Cycling Bike
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 New Garmin Edge 800 GPS Cycling Computer Bid Now  US $344.95
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 Magellan Roadmate GPS WATER RESISTANT MOTOR BIKE MOUNT US $12.49
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 GARMIN FORERUNNER 610 HEART MONITOR TRAINING WATCH US $429.95
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 GARMIN FORERUNNER 610 TRAINING WATCH US $389.95
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 GARMIN FORERUNNER 910XT TRAINING WATCH WITH HRM US $449.95
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 Garmin Edge 500 Cycling Computer HRM Neutral Bid Now Premium Soft Strap US $254.99
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 Mini GPS Receiver Backtrack Personal Location Finder LON LATI ALT SPD CLK 16 PIO US $13.50
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 Mini GPS Receiver Backtrack Personal Location Finder 16 Point PIO w Keychain US $12.50
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 Magellan Maestro GPS WATER RESISTANT MOTOR BIKE MOUNT US $9.99
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 Garmin Nuvi Nextar GPS WATER RESISTANT MOTOR BIKE MOUNT US $9.99
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 New Garmin Edge 500 Red Bundle Cycling GPS Computer Bid Now US $309.99
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 Garmin Forerunner 405 Black Sports GPS Receiver US $53.00
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 Garmin Edge 200 GPS Enabled Bike Computer US $71.00
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 Garmin Edge 705 Heart Rate Speed Cadence Monitor Sports GPS Receiver US $320.68
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 New Garmin Edge 200 GPS Enabled Cycling Computer Bid Now US $124.95
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 marine audio system w 35 bullet style chrome speaker Phone mp3 holder atvs US $10.50
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 New Garmin Edge 500 GPS Cycling Computer Neutral Color Bid Now US $195.99
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 New Garmin Edge 800 Performance Navigation GPS Cycling Computer Bid Now US $499.99
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 New Garmin Edge 500 Bundle Cycling Computer Neutral No Reserve Bid Now US $314.99
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 TOMTOM ONE XL GO GPS WATER RESISTANT MOTOR BIKE MOUNT US $12.49
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 shark SHKMSDHRS6160H 250 watt motorcycle w wired wireless remoteantenna US $38.00
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 JL AUDIO 600W MAX HD SERIES 4 CHANNEL AMPLIFIER HD600 4 US $305.00
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 Garmin Forerunner 910XT GPS Enabled Device with premium HRM Heart Rate Monitor US $413.95
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 Motorcycle scooter audio system w 35 bullet style black speaker brackets bl US $16.50
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 Garmin Forerunner 610 Black Monitor Sports GPS Receiver LIKE NEW US $247.50
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 Motorcycle scooter audio system w 35 bullet style chrome speaker brackets cr US $26.00
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 Garmin Edge 705 HR Sports GPS Heart Rate Monitor Cycle Computer US $297.78
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 Garmin Bicycle Mount Kit US $4.00
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 Safety Car Bike Auto Tubeless Tire Tyre Puncture Plug Repair Cement Tool Kit US $4.97
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 Garmin Forerunner 405CX HR Heart Rate Monitor Blue Sports GPS Receiver Watch US $209.31
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 Garmin Forerunner 405 Black Sports GPS Receiver watch new open box NOT $282 US $169.99
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 Pyle Motorcycle Boat ATV Speakers Amplifier Set w USB Charger PLMCA60 US $44.95
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 250w Motorcycle 2 speakers FM splash proof remote sd US $109.99
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 QSTARZ SR Q2100 GPS Bike computer US $99.99
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 Shark 250w motorcycle audio system W new 3 speakers US $101.69
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 GARMIN FORERUNNER 310XT 610 405 FR60 BIKE MOUNT KIT 010 11029 00 NEW US $13.50
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 Garmin Edge 200 Sports GPS Bike Computer Brand New Factory Sealed US $114.53
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 Garmin Forerunner 405 GPS RUNNING Watch ANT Sports Watch US $186.40
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 Garmin Forerunner 910XT Sports GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor New Sealed US $300.00
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 Garmin Forerunner 610 GPS Sports Watch with USB Ant Stick and Charging Cradle US $394.93
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 Garmin 010 00899 00 Edge 800 26 Personal Trainer GPS System New US $387.94
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 Garmin Edge 200 Sports GPS Receiver US $66.00
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 250w Motorcycle audio system w huge lcd remote sd US $103.99
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 BRAND NEW GARMIN EDGE 800 GPS BLUE PERFORMANCE NAV BUNDLE US $499.00
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 Garmin Forerunner 110 W Womens Heart Rate Monitor HRM Bundle QUICK DELIVERY US $197.46
