By Ed Pavelka HOT! Conforms to your anatomy Wide, supportive sit-bone area The traditional touch to a touring bike NOT! Heavy Needs lengthy break-in period Leather requires special care Looks wrong on hot bikes www.brooksengland.com https://amzn.to/2E58Jch Price: $60-$95 (steel rails), $155 (titanium rails) Weight: 540g (steel), 440g (Ti) Source: bike shops, Rivendell Bicycles, Harris Cyclery…
By Ed Pavelka HOT! Reduces risk of saddle abrasion Not greasy — washes easily from skin and shorts Economical — a tube lasts for months NOT! Disappears in wet conditions www.pacelineproducts.com Price: $11.95 for 8-oz. tube Source: bike shops, catalogs How obtained: cold cash RBR advertiser: no Tested: 8 years We’re not going to…
By Ed Pavelka HOT! Light, stiff in the bottom bracket Stable front end Contemporary frame design and styling (if it’s your style) Comfortable ride for aluminum NOT! Ho-hum graphics Seatpost can slip Tight clearances restrict tire size www.specialized.com Price: $1,630 (frame only), featuring Columbus E5 AEROTEC butted aluminum tubing and all-carbon fork Source: Specialized…
By Coach Fred Matheny HOT! Custom fit Smoothes rough pavement Spot-on handling Stable on fast descents Understated beauty NOT! You might have to sell what’s left of your 401(k) to afford this frame www.serotta.com Price: $4,295 – $4,795 for custom frame/fork with carbon and polished titanium tubes Source: Serotta dealers Colors: tinted clear coats…
By Jim Langley HOT! excellent puncture resistance High-mileage tread wear indicators plenty of sizes and colors race-ready weight NOT! expensive www.bikemine.com Price: $63 Source: bike shops, catalogs Features: Vectran puncture-protection subtread; wear indicators; handmade in Germany Weight: 219 grams in size 700x23C (manufacturer claims 205 grams) Variations: 700x23C in black, silver/black, metallic blue/black, blue/black, red/black, yellow/black; 700x25C…
