No, it’s not jolly old St. Nick’s wishlist, it’s our commuter from the northwest Nick:
The holiday season has arrived! There are no sugar plumbs dancing in my dreams though. This year it’s all about gear. Jump past the break to see what I hope to find under my tree this year…
Bike Tools
Primary: Topeak Brass Super Chuck – This mightily replacement chuck for floor pumps sure would save me the hassle of changing a flat every time I rip a valve stem away from a tube. And since my floor pump seems to be turning into utter crap, this would be a great add on.
This can be purchased at WheelFine Imports for $27.95
Secondary: Park Tools TW-6 – I am not a shop mechanic by any means, but I find myself doing more and more of my own work. This is one of the few major tools I am missing, and I would love to have this in my tool box.
If you want to add this to your tool box to, do so over at JensonUSA.com for $119.95
Clothing
Primary: Showers Pass Touring Shoe Cover – You may have heard this before, but it rains a lot here in Portland, OR. Don’t worry though, local company Showers Pass has you covered (literally). I wear a Showers Pass rain jacket almost daily and I would be lost without it. A nice addition to anyone’s bad weather clothing lineup are these shoe covers. They are durable, walkable, and have an easy rear entry design.
You can buy these direct from Showers Pass for $70.
Secondary: Oregon Cyclewear 3/4 Messenger Pants – I have two pair of these, and I pretty much live in them all weekend long. They are comfortable, durable, and have all the pockets I need, including a rear pocket that holds my u-lock. And if you are going to be out at night they have reflective piping. They carry both men’s and women’s specific sizing.
Oregon Cyclewear sells direct via their website. Their 3/4rd pants run $60 per pair, or two for $99.89.
Component
Primary: Paul Components Flat Bed Rack – Anything by Paul Components is done right, and done beautifully. I think the flatbed rack (in silver) would be a great addition to any commuter bike.
Paul will sell you one direct from his website (provided they are in stock) for $199.
Secondary: Sram Apex Groupset – I am ready to build a touring bike, and this is the groupset I intend to use. No triple chainset up front for me! That 11-32 rear cassette and compact gearing up front is exactly what I need.
Google shopping says you can get a groupset for around $700. Check out Sram’s site for all the details.
Mountain Bike
Salsa Cycles Fargo – Mountain biking is not something I have had the pleasure of doing often. I live in a small apartment with very limited bike storage. However, I often envision myself packing up for a month or two and ridding wherever the heck I feel like. To do that, I am pretty sure I would want want the Fargo as my trusty steed.
Full details are ready to be consumed by your brain here. Expect to pay $1650 if you choose to make this yours.
Road or Cyclocross Bike
Spot Brand Mod SS – As mentioned above, I have limited off road experience. But I do know that I like a simple bike. The Mod SS is a single speed, belt drive bike with a decent parts pick. And, its orange! Count me in.
Spot Brand will gladly sell you this beauty for $3299 at their website.