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 Garmin Forerunner 405 Black with Heart Rate Monitor Sports GPS Watch US $205.36
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 GARMIN FORERUNNER 405CX BIKE MOUNTING KIT 310XT FR60 010 11029 00 US $15.78
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 Garmin Forerunner 610 HRM UK Stock from UK Dealer No Import Duty FR610 US $439.17
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 Garmin eTrex Bike Cycle Handlebar Mount Bracket H Vista 010 10267 00 NEW US $21.12
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 snowmobile motorcycle chrome audio speaker set 4 ipod Phone mp3 holder atvs US $31.00
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 shark Motorcycle snowmobile audio ipod system splash proof 100 watt w fm radio US $46.00
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 Car Bike Motocycle Auto Tubeless Tire Tyre Puncture Plug Repair Cement Tool Kit US $4.95
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 Safety Car Bike Auto Puncture Plug Repair Cement Tool Kit for Tubeless Tire Tyre US $4.98
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 GARMIN EDGE EXTRA BIKE MOUNT EDGE 305 PN 010 10725 00 US $13.11
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 250w Motorcycle audio system w huge lcd remote sd bl US $108.99
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 GARMIN EDGE EXTRA BIKE MOUNT EDGE 605 PN 010 10725 00 US $13.11
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 MyLaps Personal Transponder AMB Car Bike RechargeableFREE Shipping US $448.00
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 Safety Car Bike Auto Tubeless Tire Tyre Puncture Plug Repair Cement Tool Kit NEW US $4.95
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 MAINNAV MG 600B SPORT GPS DATA LOGGER US $99.95
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 NEWGARMIN FORERUNNER 405 GPS RECEIVER W ANT SPORT WIRELESS TECH 010 00658 10 US $169.95
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 250w Motorcycle audio system w huge lcd remote sd cr US $112.99
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 MyLaps Personal Transponder AMB Car Bike Direct WireFree Shipping Priority US $448.00
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 Garmin Forerunner 110 GPS Watch Red Stripe Heart Rate Monitor Sports Receiver US $149.99
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 Garmin Forerunner 405 Black GPS Heart Rate Monitor Bundle Ant Stick 010 00658 20 US $149.99
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 Garmin Edge 800 Bike Motorcycle GPS Navigation Receiver 26 Touchscreen NEW US $387.95
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 250 watt Motorcycle yacht 2 speakers amplifier US $85.49
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 Garmin Edge 305 Bundle 18 Personal Trainer GPS Bundle w HR Speed Cadence US $189.95
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 Garmin Edge 705 Sports GPS Bundle with Heart Rate Monitor Speed Cadence US $319.99
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 GARMIN FORERUNNER 110 210 310XT 405CX 50 BIKE MOUNT KIT US $15.25
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 Garmin zumo 660 Motorcycle GPS Receiver US $650.00
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 GARMIN EDGE EXTRA BIKE MOUNT EDGE 205 PN 010 10725 00 US $13.11
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 Waterproof 5 SatNav GPS 1800mAh Battery Pack Motorcycle Bike Mount US $47.38
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 GARMIN FORERUNNER 610 TRAINING WATCH 010 00947 00 US $393.26
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 GENUINE GARMIN SILICONE CASE FOR EDGE 800 010 10644 03 US $14.98
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 Capdase Pebbo Weather Rain Snow Splash Proof Case Bike Mount for iPhone 4 4S US $54.65
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 LCD Digital Car Auto Bike Tyre Tire Pressure Gauge Tool US $4.68
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 Garmin Forerunner Bicycle Mount Kit US $11.84
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 Garmin Forerunner 405cx GPS Receiver w Heart Rate US $175.99
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 Garmin FR70 Fitness Watch Pink with Heartrate Monitor US $119.99
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 NEW GARMIN OEM BIKE MOUNT KIT for FORERUNNER 310XT 405 405CX 410 50 010 11029 00 US $15.25
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French Cycling - Gear to Go
GETTING STARTED
There are exceptions to the truism"you get what you pay for." Buying a French Cycling bike is not one of them. This is not a cost. This is an investment. A chocolate bar is a cost. Once it's gone – end o' story. A good touring bike is an investment. A continuing story. More than simply reliable transportation. It's also your confidante ,dream facilitator, passport to adventure and your best travellin' pal. So – ya need to find the best travelling pal possible. N'est ce pas?
Here are the "Friendship Qualities" to look for :
THE FRAME.
Light n' strong. Here's where "more"(dollars) is ,most often, mo' beddah.$400-800 should getcha 90% of the cycling enchilada. In this price range the frame will likely be "cromoly" – a tasty blend of chrome and aluminium. The more pictures of dead presidents you have to play with – the lighter the frame. The nth degree being carbon fibre. After that, it's "the sky's the limit price club." Frames built with stuff NASA is only dreaming about!
