I’m stoked to get my first gravel bike! I got a specialized diverge Alloy.
I’m planning on getting some gear of course and wanted some advice from the bike community
Are these good brands? Are phone mounts actually bad for the phone camera? If phone mounts are bad, what’s a good bike speedometer computer? Are there ones that give you maps and turns without a subscription? Are rechargeable lights a good or bad idea?
https://a.co/d/09ZcnUUz – headlight/taillight
https://a.co/d/073oOorP – phone mount
https://a.co/d/0jd5rDY0 – Bike shorts with padding
by Acceptable_String_52
4 Comments
Yes, phone mounts will eventually destroy the stabilization.
Get the Hammerhead Karoo.
Rechargeable lights are very good, the alternative would be no lights, which is just dumb, especially at night, or AA/AAA lights.
I love my garmin edge 540 though you can spend more on a larger screen. Really dig the Varia rear which integrates w Garmin head unit or your phone. The radar is not only a life saver it helps me relax on long countryside roads. And spots eMTBs racing up your rear.
ALMSTHRE frame and top tube bags are dope- though love apidura aero top tube bag bc it’s large and no zipper so easy to grab a snack, keep your tire plugs in there.
I also have a battery powered pump- got the knockoff on amzn look it up- much cheaper and mine has been through hell no problem. Much easier than hand pump or co2.
Lastly whatever tpu- I like pirelli gravel one. It’s yellow so if you get caught in a flash flood you inflate w your dope pump and the coast guard can see you from the helo.
Lastly some Tops early 90s baseball cards for the spokes.
For a light you want like 1000 lumens+, 800 minimum. Lower than that has trouble competing with cars. Reputable brands I’ve used and enjoyed are trek and niterider
I use a phone with a bone connection bike tie 2, it’s made of rubber with plenty of shock absorbing going on, I’ve had no issues with it. I would get a quad lock now that I have a phone that works with it, but no need to upgrade. I wouldn’t use a quad lock with the universal mount, I trust the webbing on the bone way more.
Not sure on the shorts, but I’ve heard bibs from “the black bibs” are good quality for budget if you want to check that route out, it can be more comfortable. If you’re wearing shorts/joggers over, be sure to use dedicated chamois liner such as fox tecbase, true underwear with padding.
I’d set up tubeless ASAP, best first upgrade.
The topeak wedge drybag with f25 clip is nice for tube and tools
If you don’t have flat pedal MTB shoes yet they are 1000% worth it. Look for specialized 2fo roost flat on sale
If you want some more comfort check out roval terra for seatpost. Redshift post is also nice if you don’t care about weight, ergon is bullshit cause dirt can get in your frame.
Edit: took down redshift/cane creek stem recommendation after seeing future shock
Grats on your new bike.
Headlights: Just be aware with Amazon listings from unknown brands. 9/10 have false claim on brightness (lumen). I have had good experience with Coospo and Cyclami headlights. They are not super pricey. But they are well-known Chinese brands. And their brightness spec seems reliable.
Phone Mount: I have ones similar to the one you linked. It is really intended for motorcycle. It is large and bulky. Just so you are aware.
I have mounts with the same handlebar clamp as the one you linked. It is plastic. Works very well and clamps tight on handlebar. Potential issue is lack of space on handlebar.
Then the one you linked is spring loaded that squeeze down on the phone only from top and bottom. It kind of works on large phone, but probably not so great on gravel. If you have a smaller phone, it will not clamp tight. I prefer clamps that tightened by screw rotationally. Slow to take on or off, but they clamp tight.
Bike Shorts: I don’t have experience with Bikewa. I have bought Baleaf and sponeed brands on Amazon. They are piece of shit. Padding is thin. And do not last. I would not buy these no name brands on Amazon. Just waste of money.
I now own Pearl Izumi, Canari, and Zoic. These are not top brands; kind of low- to mid-end from real cycling brands. When on sale, these go down to around $30. Much better than spending $25-$30 for no-name Amazon brands.
$25 https://canari.com/collections/mens-padded-cycling-shorts/products/mens-core-short
$50 https://canari.com/collections/mens-padded-cycling-shorts/products/velo-gel-short
$36 at REI, but limited sizes https://www.rei.com/product/246074/canari-velo-gel-cycling-shorts-mens