Shimano

You've heard the stories about not reusing Quick Links. You've probably also heard the stories about how it's OK to reuse Quick Links. I'm not willing to take the chance, so I keep Quick Links on hand for whenever I work on the chain. This Shimano Quick Link for 12 speed is what I need for my 12-speed setup on my primary bicycle. Conveniently, it comes in a two pack so purchasing is not that often. And purchasing from BTD is a no brainer because of their low prices, quick shipping, and for me, the VIP Club! For the price, it's worth staying away from knockoffs and going with the genuine Shimano product.

I assume that the easy in/out feature using various methods kept me off the pavement.

I was doing a track stand at a stop sign waiting for traffic to clear.

I notice what appeared to be a aa-battery on the tarmac.

Well my wheel placement for my track stand was in conflict with this little cylinder.

My front wheel rolled into said cylinder and my left foot came out cleanly and landed me and the bike upright. The cylinder was a battery length of copper pipe. Dumb luck, but these cleats appear to be as advertised.

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.