Quick look at the Samsung Galaxy S 2 bike mount

• Bike mount costs £34.95
• Waterproof
• Should fit most sized handlebars as long as you have space on the bars
• Available from the London Cyclist Shop

Samsung Galaxy S 2 bike mount review

After a quick installation on the bicycle handlebars the Samsung Galaxy S 2 fits perfectly inside the case. The mount can be installed on either the handlebars or the stem. The good news is that using the 360 degree swivel it’s easy to twist it into position that you prefer. However, due to the design of the mounting mechanism if you place it on the stem it does not sit in the middle of the stem. It is slightly off to one side. With road vibrations it makes you a little nervous the mount will come lose. However, after many rides that hasn’t happened and the mount feels secure.

The mount was also tested during the heavy rain. Fortunately, the Samsung Galaxy S 2 survived to tell the tale. Water was kept at bay by the inner lining. Although Gordon reported a couple of drops got between the case and the inner lining however they never reached the phone.

The Samsung Galaxy S 2 bike mount allows you to use your camera while the phone is in the case. This works fine and means you could use your Samsung Galaxy S 2 to record your ride. Unfortunately, the flash is obstructed by the case and hence pictures in the dark won’t come out.

There is also access to the MicroUSB connector through a rubber flap on the mount. This means the S 2 can be charged while in the mount. The only port that cannot be accessed is the headphone port which means you couldn’t attach headphones. All the external buttons are easy to press while it is inside the mount.

Using apps such as the new Garmin Fit app and Endomondo the mount allows you to see useful stats on your ride. It’s an impressive setup. Although, arguably, the most useful function is to follow directions to a new destination you haven’t cycled to before. For this the screen is bright enough to be seen through the thin film that protects it from the rain. Although, occasionally in direct sunlight visibility does suffer. The only way to solve this is to turn up the brightness on the Samsung Galaxy S 2.

The major downside to the mount is the size. As the Samsung Galaxy S 2 has a 4.3” screen it makes it a very big phone. The case is also pretty huge and sometimes that feels a little uncomfortable on the handlebars. This is where a dedicated cycle computer such as a Garmin GPS wins out.

Overall, the mount is impressive. Neil gives it an 8 out of 10. Gordon says it’s unlikely it will replace his Garmin GPS but admits the possibilities of accessing different apps from your handlebars is exciting.

The Samsung Galaxy S 2 bike mount is available for £34.95 from the London Cyclist Shop.

See also:

• Android cycling apps
• Use your Android to repair your bike
• iPhone bike mounts

The essential bike accessories

Lock, lights, helmet, track pump and lockable skewers.

1. Bike lock

Suggestion: Kryptonite New York 3000
Price: £65
In-store or online: In-store (Cycle to Work = 40% off woo!)

What came first? The bicycle lock or the bike. It doesn’t matter, because unless your bike looks like you’ve just hauled it out of a canal then its going to get stolen. The first thing you’ll need therefore, is a decent lock. It doesn’t get much more decent than the Kryptonite New York 3000. It’s a lock that will resist all but the most persistent attacks.

2. Bike lights

Suggestion: Knog Boomer and Blackburn Flea
Price: £25.49 and £21.99
In-store or online: Online (Probably don’t have these in store)

Even if you the thought of repairing a puncture makes you run and hide under your bed covers you’ll still be able to install the Knog Boomer and Blackburn Flea. Both are beautifully simple to install and with USB charging you’ll save a bundle from not having to replace batteries. Plus they both provide plenty of light and look great.

3. Helmets

Suggestion: Bell helmet
Price: £31.49
In-store or online: In-store (Cycle to Work = 40% off woo!)

I hear gasps at the back? I’d be hearing even more gasps if I didn’t give a shout out to the bicycle helmet. Long a point of contention – to wear one or not to wear one? I’ll leave the choice up to you. I’ve written about bicycle helmets previously. The Bell helmet I recommend is a bit of an “out there” choice for those that want to look cool on their bikes.

4. Track pump

Suggestion: Topeak Joe Blow Sport
Price: £24.99
In-store or online: In-store (Cycle to Work = 40% off woo!)

Life before buying a track pump was tenuous. My mini-pump, try as I might, could barely ever reach the required tyre pressure. The track pump on the other hand makes light work of empty tires and means I can cycle without wasting energy due to flat tyres. I highly recommend the Topeak Joe Blow Sport.

