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Newbie question on guards and other accessories...

by phander
Thu, Jan 29, 2015 13:18
7

About to pull the trigger on my first road bike in quite a few years: a Genesis Equilibrium 20 2015 (non disc).
http://goo.gl/8Ll7ya

Have an option to throw in various accessories at cost price. I'm thinking:
1) guards. I won't be commuting on it but I do want to do some longer 'group rides' and I don't want to get soaked/be unsociable.
2) pedals - I've only used double-sided ones in the past on a MTB - e.g http://goo.gl/eQYjnp

Any recommendations for either? Any other accessories I should look into? Appreciate any help.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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7 comments

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therevokid | 10 years ago
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chromoplastics ... offer slightly more protection to the bike than raceblade
longs, but in reality don't take more than 15 mins to pop off or on. Not tried the
tortec ones yet - never had a chromoplastics break either !! - so can't comment.
always used m540 on the mtb for the "claimed" better seals.

Avatar
Reg Molehusband | 10 years ago
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+1 for the SPD pedals. I use the M520 on my Equilibrium 20 Disc. I too am looking for mudguards. I've seen the Tortecs but they're not cheap.

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KiwiMike | 10 years ago
0 likes

SKS Raceblade Longs. Absolutely cracking mudguards, clip on/off in seconds, just as sturdy/strong as the permanently-fixed ones.

Most of our club use them. I leave the fittings on year-round, as even in the middle of summer if it's pouring down mudguards are a benefit.

Note there is a total difference between 'Raceblades' and 'Raceblade Longs'.

Avatar
DaveE128 | 10 years ago
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I'd certainly get the SKS mudguards. If you want to do an event on a dry day where you want to save the weight, you can remove them. If you do it right, putting them back on isn't a major headache. I take mine on and off a couple of times a year.

Another vote for the M520 pedals. My experience - I've used both extensively over the past year - is that the MTB shimano SPD system is far superior to the road SPD-SL system. The MTB ones are far easier to clip into as they are double sided, the cleats wear out far less quickly (and they don't permanently cease functioning at the first sign of gritty/sandy dirt from the road touching them), and are easier to walk on (if you use MTB/touring shoes or fit the cleat adapter to road shoes). It is obvious that most roadies don't share this opinion however. Some people complain of "hot spots" with MTB pedals but even with cheap shoes I've had zero problems with this and feel no difference between the two pedal systems. The main downsides are a very small weight penalty and the snobby looks of other roadies!

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Russell Orgazoid | 10 years ago
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What a lovely bike you have chosen. I approve! Steel frame and Veloce bits. Tidy. I had my Genesis Croix de fer recently, and I think you will like yours too..a lot.

Guards: Tortec reflectors or SKS chromos. Had both..both good.

Pedals: Have both. Shimano M324 are flat one side and SPD the other. Flats for round town or off to the pub and SPD for serious rides.

PS. the normal saddle is only plastic...A Brooks model would suit your Genesis nicely. Just a thought.

Enjoy it.

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Tintow | 10 years ago
0 likes

Definitely Tortec Reflectors - every SKS I've had has broken, the Tortec's are rock solid and look better the SKS imo.

+1 for the Shimano SPD pedals.

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Simon E | 10 years ago
0 likes

That Equlibrium looks so classy in black, it reminds me of my 1984 Raleigh Record Sprint. I want one! 20

Guards - SKS Chromoplastics or Tortec Reflector guards (http://road.cc/72818).

Pedals - I would stick with MTB pedals like yours. You can't beat Shimano M520 for robustness, ease of use and VFM.

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