Here’s my quick list of stuff that I’m still pissed for spending money on. I’m sure there’s plenty more out there, but here’s my start. Please jump in on the comments and let us know the items that stung you.
I should have known when I saw it was from Hong Kong Imports, but at under a $1 – I had to buy 12. I put one on each of my bikes, on by messenger bags, on my kids stroller. Why not? – it was only a buck. Turns out the thing sucks – mostly the mounting hardware. I’m sure it’s fine on a wooden velodrome, but any roads that have, say – a bump, they take off. I think I have 4 left on my messenger bags. The rest are strewn throughout the greater Seattle area – probably near a tree root or a pothole. Instead: Planet Bike Superflash
Performance used to sell illuminite tights. Now it seems they’ve moved to leg warmers instead which probably aren’t as bad. The tights were the worst fitting, baggy in the crotch, unwearable clothing item I’ve ever used. I ride a Fizik Arione which has only a moderately pointy saddle, but whenever I’d try to sit back down from climbing my tights would catch. That sucks. Instead: Hincapie Leg Warmers
The Polar Speed Sensor sucks. I give it credit for having user-replaceable batteries, but otherwise they are finicky at best. I have 3, and only 1 works with any consistency. The issue is – your HRM stops your riding when the speed sensor kicks off (whenever it wants it seems) and then I’m left with nothing. This is especially annoying during intervals! Instead: PowerTap!
I really liked this little guy for a while. It was quick and easy to take on and off a bike. I left them in my bags so I always had at least some light with me. Then it died. The problem with this thing is, when you turn it on – no matter how little juice it has it’ll show full power. When I check it I think I’m good, but then 4 minutes later it fades to a dim nothing and I’m flying blind out there. The light faces forward so you have no sense of your lights strength.
Instead: Sigma Sport Micro Light
I probably don’t even need to say anything here. Micro pumps suck. The only thing they provide is the mojo to keep flats away since you are carrying a pump. If you have to actually use it – good luck. Instead: CO2
Bontrager Race Select Disc Wheelset
I LOVE my Trek Portland. I HATE the wheels. I’m constrained to a 130 OLD spacing for my rear wheel which leaves me with very few options for disc-compatible hub configurations. These ones are not good. To be fair – I brought them back to the shop and Trek sent me a brand new rim after mine started to crack, but wheels are not something you want to think of on your every-day commute bike. The spokes self-loosen every couple days. I probably average a wobbly finger-loose spoke a week. Ugh. Instead: I’ve yet to find an answer here! – Help!
I went cheap parting together my Single Speed cross bike. I shouldn’t have on the brakes. The Nashbar brakes were some amazing deal, but the springs are so weak that the levers don’t even return. Adjusting them is a total pain, and the stopping power sucks. Instead: Tektro Oryx Brakes
Got anything that drives you nuts, or totally fails your expectations? Comment away.
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