Panaracer Flat-Away puncture resistance tyre liner

I've just brought a set of Panaracer Flat-Away tyre liners and because there is little information about this product on the net, I thought I'd add this, to help others.

Each box contains enough tape for one 26" MTB tyre and costs around £10-12 each.  There is also a road tyre version.  It's a self adhesive felt tape, made from Kevlar, that sticks inside your tyre and hopefully stops thorns puncturing the innertube.

The MTB version is 40mm wide and 2150mm long.
It's also very light.  Out of the box it weighed only 42g, but after trimming it to the correct length and removing the backing sheet, the final installed weight is only 29g.

I did some tests with the sharpest nail I could find.  This little nail was very sharp for a nail - it would easily cut you.  See the video here.

I've fitted the Flat-Aways, so now time will tell if they do really work.  The reviews on the net from owners are generally very good and it seems this product is the best of the tyre liners.  What it isn't going to do is stop punctures in the side wall, as the tape only covers the tread area of your tyre.

The only downside I can see is that this felt does absorb water and there always is a little bit of water and muck gets inside my tyres, so I do wonder if over time this felt will just add extra weight.

SRAM rear derailleur model changes

Following recent investigations in to replacement jockey wheels for my SRAM X9 rear derailleur, I found that there was lot of confusion as to what jockey wheels fit which SRAM derailleurs.  For example, some suppliers might say "not X9", but there 4 different X9 model changes and also the short cage versions can have different jockey wheels to the long and medium cage models.
This SRAM parts list will help.
Basically, this is when the model year changes on SRAM rear derailleurs...

9 speed
X0 2006-2011
X9/X7 2010-2011
X9 2007-2009
X7 2007-2009
X9/X7 2005-2006
X9/X7 >2004
X5 2008-2011

10 speed
XX 2010-2011
X0/X9/X7 2011

So based on this, the KCNC jockey wheels should fit the following 9-speed derailleurs (pictured below): X0 2006-2011, X9 2010-2011, X7 2010-2011, but possibly not the short cage versions.

2010-2011 X7 9-speed

2010-2011 X9 9-speed

2006-2011 X0 9-speed
(although colour/materials shown here may be only on later models)

Replacement jockey wheels for SRAM X9 rear derailleur

When looking for replacement jockey wheels for SRAM derailleurs, there is a lot of conflicting compatibility details, particularly for SRAM X9.  I've written this to help X9 owners.

SRAM X9 (2009/2010) jockey wheels

My X9 (2009 model) jockey wheels were seizing up after every winter ride.  I had to remove the wheels, clean them (where I noticed that that rust would come from the bearing), and grease them after every ride.  I found the bearings on the X9 wheels would give problems after just a few weeks from new.  I only ride at weekends, so I found that after just 2 or 3 rides, the bearings went stiff.  I tried greasing them or just using TF2 spray and neither helped.  Some people recommend not greasing as this can attract dirt and make it worse.   I had to buy a new derailleur (for another reason)  and  got another X9, but a 2010 model.  This was exactly the same and again the jockey wheels then went stiff and were seizing after just two rides.

Genuine SRAM jockey wheels are £23 from CRC.  I started looking for alternatives, as I'd proved that the SRAM bearings were hopeless, but soon found that none seemed to be compatible with the X9 derailleur.

Then a fellow BikeRader forum user (thanks 'glennpro09') confirmed that the KCNC wheels fitted his 2010 X9 long cage derailleur, even though sites list the KCNC's for only SRAM X0 and some specifically say "not X9".

The KCNC jockey wheels get excellent reviews, but are quite expensive.  They do 10,11,12 & 13 teeth versions and all available with either a stainless steal bearing or a ceramic bearing.  I opted for the ceramic version of the 11T at £37.99 (delivered) from Ready to Ride Cycles via eBay.   The benefits of a ceramic bearing may be wasted in a jockey wheel, but for the £11 premium I decided it was worth buying the 'best'.

They are a perfect fit for the 2009/2010 X9, as you can see from these photos...

