Hello and Welcome, I`m not going to mention that Hugh`s Bicycle Blog now has a Face-Book page. And I`m not going to mention that the quick-link is right there in the right column. Having not said that, Let me tell you about the Zefal make-over the GT Avalanche recieved, and why. I was at the local Meijer Store the other day and I spotted a Zefal saddle. I noticed it came with a bracket for a wedge bag. Then I spotted the Zefal wedge bag that fits the saddle. I`m already a big fan of the Zefal water-bottle cages for both style and value. As I looked around I saw a few other Zefal products. That is when I decided to do the full Zefal treatment on the GT.
Below: Some of the Zefal products I will be installing. From left to right. The Zefal light-set, under 20.00 (non rechargeable batteries included). The Zefal Comfort Saddle, under 18.00 (including wedge bag bracket). The Zefal water-bottle cages (under 8.00 each). The Zefal Wedge Bag about 10.00 (designed to attach to the saddle, right out of the box). The Wedge Bag also includes a sewn-on strip to hang the tail-light on. And Not Shown. I also purchased a Zefal mini frame-mount pump for under 15.00
Below: The Zefal comfort saddle is quite comfortable. Although wide in the the rear, the nose is narrow enough not to be bothersome. And it`s a good looking saddle as well. As you see the wedge bag is clipped on and the tail light is hung onto the strap.
Below: The Zefal wedge-Bag is just that easy to remove. You will want to make sure you feel it click into place when re-attaching it to the bracket. While the bag is not expandable, I have loaded it with a full patch kit (including multi-tool flat bar) a replacement tube and three Allen wrenches. And with the frame-mounted mini-pump, I should have everything I need to fix a flat.
Below: The Zefal front light has three settings, constant on - fast flashing and slower flash. I do not ride in the dark. But as a "be seen" light it works great. A few friends who have seen me out riding have already mentioned that is is a great attention getter. (I have the same light-set on my daily rider) Also it is easily removed and can be used as a flashlight or emergency signal light. In a cold climate you will want to bring the lights inside with you. That is no big deal as the front and rear lights both remove easily. The tail-light has the same three settings as well.
Below: The stylish Zefal water-bottle cages. As more mountain bikers are using the hydration packs these days, maybe cages are not "as necessary" as they once were. But for a short ride they are still very handy. And not everyone (including me) owns or uses a hydration pack. And a "Big Plus" for me, My favorite size Gatorade bottle fits the Zefal cage perfectly. Also Below: The Zefal frame-mount mini-pump. The included Velcro strap is for bikes that do not have the bottle-cage mount holes. I used it anyway for "extra" security. I have not used the pump so I won`t comment on the performance. But I will say this, Zefal has been making frame pumps for a very long time. I have no doubt that "although not as quickly as a full size frame pump" it will do the job more than adequately.
Below: The Bell removable mud-guard. The GT frame is a perfect match for this 5.00 add-on. The set is 10.00 But since I used the front guard on the GIANT, we will call it a 5.00 investment. And because of the triple triangle frame`s design that exposes seat tube just above the rear tire, the mud-guard fits this bike better than any other I have seen. That is one sweet mud guard for five bucks!
Below: The GT with all the Zefal accessories, including the "Bell" mud-guard. You are looking at an investment of about $83.00 US + tax. I know these are not "Top of the Line" accessories. But for the casual rider or someone who is on a tight budget.. They are the most "Bang for you Buck" that you are likely find anywhere.
Below: The Giant Attraction is now sporting a new Avenir rack and the Bell 5.00 front mud-guard. This bike has been a joy to test-ride. I`m gonna miss this one when she is gone. I think the only thing I would do differently if I were starting this build tomorrow.. Is go with a higher pressure tire. These max-out at 35 lbs psi. Although I could probably sneak a few extra pounds in there. But next time it is going to be Kenda for sure! Oh wait, The GT was next time! And it has the Kenda Kross Plus which I think hold at least another 20lbs psi. That was a good choice, and they were on sale too!
Below: The Motobecane Nomade is coming along fine. I should start posting the restoration real soon. It has been great working on a vintage road bike again. I have more experience with these, so it is less challenging and also a lot less stressful. So I might slip in a few more road bikes before working on the Specialized Rock Hopper FA.