TIRES.
Don't, repeat don't economize here. This is what "floats yer boat." So invest in the best. $25 to $45 per tire is the range. I use, and recommend, the "Dutch perfect" brand.(Even tho' they're not paying me for this. Hint-hint!) This tire has an interior layer that traps tire-puncturin' nasties. Preventin' ‘em from doin' in the rubber you float on. The "Dutch Perfect's" come with a one year guarantee.(in normal use) I've used them abnormally (what else?)six months with no punctures……but two (one front, one rear) "tube failures" due to heat and weight. Sadly, there are no "quality options" for tubes. Should ya carry a spare? This is a "should I wear a helmet?" question. Depends on yer comfort zone /weight preferences. But, in a zillion and a half years of cycling, I've only had a tire explode on me once. (Front one, at that!)
TUBES.
ALWAYS a minimum of two spares. I used to repair tubes. But(again, "too soon old –too late smart") all the hassle/time/aggro of finding the puncture, marking it applying the glue, waiting for it to set, applying the patch, "proving" the patch..etc (getting tired already are'nt ya?) Finally burned the truth into my tiny brain. This is a classic definition of false economy. Ok – I'm not a zillionaire yet but $5(or less)to avoid this dance? – sign me up!
SADDLE.
What non-bike folks call "the seat." Like a good mattress it should be firm.(ie-support not surround) Softy/foamy saddles are for "girly men" and Sunday cyclists who's idea of adventure is a 10 mile(return) expedition to "Lattes ‘r Us." DA BG recommends an all leather saddle. England's "Brooks" makes one of the best. Several models, Again, they're not paying me for this glowing endorsement. The reason a leather saddle is the "bee's knee's","the cat's pyjamas", and the greatest thing since all night pizza, is that it morphs, ab/fab and uniquely to fit yer rear. The bad news is that the morphing process is two weeks of "I'm sitting on a concrete block" hell! But –hang in(actually hang on) there. Cus' after that….you'll be ridin' with a happy butt.
ACCESSORIES.
Panniers.
Technically an accessory. But, practically, a necessity! Mimimum two decent sized(ie –not "Sunday cyclist" size) on the back. Ideally, also,"low riders" – frames that attach to yer front forks supporting two smaller(but not tiny) panniers. These "friends on the front" will not only give you a better balanced "unit", but are essential to carry all the goodies those friendly foreign folks are gonna be tryin' to weigh ya down with. My M.O. is to put all the stuff I don't use during the day in the front – leaving at last half vacant for the swag! ("Build it, and it will come.")
Water.
Mimimum of two one litre bottles. Or the "camel style" back paks, with "tube feeding" for hand free guzzlin'. Should ya buy the super spendy insulated bottles? Depends, as always on yer wallet. My experience is that they're great, for about an hour. (Keep in mind I'm usually in 35-40° celsius heat, every day) Being the boy scout I am, my solution is to freeze the standard (non-insulated) plastic bottles, then tape ‘em with aluminium foil in the a.m. They'll defrost slowly, keeping ya cool through most o' the day.However, as your Nutritionist/Doctor has probably told you, as good as that cold aqua goes down on a boiling day, water does ya the most good at room temperature. (No happy medium here.)
Lights.
Really jonesin' to barrel down those country roads in da pitch black? Then lights will definitely decrease yer chances of an unexpected meeting with a Sanglier. (The French wild boar. Think small,hairy Rhinoceros.) Reflectors. On the bike. And/or around yer ankles. Why not? Inexpensive and practical. (Now there's a combo ya don't see often!) And, chances of you cycling in twilight, are much greater than those of "Sanglier surfing."
GPS.
Since I'm from the "getting-lost-is-part-of-the-adventure" school, I can't give ay any….ahem……"guidance" here. A map, a mouth, and half a brain(on a good day,bien sur) usually saves my bacon. Counters. If you'll be countin' sheep all night cus' you don't know how many kms of adventure you did…….get one. Personally, I could give a rat's ass. But it is the logical question everyone you meet is gonna ask. I just tell my friendly froggies where I started – and let them do the math!
Parts.
Unlike those four wheeled metal monsters who offer you the unrivalled thrill of waiting for you part to arrive; or even better, waiting to see if your part even exists, and if so, can be ordered – bike parts are bike parts. A brake cable is a brake cable. In the mall super store, or the back o' beyond. That should get ya started on your French Cycling adventure.
Anything I missed?
About the Author
Christopher Strong, the "Bicycle Gourmet" is the creator/director/host of the multi-media lifestyle/adventure serries -"Bicycle Gourmet's Treasures of France", and the author of "Gliding to the Bonheur." His behind the scenes story of that filming.
Share more of his adventures at French Cycling Bicycle Gourmet.