They've now been fitted on my bike for last four rides and so far are still running as smooth as they were when new (and the ceramic bearing is soooo much smoother than the SRAM wheels were when new) and not needed cleaning, apart from the normal hose down I give my bike after each muddy ride.  My new SRAM wheels were stiff by this time, so so far they've proved to be superior.  Only time will tell, but build quality and the way the bearings are sealed, these look like they will work and prove to be far better than buying genuine SRAM jockey wheels.  By fitting these, the time I need to spend cleaning the bike has certainly reduced considerably.  Although these KCNC wheels were expensive, it was money well spent.  Just wish SRAM could make their bearings cope with the UK conditions.

Update: My 2009 X9 rear derailleur is stamped 'DEC2009', is actually a 2010 model.  After referring to the SRAM parts lists, it seems that these KCNC jockey wheels will fit the following SRAM 3x9 models:

• X0 2006-2011
• X9 2010-2011
• X7 2010-2011

Check first though.  See the SRAM parts list here before you buy.

Endura Singletrack E8007 pants

I've never liked lycra trousers.  I look silly in them.  Then one day after getting in from a ride my wife made a comment like "you can't go out looking like that again" after seeing my 'package' on show, so I decided some better trousers were needed.  After reading the reviews, I called into an Evans store to check out the Endura Singletrack pants.

At £64.99 these are expensive trousers.  But I'm so glad I got these!
I'm also glad I tried them on in a store, rather than buying online.  There's a lot of comments online that the Endura sizing is a bit hit and miss and they are certainly right.  The Endura sizing chart indicates that I should need a size M, being a 34-35" waist.  I tried these in the store and they were too tight.  Then tried a size L and these fit perfectly (even quite snug), even though the Eudura size L is 36-38".  I don't know who Endura uses for modelling, but the Scottish aren't known for being a slim lot!

These trousers seem to have flexibility in the right places with stretchy material on the knees, waist, crotch and down the sides.  There are pockets front and back, each with a central velcro pad to keep them closed.  But I find these pockets a little too tight and difficult to use while riding and and the velcro makes them difficult to remove something (like a handkerchief) with your gloves on.  One of the side pockets has an internal "zipped security pocket" for change.  This pocket is large (same size as outer pocket), but the zipped entry isn't wide.  I've got small hands and it's still tight.
There is a fixed belt on the front and side straps to adjust the waistband.  The front fastening is a single popper rather than a button.  At the bottom of each leg is a velco strap for keeping them tight at the ankles and away from your chain.  They also have a 13" long zip (with velcro tabs) up each leg, allowing them to open up enough to get on or off over shoes.
The best feature of these trousers is the 8" zipped vent panels on each leg, with stretchy mesh behind, allowing you to wear these in hot weather.  The vents really work well.
There's no padding inside, so you may need to wear padded underpants or lycra shorts underneath.  The trousers have poppers around the waist band (four panels with three poppers on each) to attach Endura "Clickfast" undershorts.


These trousers aren't fully waterproof.  I've been stuck out in bad rain and I still got soaked to the skin, but they are splash proof and fine for lighter showers.  They also aren't that warm, so during the recent cold weather, I'm still wearing my lycra trousers underneath.  But what they are, are a trouser you can wear all year round in the wet and dry, winter and summer.  They are also robust and offer great protection from brambles etc.  When the summer comes, I'm sure I'll still be wearing these, rather than my shorts.  If they get too hot, then I'll probably invest in a pair of the shorts or 3/4 length versions.


Overall, the best item of cycle clothing I've purchased so far.  


My rating: 9/10

Topeak Defender RX rear mudguard review

I purchased this mudguard from Halfords in Sept 2010 for £15.  I wanted a quick release as I intended to only use mudguards when absolutely necessary.
The guard looked well made and was very light - only 200g which is remarkable for it's size and construction.  Either end of the mudguard are clear plastic sections which have adjustable angles, so the mudguard can follow the wheel contour a little more.  The far end section is optional.  I didn't bother with it as the mudguard was large enough without it.


The mudguard did a very good job of keeping the spray and mud of my back.  However, the quick release system wasn't ideal.  It uses a fabric strap, which is clamped tight around the seat post and held tight by a levered handle holding a metal pin.  It can be done up very tight, but even, then the mudguard will still move if knocked - I often hit it with my foot when getting on and off bike.  And sometimes after coming down a rough track, I'd find the mudguard and swung out.


