The worst is when you see a great deal and buy it even when you don’t need it. Like I don’t need XX1 Red (gen 1) cranks… but at 50% off maybe I do? 
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That’s really good to know as I have been considering one if it went on sale. I have a Pearl Izumi that works well but am settling up on Voler - they seem to have good quality for the price. I do like the Black Bib shorts, though.
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I can imagine that being in dating profiles 
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Isn’t Strava partnering with a dating app this summer? You might see it sooner than you thought.
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Such a cool thread!
Best
- As for many of you: Garmin Varia
- 12s Ultegra Di2 - after moving from old 10s mechanical Ultegra. I love crisp shifting, 12s is also much nicer - don’t have to swap cassette when going to climb hills
- Hydration backpack - yes, for the road. Priceless when going for a day trip into “wild” part of the country. Camelbak Chase
- Aftershokz bone conduction headset - motivating music when smashing intervals and podcasts on Z2 rides
- Cheap TPU tubes (and not trying tubeless)
- Cycling cap under the helmet - I didn’t expect how helpful it could be to protect eyes from sweat
- Solid Chain wax and an electric heating pot (actually - stolen one from my wife
) - Strava premium - I like route planning and heat map
- TrainerRoad subscription, indoor trainer, Assioma PM
Worst
- Isotonic powder - swapped it to kitchen sugar and salt.
- Oakley Sutro - they are sliding from my nose, especially when in hard intervals. 6 USD pair of photochrome shades with much better shape of the handles does the job
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One girl I met on Tinder, hadn’t ridden a bicycle in 30 years. She was terrified because that last time was on a clunker and the handlebars fell off going down a hill. After convincing her that my $9000 mountain bike wad safe, she tried it. Fell in love, and I bought a bike for her (used, from a friend). Broke up 5 years ago and she still has the bike.
Next one I met on a group ride, connected with her using Strava.
Current one I met in an ultra running Facebook group, she hadn’t ridden a bike in probably 30 years also. Now she has three. Still runs ultra too. She’s the strongest at somewhere around 3 w/kg and massive endurance.
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Blockquote The worst is when you see a great deal and buy it even when you don’t need it. Like I don’t need
XX1Red (gen 1) cranks… but at 50% off maybe I do?
I just did this with a set of XTR brakes for my Spec Chisel…
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BEST: My 2014 Trek Fuel EX 9 that I got in October 2013. I’d been working for a year out of college, saving, researching, and demo-ing. I’d like to replace it, but I cannot justify it, yet. I also (very sadly) don’t get to ride much these days, so it’s plenty good enough.
WORST: For better or worse, my purchases are few, far between, and over-analyzed, as you may be able to tell from my BEST purchase. My first thought was actually my wife’s e-bike, so I laughed to see others say the same That’s a little harsh, though. She had ridden her aunt’s Townie and really enjoyed it, but she wanted something sportier, more like a “real bike” in her words. We ordered a Motobecane online that we hoped she could take on some dirt roads and easy trails with me, but she does not enjoy the bike. She does ride it and I’ve adjusted it a lot, but she’s just not comfortable on it. I suppose we’re casually looking to sell it and buy one she can test ride first at an LBS. So, it’s at least been a learning lesson if nothing else.
Don’t get me wrong, husband was always super patient, but he would ride by himself if he wanted to put the watts down. And I was killing myself trying to push to make it more fun for him. Now we can race each other and he’s never bored. Fun for me too to go that fast.
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I bought Van Moof e-bikes during Covid times as a casual bike multiple people in the family could use. They looked nice and when they worked, they were pretty good. Unfortunately, I went through at least 5 of them in 2 years because they simply wouldn’t work. I was able to get a partial refund from VF before their recent bankruptcy proceedings (and rescue), but of course I had also spent a ton of time and anguish, and money on accessories.
I just came back from a ride and remembered a few things to add to the list:
Best:
-
Giordana NXG bibs and jerseys. That stuff is magical. Way too expensive but you can find them on sale often or from some outlets on ebay.
-
Shokz headphones. Bought them initially for riding but now I also use the for everything.
-
Bar Mitts: the only thing that keeps my hands warm in cold weather. They made Minnesota winters much more bearable.
Worst:
- Wiggle’s Lifeline cleats for Shimano spd-sl pedals. They just wouldn’t stay clipped. I was a fan of their home brands but these weren’t good enough.
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Best
Trek Travel Trip last year in Spain. Just unbelievable roads, scenery, food and attention to detail by the guides. This is my best trip ever. Off to do another one in September.
Rocker Plate. It just made it feel like I am riding outside.
Garmin Varia- Feel naked without it.
Electronic shifting…I just love it. I see some dont like it but it just is seemless.
Worst
Buying my spouse a bike. I think she road it twice.
Bike shorts- I started with them and was so glad when I switched to bib shorts.
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So is Tinder you best purchase and the bike she still has your worst? 
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I meant both. Congrats though. PM’s are amazing tools. Just understand it’s a tool and don’t forget to listen to your body.
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Shokz are another one for sure. I wear them to bed listening to audio books. I cycle with them all the time. I use them for running.
Got mine for 60 euros and I use them every single day.
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Can you still hear through Shokz when going downhill and the wind is blowing in your ears? Currently using airpods gen 2 because they are convenient and inexpensive. And I can rotate 2 pair during long endurance rides (especially in winter). Shokz may get a second look if you can still hear while going fast.
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Best: Favero Assioma power meter pedals, AfterShokz headphones and Varia radar.
Worst: I don’t buy a lot of stuff and all of it gets used so not many bad purchases. Probably Pinnacle bib tights - the chamois got out of shape relatively quickly (they were heavily discounted in the shop though and I had needed new tights asap for a ride the next day 
)
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Not really unless you turn the volume up. But that’s no worse than any pair of headphones I’ve had that don’t have ANC.
The real plus is having your ears open. I’ve had music going and still able to have a chat with the cyclist next to me.
The other big difference I find is how easy the buttons are to find and push to start/stop music and control volume.
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Mine are rated to 12 hours play time on a charge, so no concerns about needing to rotate through different pairs.
At maximum volume I start having trouble hearing them at a combined bike+wind speed of about 30-35 mph. Which is just mildly annoying at an exposed velodrome. YMMV depending upon your ear shape.
Even if I used them on road habitually I wouldn’t be paying them any attention on a 40mph descent; I’d be watching for wildlife, other road users, & trying to get my lines right.
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A debatable best buy for me has probably on retrospect been my AR14 helmet. Touchwood I never get to find out how capable it is but the magnetic buckle for me with easily numb fingers its a game changer!
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