Bicycle for Greener Lifestyle: Bike Components and Parts

RAD Bicycle Repair Stand Review

RAD Cycle Products Pro Mechanic Bicycle Repair Stand / Kit

I'm giving this a 5-star rating because it does exactly what it's supposed to do for much less money than the other options available.

This turned out to be a good buy. I was a little concerned because of the negative reviews that others had previously posted, especially with regard to their bikes not fitting the stand. I found this to be no problem for me. We have two inexpensive mountain-bike style bikes; they both fit the stand very well and are held firmly in place during maintenance.

1. The stand is sturdy. It doesn't rock around, the components can be tightened down securely.

2. Some of the threaded parts do have paint on the threads that have to be cleared by screwing in the matching threaded bolt, but this was no big deal. If you want smooth operation, lubricate the threads with a little oil.

3. The tool tray can get in the way of rotating the pedals if it gets turned sideways. However, it is easily removed and need not be installed at all, your choice.

4. The stand can be set to three or four different heights by placing a cross bolt at different heights on the main post. The upper half of the main post will sit on the bolt at the height you choose, and the upper half is notched so that the upper and lower halves always align properly for maximum stability.

5. The clamps (two for the frame and one to hold the front wheel aligned) were perfect for our bikes. If your bike has an oversized diameter frame or a tiny diameter frame, you might run into a problem but you should be able to modify the clamp as needed with a little ingenuity and a trip to your well-stocked hardware store.

This stand is $40 dollars, compared to $100 plus for the others. It works fine. Spend the other $60 on some specialty bicycle tools to go with your new stand. I definitely recommend this stand -- for the price it's a no-brainer. If you are a serious mechanic or serious cycler, perhaps it would make sense to spend the money for the higher-end stands.

Princeton Headlight LED Review

Princeton Tec Eos Bike LED Headlight (Product Description)

I use this light both at work and recreationally. It is very bright and runs a long time on three AAA batteries. I have had it in the rain, on the bike and in the freezing cold. Seems impervious. I have it as a backup when I ride the trails. I would be fine for the streets. I also have a Princeton Tec Eos several years old. It is not as bright but has also stood the test of time. These are great lights and very resonably priced.-By. Steven Schwartz -

Bike Saddle Review

Planet Bike 5020 Men's ARS Standard Anatomic Relief Saddle with Gel
Designs like this supposedly make bike riding easier on one's backside, and this one is definitely more comfortable than the regular gel seat it replaced. I'm using it on a hybrid or "city" bike and it absorbs the bumps of the patched streets of Boston pretty well. The one thing I don't like is that the fabric is brushed nylon and it tends to grip my trousers when I swing my leg over to get off the bike. A higher price will probably get you a slightly better made and longer lasting seat, but if you're riding relatively short distances in the city this one is a good value.

There are many similar designs by other manufacturers. One of them allows you to adjust the width of the seat, if effect, by increasing the gap that runs front-to-back. But the Planet Bike 5020 is comfortable once it's adjusted properly on the seat post, so I don't think there's much to be gained by adding a lateral gap adjustment unless you're very small or very large.

Note that it's important to take the time to make sure you have the seat installed in the right position -- tilted a bit forward so that you're comfortable and in the right place back-to-front on the seat post. If you don't adjust it carefully you may be sore and unhappy. But any seat needs to be adjusted, after all.- By. Michael Sandman-

Bike Speedometer Review

26-27", Speedometer
I got a bicycle in mid June and purchased this Speedometer Pyramid Pro 26/27 with Resettable Odometer about a month later. I was riding almost every day between 15 and 22 miles and liked seeing the length of my rides and checking the time it took for these rides. This guage is easy to read and while it worked it was a joy to see the miles ticking along. It no longer is resettable as the third digit to the left does not move in coordination with the other slots. It is no longer an accurate odometer as the other slots don't work either most of the time. Not a reliable odometer although the speed still works. I would have loved this product if it had not malfunctioned after only 3 months.-By: R.A Thomson-

Bike Components and Parts

Trail-A-Bike Back Rest
This backrest is wonderful bike parts! I have had a difficult time building a workable biking system for my 6 year old son with autism. He is able to ride a bike, but unable to understand the rules of the road. The tag-a-long bike was a great solution, but that was only one of our problems.

This backrest and seatbelt keep him on when we hit a sudden bump while he is daydreaming or when he just wants to put his feet up and get pulled along. Also great for those reluctant school mornings! (otherwise he might just slide off the back!)- By.TrikeTrain -