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Gatorskin Tyres – Product Review
Gatorskin folding tyres – long term product review
I have had a dedicated winter bike for some five years and apart from the original low priced tyres that were fitted when I bought it, I have used Continental Gatorskins exclusively.
I road ride throughout the year and once the weather deteriorates the winter steed emerges and the Gatorskins come into their own.
Given the timing of writing this article at the end of January 2015, even Gatorskins would struggle with the deep covering of snow we have, some things are just too much even for Gatorskins!
Back to the review: Gatorskins will not win any races in the lightest tyre categories, but what you may pay for in extra weight is far outweighed by their durability.
The tyres benefit from excellent puncture protection (I may regret writing this – in five years I have had one puncture), the lanes of Cheshire and the hills of the Peak District aren’t the smoothest of tracks and hedge clippings and pot holes conspire to test the tyres on most rides, thankfully the Gatorskins are up to the task.
Gatorskin tyres
Handling is assured, having used the tyres in every conceivable condition I can honestly say Gatorskins have handled everything that Mother Nature and under funding of road repairs has thrown at them. Cornering feels planted and solid even in very wet conditions and the bike feels secure into the apex of bends and can take changes in direction with aplomb.
In five years I have only had three sets of Gatorskins and have covered hundreds of winter miles over some of the best and worst winter weather and would recommend them wholeheartedly.
If you’d like a set for yourself call Martin on: 07929 892429 or email: martin@velotechcheshire.co.uk
Price: £24 (each)
Diary of a Time Trial Bike Build
I have over the last 12 months done a number of bike builds with Di2 group sets, this particular build was an opportunity to take this to the next level.
I was recommended to the owner by an current customer and the bike and components duly arrived – it was like Christmas all over again and not just for the customer!
The bike? – A Specialized SHIV TT, with aero carbon cockpit, full Shimano Di2, being a mix of Dura Ace and Ultegra, Rotor 3D power cranks and carbon wheelset, although it was built with a ‘standard’ rear wheel for use on the turbo trainer.
Indications were that there could be issues with the compatibility between Dura Ace and Ultegra Di2 especially between the extension bar shifters and the combined brake lever/ shifters. A call to my City and Guilds tutor resulted in the offer of a Shimano Interface to allow compatibility to be restored!
First job was to build the aero cockpit: I would have never thought there were so many parts or different build options, but it is a specialist TT bike. The point of no return came next and after consultation with the customer the steerer tube was cut to the desired height and the cockpit installed.
It is always a joy to work on a frame where the manufacturer has taken the time to ensure the cable routing has been thought through and it was a straightforward job to route all the Di2 cables and link all the components.
Once everything had been linked it was then time to charge the battery and a fingers crossed moment to see if the differing components would actually ‘talk’ to each other. Thankfully there were no issues with compatibility and the loan of the interface wasn’t required.
An adjustment of the gear indexing and the bike was ready.
Specialized SHIV TT bike build and another happy customer…
When the customer came to collect the bike, had it not been dark and the wind blowing a hooligan I am sure he would have been off along the road for a quick trial!
Knog Blinder 4 Rear Light – Product Review
Review Date: 8th January 2015
Having used Knog lights previously I have always been impressed with the quality and durability of the range and decided to get some in stock.
For the Knog Blinder 4, initial impressions didn’t disappoint and the 4 LED light certainly looks the part, being sleek and ‘refined’ charging and fitting to the seat post were straightforward, albeit the rubber mount doesn’t clamp onto the seat post.
Initial charge is easy via the supplied USB and the claimed burn time between 3.5 to 20 hours, dependant on which of the 5 available modes, will certainly cover most riding situations.
In order to evaluate the light I charged one up and took it out for a test on one of Cheshire Maverick’s Thursday evening training rides. The light fitted no problem, and an initial look while illuminated was impressive – it certainly was bright! There were no issues with the fit to the seat-post and even the wonderfully pot holed roads of Stockport and Derbyshire didn’t dislodge the light during the 2 hour ride.
The only issue that arose was from my two ride companions, whilst I took my turn leading the ride my companions couldn’t keep on my wheel due to the brightness of the light in flashing mode, the quote of ‘it nearly had me foaming at the mouth’ sort of sums it up.
In essence not a cheap light but given the claimed massive 70 lumens output, a light certainly for those who appreciate being visible to other road users.
Marks out of 10? I’d give it a 9….good to keep them on their toes.
Price: £37.00
If you ‘d like to buy one give me a call on 07929 892429 or email: martin@velotechcheshire.co.uk
Knog Blinder 4 Rear Light
Knog Blinder 4 Rear Light
CALL MARTIN ON: 07929 892429
As well as helping to keep your bike in top condition, I’m also keen to help you get the most out of your cycling.
If you’re truly passionate about your bike, why not consider having a bespoke bike built to your exact specifications? See some recent bike builds can be found on our Bike and Wheel Building page – there’s even some stunning retro bike builds amongst them!