There had to be a positive riposte to my miserable topic and here it is!
Got to be my 'secondary' top of the bar brake levers. under a tenner from Parkers, delivered and fitted by a local bike recycling outfit. Use them all the time and without them I couldn't really ride with drops. At least not with cleats at slow speeds as I'd tend to fall off when startled. Reaching down to brakes whilst simultaneously getting my foot unlocked was impossible.
1. seat post for under twenty quid. Made me be, hmmm, 1cm higher than my old seat post, meaning I could get full use of my legs.
2. bull-horn handlebars. For twenty quid, they mean my back doesn't break when I do long-haul rides!
3. My new spd shoes. Didn't think they'd be waterproof, but after 30 minutes in pelting rain my feet were as dry as when I left the flat!
SPDs are a strong contender. Not cheap as it is, but I'd still use them at three times the price.
After that, I'm afraid the most useful thing I've come across is the fixed-wheel drivetrain. Sure, there are many disadvantages, but no more fiddling just to get the bike running smoothly - wow! It's as close to a maintenance-free ride as you will ever get.
Cheap Shimano indexed ATB for the wife in the early nineties. Without this she would not be riding now.
Single sided clipless pedals from Lidl for £10.
Bob Jackson Audax bike for the wife on holiday in Kendal £220. Not cheap but very good value.
Aldi panniers as Si had.
Keith Edwards I do not care about spelling and grammar
A thin fleecy skull cap has completely solved the problem of cold ears with a helmet in winter months.
I am also totally impressed with my Altura Micro Fleece gloves which I have had for nearly two years. Thin, windproof, breathable, amazingly warm for their weight and cheap (£10).
Mmmm tricky but i would narrow it down to either my Adidas Girano shoes (they are the only shoes i've owned that doesn't hurt my feet) or my Montane featherlight smock.... then there's my carbon second wind pump........
