Fresh Goods Sunday - USE EXPOSURE Lights - Handlebar Bracket Set - EXPQRBKSET

 

I bought this USE Exposure bracket a few years ago as when I was using my Zenith light on my mtb the plastic mount with rubber band was not keeping the light in place on my handlebars. The Zenith light is a lot heavier than my Sirus model so this metal fixed bracket was the answer. As I say I have been using this for a while now and my Zenith light does not move at all now when it is clipped into the bracket. The quality is superb and I have never had to remove or adjust it since fitting it to my carbon handlebars. I leave it on all year and does not get in way when I don't have a light clipped into it. The rrp has never gone up, this is the only downside as its nearly £30 but should last for years. As ever shop around and you might get a little discount. 

RRP £28.00 and I paid £21.76 from Tweeks inc 24hr p&p (Now £25.20 exc p&p) 

Manufacturers Blurb - 

Genius bracket that brings to life the Cable Free design of Exposure Lights. Quality Forged Alloy parts. Compatible with all cleated Exposure Lights since 2005. Forged alloy with moulded clip. Weighs 32g. Includes shim for bar diameters 35, 31.8 and 25.4mm.

Product Compatibility:

Axis BOOST Diablo Diablo SYNC Joystick Link DB Link Plus DB Sirius DB Zenith

Back out in the freezing cold sloppy gloom of County Durham's trails

 

Yet another ride in the gloom and cold of County Durham. Still not seen any real daylight and there was a savage headwind on part of todays loop making it feel even colder than it was. The Garmin was just hovering above 0 degrees at the top of Stanley Crook and was not much warmer at lower level of Willington. It was one of my regular loops with a small road loop section added on near the end. The old railway lines were back to slop conditions again after the heavy overnight rain along with some massive puddles. 

Still no news on my Creo 2, hopefully hear something back by the end of next week. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon- 

Another manky ride out on my Specialized Creo 1 gravel bike on 650b/27.5" wheels

 

What a shit weekend of weather we had and I did not get out on my bike or even over the door on Sunday! Just a short local mainly gravel loop since the weekend as it has finally stopped raining for a few hours and fog/mist has lifted, do not worry though still no real daylight as such to speak of. It was that dark I had to put my spare front and rear led lights on my Creo 1, on the plus side the temperature was nearly 5 degrees, better than freezing, more of that next week by all accounts. The old railway lines of Co Durham has dried up a little and was not a total slop fest as I thought it wold be. Loads of others out with 10's of dogs everywhere so it was a very stop / start ride. All in just over 19 miles with 800ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon inc an up date on my Creo 2 Sram / Hope nightmare. 

Fresh Goods Sunday - GripGrab Belgian Style Thermal Windproof Cycling Cap (Large)

 

Following on from my last fresh goods Sunday on the winter socks I ma doing another winter themed version this week. I have worn a winter cap under my helmet for many years now and would not go out now without one over the winter months. I have a old 45nrth Greazy cycling cap which was spot on and has lasted for years. I replaced it with a new one a couple of years ago expecting the same cap again but they had changed the either the material or its thickness. It was no where near as warm as my old one so I now use that at either the end of winter or end of autumn when the temperatures are not as cold. 

I did buy yet another winter cap to replace my first greazy cap but again this was way too thin, I have tried it twice this winter and is no good in our cold wintery conditions. So I started looking again and wanted a proper cap that would actuality be windproof and warm and come down past my ears. 

There is not a huge selection out there until I found the company called GribGrab. I have not bought or used any of their products before but they looked good on the computer screen and reviews were good/excellent so I thought I would give them a go. I opted for the Belgian style thermal windproof cap which comes in black and three different sizes instead of one size fits all. I opted for the large as my head is large! 

Once opening the packet I thought to myself christ this looks good, nice thick material but not too thick, big drop on the sides for your ears and the drop continues around the back for your neck. It just fits under my helmet when I loosen off all the straps. Well proof is in the pudding as they say and after three really cold rides its the best cap I have ever used over winter. Yes its windproof, yes it keeps my ears covered and warm. It dries out quickly after a ride and the fit is not too tight and not too loose. The only thing I don't 100% like is the peak as its a little too long for my liking. The peak does have a reflective edge sewn on. It is not as breathable as my 45nrth greazy cap and at one point even felt a little too warm when the winter sun was facing me. I cannot comment on how waterproof it is as I haven't been out in the rain with it. 

RRP & I paid £31.95 + £3.49 24hr p&p from Merlin Cycles 

Manufacturers Blurb - 

The ultimate winter cycling headwear with a peak to keep the wind and spray off your face and ear flaps to provide complete coverage and maximum insulation.

A windproof winter cycling cap with a brim that can be flipped up and down. This product is perfect for cold and wet winter rides when you need extensive coverage of the head and protection for both your ears and eyes.

• Insulating
• Windproof
• Moderate rain protection
• Breathable
• Reflective details

• Machine wash 30°C
• Do not bleach
• Do not iron
• Do not tumble dry
• Do not wring