By Coach Fred Matheny HOT! Goes on easily Doesn’t fling off Chain stays relatively clean NOT! Chain squeaks in wet conditions Less mileage between applications than claimed, making it. . . Expensive www.purpleextreme.com https://amzn.to/2uATecq Price: $11 (4-oz. bottle) Source: website, bike shops How obtained: sample from company RBR Advertiser: no Tested: 80 hours…
By Ed Pavelka HOT! Best damn chain lube we’ve used, period NOT! Smell seems strong to some users www.progoldmfr.com https://amzn.to/2uAQbku Price: $7.50 for 4-oz. bottle Source: website, catalogs, bike shops How obtained: cold cash RBR advertiser: no Tested: 10,000+ miles It seems a little silly to wax poetic about a chain lube, but…
By Coach Fred Matheny HOT! $70 less than Dura-Ace but nearly as light Cleats interchangeable with Dura-Ace Accepts a regular pedal wrench NOT! Minimal defense against cleat wear Float limited to 6 degrees No “Lance” cachet www.shimano.com https://amzn.to/2H7at8d Price: $140 Weight: 360 g (including cleats at 60 g per pair) Source: bike shops, catalogs How…
By Coach Fred Matheny HOT! Elegant lugged steel frame Neutral, stable handling Clearance for fenders and wide tires Race worthy with light wheels and components NOT! Heavier than most non-steel frames No front rack mounts www.rivendellbicycles.com Price: $950 for frame, fork, headset. About $2,000 for bike equipped as tested. Source: website, catalog, selected bike shops…
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…