5. Lockable skewers

Suggestion: Pinhead Four Pack Locking Skewer Set
Price: £53.99
In-store or online: In-store (Cycle to Work = 40% off woo!)

You may have mistakenly believed the fifth item I’d mention is mudguards. You can’t have the pleasure of road muck spraying on your back if someone’s run off with your wheels, saddle and handlebars. That’s exactly what the Pinhead system secures and it is worth having if you are riding an expensive bike.

Bike accessories for a later date

Bottle cage, basic tool kit, waterproof jacket, mudguards, shoes and bike mount.

As things progress with your cycling you’ll probably want to grab a couple of extra bits. A bottle cage for one is useful for staying hydrated. A basic tool kit is good for that inevitable puncture on the way home in the rain. Cycling specific waterproof jackets keep you dry and at the same time not too sweaty.

You may also eventually transition either to clip in shoes or power grips. This gives you extra power especially when heading up hill. Do be aware you will fall over often as you get used to them.

A final item I can’t close this post without mentioning is a bike mount. If you’ve got a modern Android or iPhone mobile phone then these are a game changer. No longer will you be getting lost all the time as you can follow your route on your phone’s screen. Here at London Cyclist we love them so much we even sell one ourselves!

See also:

• Our complete coverage of Cycling Gear
• Puncture proof tyres
• Helmet cameras
• Bicycle insurance

This bag has more pockets than I care to count. With space for a 15 inch laptop, iPad, paperwork, pens, a portable hard drive, sunglasses and even a room left for your emergency bike repair kit this is an organisations freaks dream.

The perfect laptop bag

STM specialise in making laptop bags. Over the years they’ve pretty much perfected the art of it. The STM Jet Laptop bag feels light to carry, it’s slim and water resistant. While riding around the bag felt particularly comfortable on my back thanks to the padded shoulder straps and a breathable back. I found this stayed comfortable even when I loaded up the bag to capacity.

If you’ve ever carried your laptop around in a bag and then cringed as you place it on the floor a little too fast then the suspended design will be useful. It keeps the laptop from hitting the ground with a bang.

Another feature very useful when on the bike is the quick access pocket on the shoulder straps. This is useful for keeping your phone in there or keys. I found when locking up the bike it speeds things along not having to dig deep into the bag to find my keys.

At the bottom of the bag is a nice big pocket where I’ve been keeping a spare inner tube and various bits for side of the road repairs.

Keeping things organised

The top front pocket is useful for keeping pens and it also has a zipped compartment for any lose change or anything that might slip out the bag.

Inside, the front pocket has again plenty of useful separate compartments as well as a space to keep an iPad, a Kindle or a notebook. In the big main compartment you put your laptop. The large version will fit a 17 inch laptop where as the medium fits a 15 inch. Then finally there’s room for any papers, cycling magazines or anything else you’d like to place in the back.

Review

I’ve been really impressed with the STM bag. It’s clear to see a lot of thought has gone into it. As someone who cycle commutes into work with their laptop or is often carrying their laptop off to meetings in other offices, countries etc then it’s the perfect bag. If you want a more general purpose bag then the STM Jet Laptop bag isn’t for you as the compartments are very specifically designed for business purposes.

Review score: 5/5

Costs £42.50-£60. To find out more visit the STM website.

This week I’m taking a quick look at some of the best saddle bags. You can also store things on a handlebar bag which can be quicker to access. I’ll be covering 3 of the best handlebar bags next week.

What to look for in a cycling saddle bag

Quick to remove: If you are leaving your bike in a populated area where an opportunistic thief may pinch your saddle bag then you’ll want one that is quick to add and remove from your bike.

Size: Take a look at what you’ll be storing in there. The chances are your bike pump won’t fit so you’ll probably want to attach that to the bike or instead carry a Co2 pump. Ideally, pick the small or medium bag size as that has less chance of interfering with your pedal stroke.

Mounting: Some of the bags come with a clip design and others with straps. Straps will fit all saddles and clips some of the saddles. A clip design is generally slightly lighter and quicker to release.

Waterproof: If you will be storing your mobile phone in there then check for waterproofing on the saddle bag.

3 of the best saddle bags

Here is a hand picked selection of some of the most recommended saddle bags that you can trust.

Topeak Aero Wedge

The Aero Wedge is easily one of the most popular saddle bags. It comes in mini, small, medium and large and costs just £12.59. The small size should fit a tube, repair kit, multi-tool and key. Switching to the medium will give you enough room to also carry your mobile phone, cash and credit cards.

