Gear Reviews

Most of the posts in this category will be related to cycling or something outdoorsy. From time to time something non-cycling related will probably be added, usually tech or wood working related.

Boeshield T9 lubricant for bike chains

Posted by elliottzone at 8:25 pm Cycling, Gear Reviews

May 302007

Yay! There’s finally a local source for Boeshield T9 — a metal lubricant and protector developed by Boeing for airplane parts.

While I don’t really have room in the driveway for an airplane, I do have a number of bikes. T9 works extremely well as a long lasting and multi-weather lubricant for bike chains.

According to the Boeshield folks, “Road cyclists can get about 300+ miles (500Km) per application. In wet weather riding reapply after half that distance. For off road riding reapply after one quarter that distance, more frequently if conditions require. For best performance, ‘apply tonight, ride tomorrow’. ”

Lee Valley now carries the Boeshield T9 in both a bottle and aerosol can. The bottles are great, as they don’t take up much room in your pack, and a little goes a long way.

I’m looking forward to trying this lubricant in the winter, as Boeing states the T9 lubricant excels in damp environments.

For more info, visit the Boeshield Canada site, or Lee Valley Tools’ site.

Lake MXZ300 winter cycling shoe review

Posted by elliottzone at 7:10 am Cycling, Gear Reviews

Feb 062007

If you’re looking for a good pair of cycling shoes for riding in cold snowy conditions, you don’t have many options. I chose a pair of Lake MXZ300 winter shoes and this will be my third winter riding in them.

First impression

These shoes are comfy! The neoprene internal liner is a nice snug fit, without being too tight or constricting. You should get a pair that are a size or size and half larger than you would usually wear. This will let you wear a pair (or two) of thick warm socks. Trying to cram your foot into a shoe that’s too tight will work against you by constricting the blood flow to your foot. Less blood flow means colder feet.

Nite-Hawk Digital Emitter light breaks

Posted by elliottzone at 12:06 pm Cycling, Gear Reviews

Feb 182005

A couple of months ago, I reviewed the Nite-Hawk Digital Emitter bike light. And at that time, I questioned the light’s quality and durability. Well, on my ride in today, that question was answered.

As I was riding along a stretch of hard-packed snow, the light suddenly leapt off my handlebars, bounced along the ground and rolled down a steep hill / cliff. (Do I blame Nite-Hawk, Murphy or Newton for that?)

I spent the next 15 minutes carefully leaping from bush to shrub on the icy hill as I searched for the light. Luckily, I’d had the light turned on, so eventually I noticed the flash and was able to rescue it.

My first thought was that the quick release had simply released, but no — that was still attached to the bike. The connection between the battery pack and the quick release insert had broken. From what I can see, it looks like this connection was simply (and only partially) glued. This only reinforces my theory that NightHawk quickly rushed this light to market without much thought on its quality or usability.

Next step — fire off a snarky note to Nite-Hawk and see what their response is.

Deuter TransAlpine 30 pack review

Posted by elliottzone at 11:14 am Cycling, Gear Reviews

Jan 142005

I have to admit, it’s rare that I come across a product that I’m completely satisfied with.

Usually, there are at least a couple of things I’d have done differently or that I think could be improved upon.

So, imagine my delight when I came across a backpack that seemed to have been designed specifically for cyclists. I also have a feeling it was designed, not by the marketing department, but by people who actually USE a backpack when cycling. Gadzooks!

Nite-Hawk Digital Emitter review

Posted by elliottzone at 11:12 am Cycling, Gear Reviews

Jan 142005

I like to be visible when I ride at night, so I’ve tried a number of different lights / reflectors / blinkies.

Recently, I picked up one of Nite-Hawk’s new Emitter bike lights (the digital one) and thought I’d review it here. There are some things about it I really like, and some things I really don’t like…