When the mudguard was only 5 weeks old, the stitching on the fabric strap broke, loosing the metal retaining pin on the end of the strap.  Yet another product in the bin after only a few weeks old!  It could be that I was doing the strap up too tight, but I had too to try to keep it in place.

Quick release broke after 5 weeks

I concluded that quick release systems are a waste of time.  How quick do you need to remove your mudguards?  You're not going to take them off mid-ride - you decide to fit them before you leave.  My new mudguard is a Cycraguard and it takes no longer to fit or remove than the quick release Topeak and only needs an allen key - and I always have one of these at base and in my saddlebag on rides - so no need for these quick release clamps which I'm sure never work as well as a traditional bolted clamp.


My rating: 4/10


You can view more product detail at the Topeak website.

Bikehut Travelling Track Bike Pump review

BikeHut Travelling Track pump - Halfords part no. 128283-0.  £19.99

I purchased this pump from Halfords in Sept 2010.  I wanted a small lightweight pump (with a hose) to mount to the frame of my bike and this was the smallest they had on the shelf.  It wasn't ideal, but the store had limited stocks.  It's intended for road bikes as it goes up to 120psi, so it should have no problem with normal MTB pressures.

It's a mini track pump and for it's tiny size, it has some good features, like the large folding foot support.  At the end of the hose is a universal adaptor which after unscrewing and reversing the internal rubber parts can go onto either presta or  schrader valves.  This arrangement is quite common on pumps, but a little fiddly and not ideal.  
I get a punctures fairly frequently, so soon after purchasing it, I was using the pump when out on the tracks.  It worked fine, but being a high pressure/low volume pump, it did take a while to pump up my MTB tyre. 
Then a week later on my next ride, I got another puncture.  Then went to use the pump and it didn't work.  It seemed the seals had gone.  It was only 5 weeks old and had only been used the once!  I could have been really caught out and had a long walk home, but luckily I was with someone who had a pump - a Lezyne pump.  So guess what I brought next?


Being only 5 weeks old, I could take it back to Halfords for a refund or replacement, but it wasn't worth the trip.  Instead it went in the bin and I wont buy BikeHut branded stuff again.


Overall then, nice design but quality isn't there.


My rating:  2/10

Differences between SRAM X7 & X9 shifters

SRAM state model years on their products and it is probably just a big marketing racket to make people upgrade.  Also there is some confusion about technologies shifting down the range when a new higher range is introduced.  i.e. is this year's X7 kit the same as the previous year's X9 kit?  Chat on the forums suggest this is the case sometimes.


I don't have any answers, but I do have a selection of SRAM 9-speed shifters, so I thought I'd post these comparison photos as this might help someone in the future. 


My bike (a 2010 Boardman Team FS) had SRAM X7 shifters with an X9 rear derailleur and X7 up front.   Over the last few weeks there seems to be loads of new SRAM kit on eBay.  I assume all the shops are selling off the 2010 kit to stock up on the 2011 kit.  Some of it is quite cheap, so I decided to upgrade my rear shifter to match the X9 derailleur.


So I purchased a new X9 9-speed shifter, only to find that when it arrived it was a 2009 model.  After asking on the forums, I was advised this was probably not an upgrade to my 2010 X7 shifter!  So I hunted out another new X9 shifter and this time purchased a 2011 model.


The differences between the two X9 shifters can been seen in these photos.  One is a 2010/2011 model (stamped Aug 2010) and the other is a 2009 model (stamped Jan 2009).

They both weigh the same at 130g.

My previous X7 shifter is stamped Aug 2009.  I'm not sure if this is a 2009 or 2010 model.  However, it is almost identical to the 2011 X9 shifter above.

The only visible difference is that the casing is all plastic rather than half metal of the X9.  The X7 shifter weighs 128g.  I've not opened them to see if there is any internal differences, but the shifting action feels the same when in your hand.

Obviously the case design has changed recently and is now slightly slimmer, but my conclusion is that the difference between an X7 and X9 model is just the metal case and obviously no point in spending the extra money for the X9 unless you really like the little bit of bling!