The Topeak Aero Wedge saddle bag has a reflective strip at the back as well as a space to attach a light. Unclipping is quick and easy. While attached the bag sits firmly in place and doesn’t interfere with pedalling. It is weather-proof.

£12.59 

Available from: Wiggle (£12.59), Evans Cycles (£13.99) or Chain Reaction Cycles (£12.99)

Topeak Wedge II

A new cycling saddle bag from Topeak that improves on from the popular Wedge design. It includes a rain cover, reflective strip that goes all around the design and expanding main compartment for storage (in medium and large version).

There is a more expensive version that also includes a multi-tool which can be purchased from here for £29.99.

£19.99

Available from: Evans Cycles (£19.99) or Chain Reaction Cycles (£29.99) – version with Multitool

Fizik Saddle Bags

If you have a Fizik saddle then this accompanying saddle bag will be an excellent choice. It uses a clip mounting system making it quick to remove. The water resistant design has an well positioned zip opening and will fit the basics. It is of a particularly light design. The bag also includes a bike light mount.

The Fizik saddle bag comes in small and medium and costs just £9.89.

£9.89

Available from: Wiggle (£9.89), Chain Reaction Cycles (£9.99) and Evans (£13.99).

Update!

I’ve had a lot of comments about the Carradice bags (See comments below). These are larger than the “under-saddle” bags I mention above but useful for longer rides.

See also:

• Waterproof cycling bags
• Bag that can carry your suit to work
• iPhone bike mount

In my long, arduous quest to find myself the perfect light to illuminate the path ahead I’ve come across many a bike light. At first it was CatEye lights, then came the Knog Frogs, Knog Gekkos and Ixon IQ. But, finally I believe I’ve found the one bike light to rule them all!

I present to you the Blackburn Flea Front 2.0 USB (£21.99, Chain Reaction Cycles)

The stats: 1.5hr recharge time, LED battery level indicator (i.e. no more bike light dying on you without warning), 3 hrs runtime steady / 5 hrs on Flash. Comes in 6 colours.

So what is making me rejoice at no longer having to search for the perfect front bike light? That moment was realised as soon as I first turned on the Blackburn Flea.

I thought the night had been transformed to day by this powerful little light. Okay, that’s definitely an overreaction. But the Flea produces an impressive 40 Lumens. Roughly double the tiny Knog Strobe. On the road, that translates into impressive visibility and enough light for a dark ride around Regents Park – think minimum street lighting.

On the left in the pictures above you can see the Blackburn Flea in the lower power setting and bumped up to full on the right. As you can see the light provides plenty of side visibility.

This isn’t just about brightness..

The Flea also comes with a set of very favourable features. For one, it prevents the annoying moment when you look into your bag and find your bike lights turned on. I’ve always been fascinated by how manufacturers never look into this.

Also, the design of the attachment mechanism (a Velcro strap) works well for quickly attaching and removing the Flea (something you always have to do when leaving your bike in a public place). This is also great for those with more than one bike who want to quickly switch the light between the two. The strap provides a range of mounting options and keeps the light firmly in place.

The end of having to buy new batteries..

The Blackburn Flea recharges via USB. This means you can plug it in when you get to this office and the battery will be full within an hour and a half. That’s perfect for saving money and for not having to remember to pickup replacement batteries.

In the packaging there’s a tiny attachment that plugs into a USB port. The Blackburn Flea then simply rests on top on the magnetic points. When the light turns from flashing red to green the light is fully charged.

The end of not knowing when your bike light is about to quit on you..

A green light means there is more than 75% charge in the battery, orange is from 25% to 75% and a red indicator means it’s time to get the charger out.

It’s a simple way of making sure you are never pedalling around in the dark.

Truly bike light perfection?

The light certainly won’t be perfect for everyone. Some will still seek more light for example or prefer non-rechargeable lights which last longer. However, for me, the Blackburn Flea combines powerful brightness, USB charging and a tiny size. There’s not a lot more I could ask for.

The Flea is available for £21.99 from Chain Reaction Cycles. For £39.99 you can also purchase the set which includes a rear light.

See also:

• Definitive guide to bike lights
• Recommended waterproof cycling jackets
• A question of bike pedals

Handlebar grips are often not given much thought. You just get a pair with your bike and get on with it.  That’s pretty much what I did for two years. Then I suddenly started noticing horrible black material on my hands and poor grip on the bike. I realised the handlebars were in dire need of replacement. I’d heard good things about the Ergon Grips so I thought I’d try them out.

