Author Archives: FAB Jim The Cyclist

Elitewheels Carbon Disc 700c Wheelset 50mm Amazon Review

I’ve decided to build a more modern carbon road bike which requires some nice deep carbon wheels.  I’m on a tight budget so I looked around at all the China options that often get very good reviews.  Elitewheels have become a sponsor of GCN so that really gave me confidence in their quality.  On topContinue reading “Elitewheels Carbon Disc 700c Wheelset 50mm Amazon Review”

Holdsworth Bicycles History and Facts

Holdsworth was founded in London, England in 1927 by William Frank “Sandy” Holdsworth.  The company would become one of the most famous names in British cycling. Known for making high quality road bikes. It started when Sandy Holdsworth bought Ashlone Cycle Works.  The shop was located at 132 Lower Richmond Rd.  Some frame building startedContinue reading “Holdsworth Bicycles History and Facts”

2025 Surly Cross Check Retro Old School Road Bike

I’ve made some more changes to my Cross Check and decided to do another post.  I think I have this bike perfect for me now, so this is probably that last big update.  The biggest change this time was the change to Box Three mini v-brakes.  I love the look and performance of these brakes. Continue reading “2025 Surly Cross Check Retro Old School Road Bike”

KMC X10SL 10-Speed Bicycle Chain Review

I really like KMC chains and am always looking for fun ways to lighten my Surly Cross Check.  My X10 chain worked great, but I decided to switch it up with the X10SL.  Great looking chain, have a look: Specs Model: X10SL Color: Silver Size: ½”x11/128” Hollow pins and plates Material: steel Length: 116 linksContinue reading “KMC X10SL 10-Speed Bicycle Chain Review”

Venzo SPD MTB 6066 Clipless Pedals Review

I randomly ran into these great pedals when I was looking for new cleats.  They look great, are really light, and at the time they were just $20 on Amazon.  Price has come up a bit since then, but still an amazing deal, have a look: Specs Cleat: Compatible with Shimano SPD MTB cleats Weight:Continue reading “Venzo SPD MTB 6066 Clipless Pedals Review”

Box Three Mini V-Brake 85mm Review Gravel Bike

I don’t really love the look of cantilever brakes on a gravel bike, especially on my Surly Cross Check which I use as a road bike.  So, I spent many hours looking for an alternative that I would find more attractive.  I couldn’t find a great installed picture, but the Box Three mini v-brakes reallyContinue reading “Box Three Mini V-Brake 85mm Review Gravel Bike”

Omni Racer Square Taper Bottom Bracket JIS Cromo Review

My Surly was making a clicking sort of noise with every pedal stroke which forced me to find the source of the noise.  Suspecting the bottom bracket I discovered there was a little bit of side-to-side play, so it was time for a new bottom bracket.  I knew I wanted to try to save aContinue reading “Omni Racer Square Taper Bottom Bracket JIS Cromo Review”

Planet Bike STX Bike Floor Pump Review

I’ve been using my Planet Bike STX pump for quite a few months now and really like it.  First, it’s a bit taller than my old pump and this makes a dramatic difference for my back when I’m pumping up all the families’ bikes.  The auto head seems to have some sort of magic andContinue reading “Planet Bike STX Bike Floor Pump Review”