Reviews Archives - Page 13 of 13

Luna Racks by Tubus

Petitebikefit.com receives promotional products for review purposes.

By Brett Aronowitz

08/01/2010

I’m of the opinion that unless you are a competitive cyclist, your bike should be equipped to function in a utilitarian mode. If you need to go to the library, bank or market, why not use your bike instead of burning fossil fuel?

Unfortunately, most bicycle manufacturers don’t see it quite the same way. They would rather you purchase three or four bikes for different purposes. Consequently, your road bike in the garage may not be equipped with braze-ons, which would offer you the flexibility of being able to attach a standard rear rack.

Thank goodness for the people at Ortlieb USA, the exclusive U.S. importer of Tubus (and Racktime) racks from Germany.

Their Luna model is nothing less than a work of art reminiscent of famed modern designer, Charles Eames. Made of welded tubular stainless steel, the Luna is sleek by design, and offers simple elegance.

It’s quite a contrast to other functional, yet cumbersome racks you just can’t wait to take off your bike because they’re so ugly.

The Luna weighs in at less than a pound (435 grams or 15.34 oz) and though made of rust-proof, stainless steel, the matte finish adds to its mystique.

You won’t even consider removing this rack from your frame because its aesthetic construction blends so well with the petite lines of your bike. But, because your frame is smaller than most, installation may be a little tricky, so it’s not a bad idea to recruit your favorite bike mechanic to help you. The rack attaches to the frame via the rear brake bolt and if your bike has no braze-ons, Ortliebusa.com offers several adapter kits to assist in a trouble-free installation.

The top “shelf” (or “deck”) of the rack is narrow and not designed to sufficiently support a rear rack bag.

However, it will easily accommodate a set of panniers and can hold about 39 pounds of weight.

Though the cost of the Luna is more expensive than the competition, it comes with a life-time guarantee as well as a three-year “Mobile Guarantee” to registered-owners. This means if your rack fails due to material or workmanship during this three-year period, a new Tubus rack will be sent via express delivery anywhere in the world with a deliverable address. Investing in a Tubus rack will give your bike a classy refined look. Combined with an Ortlieb bag, your next trip to the market will be more of a delightful journey. Before you know it, everyone in your family will want one.

Road Recommended

Petitebikefit.com receives promotional products for review purposes.

By Brett Aronowitz

08/01/2010

Lights

Maybe you don’t usually ride at night, but with the cost of gasoline, you never know when you’re going to be chasing the sun. Knog lights can help get you home safely. They come in a rainbow of colors and styles (called frogs, bullfrogs, gekkos, beetles and skinks), each style with a different number of LED bulbs (white for the front and red for the back of your bike), and are made of water resistant silicon rubber with a quick release mount that attaches to almost any shape handlebar, seat post or helmet. The lights have different settings (steady and flashing) and notably increase your visibility in traffic.Note: these lights are designed as a safety light only. Go to: http://www.knog.com.au for more details.These lights are available online and at better bike shops. Now you have no excuse not to be seen. Cost: $17.95 to $38.95 depending on style.
Water Bottle Cages

There’s a genius in Durango, Colorado who understands how frustrating it is not to be able to put two water bottles on your petite bike frame. He’s got answers for us. The first is his top cap cage mount, which fits on top of your headset, and is an adapter for a water bottle cage. Cost $8.00.
The second really smart item is a stainless steel cage that sits just a little lower on your seat tube so you can carry two full-sized water bottles and they won’t hit the underside of your top tube. Cost $17.00
Go to http://www.kingcage.com for details.
GoGirl

I’m giggling about this product. Maybe it’s because my mother warned me not to sit on public toilets. Now, us gals can pee just like a guy, using a re-useable silicon rubber device called Gogirl. It rolls up so you can store it in a neat little tube and carry with you. So far, I’ve only tried this device in the bathroom, but look forward to standing behind a tree. http://www.go-girl.com Cost: $6.99
Bike Bell

Instead of taking up precious handlebar real estate, this nifty little bell attaches to your 1 1/8” headset. It will effectively part the pedestrian waters of your local multi-cultural bike path if screaming, “on your left,” doesn’t do the trick. The ring is also loud enough to get the attention of motorists at intersections. Order this item online because I haven’t seen the Mirrycle Incredibell Headset Mount Bike Bell in any bike shop. Ever. http://www.rei.com/product/786735

Cost: $12.50
Bandanas

It’s never too early to break in a crisp, new bandana for those hot, sweaty, summer months of cycling. Wetting down a well-worn bandana and wrapping it around your neck is a great way to stay cool. Nowadays, they’re not just made in traditional red and blue fabrics, but come in a rainbow of colors from your local army/navy surplus store. Cost: approximately $2.00/piece.
Lip balm

You sip water all day while riding your bike and the sun and wind blow your lips dry. The result can be a painful, swollen, chapped mess. This is not the way to realize your fantasy of having lips like Angelina Jolie. Any product with an SPF of 15 (or more), is a great little gift. Badger and Burt’s Bees use a safe mineral sunblock, instead of chemicals, except they tend to leave your lips looking a little ghostly.
Tire Savers

Do you remember these handy little wire gadgets? They’re called Tire Savers and they’ll knock out thorns, tacks, glass or any other flat causer before they have a chance to penetrate your inner tube. I hadn’t seen them since I was a kid, and haven’t had a flat since installing them. Cost $15/ pair. http://www.rodcycle.com
C-Clear

Do your lenses fog up when climbing or on cold days? A helpful friend gave me a container of “Cat Crap,” which I stashed in my seat bag.

When I really needed it, the Crap was as hard as a crayola crayon.

That’s when I found this product at www.c-clear.biz. This material is water-soluble and earth friendly because it’s derived from soap. It comes in two forms—a liquid in a spray bottle and a more concentrated gel-like material in a small container. The instructions state that if stored in the refrigerator, C-Clear will last indefinitely.

This product is designed to coat glass or plastic (and can be used on polycarbonate lenses) with an anti-fog and anti-static protective coating giving it multiple uses! The anti-static coating could be a benefit for a television or glass computer monitor. The anti-fog coating makes it useful for cycling or even the bathroom mirror.

Remember it’s water-soluble, so contact with water will remove the coating!

This product works well. I wish the gel was available in a smaller container to carry along as I’ve found multiple applications necessary, particularly on long rides or in excessively damp conditions.