The benefit of the Ergon Grips is that they’re kinder to your hands and wrists. This is because they’ve got a bigger surface area to fit your hand. They are “anatomically” designed. Meaning they fit your body better than standard grips. I definitely can’t go as far as saying the design by Ergon is revolutionary because this style of grips has been created before. It’s just that Ergon have branded it and done it better than anyone else.

The Ergon Grips that I tried are the GC2. There are 5 different grips in the Ergon Performance Comfort range. The GC2 Ergon Grips have a short bar end. You can choose between a small and a large version. Most people will be better off with the small. Though, if you wear extra large gloves then you may want to consider the large Ergon Grip version.

Installation

Installation was fairly simple as I demonstrated in the replacing handlebar grips video a couple of weeks ago. Within about 5 minutes I was good to go. What it does need after this initial quick setup is for a bit more tweaking after a few rides. This will allow you to set your optimal position for the grips otherwise they can feel uncomfortable.

First ride with the Ergon GC2 grips

Trying the Ergon Grips out for the first time they instantly feel more solid than most standard grips that are supplied with bikes. You feel like you have better control of over the handlebars. There is also definitely a comfort gain from having more of a grip to lean against. The material itself is well designed so as not to slip. Even riding in severely rainy conditions I didn’t have an issue. The real benefit of the grips is after you go out on a long ride you’ll notice your hands are free of any aches and pains.

What I liked about the Ergon Grips

• Clever design that better serves a cyclists hands
• Does away with the aches and pains
• Easy installation that anyone can do
• Great look

What I didn’t like about the Ergon Grips

• I’m not a big fan of having bar end that stick out
• If you don’t adjust them correctly they will feel uncomfortable

Ergon Grips Review

Overall I’m a convert to the Ergon Grips and I would highly recommend them to fellow cyclists. Next time I would probably opt for the version without the sticking out bar ends as I find them a little unnecessary. If you’re looking to upgrade your bike then look no further than your handlebars.

Prices

£32.99	£32.99	£32.99

See also:

• How to replace handlebar grips < Quick video showing how to do this common upgrade
• DHB Amberley Cycling Jacket < A good cycling jacket for under £50?
• Winter Cycling Gear < To keep you cycling enjoyably in the cold
• Bike lights guide < From the mini lights to the monsters

I haven’t had much time to try out the Slicks bag yet but here’s a quick overview of the things I like and don’t like.

What I like about the Slicks bag:

• Would make an amazing gift for a cycling husband/wife/close friend
• Comfortable on your back
• Waterproof
• Great looking design
• First bag I’ve seen for carrying your suit with you into work
• Looks like something George Clooney might use if he was a cyclist
• Doubles up as a briefcase
• Has space to put a laptop and cycling accessories

What I didn’t like:

• It is a little on the heavy side at 2.5kg
• Outside of some people’s budget. Currently at £114.99 (see discount code..)

This is definitely the most professional looking cycling bag I’ve ever tried but at the same time it doesn’t loose touch on some of the fun. In fact Chris (the designer) is keen to push the message of “love your journey”. I’m sure that’s something we can relate to as commuting cyclists.

Chris has also been kind enough to offer London Cyclist readers a 10% discount on the bag using the discount code ERX9.

I’m hoping to spend a little bit more time with the bag to give my full impressions on London cyclist. In the mean time you can find out more about the bag on the Slicks website:

www.slicks.cc/

Schwalbe Marathon Plus is the tyre of choice for the tough bikes used in the hire scheme in France – could it help you on your bike?

Punctures are an annoying part of a cyclists life. For me, they typically occur when I least want them to. On my way to a meeting. In the rain. And when my toolkit is sat, forgotten, on my desk at home. But there are tyres that can drastically reduce the number of punctures.

There is one piece of bad news however, that I better deliver to you now in-case you haven’t already realised. No matter what people say there is no such thing as “100% puncture proof tyres”. That’s like saying McDonalds burgers are “100% meat”. I’ll counteract that with two pieces of good news to make you feel better. These tyres don’t cost that much more than your average tyre and they won’t slow you down noticeably.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus puncture proof tyres

I rode with the Marathon Plus tyres 145+ miles from Birmingham to London along the canal towpaths (considered puncture heaven) getting only a single puncture. Others doing the same route but with different tyres have reported punctures in double figures. Since then they’ve continued to serve me well. I’d highly recommend them.

