Shimano

As a retired mechanic, I have most of the tools I need to work on my bikes. Since my local bike shop closed, I have added more bike repair tools to my toolbox. When I need parts, I check Bike Tires Direct.com first. I am willing to pay a little more, knowing I can contact someone for help with replacement parts if needed. So far, I have not had any problems with the parts I have bought from Bike Tires Direct.com in the last 10 years. Because the price was good on the Shimano Ultegra/XT RT-CL800 Disc Rotor, I bought the highest quality available. Since it was a direct replacement, I knew it would be compatible with my bike. It fits perfectly and performs great with no noise. I have three bikes, and this part was for my Cannondale Synapse. I refer to this bike as my racing bike, and only the best parts go on it.

The top-of-the-line Shimano pedals have always been a good buy. Whether road or MTB, they wear for what seems to be forever and they just work. I have friends who dis Shimano pedals and swear by Shimano's competitors. Then, while on bike rides, they complain about their pedals all of the time. I have no complaints and have been riding either DuraAce or XTR SPDs since 1994. Every other brand I have used has either failed (one month out of warranty) or been a disappointment in functionality. Just buy them and forget all those other brands. I have converted to SRAM for drivetrains and brakes, but nobody does pedals like Shimano.

Specialized had a sale on last year's Roubaix so I decided to go for it. It came with DT Swiss 540 wheels with 32mm tires. That combo felt sluggish to me so I saw these Ultegra wheels on sale on BTD and decided to give them a try. I fitted them with Conti 5000 S TR in 28 mm width and a 11-34 12sp cassette, now the ride feels a lot lighter and more responsive. Was able to mount the tires by hand, no levers needed and they sealed with no problem. They are a solid set of no-nonsense wheels, maybe not the lightest available, but I'm quite happy with them. Love the quiet freehub.

I have two pairs of cycling shoes for gravel riding. I use these for dry days when I'm riding on the road and on smooth firm gravel and dirt roads, as they are white in color. The bike is a Scott Addict gravel 15 with continental Terra Competition tires. The other pair I have is a darker color Shimano shoe with better off road walking and is better for dirty, wet, rough stuff. For that terrain I go with different tires too. Fit is excellent. I bought these in a size 42, which is the same size I have used in Sidi Ergo Road shoes, and now the Nimble Ultimate Glide Road Racing shoe. These are best if you don't want a heavy gravel, mountain bike shoe and want something with a light stiff carbon road feel. Super comfy.