Racing 795 Member Forum

Now I have bought a lot of stuff, especially for mtb - since 2006 when I started. A fair bit of crap, but also some notable items which have so far stood the test of time. So i thought I would share what I think are the good ones with you:

Number 1 - Halo Sweatband

I sweat like the divil himself and not being blessed with natural soakage in the head area,in the early days was often seen with my daughters headband on under my helmet . That was until I came across these little beauties - thin enough to wear under your helmet and with a little strip inside to stop the sweat getting into your eyes - I never leave home without one
http://store.haloheadband.com/HALO_II_pullover_s/9.htm

Number 2 - Inov8 backpack

I've had a few backpacks - these are by far the best. Why? Because they are cleverly designed to have the weight over your hips instead of on the middle of your back. I only really realised what a difference this makes when I wore one of my old backpacks a few weeks ago - horrible - all the wight sitting on the middle of your back and pulling from your shoulders. Inov8 back packs also have handy little pockets on the hips that you can access without having to take off the bag. I have the race pro18 - if i was getting another would probably go for the smaller race pro12
http://www.inov-8.com/Products.asp?PG=PG2&L=26

Number 3 - Specialized BG Cycling Shoes

I've had Shimano, dhb (Wiggle) and Gaerne shoes - they're all crap compared to the Spesh BG. I have a pair of winter boots that I have worn for the last 3 winters, never been washed , fit like a glove, comfy as hell. Also have a pair of (red!) summer shoes - again super comfy. They're not the cheapest, but well worth the money.
http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bc/SBC ... emId=10837

Number 4 - Giro Hex helmet

This is, I reckon, the only bit of kit that I bought at the start that I haven't replaced/changed. Excellent fit, all the bits (sweat pads, reatining system) are replaceable and it's taken a few clatters well. Mid range, not too expensive helmet
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=56087

Number 5 - Park Tools Workstand

Is it possible to work on your bike comfortably if it's not on a stand? IMO the answer is no. I picked up one of these for €50 second hand and its a cracker. Makes bike fettling easy.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Cate ... BrandID=65

There's a common thread here - none of the above are exactly cheap, with the exception of the sweatbands, I've learned over the years that if you want decent stuff then you have to spend the money (or keep your eye out for 2nd hand bargains)

DavidF wrote: the early days was often seen with my daughters headband on under my helmet

dodgy photos aside, great idea for a thread.

Best thing I ever bought was my Louis Garneau Equipe MTB gloves. $12 in a bargain bin in Melbourne. They don't seem to make them any more but here's the website anyway http://www.louisgarneau.com/in-en/

Next best? - Lidl winter cycling trousers circa 2007 - warm, water resistant and still going!

i was wondering how long it would take for that pic to surface . Feb 2007 I believe, Southern Spain. Ah yes the Celtic Tiger, I remember it well

And Conway, you're no one to talk about dodgy headbands. And what about that lovely mtb skirt you bought in TK Maxx

OK truce on the photos!

Heres'a another deadly thing I bought, an Aztec microfibre towel.
http://www.aztecoutdoor.co.uk/travel-towels/index.html
Works better than a normal towel and only a fraction of the weight and volume.