£24.29	£24.99	£23.45

Specialized Armadillo all condition tyres

I recently got this email about these puncture proof tyres:

Was staggered by the amount of people in your what is in your bike bag article who carried spare inner tyres, puncture repair kits and CO2 canisters with them every day! Staggered. I cycle along the towpath, through Harlesden (always has glass in road). On average about 30 miles a week. Have had zero punctures in 6 years going from Shepherds Bush – Wembley. Why not do a review of armadillo tyres with the puncture protection? I ride a hybrid with these on. Am probably jinxing it now I realise, but I love them.

£24.29

Puncture proof tyres tip

If you can fit them on your bike the 25mm or 28mm puncture proof tyres will provide greater comfort and a smaller chance of a pinch puncture.

Conclusion

The above two tyres are considered two of the best puncture proof tyres. I’m excited to hear what you guys think. It’s invaluable to have this great community of cyclists here on London Cyclist adding their personal experiences and insights.

Please add a comment below about your thoughts on puncture proof tyres & technologies..

Also related:

• Ever wanted to peek inside a fellow cyclists bag? Here’s your chance.
• Find out how to repair a puncture – checkout the Bike Doctor App.
• Get my free guide to bicycle maintenance. Subscribe to the newsletter.
• Tyres that make you go “Whoosh”! The continental city contact.

Whilst I’m very thankful for my iPhone bike mount because it helped me find my way before I knew London more like the back of my hand it can’t win because it was more than 12 months ago. Recently acquiring a Topeak Joe Blow pump has made a huge difference. I’ve always favoured a hand pump to save space but reaching the required pressure in the tyre was a very tough task. It meant I was frequently riding around on a tyre not at at the recommended pressure which was slowing me down and causing more punctures. Whilst the pump takes up a lot of space it is definitely a great purchase and one I should have made ages ago.

If you think about the cycling accessories for your bike you’ve bought in the past 12 months is there one (cheap or expensive) that stands out for you? Share in the comments below and it may be useful for others.

Update with some suggestions from my Twitterers:

danceralamode My portable pump with hose…Morph…finally stopped ripping presta valves on the go…

DWAkin I love my Halo II headband under my helmet. Keeps most of the sweat out of my eyes.

joeharling Chrome Corsair messenger bag. #beautiful

See also:

• 3 new initiatives that make cycling in London safe – will they work?
• Who are the least courteous drivers in London?
• Would you like a fine or a safety course for jumping that red light?
• What’s in your bike bag?

I recently put the question out on Twitter about which bike rack I should get. Here is what my Twitter followers had to say:

• alexbutcher @londoncyclist Tubus cro-mo rack. Will last you a life time and can be repaired if required. A truly awesome product
• jmwollny @londoncyclist Blackburn and Tubus are very good
• EnekOraintxe @londoncyclist A good bike rack? Try any Tubus or their cheaper brand Racktime. German = strong but light
• eldridge_grade @londoncyclist I’m after a Blackburn EXP-2. Cheapest I’ve found so far ….. http://bit.ly/bELyIB
• vnvobit @londoncyclist I have a Topeak one which is fine, coupled with these http://j.mp/9oTauy great capacity and clips to keep them secure
• NicoleHammond @londoncyclist agree, bag off back = essential in hot weather. Just got nifty cheapo QR one from Decathlon but bog-standard bolt-on=tougher

With the Tubus being such a highly recommended brand I took a look around. A little expensive for my first bike rack. So I tried out Blackburn and Topeak. I most liked the look of the Topeak ones so I’ll be testing out the Topeak Super Tourist DX F/Disc which fits both bikes with and without disc brakes.

Why buy a bike pannier rack?

With the bike being my main mode of transport and a weekly visit to the supermarket on the cards for the foreseeable future it seems like a logical choice. Carrying all that supermarket shopping weight on my back is simply not an enjoyable experience. Also, as I go on more long distance cycling trips it is illogical for me to still be carrying everything on my back. Therefore, the panniers are a good addition that for now I have only resisted for weight and appearance reasons.

I’ll let you know how I get along.

UPDATE: I’ve now tested out the Topeak Super Tourist DX and given my thoughts.

See also:

1. Make your escape in 2010
2. Abus Granit Steel O Flex Review
3. 7 mistakes you are making with your cycling
4. Bike repair straight to your door