Until Next Time Please RIDE SAFE and Remember to Always RESCUE, RESTORE & RECYCLE
Cheers, Hugh
Well I have heard of "pimping" your ride but now I guess there must be a new term "Zef'n" your ride - very sharp Hugh really finishes off the build. Have fun with the Motobecane. BTW How do you like the Kendra Kross Plus on the Road? I just bought a pair of 27 x 1 3/8 K161's for a Rain bike I project that is in the on deck circle.
ReplyDeleteHey Ryan,
ReplyDeleteThanks, I`m having a wonderful time with the MotoBecane. I found a set of vintage (early 70`s) English Quill Pedals. They cleaned-up great. But I need to find a dust cap for the right side pedal. About the Kenda Kross Plus, I really like them a lot. They do a fine job of "smoothing out" the ride.And they roll better (less drag) than I would have expected. Hey I saw your Nomade II on F.B. That is a fine looking bicycle. Nice work! We had our first real miserable fall day today. I did not get anything done. But I`ll be back at it tomorrow. Hey check-out the 1950 Cyclecross video in "Video of the Week" section. You may have already seen it. I think Cameron has it posted on the O.T.S.G. F.B. page.
Cheers
Always watching, Hugh. That Zefal dressing is fun and you should get a box full of goodies from them for the plug.
ReplyDeleteYour work is, as always, admirable. Don't stop.
Your fan, TJC
Thanks TJC,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that. I have contacted Ze'fal just to let them know about the post. My hope is that some of their employees will see it. As I know from hearing from loyal readers like yourself. It is nice to know that your work is appreciated. As far as a "box full goodies" goes, that would be nice. But I won`t hold my breath (:
Cheers, Hugh
I am in full agreement with your comments on the Zefal Gel Seat. My 1988 Fuji Pulsar, purchased on eBay, arrived with an old Trek saddle, which I knew would not be satisfactory, so I replaced it with a Cloud9 road bike saddle, having Viscount 2206 embossed on its underside. The Cloud9 was very narrow, causing it to provide instantaneous and long-lasting perineal pain. So, it was replaced with a Zefal Gel Seat, advertised as being 'unisex', meaning that it is wide enough for use by women, also. It was the answer to my saddle comfort problem, priced at only $16. Let me say, though, that as a bicycle saddle it is not comparable in comfort to sitting in a lounge chair in the living room. Any bicycle saddle can provide only so much comfort, and no more. I can say, however, that the Zefal Gel Seat does allow me to enjoy full-length rides with no thought of cutting things short because of saddle discomfort. And, once I am off the bike, there is no residual discomfort or pain. All bicycle saddle considerations aside, I remain convinced that there is a break-in period for any rider's posterior parts, and the only way to achieve that is to ride, ride, ride. Those tender tissues need to be toughened up; I say this as a reminder to those who might have purchased a $200 Brooks leather with disappointing results.
ReplyDeleteHey FujiPulsar88,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience with the ZeFal Gel saddle. This is the kind of information that I am sure will be helpful to anyone who is considering purchasing the ZeFal saddle. With all the high-dollar bikes and components on the market today. It is good to know that companies like ZeFal are still producing products that the working class can afford and enjoy. That in a nut-shell is why I like ZeFal as much as I do.
Cheers
Hey there Hugh. I enjoyed your blog about the Zefal saddle. I have one on my MTB, and have been searching for 2 more. Do you sell them, or have any idea where I can purchase them? I should have bought a few extras when I discovered how well they fit me, but I had no idea I wouldn't be able to get one later.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Larry
Hey Larry,
DeleteI am coming up blank. It is shown as currently unavailable. One sellers add reads "may or may not be available in the future." Looks like it may have been discontinued. You might want to try the WTB Speed V Comp. I might suggest trying a K Mart or WalMart both chains sell (or sold) Ze'Fal products. You might find one still in stock. Sorry I do not have better news. Good Luck
Thanks for checking this out for me. I've searched the Wal-Marts and Targets, but didn't realize K-Mart sold them. I'll check that option too, and also do some reading on the WTB you recommended. Sorry for posting as a comment. I clicked the reply button, but it didn't do anything.
ReplyDeleteThanks again,
Larry