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I must have been delirious with hunger. Just walked into Evans instead of marks and sparks thinking "I'll just see if they have a 56cm Fuji Track to try out"
Walked out having put money down for said bike, a 70mm stem and lo-rise bars. Also got a dirty harry lever and 105 front brake. I know I could have saved on parts, but they had good discounts plus -10% on parts and they'll fit it all ( which I'll then triple check )They also said if I find better prices on anything, with proof they'll refund the difference.
The bike itself was £339.
Brake = £30 (sure I can do better)
Lever = £11
Stem = £ 24 , some Race Pro brand, looks strong, functional
Bars = £ 22, race face evo things...The thing I need to get is an 18t sprocket but the didn't have. I can sort that.
So I have lost my mind, can't decide if I have had a lunchtime win or a massive fail!
good times.
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Damn I want one. Any of the ones posted would do! CG Allin's bike is sweet. Personally I'd do without the blue anodised bits, but that just my pref. They all rock.
To me they look like the the perfect 1 bike to own.
What's the deal with front brakes? Do you order forks with V-brake bosses or just go nuts and build up a disc front end?
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Partial update:
Only light rain this morning, but the jacket is at least totally resistant to that. Water beading all over and just flying off. Also, it breathes! I still had the sweaty back that you cant avoid with a back pack, but everywhere else was dry. Good considering it was not that chilly at all.
Negatives: Only a minor one, but I think theres a bit too much material in the arms. Being such a light and soft fabric it could be considered "flappy" but at least I have room for a thicker base layer if needed.
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Montanes are great if you are moving about (eg.running) - seem to work like a wetsuit when they are wet, but who wants to put on a soft, wet jacket?
Is there anything light but a bit more waterproof out there?
Wonder if spray on Nikwax makes them more waterproof?I'll let you know if this one works out. It is only marginally more bulky than the montane. Something like 45 grams difference.
I've never had great success with waterproofing. I used to use the Nikwax to top up old Ski jackets/pants but it doesn't last and any places of wear (shoulders from back pack straps ect) just get wet.
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IF I never use it. And I never said it was usless. The zips are those really tight small ones so will be OK. Mostly.
Buts it's good that you like the montane. I think I mentioned that was the second choice.The PI has better and more pockets. And a more flexible design.
Anyway, I didn't post this originally to boast or seek approval, it's just about finding a decent jacket. I'll let you know how it goes. It's likely to be raining this afternoon so I'll give it a proper test.
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My Montane featherlite velo does all these things, so is an excellent alternative to the pear izumi elite
That was the other, cheaper option. I liked the fact it was so packable and the elasticised, long back was really good. The thing that stopped me was just that I had a similar jacket for hiking in and it tended to just stick like a wet bag when it does get wet. Plus, the PI elite jacket has zip off arms which is like gadget geek bonus points, even if I never use it.
We'll see how it goes. If in a week I'm riding in a soggy sweaty POS then you'll know not to buy one next time you need a jacket.
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I had a decent shopping experience at Evans in Spitalfields. Is the world working in reverse??? Thumbs up to Tom, who seems to actually like bikes and happy to spend time just chatting and looking at different bikes.
Anyway, I purchased this:
http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&product_id=1454784&outlet=I wanted a jacket that would be resistant to at least light rain, but not be fully sealed and crazy expensive. breathable and packable. The usual suspects I guess.
Well, it was only sprinkling on the way home so no real test, but it felt soft, didn't impede movement anywhere and did not get sweaty or damp. But then, it's a short easy ride so no real test.
I couldn't wait for a real downpour to test the water resistance so I literally took a shower in it. Well, I shoved my torso and arms under the water. After a minute of 'deluge' conditions it is amazingly dry. Literally just shook the water off. Good signs so far. The only concern is the zips on the removable arms. The jacket can be converted to a Gilet, but I think the zips will let water in.
I proper test will have to wait for real conditions and If anyone cares I'll update this post with durability/performance thoughts.
Sorry for the possibly boring, long winded post but I hate wasting money and buying badly so hopefully this could be helpful to others.
Now I'm off to decide on a Fuji track or to fix my old bike, fun Saturday!
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After a while of riding on the normal 28c rando they feel more sluggish than when new. Pressures are kept over 100psi. Made a strange discovery though, I fully deflated my rear tyre to check it was seated properly and literally a tyres worth of water came gushing out. This would explain the sluggishness.
BUT, I'm used to a bit of water getting into the rear but not this much. How does it get in and can you stop it?
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If you lock it up outside in the rain it will get a bit sticky after a few days unless you squirt a bit of WD-40 in there. I had a similar problem with a reasonably new Mini Fah bit luckily carry a tiny pocket can of WD_40 and that got it working smoooooooothly.
BTW, how shit is the blue laser key? for the money you think they could include a decent fob with a better LED in it. How bout even a clip for your bars to use as an emergency light? eh eh? Might even use it then.
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I smashed both my wrist about 7 years ago in a MTB incedent and broke many bones in my right had/wrist. It now has some hardware holding it together BUT I didn't entirely listen to the docs and went back to work and riding a bit too early. So now it sound like I have rocks in joints and reduced mobility and pain every time I ride.
For what its worth I ride with risers, but drops with hoods are more comfortable. For some reason my neck kills when I use drops. Must aggravate an old surfing injury.
Moral, do the physio and exercises even if they are annoying.
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Yep, was there around 1. I work virtually above the Evans store and it draws me in when I'm bored. You weren't they guy putting a kick stand on a mongoose maurice :p
Feel pretty good though, I'd rather take the bike home now and fit the parts myself but can't figure out how to ride 2 bikes home?
BTW. The sandwich was rubbish. Now I'm hungry again