexibility is that it becomes more difficult to find a cleat position you find comfortable and it took me a while before I was able to adjust the cleat position to my satisfaction.
One other thing the Zero pedals provide is an adjustable float. Two setscrews on each cleat set the positive and negative float positions. Personally, I have my float set at the maximum value of 15 degrees and have not evaluated that capability of the pedal.
Some of the things that I do not like about the Speedplay Zeros are the way the cleat wears (and the associated replacement costs) and difficulty “clipping in”. For lighter riders, of which I am not one, I would recommend looking at the Light Action pedals. Also, make sure you haven’t tightened the screws too tightly on the cleats as that makes clipping in and out more difficult and possibly dangerous.
As for cleat wear, after about 3000 miles, I noticed that the screws heads that attach the cleat to the shoes were worn down to the point they were almost impossible to unscrew from the shoes. I have been unable to find replacement screws but in all honesty have not tried that hard (nor have I checked with my local bike show to see if the screws are of a common size). Since noticing the wear issue, I have purchased the cleat covers ($20 retail) and a new pair of cleats (retail $40) but it’s too early to tell if the wear was caused by walking around on the cleats or my inability to track stand at stop lights.
My final analysis is that I like the way my Speedplay Zeros perform. With the wide range of adjustments it may be a bit difficult to get them dialed into your preferences but I have been really happy with mine.
Delphi 5.0 Cyclocomputer Review
Submitted by Jim R.
Website: Delphi Cyclocomputers
When I bought my bike back in November of 2006, I had only owned one cyclocomputer. But that cyclocomputer had taught me a few things about what I wanted in my next cyclocomputer. So, when I was purchasing my bike, I asked Eric about the cyclocomputers with cadence and a good backlight. My previous cyclocomputer did not have either and I wanted to know how fast I was pedaling as well as being able to see after dark. Eric recommended the Delphi from Blackburn (http://www.balckburndesign.com) which I then purchased based on his recommendation.
So far, I have been very satisfied with this purchase. The backlight is very readable after dark. In fact, recently, I was on a ride where I was the only one who knew how fast we were going as no one else had a backlit display. In some respects, I wish the Delphi allowed for an “always on” display but I understand the drain that would cause on the battery life.
I have put almost 5000 miles on my bike over the last year and all of those have been recorded on my computer. Setup and operation are straightforward and the documentation provided is excellent. With all that said, I do have a couple of minor complaints.
First, I wish the heart rate monitor had audible alarms for when my heart rate goes above or below the zones I have set. The only way I know how I did is to wait until the ride completes and then look at the time in each of the heart rate zones. I may be wrong, but I think an audible alarm might be handy especially when I hit my upper limit and need to slow down.
My second complaint is that occasionally my cyclocomputer loses it’s wired connection with the cadence sensor. Initially I thought this was because the magnet attached to my crank was shifting but I have found that merely disconnecting the computer from the handlebar mount and then reconnecting gets the unit to see the cadence again.
I know Delphi released a new line of computers recently named Neuro. I do not know if they have addressed the audible alarm or not but I am leaning towards investigating the Neuro 6.0 (which apparently includes an altimeter) similar to the Dephi 6.0. The final word from me is that if you do any night riding during the winter and there is really no reason not to in Florida, you may very much like the Blackburn Delphi or new Neuro computers.
The Delphi 5.0 features include:
- Current, average and max speed
- Trip/Total Distance
- Wired cadence
- Current, Average and Max Cadence
- Backlight
- Heart Rate w/3 Training Zones
Easton EA90 SLX Wheelset Review
Submitted by Joe S.
Website: Easton Bicycle Wheels
I have been riding these wheels for about a year now and I have had very few problems with them. Over the course of roughly 2000 miles they have only been trued once and that was only the rear wheel. They are fairly light for an affordable set of aluminum wheels. They have a great feel on the road and are very stiff on the climbs. They are about $50 cheaper than Bontrager Race-X-Lite wheels and are about 50 grams lighter than the new Race-X-Lites. I have been very pleased with these wheels and I would recommend them to anyone looking for an affordable set of lighter wheels.
Specifications:
Wheel size: 700C
Weight: 700C - Front: 610 g, Rear 862 g, Pair: 1472 g
Hubs:R4-series. Black anodized finish. Precision-sealed cartridge bearings with asymmetrical, low-drag seals. Tool-free bearing preload adjustment front and rear.
Cassette Body: All alloy, oversized inboard ratchet mechanism with three pawls. Precision-sealed cartridge bearings with asymmetrical, low-drag seals. Shimano, Campagnolo, and Sram compatible.
Rims: Gen4. Black anodized shot-peen finish. Welded machined brake surface, 21mm front, 25mm rear.
Spokes: Sapim™ 2.0/1.7/2.0 double-butted stainless steel silver.
Spoke Count: 18 front, 24 rear
Nipples: Nickle-plated brass rear DS, custom-anodized aluminum NDS rear and front.
Trek Equinox TTX 9.5 Time Trial Bicycle
Submitted by Gregory O.
TBA Soon!
Specifications:
Frame: OCLV Black Carbon
Fork: Bontrager Race Lite TT, carbon
Wheels: Bontrager Race Lite Aero
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra
Color: Chi Red & Carbon
