From: aviator@athena.mit.edu (Joakim Karlsson)
Subject: Products that work
Organization: Flight Transportation Associates, Cambridge, MA
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 15:08:49 GMT

In the few months that I've owned my mtb, I've bought a few accessories,
most of which I've been real happy with.  In case anyone has considered
buying any of these, here is my list of products which really work (in
order of preference):

Park Consumer Workstand

I wouldn't have bought this, except Bike Nashbar had it on sale for around
$80.  It's very well built, folds away easily, is sturdy, and the clamp
works great without scratching the point.  It allows for 360 degree rotation
of the bike.  I've just been amazed at how much easier it is to maintain and
clean the bike with it.  Only slight disappointment: I was under the impression
that it came with a tool tray, but apparently this is an accessory.  Make
sure you follow the instructions regrading greasing and lubrication, I nearly
ruined mine.

Giant seatbag with toolkit

For $20+ you get an under-the-seat bag with two compartments, one of which
is filled with tools.  You get a multi purpose tool (wrenches and
screwdrivers), a Y-wrench, a chain-rivet tool, and two plastic tire irons.
To this, I've added a tire gauge, an adjustable wrench (which I found on
a trail), a spoke wrench, and a patch kit.  I've used all the tools except
the Y-wrench, and they're all high quality as far as I can tell.  The
seat bag also has two elastic straps on the underside, which I've found
useful for carrying magazines, etc.  The bag mounts securely with velcro
straps.

Nashbar Sport Touring Shoe

Currently on clearout price ($32.55 in the catalog, less in the outlet
stores), I hope it's not being discontinued.  Extremely comfortable
shoe.  I use it off-road exclusively, although it's marketed as
a touring shoe.  Stiff sole, but great for walking (I wear it all
day if I know I'm gonna bike in the afternoon).  Seems like the
best deal around in shoes if you don't use cleats or clipless pedals.
Works great with toe clips.

Nashbar ATB handlebar bag

A small handlebar bag with removable map pocket.  Mounts easily with
velcro straps.  Advert says cannot be used with bar stems that have
cable routing on top.  My front brake cable is routed on top of the stem,
and then through it, and this has not caused a problem.  The inside has
a shaped plastic sheet to add some rigidity, and two pockets with elastic
bands which I find perfect for my wallet and bike lock (small cable type).
On sale for $8+, regular $9.88.

Blackburn Minipump

For $20, this is probably the best minipump around, judging by all the
problems I've heard from Mt Zefal owners.  Not as high tech as the Mt Zefal
pump, and it cannot be mounted side-by-side with a waterbottle, but it
has the definite advantage that it works. :)  Mounts on waterbottle
braze-ons or under top-tube with double-sided adhesive foam strip and zip
ties (it works).

...Joakim



--
Joakim Karlsson            | aviator@athena.mit.edu
Flying Fanatic in Training | Air: PP-ASEL  CAP: Freedom 110 Mobile  FCC: N1JHW
                 "Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
                And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings"
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